CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources The following section describes BDAs located within the Connoquenessing Creek watershed (Figure 4-1). Specific names and exact locations of rare species are omitted from CNHIs and this report to protect those species. Complete CNHIs can be downloaded from the PNHP website at: www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us. Butler County Table 4-2. Significance Rankings for BDAs Significance Rank Description Sites are of exceptional importance for the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the county or region, containing one or more occurrences of state or Exceptional national species of special concern or a rare natural community of adequate size, condition, and extent. These areas deserve complete and strong protection. High Notable County Sites are highly important for biological diversity of the county or region, and just like exceptional sites, contain species of special concern or natural communities that are highly ranked. Typically large and primarily undisturbed, these sites deserve strong protection. Sites contain occurrences of species of special concern or natural communities that are either more common or of smaller size and extent than exceptional or high rank areas, or have activity and disturbance. These sites deserve special protection within the context of their characteristics, degree of disturbance, and place in the community. Sites have great potential for protecting biodiversity in the county, but have not yet been found to contain species of special concern or state significant natural communities. Because of their size, undisturbed character, or proximity to other significant areas, these sites deserve further study and investigation as possible high or exceptional sites. Connoquenessing Creek Nature Reserve BDA Significance: High Location: Jackson Township and Zelienople Borough Description: One of the last remaining natural areas near Zelienople, this area is located directly north of the town along Connoquenessing Creek. The Ecologically Concerned of Zelienople (E.C.O.Z.) own and manage this forested natural area. A silver maple floodplain forest community exists along the creek, and is dominated by maturing silver maple and American basswood. A variety of herbaceous species are supported by the rich, moist soils in the floodplain. To the north of this floodplain, lies a mature, sugar maple-basswood forest community of red oak, white oak, American basswood, yellow poplar, and sugar maple along the steep, wooded slopes and into the upland areas. Any vernal wetlands and oxbows existing at this site create important habitat for wetland plant and animal species. Rare Occurrences: This site contains two significant natural features, a silver maple floodplain forest community and a sugar maple-basswood forest community. Threats and Stresses: Loss of suitable buffer zone surrounding the entire area to allow for the expansion of the forest communities is the only present threat to the reserve. Commercial development to the east and west may also impact the quality of the resources within the area. Invasive plant species also are a threat to this site. Many invasives, such as privet, honeysuckle, 4-14
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources garlic mustard, barberry, multiflora rose, tree-of-heaven, Norway maple, dame’s rocket, and lily of the valley, were found in and around this BDA. Recommendations: Protect the site by maintaining a forested buffer surrounding the entire site to allow the forest to mature and sustain itself. Control invasive species where possible. Connoquenessing Floodplain BDA Significance: High Location: South of the Semiconon Valley LCA in Connoquenessing Township Description: This site is located on the southeast side of Little Connoquenessing Creek along the floodplain. Most of the canopy is oak and hickory and their associates. The surrounding land tends to be intact forest with some residential housing. Rare Occurrences: A plant species of concern exists within this site. Threats and Stresses: Some minor logging occurred close to the stream. Fragmenting features, such as small power lines and roads, occur in and around the site. Lands near the stream also are fenced for livestock, and gypsy moth damage appears to be high at this site. Recommendations: Logging in the habitat should be avoided, as it could remove the rare plant from the site or make the habitat inhospitable for the species of concern. Agricultural practices should be monitored to avoid impacts to downstream water quality. Gypsy moth management may increase suitable habitat for the rare species, as well. Muddy Creek BDA (small portion touches watershed) Significance: High Location: Clay and Center townships Description: This site is unique in that it is one of the largest wetland systems in the county and contains a variety of wetland types. Located east of Moraine State Park, the dominant wetland community within it is the alder-ninebark wetland. This large ecosystem is important for supporting a variety of wetland plants and animals. Rare Occurrences: A significant natural community, alder-ninebark wetland, exists within this site. Threats and Stresses: Road and railroad construction throughout the site impact water flow and have altered the original vegetative composition. Farmlands on adjacent lands jeopardize the quality of this BDA. Grazing on the edge of the habitat could lead to the elimination of certain plant species. Runoff and pollutants, such as fertilizers and pesticides, may affect the water quality at the site. Any physical or chemical alterations, such as mining, logging, and development that occur upstream or upslope of the wetlands could pose a threat. Recommendations: Carefully review activities that pose a threat to the wetlands area to address how they might affect water quality, water level, flow rates, or otherwise cause potential detrimental effects. Protect the site by maintaining a forested buffer that will help protect the water quality in Muddy Creek and its tributaries. Redwing Floodplain Swamp BDA Significance: High Location: Forward Township Description: Redwing Floodplain Swamp is an area of high quality habitat remaining in the Connoquenessing watershed, containing a state significant forested floodplain swamp dominated by white oak trees, and characterized by several vernal floodplain pools. The edges of these pools are one of the few known sites in Shore spiders, commonly found near streams in the watershed, prey upon small fish, tadpoles, and aquatic insects 4-15
Page 1 and 2: Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Con
Page 13: Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Con
Page 31: Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Con

CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?