Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
Within the Allegheny River headwaters region there are 18.15 square miles of wetlands, of which 94
percent are woody wetlands and the remaining six percent are herbaceous wetlands. Forested wetland
areas provide critical habitat for species of waterfowl, turtles, and an assortment of other wildlife. They
also play an important role in filtering water, controlling flood waters, groundwater recharge, and offering
recreational potential. Forested wetlands are threatened by deforestation, hydrology alternation, draining,
and the damming of associated streams.
Rivers and Streams
Many of the biological organisms that live in rivers and streams are indicators of water quality.
These creatures are referred to as bioindicators. Freshwater mussels, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and
lungless salamanders are all natural indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.
Characteristics of streams and rivers can vary greatly. Headwater streams are typically smaller and
shallower than the larger order streams, which they flow into. With theses variations come an assortment
of plants and animals that inhabit different sections of a waterway. Small, headwater streams are home to
small fry (young fish) and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Small and fast flowing streams, especially those
with an intact vegetative riparian buffer, tend to have cold water and host fish species, such as trout and
dace. Streams that may be slightly warmer, but are still considered cool-water streams, are host to chubs,
shiners, suckers, and other similar fish species. These fish serve as food for larger fish, birds, and
mammals.
In larger, slower flossing streams and rivers, adult fish and larger organisms can be found. In pool
areas along streams and in streams with little or no vegetative riparian buffer to shade and cool the water,
warm-water fish species, such as bass, bluegill and sunfish, tend to thrive.
Forest Habitats
Forestlands provide habitat for plant and animal species, timber for fuel and wood products, income
possibilities from other forest products for private forest owners, and recreational opportunities. Extensive
woodlands cover northcentral Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny National Forest to the west and
Susquehannock State Forest to the east of the project area. Hardwood species, such as oak and maple, are
dominating, but hemlock, pitch pine, and white pine are also found here. The soils, climate, and
ruggedness of the region provide the necessary habitat for forest species; therefore, the area is better
suited for trees and forestland rather than opening the land for agricultural endeavors.
The natural vegetation was primarily northern hardwood species with sugar maple, yellow birch,
beech and hemlock being intermixed with bogs and a perimeter of Appalachian oak forest. During the
19 th century, extensive logging and burning removed the majority of the natural vegetation.
Presently the vegetation throughout the region is still dominated by northern hardwood forest and
Appalachian oak forest. Eastern hemlock and American beech-hemlock forests are abundant on most
sites. American beech-sugar maple forests that included red maple, sweet birch, black cherry, white ash,
eastern white pine, yellow poplar, and cucumbertree are located within drained sites.
Forests also play an important role in the regulation of global climate change and air quality. Carbon
dioxide, one of the most abundant greenhouse gases, is naturally present in the atmosphere. During
photosynthesis, plants convert water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into sugar—for the plants’
growth—and oxygen, which is released back into the air. The carbon removed from the atmosphere is
stored in the plant’s leaves, stems, branches, roots, and other components, a process called carbon
sequestration. When leaves or trees are downed, the carbon is contributed to the soil matter. Carbon
dioxide is also released back into the atmosphere through respiration and the decomposition of organic
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