CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan<br />
Chapter 4. Biological Resources<br />
Rare Occurrences: This site contains two significant<br />
natural communities, a robust emergent marsh<br />
community and a silver maple floodplain forest<br />
community.<br />
Threats and Stresses: The construction of the railroad<br />
near the southern end has caused some erosion and<br />
filling of the wetland. Active railroad tracks border<br />
both communities causing disturbance and erosion<br />
concerns. Farms and other land-use practices in the<br />
vicinity threaten to limit expansion of the wetland and<br />
encroach upon the habitat.<br />
Recommendations: These communities represent a<br />
significant level of biodiversity and should be<br />
protected. A buffer zone around the site should be<br />
maintained to aid in that protection. Upslope activities<br />
Frogs are common inhabitants of<br />
wetlands and they consume a multitude<br />
of flying insects<br />
should be evaluated for their potential to pollute the site or disturb the wetland and its hydrology.<br />
Oneida Lake #1, #2, & #3 BDAs<br />
Significance: Moderate<br />
Location: Oakland Township<br />
Description: Oneida Lake is an artificial lake formed by the damming of Connoquenessing Creek.<br />
Wetlands formed at the northernmost end that provide habitat for many species of plants and<br />
animals, including one species of special concern. This species requires relatively undisturbed,<br />
wet meadows, and open canopy wetland areas.<br />
Rare Occurrences: These sites provide habitat for one animal species of special concern.<br />
Threats and Stresses: Habitat destruction is the biggest threat to the habitat and species of special<br />
concern. Unusual fluctuations in water level could<br />
result in flooding or drying out of habitat. Mineral<br />
extraction and residential development, both of which<br />
occur in the area, could also destroy habitat for this<br />
species.<br />
Recommendations: Development should be guided<br />
away from these sites and activities should be<br />
monitored to limit activities, such as strip mining for<br />
coal and other minerals and clearing land for<br />
development and farming. Further monitoring of this<br />
species is recommended. Also, authorities should<br />
Wetlands, like this area of Lake Oneida,<br />
host a diversity of biological species<br />
year round<br />
avoid large fluctuations in lake level that may be<br />
detrimental to its survival. All disturbances should be<br />
limited, especially between April and November.<br />
Vic-nor Valley BDA<br />
Significance: Moderate<br />
Location: Forward Township<br />
Description: Downstream from Buhls Channel on Connoquenessing Creek, this valley is<br />
characterized by a high diversity of vegetation and a mesic central forest community of maturing<br />
second growth that occupies the valley and slopes. An intermittent stream that is bordered by<br />
sandstone outcrops adds to the diversity of the site. An unusual geologic feature referred to as a<br />
“hogback” forms the valley’s southern slope. The side facing the creek has been recently logged<br />
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