introduction - Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

Threats and StressesCore Habitat Area—The natural landscape of the site is generally in good condition. Although somefragmenting features, including dirt roads, pipeline right-of-ways, and water management facilities,interrupt its contiguity, their impact as fragmenting features is mitigated because they are relativelynarrow and have natural verges and substrate. Some areas along the stream beds and banks, and inthe vicinity of the old boy scout camp facilities, are observably more open and less diverselyvegetated, reflecting selective logging and perhaps also heavy foot traffic in times past.RecommendationsCore Habitat Area—Several considerations can help to preserve the ecological integrity of the sitewhile plans are developed to accommodate other uses. The site is relatively small and a major featureof its importance is its condition as an area of contiguous natural forest; thus, care should be taken tomaximize the contiguity of natural landscape. Features such as roads and pipelines should beminimally employed. Natural forested edges and an overall narrow width are good design principlesfor minimizing their impact as fragmenting features for wildlife. Structures and areas of moreintensive use can be clustered together near already-existing edges, rather than spaced separately orplaced in forest interior areas, to minimize the amount of forest habitat that is disturbed. If timberremoval is conducted at the site, sensitive areas should be avoided and an overall canopy cover levelof at least 70% should be maintained.Supporting Landscape Area—precautions to safeguard water quality should be taken in this area, tosupport its continued ecological health and its use as a water supply source. Mining and the release ofharmful substances (automotive fluids, petrochemicals, solvents, detergents, fertilizers, chemical pestcontrols) should be avoided to prevent contamination of water with toxins, and appropriate erosioncontrol measures should accompany any activity involving earth disturbance or forest cover removalto prevent sediment pollution. Regrowth of native forest communities in these areas can alsoaugment the size and contiguity of the core area.RAMEY BOROUGHThe landscape of Ramey Borough is mainly occupied by the village of Ramey. Most of the townshipdrains into Little Muddy Run; the western portion drains into Muddy Run, and the eastern edge drainsinto Beaver Run. No Natural Heritage Areas were identified within the borough.98