Code
F06
Sector
Forest
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Continuous cover forestry is a broad range of forest management practices which may have some beneficial hydrological effects. The main idea behind continuous cover forestry is a reduction in the number or size of clear-cuts. Some definitions of continuous cover forestry state that no clear-cuts shall be larger than 0.25 ha. Continuous cover forestry ensures that there is an uninterrupted tree canopy and that the soil surface in never exposed. An uninterrupted tree canopy will have higher interception than a site with discontinuous tree cover. Ensuring that soils are never exposed will limit sediment production.

Illustration(s)

Forest submitted to a continuous cover

Source: http://www.kyphilom.com/www/tmbr3.html

 

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP1 - Store runoff
Medium
BP2 - Slow runoff
Medium
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
Low
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Low
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Low
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
Medium
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
Medium
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
Medium
BP11 - Improve soils
Medium
BP14 - Create terrestrial habitats
Low
BP16 - Reduce peak temperature
Medium
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Medium
ES1 - Water storage
Medium
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
Low
ES3 - Natural biomass production
Medium
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES5 - Climate change adaptation and mitigation
High
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
Low
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Medium
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
Medium
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
Medium
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
Medium
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Low
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
Low
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Low
PO6 - Improving chemical status
Medium
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
Medium
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Medium
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Low
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
Low
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
Medium
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
High

Case studies per NWRM