Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
POTATO CREEK-COLE CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
Description: Encompasses a section of Potato Creek and two of its largest tributaries—Cole Creek and
Marvin Creek.
Significance: Exceptional
Location: Keating and Norwich townships, McKean County
Rare Occurrences: American brook lamprey, creek heelsplitter mussel, elktoe mussel, round pigtoe mussel,
sensitive species 2, sensitive species 3, sensitive species 5
Threats: 1. Runoff from dirt and gravel roads in close proximity to streams can contribute to
physical degradation of stream channels and erosion and pollution in streams.
2. Loss of forest cover within riparian zones may also result in increased 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.
2. Timbering, road construction, oil and gas development, or other construction activities
should be kept well away from riparian corridors in order to avoid degrading important
aquatic and streamside habitats.
3. A high degree of forest cover should be maintained for additional protection of the water
quality and ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem.
4. Landowners engaged in timbering operations should implement best management
practices.
ALLEGHENY RIVER AT EULALIA BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AREA
Description: The region possesses cool, clear water and inhabits large creeks and small to medium
rivers. The American brook lamprey and other aquatic animal species of concern not
identified at the jurisdictional agency's request.
Significance: High
Location: Eulalia Township, Potter County
Rare Occurrences: American brook lamprey, species of concern not identified at the request of the
jurisdictional agency
Threats: 1. Maintaining suitable aquatic habitats is key to continued success of these species of
concern.
2. Runoff from dirt and gravel roads in close proximity to rivers can contribute to physical
degradation of river channel and erosion and sediment pollutants in the river.
3. Loss of forest cover within core areas resulting in increased water temperatures and
disruption of natural nutrient cycling. Water quality decline from increased sediment loads.
4. Removal of forest cover on steep slopes due to increased potential for increased runoff
and erosion following storm events.
Recommendations: 1. Preserve forested river corridors maintaining high water quality.
2. Keep timbering road development and other construction activities away from riparian
corridors in order to avoid degrading important aquatic and river ecosystems.
3. Maintain a high degree of forest cover throughout the watershed to protect water quality
and ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
4. Minimize impacts from timber harvesting through the implementation of best
management practices.
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