Water for Nature

Many ecosystems depend on the flow, quality, and temperature of groundwater contributions to streams, wetlands, and other surface-water bodies. This chapter examines these complex issues of ecosystem health and sustainability by looking at the challenges the U.S. Forest Service faced in its attempt to protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems through a national groundwater directive. The discussion then moves to South Africa and the challenges of implementing its national mandate for an Ecosystem Reserve. Finally, the chapter discusses the Upper San Pedro River in Arizona and unique efforts to save this endangered river from groundwater over pumping.