To study the effectiveness of erosion control practices in the catchment of Kanshi river, two watersheds, Missa Experimental and Missa Control, 81 hectares each, and more or less identical in morphometric characteristics, were selected about 55 kilometers SE of Islamabad. Missa experimental had 9098 trees of various species, 29 check dams and 7 spillways, Missa control, 3218 trees and 3 spillways. During the period of study (January 1973 to December 1978) 4848mm rainfall was received in 348 rainy days. Of this, 3536 mm (73%) occurred in 143 rainstorms and was effective to produce runoff. Runoff and sediment release from experimental and control areas were: Experimental Control Runoff as % of effective precipitation 20.7 26.7 Sediment release (tonnes) 10401 14716 (cubic metres) 5541 7792. The capacity of the experimental watershed to reduce runoff and sediment decreased from 1973 to 1977 due probably to the siltation of check dams and the destruction of vegetation. It started rising in 1978 due probably to repairs to spillways, and better protection from grazing.