Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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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 4-4
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources • Touches the lives of people within the community who benefit daily from cleaner air, shadier streets, and aesthetic beauty that healthy, well-managed urban forests provide • Recognizes and rewards communities for annual advancements in urban forestry practices • Increases public awareness of the many social, economical and environmental benefits of urban forestry practices • Provides education to improve current urban forestry practices • Builds cooperation between public and private sectors to effectively manage urban forests • Encourages, supports, and strengthens effective urban forestry programs in diverse communities nationwide • Can make a strong contribution to a community’s pride • Serves as a blueprint for planting and maintaining a community’s trees • Puts people in touch with other communities and resources that can help them improve their program • Brings solid benefits to a community, such as helping to gain financial support for tree projects and contributing to safe and healthier urban forests • Helps present the kind of image that most citizens want to have for the place they live or conduct business • Tells visitors, through signage, “here is a community that cares about its environment” • Sometimes gives preference over other communities when allocations of grant money are made for trees or forestry programs • Provides a way to reach a large number of people with information about tree care Pennsylvania Community Forests and PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry are able to assist municipalities and commissions in organizing and implementing urban and community forestry management programs. Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) offers the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to private forest owners in Pennsylvania and New York. The New York State Urban and Community Forestry Council promotes comprehensive planning and urban forestry (PA DCNR, 2009; NY DEC 4 ). Developing or maintaining woodlot natural habitats in backyards attracts a variety of wildlife, such as songbirds, butterflies, and toads, which may help reduce stress and anxiety. These species also help rid yards of harmful pests, which may reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides. Backyard natural areas offer opportunities for families to bond and learn about ecosystems together. Natural areas encourage outdoor recreation, which can help combat the obesity epidemic. Even small backyard habitats or nearby woodlots offer opportunities for the exploration of nature close to home. Private property owners are encouraged to consider natural landscaping with native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs versus mowing their entire lawn, particularly in areas adjacent to water sources. Native plant species that are adapted to the local weather conditions are best for landscaping, as they require minimal watering and maintenance. Native plant species are often preferred by native wildlife for food and cover, as well. Reducing the amount of mowed lawn on a property will save time, money—in maintenance costs for gasoline powered equipment—and energy used for powering the electrical equipment, thereby reducing air pollution. Grasslands Habitat Native wildflowers, grasses, forbs, and prairie-type habitats can be used to beautify property, enhance ecological interactions, and reduce lawn maintenance. Native grassland habitats, small or large, provide food, cover, and nesting material for a diversity of wildlife. Many native species attracted to 4-5
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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