What are the ecological benefits of restricting harvest on Class III streams?
California defines Class III streams as those where no aquatic life exists and has the potential to cause sediment problems in Class I and II fish bearing streams. Current law requires that landowners exclude equipment and in some cases modify their harvest practices in these areas. Scientific research has shown that Class III stream buffers, which are usually smaller but collectively cover a much larger area than Class I and II streams, can contribute important downstream water quality benefits. There are three reasons for this. First, Class III buffers provide a level of temperature control beyond their immediate boundaries. This is because cooler air and water that is created by the shading from Class III buffers will flow down to Class I and II streams thus creating cooler water temperatures in those fish-bearing streams. Second, restricting harvest along Class III waters will reduce the risk of sediment delivery that is released downstream. Class III streams can be a significant s
