Thus the streamside forest functions as an important energy source for the entire aquatic food chain from headwaters to estuary. Simple removal of nonpoint pollutants is not enough to improve the quality of water resources. A balanced, integrated, adaptive community of riparian and aquatic organisms comparable to the natural systems of the region with stability and capacity for self repair must be reestablished. The restoration of a healthy aquatic ecosystem from the headwaters to the estuaries to the oceans requires the reestablishment of significant amounts of riparian forest. The streamside forest must be wide enough to filter sediment from surface runoff.
Maximal effectiveness depends on uniform shallow overland flow.
Percent removal of total suspended solids is a good indicator of effectiveness. Nutrient removal - Periodic flooding and the presence of forest litter contribute to conversion of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen by denitrification. Plant uptake also accounts for significant removal of nitrogen. Trees must be removed periodically to remove nutrient sequestered in woody biomass and to maintain system efficiency. Periodic minor ground shaping may be necessary to encourage dispersed flow and prevent concentrated flow.