The median forest tract is less than 20 acres. Forest land cover is largely unchanged within the basin in the past two decades, but increasing development in the southern part of the state and second home developments pose a threat. Statewide, about 87 percent of forest land is privately owned. The average forest tract is 29 acres. Between 1985 and 1995, Virginia lost about 200,000 acres of forest within the Bay basin, primarily to development.
Trees reduce stormwater flow by intercepting rainfall and slowing overland runoff.
This allows infiltration of water into the soil, uptake through roots, and evaporation and transpiration. By slowing the rate of discharge to surface waters, trees contribute substantially to reducing erosion and pollution that might otherwise enter the Bay and its tributaries. Trees also absorb and use nutrients that might otherwise be discharged to the Bay. Larger areas of intact forest can provide substantial water quality benefits, while the loss of forest cover is directly correlated with water quality degradation. Trees slow the rate of discharge to surface waters, substantially contributing to the reduction of erosion and pollution that might otherwise enter the Bay and its tributaries.