Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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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 4-2
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources matter. This natural exchange of carbon, along with other greenhouse gases, including those released from the burning of fossil fuels and gas combustion, contribute to the “greenhouse effect.” In the absence of greenhouse gases, the earth would be a cold planet, void of life. Yet, excess greenhouse gases contribute to global warming. Human activities, such as deforestation, poor agricultural practices, vehicle exhaust and the burning of fossil fuel, have greatly increased the contribution of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The preservation of forests, maintenance of vegetative riparian buffers, and sustainable forestry management practices aid in carbon storage within plants and soil materials, rather than contributing it to the atmosphere. Sustainable forestry and the use of best management practices (BMPs) when utilizing forest resources will ensure the future health of forest ecosystems throughout the watershed. Service foresters are available to assist private and public landowners with technical advice on sustainable forest management. Certified foresters provide cost-share assistance, Forest Stewardship Plans, regional planning, education, and assistance with tree planting and riparian buffer restoration (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources [PA DCNR], 2009). By selectively planning a harvest with a certified forester, one can ensure the continual return for their investment. Trees can be harvested on a staggered schedule to provide recurring income. The best quality trees can be left to reseed the area. Nearby, competing trees of less value can be removed to allow remaining trees a greater allocation of resources and nutrients, ensuring a faster growth rate and high quality of wood. As tree leaves continue to fall to the ground each autumn, the soil is supplemented with organic matter and nutrients, which also contribute to better growth rates. Erosion and sedimentation are reduced by leaving some trees to stabilize the soil. Maintaining a diversity of tree species is important to protect forests from the devastating effects of insect and disease outbreaks. Plantation-style monocultures—areas consisting primarily of one species— are particularly vulnerable to invasive pest species that attack one species or family of trees. The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle which has devastating effects on ash tree populations, is one such insect. Invasive species will be further discussed later in this chapter. Pruning and other maintenance activities will enhance the quality of timber in a forest lot. Selectively eliminating diseased and infested trees will improve the overall health of the forest. Wildlife should also be considered when harvesting a forested area. Brush piles made of cut limbs and saplings may provide cover for small game, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Dead, standing trees, called snags, are utilized by cavity nesting birds and other wildlife for shelter. Insects that eat the decaying wood material provide food for many forest birds as well. While snags that are particularly large or hazardous should be downed to eliminate the safety risk, some snags should remain to provide habitat. Downed woody debris should also be left as habitat for creatures of the forest floor, such as amphibians, spiders, and insects. Forestlands also offer products other than timber, which can be utilized for income by landowners. Herbs and mushrooms harvested in a sustainable manner may provide ample educational, recreational, and economic benefits. Botanicals and medicines may be derived from some forest species. Wreaths and other crafts can be made from limbs, vines, and other forest vegetation. Additional forest products include maple syrup, fence posts, wood fuel, fruits and nuts. Successional Forest Habitat Succession is the natural process of forest regeneration over time. Succession occurs after a forest habitat is disturbed by either a natural event, such as a tornado, or as a result of human actions, like logging. It can also occur as the edge of a forested area transitions gradually. For example, if an area once occupied by croplands lays fallow, eventually shrubs, small woody vegetation, tree seedlings and saplings 4-3
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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