Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 2. Land Resources
Within the Allegheny headwaters watershed, forests dominate the landscape, accounting for 76
percent of the total land area. Agriculture is the second-leading land use, utilizing 12 percent, while open
spaces, such as shrub and grasslands, account for seven percent. Development accounts for three percent,
wetlands two percent, and barren lands and water account for less than one percent each.
Forestry
Forests provide a variety of
resources and services, including timber,
wildlife, water filtration, aesthetics,
recreation, and employment. Over 90
percent of the nations’ threatened and
endangered species depend on
forestlands.
In 1603, an estimated 95 percent of
Pennsylvania was forested. However,
harvesting timber to support a growing
nation reduced the forest cover to
approximately 30 percent by 1907. Over
the past century, forestlands have been
able to rebound, and Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR) estimates that 58
percent of Pennsylvania’s landscape is
currently covered in forestland (2004).
Forestry is a key component to both
the history and future of many
communities, including the communities
within the Allegheny River headwaters.
Prior to settlement, this region contained
vast forestlands that were home to
Table 2-1. Current Land Use
Percent
Land Use Type
Square
Miles
of Land
Area
Forest 675.68 76
Deciduous Forest 570.27 64
Evergreen Forest 27.80 3.
Mixed Forest 77.61 9
Agriculture 108.85 12
Pasture/Hay 99.61 11
Cultivated Crops 9.24 1
Open Land 58.69 7
Shrub/Scrub 47.88 5
Grassland/Herbaceous 10.81 6
Developed 26.64 3
Open Space 20.46 2
Low Intensity Development 4.25