Plain English Summary

Scientific evidence clearly shows that healthy headwaters — tributary streams, intermittent streams, and spring seeps — are essential to the health of stream and river ecosystems. The evidence demonstrates that protecting these headwater streams with forested riparian buffer zones and protecting and restoring the watersheds in which they arise will provide benefits vital to the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s water resources and its citizens.

Citation

Kaplan, L. A., T. L. Bott, J. K. Jackson, J. D. Newbold, and B. W. Sweeney (2008): Protecting Headwaters: The scientific basis for safeguarding stream and river ecosystems. Stroud Water Research Center.