A watershed is an area of land that drains water to a common outlet, such as a river, lake,
reservoir or ocean. The land, vegetation and stream network within the watershed work
through a variety of natural processes which serve to regulate the quality and quantity of water
delivered to the outlet. Changes within the watershed that disrupt these natural processes, such
as soil disturbance associated with road construction, can negatively affect the quality of water
on which we all depend.

We all depend on clean water for drinking, bathing and other residential uses; for irrigation and
industry; and for the health of natural ecosystems. Throughout Utah, forestlands act as collectors
of pure water. Much of Utah's water supply originates in the state's high elevation forested
watersheds. For this reason, special care must be taken to protect the water supply when
conducting forest management activities in these areas. Protecting the water supplied by our
watersheds is everyone's responsibility.

When properly conducted, forest management activities have minimal impacts on these natural
processes, and the quality and quantity of water discharged from a watershed. Because impacts
from forest management activities can extend beyond property boundaries, landowners, loggers
and resource managers must conduct these activities with care.

The most practical and cost-effective way to assure forest management activities do not adversely impact water quality is through the application of Utah's voluntary Forest Water Quality Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to provide the best protection for water quality and other resources during the management of forest resources., including timber harvesting. Through proper planning, your timber harvest can be positive for our watersheds while providing the sustained goods and services our society demands.