TREES AND RUNOFF

Editor:

Re ''Growth and runoff'':

I was impressed to see an editorial tackle this taboo subject. The American

Forestry Association and its Global Releaf effort have developed some

guidelines regarding runoff.

If a forest produces one gallon per minute (gpm) runoff during a peak

winter rain, then a suburban zone (vineyards, ranchettes, etc.) will produce

two and a half gpm.

Their argument, simply put, is that forests and trees are one of the

flood-control measures that exist or can exist.

Recognizing the serious consequences of runoff and erosion, Napa County has

recently instituted a very strict ordinance limiting the removal of hillside

forests.

JIM DOERKSEN

Santa Rosa