Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 4. Biological Resourcesovides a variety of food sources, cover, and nesting material for insects, birds, mammals, and otherforms of wildlife. Invertebrates and other lower-order forms of wildlife build the basis of the food chain,upon which many other species depend. Protecting wetland areas will, therefore, protect a variety of plantand animal species along with them.Forested wetland and floodplain areas are unique features found in the Connoquenessing watershed.These areas provide critical habitat for species of waterfowl, warblers, turtles, and an assortment of otherwildlife. They also play an important role in filtering water supply, controlling flood waters, groundwaterrecharge, and offering recreation potential. Forested wetlands are threatened by deforestation, hydrologyalterations, and damming of associated streams.Conserving wetlands and riparian buffers on agricultural lands is essential to maintaining wetlandsand water quality throughout the watershed. Farmers may enroll their marginal lands in the ConservationReserve Enhancement Program (CREP), fence riparian areas adjacent to streams, create stabilized streamcrossings, and restrict access to streams for cattle and other livestock. A number of benefits can berealized from these actions. Cleaner water improves the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem andlivestock herds. Riparian area buffers improve water quality and bank stabilization, and host a varietybiological species. Pollinators attracted to the farm enhance the benefits to the farmer by increasingproductivity of crops. Birds, bats, and predatory insects offer natural pest reduction services to further aidin the protection of crops. In addition, the variety of life and activity adds to the aesthetic appeal andproperty value. Farmers and other landowners are encouraged to protect or create wetlands and riparianareas on their property, not only for the ecological benefits, also for the direct benefits to the propertyowner.Rivers and StreamsMany of the biological organisms that live in rivers andstreams indicate the quality of water in which they live. Thesecreatures are called bio-indicators. Freshwater mussels,aquatic macroinvertebrates, and lungless salamanders are allnatural indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.Groups like Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance (CWA)sample and study these organisms to gain a betterunderstanding of the overall health of the ecosystem. TroutUnlimited has local chapters of citizens and professionals whomay be available for education, instruction, and conservationproject assistance, as well. Contact information for thesegroups can be found in Appendix N.Looking downstream on theConnoquenessing Creek from Calgonledge near Ellwood CityHeadwater streams are smaller and shallower, versus the larger order streams that they flow into,which tend to be wider and deeper. Streams throughout the Connoquenessing drainage vary greatly fromslow, calm waters, to fast rushing rapids. With these varying characteristics comes a variety of plants andanimals that inhabit each section of stream. Smaller, headwater streams are home to small fry (young fish)and aquatic macroinvertebrates. Small and fast flowing streams, especially those with an intact riparianforest buffer tend to have cold water, and host species of fish, such as trout and dace. Streams that may beslightly warmer, but still have “coolwaters,” are host to species of fish, such as chubs, shiners, andsuckers. These fish provide food for larger fish, birds, and mammals.In larger, slower flowing streams and rivers, adult fish and larger organisms can be found. In poolareas along the stream, and in streams with little or no riparian vegetation to shade and cool the water,fish that thrive in warmwater, such as bass, bluegills, and sunfish, thrive. More information on the aquatic4-7