We have learned that each part of the forest ecosystem plays an important role in its overall health. Each resource depends on other resources for its survival. Fish need clean, cool water. Streams need shade and protection from erosion. The soil needs rotting organic material to maintain its productivity, and root systems to prevent erosion.
Vegetation needs soil with lots of nutrients.
All these things depend on each other, and are essential in maintaining a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Each of the Gifford Pinchot's five ranger districts is developing New Perspectives in natural resource management. This is an opportunity to involve the public in how we want the forest to look and work. As a forest visitor, we hope you decide to become involved in this ecosystem approach to natural resource management. There are over 20 species of fish in the 1,360 miles of streams and over one hundred lakes on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.