CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
western Pennsylvania for a Pennsylvania endangered plant. Only a small area in the southwest
corner of the floodplain shows evidence of logging, but the majority of the wetland is in a pristine
condition.
Rare Occurrences: A forested floodplain swamp and one Pennsylvania endangered plant species
exist at this site.
Threats and Stresses: The use of ATVs and horses on a pipeline at the southeastern edge of the
floodplain has resulted in an erosion and sedimentation problem. Another issue is invasion of the
pipeline right-of-way by native plants.
Recommendations: A forested buffer should be maintained along the entire perimeter of the
swamp to protect it from invasive species and hydrological alterations. ATV use should be
restricted, and impacts from horseback riding and corralling should be mitigated. Any
developments, logging, or damming of the creek which could change the water table should be
avoided.
Thorn Reservoir BDA
Significance: High
Location: Oakland Township
Description: Wetlands at the northernmost end of Thorn Reservoir provide habitat for many plant
and animal species, including a species of special concern found within relatively undisturbed wet
meadows and open canopy wetland areas.
Rare Occurrences: These sites provide habitat for one animal species of special concern.
Threats and Stresses: Large fluctuations in the water level of Thorn Reservoir, as well as
development and coal mining, are activities that could destroy habitat for the species of special
concern.
Recommendations: Development should be guided away from these sites, and activities such as
strip mining for coal or clearing of land for development should be carefully monitored. Any
disturbance between April and November should be avoided. Also, as with the Oneida BDA,
authorities should be advised to limit the fluctuation of water levels in the impoundment.
Buhls Channel BDA
Significance: Moderate
Location: Forward Township
Description: Buhls Channel is a remnant oxbow lake formed in an abandoned stream bend, which
has become separated from Connoquenessing Creek by a change in the course of the creek. A
natural pond community has formed along with a robust emergent marsh, providing habitat for
aquatic animals and plants, as well as breeding habitat for waterfowl. The oxbow pond located at
the base of the steep hillside appears to have been cut by the forces of Connoquenessing Creek.
The dry oak-heath forest community on the hillside is composed primarily of old growth red oak,
white oak, and chestnut oak. Acidic rock outcrops that line the hillside also characterize the
community.
Rare Occurrences: This site contains two significant natural communities, a natural pond
community and a dry oak-heath forest community.
Threats and Stresses: The forest community on the hillside is considered to be in an overall
pristine condition and is one of the few relatively intact natural areas in Butler County. However,
the oxbow has been somewhat impacted by development pressures along its western edge. Forest
has been cleared and summer homes have been built in the area between the oxbow and
Connoquenessing Creek. Although it remains a significant community, it is not well buffered and
erosion and sedimentation have occurred in areas where the land is being cleared for construction.
Additionally, part of the wetland has been drained at its northern end. This community is
vulnerable to the impact of the gypsy moth since oak is a preferred food. Although the potential
for alteration of this forest exists, spraying pesticides is not recommended.
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