CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources reptiles, amphibians, etc. There is a greater abundance of mast-producing trees in a mature forest that offer acorns, nuts, and soft or fleshy fruits and seeds. Species, such as wild turkey, black bear, and pileated woodpeckers, prefer mature forest habitats (<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Envirothon, 2007). Landowners and forest land managers should promote differing stages of succession to offer a variety of habitats for wildlife species. Also, when timbering an area, foresters should stagger and soften the edges of cuts by leaving some older trees and shrubs on the perimeter, and cutting in a meandering fashion to avoid abrupt transitions between habitats, which may lead to higher incidents of predation. Grassland Habitat As mentioned above in the forestry section, reducing the percentage of mowed-grass lawn on one’s property will reduce energy use, fuel consumption, and pollution emissions, as well as save the landowner money on maintenance of the lawn. As with forest habitats and tree plantings, native wildflowers, grasses, forbs, and prairie-type habitats can be used to beautify the property, enhance ecological interactions, and overall reduce the amount of lawn to be maintained. Native grassland habitats, small or large, may provide food, cover, and nesting material for a diversity of wildlife. Many of these native species that will be attracted to the grassland may offer pest control of insects, weeds, and vermin, free of charge. Not only does this reduce costs associated with controlling these pests, but it also is more environmentally friendly compared to harsh chemical pesticides and inhumane traps. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) suggests planting drought tolerant warm season grasses suitable to the region, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, buffalo grass, and beardgrass. These adapted grasses will provide shelter and forage for wildlife, help improve soils, and will require little maintenance. When maintaining a warm-season grassland, it is very important to schedule hay harvest around the nesting season for ground-nesting birds, generally before May 1 st and after August 15 th , which will allow enough time for grass regrowth to provide cover throughout the winter months (USDA-NRCS, 2007). Snake mortality in association with mowing is another concern, especially when relating to species of special concern, such as the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. If possible, mowing should occur in the colder months when snakes and other reptiles and amphibians are overwintering (December through March). Wetlands Wetlands are very functional ecological components of a watershed. Some species of plants can only grow in wetlands—defined as having anaerobic or hydric soils, wetland vegetation, and evidence of the area being inundated with water (permanently or seasonally). Though the Connoquenessing watershed is experiencing rapid development in some areas, which threatens the existence of wetlands and other natural areas, many of these important landscapes still exist in the watershed, and are worth noting and protecting. Many feeder streams originate from wetlands in headwater areas, which aid in groundwater recharge. Wetlands in riparian areas and on the margins of farmlands are vital in filtering excess nutrients, chemical pollutants, and sediment from water before it enters streams. Wetlands harbor a multitude of plants and animals, making them biodiversity hot spots of the watershed as well. Wetland near Hereford Manor Lakes Wetland vegetation plays an important role in filtering water, slowing the flow of water to allow sediments to drop out, and allowing groundwater recharge. Wetland vegetation also provides a variety of food sources, cover, and nesting material for insects, birds, mammals, and other forms of wildlife. Invertebrates and other lower-order forms of wildlife build the basis of the food chain, upon which many other 4-6
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources species depend. Protecting wetland areas will, therefore, protect a variety of plant and animal species along with them. Forested wetland and floodplain areas are unique features found in the Connoquenessing watershed. These areas provide critical habitat for species of waterfowl, warblers, turtles, and an assortment of other wildlife. They also play an important role in filtering water supply, controlling flood waters, groundwater recharge, and offering recreation potential. Forested wetlands are threatened by deforestation, hydrology alterations, and damming of associated streams. Conserving wetlands and riparian buffers on agricultural lands is essential to maintaining wetlands and water quality throughout the watershed. Farmers may enroll their marginal lands in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), fence riparian areas adjacent to streams, create stabilized stream crossings, and restrict access to streams for cattle and other livestock. A number of benefits can be realized from these actions. Cleaner water improves the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem and livestock herds. Riparian area buffers improve water quality and bank stabilization, and host a variety biological species. Pollinators attracted to the farm enhance the benefits to the farmer by increasing productivity of crops. Birds, bats, and predatory insects offer natural pest reduction services to further aid in the protection of crops. In addition, the variety of life and activity adds to the aesthetic appeal and property value. Farmers and other landowners are encouraged to protect or create wetlands and riparian areas on their property, not only for the ecological benefits, also for the direct benefits to the property owner. Rivers and Streams Many of the biological organisms that live in rivers and streams indicate the quality of water in which they live. These creatures are called bio-indicators. Freshwater mussels, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and lungless salamanders are all natural indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. Groups like Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance (CWA) sample and study these organisms to gain a better understanding of the overall health of the ecosystem. Trout Unlimited has local chapters of citizens and professionals who may be available for education, instruction, and conservation project assistance, as well. Contact information for these groups can be found in Appendix N. Looking downstream on the Connoquenessing Creek from Calgon ledge near Ellwood City Headwater streams are smaller and shallower, versus the larger order streams that they flow into, which tend to be wider and deeper. Streams throughout the Connoquenessing drainage vary greatly from slow, calm waters, to fast rushing rapids. With these varying characteristics comes a variety of plants and animals that inhabit each section of stream. Smaller, headwater streams are home to small fry (young fish) and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Small and fast flowing streams, especially those with an intact riparian forest buffer tend to have cold water, and host species of fish, such as trout and dace. Streams that may be slightly warmer, but still have “coolwaters,” are host to species of fish, such as chubs, shiners, and suckers. These fish provide food for larger fish, birds, and mammals. In larger, slower flowing streams and rivers, adult fish and larger organisms can be found. In pool areas along the stream, and in streams with little or no riparian vegetation to shade and cool the water, fish that thrive in warmwater, such as bass, bluegills, and sunfish, thrive. More information on the aquatic organism communities that may be found in the Connoquenessing watershed may be found in Appendix M. Aquatic Community Classification. 4-7
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CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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