Two-thirds of the freshwater in the United States comes from forested watersheds. Watersheds that are healthy and well-managed, produce clean water. That means that well managed, fire-maintained longleaf ecosystems help to protect our water supply.

Clean water is less expensive to treat, benefits local economies and communities, provides wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, carbon sequestration, recreational opportunities, and human health and wellbeing benefits.

Forest landowners are a key part of supporting health watersheds and our drinking water. The Longleaf Alliance partners with the Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water, the Savannah River Clean Water Fund, and the Georgia and South Carolina Forestry Commissions to provide forest landowner outreach and technical assistance. We work closely with our natural resource partners, land trusts, drinking water utilities, and landowners to manage and permanently protect forests, with a focus on priority lands that contribute to protecting source water in the lower Savannah River Basin.

The Southern Forest Futures Project

Healthy Forests = Clean Water Fact sheet

Clean Water Fact Sheet