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Abstract
To protect stream water quality, foresters have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) which include streamside management zones (SMZs) within which harvesting and site disturbance are limited. Significant stream protection may be achieved by filtering of sediment and phosphorus in forest litter layers and organic matter rich surface horizons. This project investigated the retention of sediment and phosphorus in 5m (wide) x 10m (deep) plots to which simulated overland flow was applied from a tank and dispenser system. Plots were located on five slopes ranging from 2%-20% and either had an undisturbed forest floor or had the forest floor removed. Surface water samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 meters within the SMZ during a 1-hour overland flow simulation.