introduction - Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

wetlands to determine its uniqueness in the state. The plant species composition is similar to otherwetlands observed in the high plateau region of the county, which suggests it is unlikely to be of statesignificance. Locally, the area is somewhat unique because it hosts a broad range of communitytypes and contains fairly deep peat in some areas.Broad outlying areas of the wetland are only seasonally inundated; these are characterized bytussocks of cinnamon- or interrupted- fern (Osmunda sp.) as the dominant herbaceous vegetation.Sphagnum moss and three-seeded sedge (Carex trisperma) are also common, and other sedges (Carexfolliculata, Carex projecta or cristatella) scattered among the fern tussocks.The predominant vegetation at the site is a mosaic of shrub and herbaceous species, variablydominated by different sedge and shrub species. Prevalent sedge species include Carex echinata,Carex canescens, Carex folliculata, Carex gynandra, Carex intumescens, and woolgrass (Scirpuscyperinus). Shrubs present include lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium and Vacciniumpallidum), with-rod (Viburnum cassinoides), steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa), huckleberry(Gaylussacia baccata), arrow-wood (Viburnum recognitum), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia),winterberry (Ilex verticillata), inkberry (Nemopanthus mucronatus), and sweetfern (Comptoniaperegrina). Other species present are swamp dewberry (Rubus hispidus), poverty grass (Danthoniaspicata), needle and thread grass (Brachyelytrum erectum), teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens),running-pine (Lycopodium clavatum), ground pine (Lycopodium hickeyi), New York fern (Thelypterisnoveboracensis), deer tongue grass (Panicum clandestinum), swamp candles (Lysimachia sp.),rattlesnake mannagrass (Glyceria canadensis), wrinkle-leaved goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), a sedgespecies (Carex debilis), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), cutgrass (Leersia virginica), fowlmannagrass (Glyceria striata), soft rush (Juncus effusus), and leafy bulrush (Scirpus polyphyllus).Sapling and adult trees are scattered, and include: Pitch pine (Pinus rigida), red maple (Acer rubrum),black cherry (Prunus serotina), white oak (Quercus alba), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), and yellowbirch (Betula allegheniensis). The northern end becomes boggy, with general sphagnum cover, sedgeand cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum) tussocks, round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), andareas of open muck with standing water.Surveys have not been conducted to document animal species utilizing the wetland; it may providesuitable habitat for amphibians, as well as semi-aquatic insects such as dragonflies and damselflies.Some of these species primarily inhabit wetlands, while others also depend on upland areassurrounding a wetland for habitat. Because amphibians may depend on surrounding habitat up to adistance of 159-290 meters (Semlitsch and Bodie 2003), the core habitat area includes the wetlandsplus 250 m of surrounding forest that may be amphibian habitat.The Supporting Natural Landscape is the immediate watershed of the wetland; much of it is forested.The watershed influences the water quality of the wetland, and its current forested condition supportsthe long-term health and viability of the wetland community (Mensing et al. 1998, Findlay andBourdages 2000, Spackman and Hughes 1995, Barclay 1980, Karr and Schlosser 1978).Threats and StressesCore Habitat Area— Amphibians are sensitive to the physical structure and microclimatic conditions(i.e., temperature, moisture level) on the forest floor. Forest canopy removal within this area maynegatively impact the quality of the habitat for amphibians by increasing temperatures and decreasinghumidity on the forest floor. Compaction, removal or disruption of herbaceous growth and organicdebris, or other direct disturbances to the structure of the forest floor may also degrade the habitat foramphibians.131