Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 4. Biological ResourcesRecommendations: Avoid expanding developed areas adjacent to the floodplain, as well asupland areas that extend to the edge of the floodplain. Impacts associated with mowing,development, road construction or expansion, etc., should be evaluated to determine theirpotential impacts on the BDA, and in particular the rare plant population. Reduce the width of themowed trail through the floodplain to four feet and maintain it with non-mechanical maintenancemethods, such as hand trimming, so it can be utilized for nature study. Herbicide usage along theroad to control weedy vegetation should be avoided or eliminated to avoid potential impacts tothe rare plant species. Tree growth near the road could be encouraged, as that would naturallyimpede weedy growth and provide canopy cover, a habitat requirement, for the plant species ofspecial concern.Brush Creek Floodplain BDASignificance: NotableLocation: New Sewickley TownshipDescription: This BDA contains a small stand ofmature trees and an associated recovering shrubwetland, along a pattern of oxbow ponds and a smalltributary stream where Brush Creek once flowed,but appears to have been cut off by the constructionof the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Rt. 76). The maturetrees serve as nesting habitat for the animal speciesof special concern, which depends on old-growthtrees and wetlands or floodplains for nesting habitat.Approximately 30 nests have been reported, makingthis the largest nesting site of the species in BeaverCounty.Rare Occurrences: One animal species of special concern inhabits this site.This ebony jewelwing is a predatorydamselfly that helps to keep insectpopulations under controlThreats and Stresses: The small size of the stand of mature trees limits the availability of suitablenesting sites for the animal species of special concern. The site is bordered on one side by a majorroad, the turnpike, and on the other by a pasture and another road. Therefore, it lacks a buffer andthe potential for expansion of the habitat, which threatens the nesting habitat.Recommendations: Attempts should be made to limit human access and disturbance to the site,especially during the nesting period from early spring to mid summer. Development of the land inthe immediate area of the site should be evaluated for potential impacts to the animal species ofspecial concern. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission should also be made aware of the site,and efforts should be made to avoid impacts to the species as a result of activities along Route 76.Big KnobSignificance: This is the highest point in Beaver County at an elevation of 1,383 feet.Location: New Sewickley TownshipDescription: Residential development occupies the base and lower slopes of the knob, whilemuch of the forest has been cleared. One of two geological features recognized in the NaturalHeritage Inventory of Beaver County occurs at Big Knob; this site is a remnant of the glacialperiod.Rare Occurrences: No rare occurrences were noted on this site.Threats and Stresses: Residential development expansion.Recommendations: No recommendations were noted for this site.4-21