Heavy Rains and Upland Forests

One of the most significant climatic changes that we’ve experienced in the Northeast is an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainstorms. With these downpours comes a heightened risk of destructive floods, especially in hilly and mountainous areas, where runoff moves swiftly downslope, washing out roads, inundating farm fields, and damaging buildings. In response to recent storms, many northeastern communities are taking steps to reduce impacts. These efforts include enlarging road culverts, elevating houses, and installing rain gardens that collect and filter water from parking lots. Yet other important contributions to reduce flood damage occur upstream. Upland forests play a crucial role in absorbing water and reducing the impacts of heavy rain. Stewards of these forests can enhance this ecosystem benefit and boost their land’s resilience to climate change by taking actions that help slow down, spread out, and sink water.