MANAGING THE THREATS OF AFFORESTATION IN RESERVOIR CATCHMENTS

Until recently the development of forestry sites in the United Kingdom paid little regard for their impact on the aquatic environment, with the result that there have been several instances of major damage to d rinking water reservoirs, two of which are described briefly. In order to improve the formal planning of future forestry work the water indu stry initiated development of a joint Working Group, with the objectiv e of producing Guidelines for use throughout the forest industry. Deve lopment of these Guidelines are described, as is the basic content of the final document which now forms an important reference work for the industry, both for the development of new forest sites and for restoc king following felling of the first rotation. Concerns remain regardin g the continuing management of sites, particularly with regard to arti ficial fertilisation and its potential to encourage algal blooms in st anding waters: close liaison will be necessary between water and fores try interests. (C) 1998 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.