CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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
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