CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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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. 4-16
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources Recommendations: A forested buffer should be maintained around the entire site so that communities can continue to function as an ecologically pristine forest and associated wetland. Drastic disturbances, such as logging, that cause erosion or physical disturbance should be avoided. Connoquenessing Creek LCA Significance: Moderate Location: Forward and Penn townships Description: A variety of habitats including second growth deciduous forests, remnant oxbow ponds, old growth floodplain forests, and old growth hillside forests occur within this conservation area along the Connoquenessing Creek. The high degree of biodiversity and presence of significant sites that are the only representatives of such habitat in Butler County warrant the protection of this conservation area. Rare Occurrences: See the Redwing Floodplain Swamp BDA, which is included in this LCA. Threats and Stresses: This site is subject to rapid growth and development spreading northward from the city of Pittsburgh, which could lead to habitat degradation and fragmentation. Recommendations: Protect this site and the entire Connoquenessing Creek Valley from development pressures. Maintain a forested buffer, and mitigate any disturbance which may lead to diminished habitat or water quality. Greece City #1 & #2 BDAs Significance: Moderate Location: Concord Township Description: These two areas around the town of Greece City provide suitable habitat for an animal species of special concern. Relatively undisturbed, wet meadows and open canopy wetland areas are some of the habitat requirements for this species. Rare Occurrences: These sites provide habitat for one animal species of special concern. Threats and Stresses: Habitat destruction, primarily through activities, such as mineral extraction and residential development threaten the resources upon which this animal species of special concern depends. Recommendations: Protect sites that function as habitat for the animal species of special concern. Sprouting ferns Harmony Junction Wetland BDA Significance: High Location: Jackson Township Description: A small site containing an oxbow wetland and robust emergent marsh community that is relatively undisturbed, except for a culvert under a railroad bed at the southern end. There is a silver maple floodplain forest community associated with the oxbow wetland along its northwestern edge. The wetland, dominated by large, mature red oaks, is also inhabited by a variety of wetland plant and animal species. The site is rich and moist, with vernal pools, and a high diversity of herbaceous species. Bordering the site are active railroads, second-growth upland forest, and a disturbed robust emergent marsh community. 4-17
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CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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