Although phosphorous fertilization has increased since 1970, little if any phosphorous nutrient loading to the sounds or rivers can be attributed to forestry.

Mercury and magnesium are other minerals associated with water draining from forested lands. These mineral occur naturally. Water management strategies will probably depend on the impact of natural pollutants more and more.

TURBIDITY: Tannin from the natural breakdown of organic matter produce the acidic, black water found in many creeks and a few rivers in the area. Problems in water treatment plants using such water range from cancer causing trihalomethanes to dark water. The longer organic mater stays in water, the more dissolved materials accumulate. Flushing by heavy rains may cause increases in turbidity while controlled releases tend to maintain a constant water color.

Cloudy (muddy) water may indicate erosion and sedimentation or animal activity as seen in the helo-pond.

EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION: Forestland contributes roughly .75 tons per acre per year to sediment reaching rivers and streams. This compares to 7.5 T/A/Y for agriculture and over 75 T/A/Y for highways. It is estimated that forests contribute 3% of NC's total sediment load while covering over half the state. Poor logging or site preparation work can produce over 100 T/A/Y on highly erodible soils. Extreme care must be taken to protect water quality no mater how insignificant the overall impact is.

FRESH WATER POLLUTION OF SALT WATER: Considerable controversy exists as to what long term impact fresh water flushes into brackish water have. Fresh water produces more fresh water fish such as bass. And of course salt water, shrimp and salt water fish. Sounds see shifts of salinity from time to time without man's influence. Water management may actually buffer these shifts. Opinions differ as to whether this is good or bad.

CLIMATE: Trees and vegetation "pump" from 25% to 85% of the 50+ inches of annual rainfall back into the air. Well drained soils with good vegetative cover will be on the 25% end while pocosins or swamps without an outlet for water flow will be on the 85% end. Cutting trees will increase free water on a site form 1 to 4 feet a year until new "pumps" grow.

SOIL PRODUCTIVITY: Logging or site preparation for tree planting on poorly drained soils can reduce future tree growth by up to 20%. Reduced survival can also result in an even greater reduction in productivity. Water management reduces damage to soil and equipment costs (wear and fuel use).

Revised 2/16/2006.