Forest Water Resources
Purpose
To acknowledge and support the importance of watershed services provided by United States
forestlands.
Scope
Sustainable urban, community, and rural forest management in the United States that enhances
watershed function and resilience.
Position
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) supports policies, programs, and actions that enhance the
health, sustainability, restoration and management of forested watersheds, which are essential to
providing a clean and continuous supply of fresh water for humans and the environment. Forests
recharge aquifers, stabilize soils, filter pollutants, mitigate stormwater runoff, regulate stream flows, and
moderate stream temperatures. SAF emphasizes that 1) trees and forests are a critical component to
solving the water-related challenges facing human communities, utilities, businesses, and the
environment; and 2) sustainable forest management is critical to improve the health and resilience of the
nation’s watersheds.
Approved: December 2025