Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
OSWAYO CREEK AT SHINGLEHOUSE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AREA
Description: The main channel of Oswayo Creek is approximately 50–65 feet wide and seven feet deep.
Along the edge, some places have exposed soils or gravel with little herbaceous cover due
to steep banks. Other areas are herb-dominated marshes, shrub thickets, and floodplain
forest. Within the area, the aquatic habitat supports two mussel species of concern (round
pigtoe and long-solid). They are known to inhabit medium to large rivers with sand and
gravel substrate.
Significance: Exceptional
Location: Sharon Township, Potter County
Rare Occurrences: round pigtoe, long-solid
Threats: 1. Pollution that lowers dissolved oxygen and increases ammonia levels and siltation, as
well as dredging threaten native freshwater mussels.
2. Removal of forest cover on steep slopes may be problematic, increasing the potential for
runoff and erosion following storm events.
3. Runoff from dirt and gravel roads in close proximity to the stream can contribute to
physical degradation of the site.
Recommendations: 1. Implement best management practices to minimize and prevent water pollution.
2. Support and engage in research of degraded surface and groundwater resources.
3. Preserve riparian corridors along waterways to maintain high water quality. Timbering,
road development, and other construction activities should be kept away from riparian
corridors to avoid degrading important aquatic and streamside habitat.
OSWAYO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
Description: The main channel of Oswayo Creek is 50–65 feet wide and seven feet deep. In places along
the stream, the edge has some exposed soil or gravel with little herbaceous cover because
of the stream's steep banks. Other areas adjacent to the stream are herb-dominated marshes,
shrub thickets, and floodplain forest. The stream provides habitat for round pigtoe mussel,
wavy-rayed lampmussel, elktoe mussel, and Ohio lamprey. It is a warm-water community,
characteristic in medium to large waterways found in relatively high elevations, with
intermediate alkalinity and conductivity values and slightly basic pH values. Warm water
temperatures are also characteristic in this community.
Significance: Exceptional
Location: Ceres Township, McKean County
Rare Occurrences: Elktoe mussel, Ohio lamprey, round pigtoe mussel, wavy-rayed lampmussel
Threats: 1. Runoff from dirt and gravel roads in close proximity to streams can contribute physical
degradation of stream channels, erosion, and pollution in the stream.
2. Loss of forest cover in riparian zones may increase water temperatures and disruption of
natural nutrient cycling linked to streams.
3. Removal of forest cover on steep slopes is especially problematic because of the
potential for increased runoff and erosion following storm events.
Recommendations: 1. Preserve forested stream corridors to maintain high water quality. Timbering, road
construction, oil and gas development, or other construction activities should be kept well
away from riparian corridors to avoid degrading important aquatic and streamside habitats.
2. A high degree of forest cover should be maintained for additional protection of water
quality and ecological integrity.
3. Implement agricultural best management practices that are suitable for reducing or
minimizing water quality impacts, as part of a watershed approach to management.
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