Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 4. Biological ResourcesRecommendations: A forested buffer should be maintained around the entire site so thatcommunities can continue to function as an ecologically pristine forest and associated wetland.Drastic disturbances, such as logging, that cause erosion or physical disturbance should beavoided.Connoquenessing Creek LCASignificance: ModerateLocation: Forward and Penn townshipsDescription: A variety of habitats including second growth deciduous forests, remnant oxbowponds, old growth floodplain forests, and old growth hillside forests occur within thisconservation area along the Connoquenessing Creek. The high degree of biodiversity andpresence of significant sites that are the only representatives of such habitat in Butler Countywarrant the protection of this conservation area.Rare Occurrences: See the Redwing Floodplain Swamp BDA, which is included in this LCA.Threats and Stresses: This site is subject to rapid growth and development spreading northwardfrom the city of Pittsburgh, which could lead to habitat degradation and fragmentation.Recommendations: Protect this site and the entire Connoquenessing Creek Valley fromdevelopment pressures. Maintain a forested buffer, and mitigate any disturbance which may leadto diminished habitat or water quality.Greece City #1 & #2 BDAsSignificance: ModerateLocation: Concord TownshipDescription: These two areas around the town of Greece Cityprovide suitable habitat for an animal species of specialconcern. Relatively undisturbed, wet meadows and opencanopy wetland areas are some of the habitat requirements forthis species.Rare Occurrences: These sites provide habitat for one animalspecies of special concern.Threats and Stresses: Habitat destruction, primarily throughactivities, such as mineral extraction and residentialdevelopment threaten the resources upon which this animalspecies of special concern depends.Recommendations: Protect sites that function as habitat for theanimal species of special concern.Sprouting fernsHarmony Junction Wetland BDASignificance: HighLocation: Jackson TownshipDescription: A small site containing an oxbow wetland and robust emergent marsh communitythat is relatively undisturbed, except for a culvert under a railroad bed at the southern end. Thereis a silver maple floodplain forest community associated with the oxbow wetland along itsnorthwestern edge. The wetland, dominated by large, mature red oaks, is also inhabited by avariety of wetland plant and animal species. The site is rich and moist, with vernal pools, and ahigh diversity of herbaceous species. Bordering the site are active railroads, second-growthupland forest, and a disturbed robust emergent marsh community.4-17