Given the many threats to the Earth’s water supply, the role of forests has never been more important. The role of forest ecosystems in preserving water quality is largely underestimated. To ensure healthy water, strategies for optimizing purification, regulating surface flows and controlling erosion will increasingly need to be a part of forest management and planning. 

However, the entities in charge of forest stewardship – private property owners, businesses and governments – often don’t have sufficient resources to manage these tasks.