HEALTHY FORESTS = CLEAN WATER
So, let’s find an ecosystem services market that works for Georgia forest owners and water users.
What are Ecosystem Services?
Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from forests. Forests provide an abundant, affordable supply of water by improving aquifer recharge; moderating water flow and reducing soil erosion; and, reducing drinking water treatment and transportation costs.
Here are just a few of the benefits forests provide to Georgia’s water resources:
65% OF GEORGIA WATERSHEDS
(or 67,900 miles of perennial and intermittent streams) flow through forests
5.9 MILLION GEORGIANS
(or 57% of the state’s population) depend on water from forested watersheds
$500,000 - $6 BILLION IN SAVINGS
from avoided water treatment costs observed in six cities with high quality source water
$264 - $13,442 / ACRE
Estimated annual value of ecosystem services from Georgia’s privately-owned forests
University of Georgia,
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS
“Our investments in healthy forests today lead to higher quality drinking water in our communities tomorrow.”
Making the Forest & Water Connection in Georgia
Healthy, well-managed forests lead to safe and reliable drinking water, less water treatment, and less energy and chemicals used in drinking water treatment process. By paying forest landowners for these water cleaning services (or, ecosystem services), water users and providers can exponentially reduce their costs. So, what is the best mechanism, or structure, for an ecosystem services market?
We are identifying the ecosystem services market structures that work for forest landowners and water users and providers.
OUR OBJECTIVES
PRIORITY WATERSHEDS
Research
Understanding Payments for Ecosystem Services: Opportunities for Forests, Water and Private Landowners in Georgia and the Southeastern United States
As a result of our research, we compiled a comprehensive review of successful approaches to ecosystem services programs across the country, and it is informed by expert interviews and focus groups within four primary watersheds in Georgia – Upper Oconee, Middle Chattahoochee, Lower Flint and Lower Savannah. Engaging more than 350 individuals in focus groups within each watershed.
Learn more and download the report below.
Statewide Forests & Water Stakeholder Meeting
On January 28, we hosted a virtual statewide stakeholder meeting, which brought together more than 300 forest landowners, water professionals and natural resource stakeholders to discuss the Forest & Water Connection Initiative and establishing a market for ecosystem services.
The Statewide Forum and Watershed Stakeholder Meetings were sponsored by:
Digging Deeper
The following resources have been compiled to support individuals and organizations who are driving the development of ecosystem services markets at the local level.
How the River Flows Podcast
How the River Flows explores the relationship between healthy forests and clean drinking water. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs and experts who will share their best ideas about conserving local forests while ensuring a lasting, clean supply of drinking water downstream.
How the River Flows is produced by Keeping Forests with Lee Schneider and supported by the USDA Forest Service and US Endowment for Forestry and Communities. The Endowment works collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to identify innovative and transformative ways to support the health and vitality of our forests and the communities that rely on them. Music by Chuck Leavell. Executive Producer: Judy A. Takats.
Questions? Contact our team at info@gffgrow.org or call 478-992-8110
PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS
The Forest & Water Connection Initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and executed through the support of the following organizations. Learn more about the initiative here →
