Explore The Parks
Riverfront Trees
Posted on October 2011 by NEPA GeeksThe trees and forested areas along the Susquehanna River contribute to more than just a beautiful landscape. These riparian or streamside forests improve water quality by filtering runoff, trapping pollutants and nutrients that would otherwise end up in the river.
They prevent soil erosion by providing bank stability from the anchoring effect of woody roots. Tree canopies also intercept rainfall breaking the force of rains that might cause soil erosion. Riparian forests provide habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, including 70% of Pennsylvania’s threatened or endangered species and are especially important to migratory birds, providing a place to rest and feed in their long journey. The trees provide the leafy food for aquatic creatures such as insects, amphibians and crustaceans, which are critical to the aquatic food chain.
The forests can reduce flood damage and protect the levy system by slowing the velocity of floodwaters and capturing sediment loads. Trees and forests help to clean and cool the air, by trapping air pollutants and reducing the urban heat island effect by providing shade and evapotranspiration. This riparian forest also provides for recreation and environmental education opportunities and is a critical link to the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Pennsylvania is graced by over 83,000 miles of streams and rivers, more stream miles than any other state excluding Alaska. Decades of deforestation, intense farming, mining and urban growth have degraded natural forest canopies that once covered and protected thousands of stream miles. Preserving and protecting this riparian forest is a small by crucial part of keeping the Wyoming Valley and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed healthy.
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