Southeastern U.S. Rivers and Streams:
Conservation Tips

Water is the lifeblood of the planet—yet many of the planet's "veins" are being overworked by growing demand and polluting chemicals. But we can do a lot to maintain the health of rivers and streams.

By being wiser consumers, each of us can help these forests continue humming, buzzing, and roaring with life.

• Limit the use of toxic chemicals: There are all kinds of chemicals found in our houses, on our yards, and where we work. Many of these chemicals—such as oil, pesticides, and fertilizers—endanger wildlife and human health. They can travel great distances through the ground and into our water supplies.

If you need to use these types of chemicals, look for "biodegradable" or "nontoxic" on the labels, avoid using them during or before rain, and make sure they are disposed of properly—never pour them down storm drains.

Learn as much as you can about toxic chemicals, and help support companies that produce environmentally friendly, nontoxic products.

• Buy sustainable products: Trees in a watershed normally filter out pollutants and sediment from the water entering the waterways. They also prevent stream temperatures from rising to dangerously high levels by providing shade. But many forests are being logged without consideration of the consequences.

Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo when purchasing wood and paper products—from toilet paper to flooring. This certifies that the product comes from a company that has made a commitment to managing forests in ways that do not harm the long-term health of the forests.

Local people gather such natural products in ways that maintain the ecological integrity of the forests. Sales of these products can help local economies and artisans.

• Conserve water whenever possible: Soaring water demands in rapidly developing areas, such as the Southeastern U.S., are exceeding the supply that can safely be taken from rivers and streams without irreparably damaging these freshwater ecosystems.

To meet these unchecked demands, many city developers are proposing to redirect rivers and transfer water from one basin to another without considering how these actions would harm the plants and animals that depend on the natural flow of these waters.

• Support organizations that help maintain watersheds: There are many organizations working to ensure that our rivers and streams survive and continue to nurture the wildlife and people that depend on them. Various local, regional, and national organizations are reintroducing species to their native waterways, recognizing local business people for sustainable development, and replanting forests along waterways to serve as riparian buffers.

Learn about the best management practices for construction sites and for farming and forestry operations, and find out who in your community is supporting the local watershed.