In 1965, scientists cut every tree in a New Hampshire watershed to determine how removing forest cover changes water supply; first-year streamflow rose about 40% and second-year nitrate topped 50 mg/L

During the winter of 1965, a group of scientists conducted an experiment in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which involved felling all trees within a forested watershed and leaving the fallen wood in place. The intention here was not to destroy but rather to measure the effects of such an experiment by studying how the roots and canopy of the forest interact with the water and nutrients passing through them. By completely clearing the vegetation off the watershed, scientists were able to study the process without any interference from a neighboring unmodified watershed.

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