Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
UPPER KNAPP CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
Description: A section of Knapp Creek that supports a sensitive species that is not identified at the
request of the jurisdictional agency.
Significance: High
Location: Otto Township, McKean County
Rare Occurrences: Sensitive species #2
Threats: 1. Runoff from roads in close proximity can contribute to physical degradation of stream
channels, erosion, and sediment pollution.
2. Loss of forest cover with the riparian zone will likely result in physical degradation of
the stream channels, erosion, and sediment pollution in the streams, higher water
temperatures, and disruption of natural nutrient cycling linked to the stream.
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. Timbering, road construction, and 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 habitat.
2. A high degree of forest cover should be maintained for additional protection of the water
quality and ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem.
3. Landowners engaged in agricultural operations should implement best management
practices.
WEST BRANCH TUNUNGWANT CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
Description: The area supports aquatic habitat for the American brook lamprey. It is a cool-water stream
habitat, characteristic of small to medium sized streams at moderate to high elevations,
with typically neutral pH. Fish occurring within this community are habitat generalists and
somewhat pollution tolerant.
Significance: High
Location: Bradford Township, McKean County
Rare Occurrences: American brook lamprey
Threats: 1. Runoff from roads in close proximity can contribute to physical degradation of stream
channels, erosion, and sediment pollution.
2. Loss of forest cover with the riparian zone will likely result in physical degradation of
the stream channels, erosion, and sediment pollution in the streams, higher water
temperatures, and disruption of natural nutrient cycling linked to the stream.
3. Removal for forest cover on steep slopes is especially problematic because of the
potential for increased runoff and erosion following storm events.
Recommendations: 1. Timbering, road construction, and 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 habitat.
2. A high degree of forest cover should be maintained for additional protection of the water
quality and ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem.
3. Landowners engaged in timbering operations should implement best management
practices.
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