CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources Wildlife In order to manage for a diversity of wildlife, a diversity of quality habitats must be preserved to support various wildlife communities. Wildlife depends on the availability of food in all seasons, clean water, cover (for protection from predators and the elements), and space (to forage, raise young, and expand territory). Both year-round residents and migratory species depend on the resources of the Connoquenessing. By conserving natural areas, improving soil and water quality, and restoring degraded habitats, wildlife populations will benefit. Wildlife species are a critical component in all ecosystems. Every living thing, from the worms in the ground to eagles flying high above, plays an integral role in the continuation of life on Earth and quality of life for humans. The continued balance of nature depends on the existence of biodiversity. Each species and wildlife community provides ecosystem benefits, some of which include: food for other wildlife and humans, pollination, clean water, decomposition, nutrient cycles, clean air, and soil improvements. Table 4-1. Top Ten Most Popular Recreation Activities in DCNR Region 10 1. Walking 2. Sightseeing 3. View nature 4. Swimming 5. Visit wild areas 6. Picnicking 7. Nature walks 8. Hiking 9. Fishing 10. Jogging A diversity of wildlife and fisheries benefits recreation potential for the area, which in turn improves the local economy and quality of life and health of watershed residents. According to Pennsylvania’s Recreation Plan 2004-2008 (DCNR, 2004a), walking, nature watching, wilderness and natural areas, nature walks, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, bird watching, and hunting were all among the top 20 favorite recreational activities of Pennsylvanians. All of those activities also are enhanced by the presence of biodiversity, high quality habitats, and clean air and water. Locally, the majority of survey participants from DCNR Region 10, which includes all of the counties of the watershed except Lawrence County, ranked the ten most popular recreational activities in the region, which are listed in Table 4-1 (DCNR, 2004a). Results from DCNR Region 9, which includes Lawrence County, were very similar. The major difference was the inclusion of camping and bicycling in Region 9, instead of hiking and jogging. Most of these activities inherently include the preservation and conservation of wildlife, fisheries, and their associated habitats. The report also acknowledged a growing trend in bird and wildlife watching. Great blue heron in flight, this species has been spotted in the watershed and nesting nearby The Connoquenessing region has experienced a great deal of stress on its natural resources over the past few decades, from development and habitat fragmentation to resource extraction and pollution. Despite all of the environmental degradation, there are diverse natural areas, rebounding species, and an abundance of wildlife in many areas. Wildlife that is more adaptable to ever-changing human-altered landscapes will continue to endure. Those species that are less tolerant of change will need additional protection and consideration to ensure their survival. A sampling of some of the wildlife resources that can be found throughout the watershed are highlighted in this section. While some of these species may actually occupy neighboring watersheds, 4-8
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources such as the Slippery Rock Creek subwatershed, they still depend on the high quality habitats of the Connoquenessing to support their population and allow for expansion of their range. Birds Bald Eagle Once, bald eagle populations were ravaged by the secondary effects of excessive hunting and pesticide pollution in the environment; now bald eagles are on the rebound. In the 1980s breeding pairs in Pennsylvania had dwindled to three pairs. Reintroductions of juveniles and protection through the Endangered Species Act led to a steady increase in populations. As a result, the bald eagle’s status was downgraded from endangered to threatened. Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC 4 ) manages this important bird species in the state. As a symbol of our nation, this regal creature is a top predator on its food chain, and it is one of the largest birds of prey, weighing up to 17 pounds with a wingspan of seven feet (PGC 4 ). Bald eagles primarily feed upon fish, other birds, and small mammals, but they have often been observed stealing prey from other birds. As of 2002, two successful sites were confirmed in Butler County slightly north of the watershed (PGC 4 ). At least one unconfirmed nest sighting has been reported in the Connoquenessing watershed (Kemp, personal communication). Several sightings of adult and juvenile bald eagles visiting the watershed have also been reported. The greatest threat to the continued successful recovery of bald eagle populations in the state is human disturbance. Over-use of recreational waters, which bald eagles heavily rely on for food sources, hinders their ability to thrive. In addition, too much human disturbance may lead to nest abandonment and decreased reproductive success (PGC 4 ). Osprey The osprey, also known as the “fish hawk,” has greatly recovered in the state since 1979, when they were thought to be extirpated (locally extinct in the state of Pennsylvania). Like the bald eagle, osprey populations were reduced by the effects of pesticides, such as DDT, and habitat destruction. In 1986, there was believed to be one nesting pair, and in 2004, 65 pairs were found to be nesting throughout the state. This astounding recovery was due in large part to a management program initiated in 1980 that continued for 16 years, reintroducing nestlings throughout the state, including a reintroduction program at Moraine State Park, which borders the Connoquenessing watershed to the north (PGC 5 ). Ospreys nest near large bodies of water, and they prey primarily on fish. They build large stick nests atop large trees or other tall structures. Migratory in nature, they fly to South America and other points south for the winter, and return to nest in Pennsylvania in the spring. The osprey is currently listed as threatened in Pennsylvania. Osprey nest at Moraine State Park adjacent to the Connoquenessing Creek watershed Short-eared Owl The short-eared owl is listed as endangered in Pennsylvania. Some owls have tufts of feathers on their heads that are commonly referred to as “ears.” The short-eared owl lacks these tufts upon its head, hence the name. Short-eared owls are migratory, and spend most of their time in Pennsylvania during winter. These owls prefer open spaces, and have been found to inhabit reclaimed mine areas in the region (PGC 2 ). 4-9
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CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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