Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Executive Summary • Located within the project are 38,289 acres are enrolled in Agricultural Security Areas Program and another 485,724 acres are enrolled in Clean and Green Program. • Forestland dominates the watershed accounting for 76% of the land-use. Agricultural pursuits are the second-leading land-use at 12%. 9% 3% 64% 11% Land-Use in Project Area 1% 7% 3% 2% 0% Deciduous Forest Evergreen Forest Mixed Forest Pasture/Hay Cultivated Crops Open Land Developed Wetlands/Water Barren Lands • The Allegheny River Headwaters are located within the Deep Valley and Glaciated High Plateau sections of the Appalachian Plateau Province. It is also located within the Allegheny Glaciated High Plateau and Unglaciated Allegheny High Plateau ecoregions Water Resources • The Allegheny River is a Cold Water Fishery that begins in central Potter County west of the village of Gold in Allegany Township. • It originates at the triple dived—the location where three major river basins are divided—with the water flowing west entering into the Allegheny River Basin. • The Headwater region incorporates all the tributaries within Pennsylvania that enter the Allegheny River from its origin to Tunungwant Creek encompassing approximately 889 square miles. • Four major tributaries feed the Allegheny River. They include: Allegheny Portage Creek, Potato Creek, Oswayo Creek, and Tunungwant Creek • Approximately 127 miles of stream within the Allegheny Headwaters region were impaired by siltation, nutrients, pH, organic enrichment and low dissolved oxygen, mercury, metals, and/or pathogens. Potato Creek below the dam in Smethport • Most of the impairments are from road runoff and agriculture although some impairments are caused by abandoned mine drainage, petroleum activities, removal of vegetation, point source discharges, channelization, or impoundments ES-3
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Executive Summary Biological Resources • The region contains a variety of natural habitats, which are highlighted in the 27 biologically diverse areas and four landscape conservation areas that have been identified within the project area. • Invasive species pose a threat to the natural biodiversity. Within the headwaters region there are 22 invasive plant species and six invasive animal species. • A diversity of plants and animals reside within the mostly rural and rugged Allegheny River headwaters, including 80 Species of Concerns, one geologic feature, and four natural communities. Species of Concern include: o 23 plants o seven birds o 18 dragonflies or damselflies o five mammals o nine butterflies o five reptiles o eight fish o five mussels Cultural Resources • The region has a variety of local attractions and annual events that attract visitors to the region. The Penn-Brad Museum, Zippo/Case Visitor Center, McKean County Historical Society Old Jail Museum, and Eldred World War II Museum are among some of the well-known attractions. Also included in these attractions are six sites and three districts that have been identified on the National Register of Historic Places. • European settlement into the region was slowed by the resistance of Native Americans and contradicting land titles. The first settler within the region was Francis King who arrived in Ceres Township in 1798. • The region’s citizens played a significant role in the Underground Railroad by harboring or guiding escaped slaves through the rugged terrain onto safe passage into New York and Canada. Marilla Springs Trail is one of the many local trails throughout the project area • A variety of recreational opportunities exist throughout the Allegheny River headwaters region including some unique opportunities, such as sky diving and model airplane flying. In addition to specific recreational facilities there is an abundance of natural resources for activities, such as hunting, fishing, and geocaching. Recreational facilities include: o Four golf courses o Three regional trail networks—Tuna Valley o Four private campgrounds Trail, Potato Creek Trail, and Kinzua Trail o 44 local, state, or regional parks o Over 41 miles of trails for all terrain vehicle o Three environmental educational facilities and snowmobile use. ES-4
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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