Although the measures of the terrestrial (land-based) aspects of the PALCO Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) are focused on specific species, the Aquatic Conservation Plan is more of an ecosystem approach. The components for healthy habitat are fairly common among the species: cool, clear water and large woody debris production.

As a result, we developed measures for the HCP to maintain or work toward achieving these goals. There are separate streamside, or riparian, protection measures for streams that have fish present, those without fish, and for seasonal streams.

Besides riparian measures, there are many other measures in our plan to provide environmental protections including limiting road construction, using special harvest techniques, and reducing soil disturbance.

One of the best ways to ensure the health of the streams on our property is to protect those that are already in good shape. We do that by sending our employees and contractors to school. Foresters, loggers, equipment operators, and others receive training from experts on how to minimize erosion and keep streams clear of silt. This training has helped us improve the way we operate on hillsides and around streams, and has changed the way we harvest timber and build roads.