Watershed managers, conservationists, and many landowners in the Catskill region agree that forested landscapes are beneficial for maintaining a high quality water resource, as well as providing timber and other forest products, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and landscape aesthetics. Streams flowing through healthy forests are less likely to be subjected to erosion and siltation, storm water run-off and other pollution, flooding and drought. They remain well shaded and cool, providing suitable habitat for trout, insects, and other wildlife. In the 1800's, much of the Catskill region forests were cut over to open up agriculture and pasture land, provide timber for a growing nation, and raw materials for tanning and other industries. Most has now grown back into the forests we see today. Wild Forest and Wilderness lands in the Catskill Park are protected by law and will remain forested in perpetuity. Much of the forested watershed land in Ulster County falls under this category, and the county as a whole is approximately 81% forested. The majority of forested NYC Watershed land in Delaware and other counties, however, is owned and maintained by private, non-industrial landowners. Delaware County, even with its substantial agriculture, remains approximately 72% forested. Organizations such as the Watershed Agricultural Council's Watershed Forestry Program and the Catskill Forest Association work with landowners and loggers, helping to promote sustainable forestry practices that meet the needs of landowners, recreational users, wood product industries, water consumers, and others over the long-term.