Clearcutting and the biogeochemistry of streamwater in New England

A survey shows that clearcutting in New England may increase stream nutrients, including nitrate-nitrogen, calcium, and potassium. The largest increases were found in northern hardwoods in New Hampshire. Stream insect populations, particularly mayflies and true flies, increased in clearcuts in response to increased stream temperature, algal populations, and organic matter. Changes in streamwater chemistry and biology indicate that clearcutting forestlands does affect streams throughout New England. However, the magnitude of differences is such that if erosion and sedimentation are controlled, clearcutting as practiced by foresters today does not drastically change streamwater chemistry or biology.