Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources grasslands offer natural pest control and pollination services. This reduces pesticide costs, and is also more environmentally friendly than using harsh chemical pesticides. NRCS suggests planting drought tolerant warm-season grasses suitable to the region, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, buffalo grass, and beardgrass. These adapted grasses provide shelter and nutrition for wildlife, help improve soils, and require little upkeep. When maintaining a warm-season grassland, it is important to schedule hay harvest around the nesting season of ground-nesting birds, generally before May 1 st and after August 15 th , which will allow enough time for grass regrowth to provide cover throughout the winter months (NRCS, 2006). Snake mortality associated with mowing is another aspect to consider, especially with species of concern. If possible, mowing should take place in the colder months of December through March, when snakes and other reptiles and amphibians are overwintering. Another harvest practice that may reduce wildlife mortality is to begin mowing in the center of the field, working you way out. This will give animals the opportunity to take cover elsewhere. Wildlife As critical components of an ecosystem, the diversity of wildlife and their habitats needs to be preserved. Wildlife depends on the availability of food in all seasons, clean water, cover to protect them from predators and the elements, and space in which to forage, raise young, and expand their territory. Both year-round residents and migratory species rely on the resources within the Allegheny River headwaters region. Conserving natural areas, improving soil and water quality, and restoring degraded habitats will benefit wildlife populations. Wildlife and fisheries diversity benefits recreation potential, which in turn improves the local economy and quality of life of watershed residents. According to Pennsylvania’s Recreation Plan (PA DCNR, 2009), walking, wildlife watching, fishing, and birding were among the top 10 favorite recreational activities among Pennsylvanians. These activities are enhanced by the presence of biodiversity, high quality habitats, and clean air and water. Therefore, these activities inherently include the preservation and conservation of wildlife, fisheries, and their associated habitats. Native wildlife species are typically classified into two categories—generalist and habitat species. The classifications are based upon the habitat needed for each species to thrive. Generalist species are those that possess the ability to ensure their survival in a wide range of habitat types and are well represented throughout Pennsylvania. Species, such as the northern short-tailed shrew, white-footed mouse, striped skunks, Virginia opossum, coyote, eastern chipmunk and other rodent, shrew and mole species, are generalist species. Another generalist species, the raccoon, is increasing in population due to its ability to adapt to human settings surrounding suburban development. Habitat specialist species have fairly restrictive habitat needs and may be limited to specific habitats, such as grasslands, the forest interior, upper elevation ridgelines, wetlands, streams, caves or mines, during a portion of their life cycle. The meadow vole, fisher, Allegheny woodrat, muskrat, beaver, and most bat species are examples of habitat specialist species located within the project area. A sampling of some of the wildlife within the headwaters of the Allegheny River is highlighted in this section. Mammals Mammal diversity is typically associated with large, intact tracks of forest, which are common in the rugged landscape of the Allegheny River headwaters. Predominant mammal species of the region include 4-6
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources the whitetail deer, black bear, bobcat, beaver, red fox, gray fox, raccoon, striped skunk, coyote, gray squirrel, mink, muskrat, and river otter (McNab & Avers, 1994). Whitetail Deer Management Proper management of whitetail deer populations may help to keep the negative impacts associated with this species to a minimum. In areas that are overpopulated with deer, forest regeneration may be hindered, crops may be damaged, and resources may be scarce for other wildlife. Habitat destruction by overabundant deer populations has had a serious impact on songbird populations, especially woodland warblers. Many of the bird species affected are in decline. In addition, overabundant deer populations pose a significant risk to the safety of motorists and damage to vehicles when roadway collisions occur. Whitetail deer management at the state level is regulated in Pennsylvania through hunting permits allocated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and in New York through hunting permits issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC). Public land managers experiencing high density deer populations should incorporate considerations into land and habitat management techniques. Food plots may be established to improve herd health and decrease the animals’ dependency on natural areas. Public and private landowners may enroll in a program through PGC or NY DEC called the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which provides additional permits to hunt antlerless deer on registered properties to help reduce deer populations (PA DCNR 1 ; NY DEC 2 ). Beaver Beavers are North America’s largest rodent and the state animal of New York. Once trapped to extirpation throughout the region for their prized furs, reintroductions to the area occurred in the early 1900s. Those parent populations reproduced and expanded their territory, which now includes the headwaters of the Allegheny River. These small mammals are capable of extraordinary feats, like downing trees several feet in diameter, though they more commonly use smaller trees and saplings for food and the construction of their lodges and dams. By damming small streams, beavers create wetlands, thus providing habitat for a variety of other species. Sometimes their incessant behavior of damming to hush the sound of running water may lead to problems, especially when they clog drainage pipes used to regulate water levels in reservoirs and lakes or impact roadways. Beaver-proof cages can be constructed around drainage pipes to deter this behavior. Reptiles and Amphibians While amphibian and reptile populations are most diverse in warmer climates, the wetlands habitats within the Allegheny River headwaters region attribute to a high level of herpetological diversity, despite harsher winters, during which these cold-blooded animals hibernate in order to survive. Amphibians depend on moisture to stay alive, while some reptiles are able to tolerate dryer conditions. Beaver lodge Amphibian and reptile species within the region include the red-backed salamander, spotted salamander, marbled salamander, northern dusky salamander, redspotted newt, mudpuppy, northern green frog, northern leopard frog, timber rattlesnake, eastern smooth green snake, wood turtle, and northern coal skink (McNab & Avers, 1994). Many amphibians can be studied as indicators of water quality. Additionally, many terrestrial salamanders depend on the vernal 4-7
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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