Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 4. Biological Resourcesorganism communities that may be found in the Connoquenessing watershed may be found in AppendixM. Aquatic Community Classification.WildlifeIn order to manage for a diversity of wildlife, a diversity of qualityhabitats must be preserved to support various wildlife communities. Wildlifedepends on the availability of food in all seasons, clean water, cover (forprotection from predators and the elements), and space (to forage, raiseyoung, and expand territory). Both year-round residents and migratoryspecies depend on the resources of the Connoquenessing. By conservingnatural areas, improving soil and water quality, and restoring degradedhabitats, wildlife populations will benefit.Wildlife species are a critical component in all ecosystems. Every livingthing, from the worms in the ground to eagles flying high above, plays anintegral role in the continuation of life on Earth and quality of life forhumans. The continued balance of nature depends on the existence ofbiodiversity. Each species and wildlife community provides ecosystembenefits, some of which include: food for other wildlife and humans,pollination, clean water, decomposition, nutrient cycles, clean air, and soilimprovements.Table 4-1. Top 10 MostPopular RecreationActivities in DCNRRegion 101. Walking2. Sightseeing3. View nature4. Swimming5. Visit wild areas6. Picnicking7. Nature walks8. Hiking9. Fishing10. JoggingA diversity of wildlife and fisheries benefits recreation potential for the area, which in turn improvesthe local economy and quality of life and health of watershed residents. According to Pennsylvania’sRecreation Plan 2004-2008 (DCNR, 2004a), walking, nature watching, wilderness and natural areas,nature walks, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, bird watching, and hunting were all among thetop 20 favorite recreational activities of Pennsylvanians. All of those activities also are enhanced by thepresence of biodiversity, high quality habitats, and clean air and water.Locally, the majority of survey participants from DCNR Region 10, which includes all of thecounties of the watershed except Lawrence County, ranked the ten most popular recreational activities inthe region, which are listed in Table 4-1 (DCNR, 2004a). Results from DCNR Region 9, which includesLawrence County, were very similar. The major difference was the inclusion of camping and bicycling inRegion 9, instead of hiking and jogging. Most of these activities inherently include the preservation andconservation of wildlife, fisheries, and their associatedhabitats. The report also acknowledged a growing trend in birdand wildlife watching.Great blue heron in flight, this specieshas been spotted in the watershed andnesting nearbyThe Connoquenessing region has experienced a great dealof stress on its natural resources over the past few decades,from development and habitat fragmentation to resourceextraction and pollution. Despite all of the environmentaldegradation, there are diverse natural areas, reboundingspecies, and an abundance of wildlife in many areas. Wildlifethat is more adaptable to ever-changing human-alteredlandscapes will continue to endure. Those species that are lesstolerant of change will need additional protection andconsideration to ensure their survival.4-8