Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Biological Resources
will grow. As time goes on, trees establish into a mature forest covering the land. The entire process may
take an extensive period of time and can occur on varying scales, from areas encompassing several
hundred acres to small areas created when an old tree falls in a forest and opens a gap in the canopy.
The period of succession referred to as the early-successional stage occurs when the land is
primarily occupied by grasses, herbaceous vegetation, small shrubs, and tree saplings. During this critical
phase, grasses, seeds, berries, and twigs provide abundant nutrition for forest animals, and shrubs and
dense vegetation offer cover and safety for birds and small mammals. Early-successional habitats are
preferred by a variety of wildlife species, such as rabbits, certain warbler species, and the American
woodcock (Rodewald, 2004).
During the middle-successional stage of forest regeneration, otherwise known as the pole timber
stage, trees grow and dominate the landscape. The understory is still relatively dense, harboring seedlings
and some shrubby species that are more tolerant of shade. Salamanders and interior-forest birds prefer this
type of transitional habitat (Pennsylvania Envirothon).
Once trees are established, the habitat is referred to as a mature forest. During this stage, trees that
have been overtopped by competing, faster-growing, or longer-lived trees tend to die and form snags.
These snags provide food, perches, and opportunities for cavity nesters, such as owls, woodpeckers,
raccoons, and bats. Retaining downed wood on the forest floor also serves to provide habitat. In a mature
forest, there is a greater abundance of mast-producing trees that offer acorns, nuts, and soft or fleshy fruits
and seeds. Wild turkey, black bear, and pileated woodpeckers prefer mature forest habitats (Pennsylvania
Envirothon).
Landowners and forest land managers should promote differing stages of successional forest habitats
for wildlife species. Also, when timbering an area, foresters should stagger and soften the edges of cuts by
leaving some older trees and shrubs on the perimeter, cutting in a meandering fashion to avoid abrupt
transitions between habitats, which can lead to increased predation.
Urban and Backyard Natural Areas
Not only are rural forest blocks important for the sustainability of healthy ecosystems and water
quality, but urban forestry also is an important aspect of watershed conservation. Trees planted in urban
settings and along roadways perform a number of functions, ultimately improving the livability and
attractiveness of communities. Trees in urban settings help to regulate heat radiation and ambient air
temperature by shading sidewalks, parking lots, and roads. They can control erosion and help manage
stormwater. Trees can also be utilized to reduce energy costs and improve property values. Trees in urban
settings also improve the air quality of the city, boost a community’s sense of pride, and enhance business
and economic development.
Shinglehouse Borough and Smethport Borough participate in Tree City, USA—an Arbor Day
Foundation program that is co-sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and
the National Association of State Foresters. The program provides direction, technical assistance, public
attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs. Four standards were
established to ensure that every qualifying community would have a viable tree management program.
The qualifications include having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, community forestry
program with an annual budget of at least two dollars per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and
proclamation. Other municipalities should consider becoming Tree Cities; and the University of
Pittsburgh in Bradford should consider becoming a Tree Campus, USA.
Becoming a Tree City or Tree Campus (Arbor Day Foundation):
• Encourages better care of community forests
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