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 />
with second growth northern hardwoods in the mid-successional stage of regeneration. It provides<br />
open space and habitat for wildlife, as well as recreational opportunities for visitors.<br />
Rare Occurrences: No rare occurrences were noted for this site.<br />
Threats and Stresses: Strip mining to the south of this site poses a threat to the integrity and<br />
quality of the natural resources contained within it.<br />
Recommendations: This area should be protected from mining activities that may threaten its<br />
resources.<br />
Trillium Hill LCA<br />
Significance: Low<br />
Location: Jackson, Lancaster, and Connoquenessing townships<br />
Description: Located along the south shore of the Little Connoquenessing Creek, this area<br />
contains maturing second growth woodland, despite having been logged in the past. Steepness at<br />
the top of the hill along Swain Hill Road has limited development in that area. Maturing northern<br />
hardwood forest communities occupy the hillside and valleys along the creek, and display<br />
stunning wildflower blooms in the springtime. Wildlife and recreation depend on the open space<br />
provided by Trillium Hill, which is important due to its short distance from the highly developed<br />
areas of Butler County and the Pittsburgh suburbs.<br />
Rare Occurrences: No rare occurrences were noted for this site.<br />
Threats and Stresses: Horseback riding and ATV usage throughout the site have caused erosion<br />
and sedimentation impacts.<br />
Recommendations: Reduce the harmful effects of the<br />
abovementioned activities through landowner<br />
education. A forested buffer should be maintained<br />
around the site to reduce the amount of sedimentation<br />
entering the stream, and to protect and improve the<br />
qualities of the site.<br />
Beaver County<br />
Camp Kon-o-kwee Floodplain BDA<br />
Significance: High<br />
Location: Franklin and Marion townships<br />
Twelve-spotted skimmer, this dragonfly<br />
was “spotted” in the watershed<br />
Description: This area occurs along Connoquenessing Creek, and provides special habitat to a<br />
plant species of special concern that is rare in the state. A floodplain forest dominated by silver<br />
maple, green ash, swamp white oak, American elm, and silky dogwood is another important<br />
feature of this BDA. While recovering from past disturbance, this floodplain is characterized by<br />
maturing trees and a diversity of herbaceous plants. The small (less than 15 acres) natural<br />
community is restricted by development occurring in the floodplain.<br />
Rare Occurrences: One plant species of special concern and an important floodplain forest natural<br />
community exist at this site.<br />
Threats and Stresses: Maintenance of the area, use of the resources, and expansion of recreation<br />
areas including a boathouse and archery/shooting range threaten the overall area, especially the<br />
rare plant species and important floodplain community contained within. A mowed path through<br />
the floodplain connecting two developed areas fragments that forest community. Road<br />
construction and maintenance jeopardize the survival of the rare plant species in particular, as<br />
those activities and stormwater runoff associated with the impervious surface can impact the plant<br />
species. Road salt, roadside weeds, and trampling also may affect the vitality of this plant<br />
population.<br />
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