Forests Support Drinking Water

Humans and all of the biodiversity on Salt Spring Island relies on intact and restored forest ecosystems.

Several tree species are drought-tolerant (e.g. Garry Oak, Arbutus), and others require significant amounts of water, and in-turn, they capture and keep freshwater in the soil for thousands of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria (e.g. Coastal Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock).

Forests with relatively medium canopy coverage demonstrate much higher water retention than non-forested regions, no matter what other vegetation might be present. Healthy forests support native plant species and protect against invasives like Scotch Broom, Gorse, Holly and others.