Page 21 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 4 - Fall 2024

It’s rea“lly about an educational campaign, trying to get people in Michigan to think about and acknowledge the connections between forests and drinking water.
— Mike Smallig”an, Forest Stewardship Coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Untapped Potential of Water Markets
While carbon markets have grown sig- nificantly, water markets remain under- developed, despite the clear connection between healthy forests and clean water. In fact, managing forests for water quality is one of the most effective ways to protect vital water sources, especially as water utilities and regulators face increased challenges from contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also often referred to as “forever chemicals”).
In his work, Smalligan is focused on fostering connections between forests and water quality through projects like “Forest to Mi Faucet,” an awareness cam- paign that encourages forestry and con- servation organizations to engage with municipal water utilities.
“It’s really about an educational cam- paign, trying to get people in Michigan to think about and acknowledge the con- nections between forests and drinking water,” said Smalligan.
By making these connections clear, he hopes to build a foundation for future water markets that can provide payments to landowners for forest management practices that improve water quality.

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