FAUNA RESOURCES

Table of Contents

Introduction History Inventory Policy Statement Goals and Objectives Guidelines and Actions Habitat Guidelines Terrestrial Habitats Wetland Habitats Aquatic and Riparian Habitats Caves and Karst Habitats Species of Special Concern Keystone Species Special Management Areas Special Management Areas Monitoring Critical Research Needs

Introduction

Fauna is generally described as all those creatures that fall within the taxonomic classification of Kingdom Animalia. The values of animals in our forests are many and immeasurable. Valuable as biological diversity or vital functional components of the ecosystem, animals form a crucial link in the chain of forest sustainability, and human sustainability. Other equally un-quantifiable values are the intense personal challenge experienced by those stalking animals in their wild habitats for viewing or recreation, and their role as highly aesthetic subjects in the woods. Humans interact with forest animals in many ways, ranging form extractive uses like hunting and fishing to photography or viewing. Some animals, like the game species or particularly charismatic viewable species, like birds, actually play an important role in the local economies of our state. Forest users expect that the state forests will supply abundant populations of animals to support all of these activities.

Animals, along with all other living things (biota), share a dependence on a given set of environmental factors called habitat. Animals also interact as integral participants with the other biota through the various systems of complex processes to form functioning ecosystems. The given assemblage of life in a location, or the community, is dependent on the base physical elements of the environment like soil, geology, atmosphere, water, climate, and isolation.

The mission of the Bureau of Forestry is to ensure the long-term health, viability and productivity of Pennsylvania's forests and to conserve native wild plants. The bureau, through sound ecosystem management, will manage the state forests to provide suitable habitats for the many species of wildlife that are woven into the fabric of these forests. The state forest policy related to fauna states: state forest lands should provide habitats that support a diversity of animal and plant communities.

In some instances we strive to manage for a particular species when its fragility is documented. When dealing with complex ecosystems where a wide variety of species and physical elements interact over large land areas, it is more effective to manage for habitats or communities. The presence or absence of a particular species or group of species, which requires that certain conditions exist, often characterizes the health of the community. Such a species or species group is known as an indicator. For example, a healthy forested aquatic community may be characterized by its ability to support brook trout or an ephemeral pond may support a diverse group of breeding amphibians. The health of a portion of the ecosystem or a function within the system can be evaluated by the gradient of species occupying a site, such as the level of herbivory. A high abundance and diversity of spring ephemeral wildflowers in the understory indicates a low level of herbivory, whereas a simplified understory composed of a monoculture of hay-scented ferns reflects a long history of excessive browsing pressure.

Habitat is species dependent. It is impractical and implausible to manage specific habitats for thousands of fauna species living throughout the state forests. In terms of numbers, invertebrates compose the vast majority of faunal species and individuals in the forest. However, information on habitat requirements of this group of organisms is lacking. Information regarding vertebrate species is more readily available. The Bureau will use existing habitat information and manage fauna on state forest lands by centering its focus on habitats and habitat components that are important for a variety of species.

History

The first comprehensive management plans for State Forest lands were developed in 1949. Most forest resources were adapted to fit in with timber management as time and money allowed. In the early 1960's it became apparent that there must be a formal plan for the protection, development and use of all forest resources.

Between 1965 and 1970, work was completed on Forest Resource Plans for the 1970-1984 management period. These plans established objectives for all forest resources and coordinated their use and development. For the first time, the plans specifically addressed wildlife and fisheries resources. Matters pertaining to wildlife and fisheries were considered under the Recreation Section of the Forest Resource Plan.

In the 1970-84 Plan, habitat guidelines were developed in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to promote a diversified forest suitable for all wildlife. Fisheries guidelines were also developed with assistance from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission (now Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission) to address such topics as in-stream restoration and improvement and wilderness trout stream management. Also the coordination of the wildlife and fishery resources was accomplished through the consideration and integration of these values into the management of the other forest resources.

The 1985-2000 State Forest Resource Plan acknowledged that animals and plants are distinct forest resources and should be managed as such, thus a new section of the Plan was developed, the Fauna and Flora Management Section.

The 1985-2000 plan recognized that the forest is a complex ecosystem composed of animal and plant communities integrated with the physical environment. Animals in this ecosystem range from large mammals such as the black bear and white-tailed deer to invertebrates such as honeybees. Animals, plants and physical environment integrate to form a multitude of combinations all of which form the whole, the forest. The management of these organisms is predicated on both protection and use to meet man's needs and wants.

The current plans recognize fauna as an integral part of the forest ecosystem that are highly valuable and that should be sustained.

Inventory

There are a host of inventories dealing with fauna resources. Some of these inventories apply specifically to State Forest lands while most apply to statewide data. Listed below are various inventories and/or sources of information pertaining to fauna resources that inhabit state forest lands.

Aquatic:

PA Fish & Boat Commission Stream Surveys: Electro-shocking surveys of most streams on state forest lands. Detailed reports on species and biomass present for sampled area. Conducted by professional biologists. Management recommendations included. Ongoing. Available from PA Fish and Boat Commission. Also available in Forest District offices.

Dept. of Environmental Protection Water Quality Monitoring: Monitor water quality parameters for most streams on state forest lands. Conducted by professionals. Include recommendations for management and special protection designation. Ongoing. Available from Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Herpetological:

PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Indiana University of PA's Herpetological Atlas Project: Determine presence/absence of all species of reptiles and amphibians in all atlas blocks across state. Conducted by trained volunteers. Will produce atlas book. One-time. http://www.nsm.iup.edu/pha/

Species of Special Concern (General):

PA Natural Diversity Inventory Site Visits: Site visits to PNDI locations by experts to confirm locations, evaluate condition, find new sites. Updates records in PNDI database. Ongoing. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/pndi/pndiweb.htm

County Natural Area Inventories: Inventories of counties to identify and map locations of special concern resources. Conducted by professionals. Locations distributed to county & some information included in PNDI database. One time. See below for status of inventories and source of material.

Pennsylvania County Natural Area Inventories Completed to End of 2001 Adams: 1996. A Natural Areas Inventory of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Adams County Office of Planning and Development, Gettysburg, PA. 109 pp. Note: An update to the original was completed in 2002.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Adams County Office of Planning and Development, 111-117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Allegheny: 1994. Allegheny County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Allegheny County Board of Commissioners, Pittsburgh. 229 pp. Beaver:. 1993. Beaver County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh. 189 pp. Bedford: 1998. Bedford County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Bedford County Planning Commission, Bedford, PA. 242 pp.

Berks: 1991. A Natural Areas Inventory of Berks County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Berks County Planning Commission, Reading, PA. 127 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 1998.

Copies of these documents may be obtained from: The Berks County Planning Commission, Exide Building, 645 Penn St, Suite 203, Reading, PA 19601-3509

Bradford: A Natural Areas Inventory of Bradford County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown. The inventory for this county has not been completed. Bucks: Rhoads, A. F. and T. A. Block. 1999. Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Morris Arboretum, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, for Commissioners of Bucks County, Doylestown, PA. 122 pp.

Copies of this document can be obtained from the Bucks County Planning Commission

Butler: 1991. Butler County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh. 152 pp. Carbon: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Centre: Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh. 215 pp. Chester: 1994. A Natural Areas Inventory of Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Chester County Planning Commission, West Chester, PA. 175 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 2000.

Copies of these documents can be obtained by contacting the Chester County Planning Commission; Government Services Center, Suite 270; 601 Westtown Road; West Chester, PA 19382

Clinton: 1993. Clinton County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh. 212 pp. Columbia: A Natural Areas Inventory of Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown. The inventory for this county has not been completed. Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry: 2000. A Natural Areas Inventory of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Harrisburg, PA. 278 pp.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: The Tri County Regional Planning Commission, Dauphin County Veterans Memorial Office Building, 112 Market Street, Seventh Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2015

Dauphin (see Cumberland) Delaware: 1992. A Natural Areas Inventory of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for The County of Delaware and Redevelopment Authority of the County of Delaware, Media, PA. 110 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 1998.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Delaware County Planning Department, Toal Building, Second and Orange Streets, Media, PA 19063

Erie: 1993. Erie County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Erie County Department of Planning, Erie, PA. 312 pp.

Fayette: 2000. Fayette County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Fayette County Office of Community and Economic Development, Uniontown, PA. 244 pp. Franklin: The inventory for this county is currently being conducted by The Nature Conservancy. The inventory is expected to be completed in late 2003. Juniata: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Lackawanna:.1997. A Natural Areas Inventory of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Mayfield, PA. 128 pp. [text available on web site ]

Copies of this document can be obtained from the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority; 1300 Old Plank Road; Mayfield, PA 18433

Lancaster: 1990. A Natural Areas Inventory of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Lancaster County Planning Commission, Lancaster, PA. 83 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 1998. Lebanon: The inventory for this county is currently being conducted by The Nature Conservancy. The inventory is expected to be completed in late 2003 or 2004.

Copies of these documents can be obtained from the Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Lehigh: 1999. A Natural Areas Inventory of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Allentown, PA. 177 pp.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, 961 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18103-0307

Luzerne: 2001. A Natural Areas Inventory of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Luzerne County Board of Commissioners Wilkes-Barre, PA. 197 pp.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Luzerne County Office of Community Development, 54 West Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Lycoming: 1993. A Natural Areas Inventory of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Lycoming County Planning Commission, Williamsport, PA. 164 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 2000.

Copies of these documents may be obtained from: Lycoming County Planning Commission, 48 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

Mifflin: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Monroe: 1991. A Natural Areas Inventory of Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Science Office, The Nature Conservancy, Middletown, for Monroe County Planning Commission, Stroudsburg, PA. 145 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 1999.

Copies of these documents can be obtained through the Monroe County Planning Commission; Monroe County Courthouse; Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Montgomery: 1995. A Natural Areas Inventory of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Montgomery County Planning Commission, Norristown, PA. 126 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 1999.

Copies of these documents may be obtained from: Montgomery County Planning Commission, One Montgomery Plaza, Suite 201, Swede & Airy Streets, Norristown, PA 19404-0311

Montour: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Northampton: (see Lehigh) Perry: (see Cumberland) Philadelphia: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Pike: 1990. A Natural Areas Inventory of Pike County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown. 121 pp.

Copies of this document can be obtained from the PA Science Office of The Nature Conservancy, 208 Airport Drive, Middletown, PA 17057

Snyder: The inventory for this county has not been conducted. Schuylkill: The inventory for this county is currently being conducted by The Nature Conservancy. The inventory is expected to be completed in late 2003 or 2004. Sullivan: 1995. A Natural Areas Inventory of Sullivan County, Pennsylvania . The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Sullivan County Office of Planning and Development, Laporte, PA. 112 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 2001.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Sullivan County Office of Planning and Development, Sullivan County Courthouse, Laporte, PA 17057

Susquehanna: A Natural Areas Inventory of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania .The Nature Conservancy, Middletown. The inventory for this county has not been completed. Tioga: A Natural Areas Inventory of Tioga County, Pennsylvania .The Nature Conservancy, Middletown. The inventory for this county has not been completed. Union: 1993. A Natural Areas Inventory of Union County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Union County Planning Commission, Lewisburg, PA. 100 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 2000.

Copies of these documents may be obtained from: Union County Planning Department, 1610 Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Washington: 1994. Washington County Natural Heritage Inventor. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Board of Washington County Commissioners, Washington, PA. 217 pp. Wayne: 1991. A Natural Areas Inventory of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Wayne County Department of Planning, Honesdale, PA. 138 pp.

Copies of this document can be obtained from the PA Science Office of The Nature Conservancy, 208 Airport Drive, Middletown, PA 17057

Westmoreland: 1998. Westmoreland County Natural Heritage Inventory. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, for Westmoreland County Department of Planning and Development, Greensburg, PA. 250 pp.

Wyoming: 1995. A Natural Areas Inventory of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for Wyoming County Planning Commission, Tunkhannock, PA. 102 pp. Note: An update to the original document was completed in 2001.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: Wyoming County Planning Commission, One Courthouse Square, Tunkhannock, PA 18657

York: 1996. A Natural Areas Inventory of York County, Pennsylvania. The Nature Conservancy Pennsylvania Science Office, Middletown, for York County Planning Commission, York, PA. 163 pp. Note: An update to this document is currently being written and will be completed in early 2002.

Copies of this document may be obtained from: York County Planning Commission, One West Market Street, York, PA 17401

Mammals:

Elk Survey: Aerial survey flown within the primary elk range using mark re-sighting estimator for population. Annual. Available from PGC.

PA Game Commission White-tailed Deer Population: County deer population and density estimated from road-kills, productivity, harvest reports, and butcher shop surveys. Conducted by professionals. Used to form antlerless license allocation recommendations. Annual. Available from PGC.

PA Game Commission Beaver: Aerial survey of beaver dams across North-central counties. Conducted by professionals. Used to set limits on beaver harvest. Annual. Available from PGC.

PA Game Commission Bat Hibernacula: Counts of known bat hibernacula. Conducted by professionals. Recommend gating or other restrictions on use. Annual.

PA Game Commission Woodrat: Check known sites and search likely habitat for new sites. Conducted by professionals. Ongoing.

PA Game Commission Black Bear: Mark-recapture survey to determine black bear population demographics. Conducted by professionals. Used to manage harvest. Ongoing. Available from PGC.

Birds:

PA Game Commission Wild Turkey Productivity: Records of broods seen/brood size/miles traveled. Conducted by semi-professionals. Used to influence turkey hunting seasons and bag limits. Annual. Available from PGC.

PA Game Commission Waterfowl Over-winter: Aerial surveys of major waterways/water bodies to count waterfowl & eagles. Conducted by professionals. Annual.

Breeding Bird Atlas: Searches of atlas blocks to determine breeding status of all bird species found within the block. Conducted by trained professionals. Produce atlas document. One time. Publication available.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Breeding Bird Census: Determine breeding status of birds found in 10-20 sites around state. Conducted by expert volunteers. Annual.

US Fish & Wildlife Service Breeding Bird Survey: Record birds present on 100 survey routes during breeding season. One day. Conducted by expert professionals. Annual.

National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count: Record birds present on 40+ circles of 10-mile radius. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

PA Game Commission Colonial Bird: Record locations and numbers of colonial nesting waterbirds. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

Monitoring Avian Productivity: Bird banding at set locations. Conducted by well-trained volunteers. Annual.

International Migratory Bird Day: County-wide counts during migration. Conducted by volunteers. One day annually.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Nest Record Cards: Information on nesting. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Project Feederwatch: Counts of species using bird feeders. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Raptor Migration: Counts of raptors migrating through concentration areas. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

Manomet Bird Observatory Shorebird Surveys: Counts of migrating shorebirds at set locations. Conducted by professionals. Annual.

PA Society for Ornithology's Special Areas Project: Counts of birds seen on repeated trips to special area. Conducted by volunteers. Produces checklist. Ongoing.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Project Tanager/Thrush/Hawk: Relate demographics to habitat for selected species. Conducted by trained volunteers. Ongoing.

PA Game Commission Wetland Bird: Banding of waterfowl at several locations. Conducted by professionals. Annual.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Winter Bird Population: Counts of wintering birds on set locations. Conducted by volunteers. Annual.

Bureau of Forestry Wood Duck Nest Box: Check nest boxes for use by various species. Conducted by non-ornithological professionals. Ongoing.

Pennsylvania Important Mammal Areas Project: Volunteer, grass-roots project to identify and designate areas in PA that are important for mammal conservation, and to educate people about mammals. Web site: http://www.pawildlife.org/imap.htm

Important Bird Areas of Pennsylvania: Part of a worldwide effort to identify and protect outstanding habitat for birds and all wildlife. Web site: http://pa.audubon.org/Ibamain.htm

Vertibrate Species on State Forest Land With Habitat Association (Adobe PDF - 20 Kb)

Caves http://www.caves.org/conservancy/ikc/idnr.htm http://www.cavern.org/ http://www.batcon.org/ http://www.karst.org/ http://www.caves.org/conservancy/pcc/Home.shtml

Policy Statement

The state forests will be managed to ensure the conservation of a diversity of native wild forest animals and the provision of suitable habitats for these creatures.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:

Manage the forests to provide diverse and productive wildlife habitats and habitat components.

Objectives:

Develop and implement habitat guidelines that address the needs of a diverse assemblage of fauna species.

Develop and maintain close working relationships with other natural resource management agencies and organizations in the cooperative management of fauna species and habitats.

Identify critical habitats for conservation of selected fauna.

Identify and pursue critical research to answer questions concerning fauna/habitat relationships.

Identify fauna inventory needs; attempt to address inventory needs; and continue to update existing inventories.

Goal 2:

Protect species of special concern and promote their recovery to viable levels.

Objectives:

Identify and utilize up-to-date information on the current ranges, distributions, and site-specific locations of special concern fauna species.

Develop and implement operating guidelines to ensure the protection of species of special concern occurrences.

Goal 3:

Promote the wise use of wildlife resources to provide recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefits to the citizens of Pennsylvania.

Objectives:

Develop viewable wildlife opportunities and develop informational brochures to enhance forest visitors' appreciation of wild animals.

Provide huntable levels of game species on state forest lands.

Actions: Watchable Wildlife Sites: DCNR should continue to locate sites and resources for potential wildlife viewing throughout the State Forests and develop strategic initiatives to provide additional recreational opportunities to the public based on these resources. This will necessarily include identification of model sites and developments, site selection criteria, resource protective measures, preferred site designs, educational tools, funding opportunities and needs, and a promotional strategy. Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Watching Trail: http://pa.audubon.org/frontrev1.html

Goal 4:

Provide for the conservation of "keystone" and other specific animal species or habitats by designating special management areas and developing specific strategies for the management of these resources.

Objectives:

Develop and implement management strategies for special management areas on State Forest lands.

Develop and implement management strategies for keystone fauna on State Forest lands.

Goal 5:

Identify and manage faunal resources on state forest lands that are imperiled by invasive plant or animal species.

Objectives:

Inventory state forest lands for populations of invasive plant or animal species (e.g., zebra mussel) that are established and negatively affecting native animal populations.

Develop a plan for removal of populations of invasive plants or animals that are negatively affecting native animal populations.

Eliminate the planting of non-native invasive plant species on state forest lands.

Educate state forest users about the negative impacts that non-native species can have on native fauna. For example, fisherman should not release unused baitfish or worms on State Forest lands or into state forest waterways.

Develop guidelines for preventing further infestations of additional species of invasive plant or animal species and populations. Incorporate these guidelines into Bureau management practices.

Guidelines / Actions

Goal 1: Manage the forests to provide diverse and productive wildlife habitats and habitat components. Guidelines for Cooperation The Bureau of Forestry is committed to sound multiple resource management. The management of many of the fauna resources on State Forest lands is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Game and Fish and Boat Commissions (PGC -mammals and birds; PF&BC - fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates). The Bureau has management responsibility for the habitat on which these animals depend. It is therefore desirable for all parties to cooperate in their resource management endeavors to attain the goals and objectives of the respective agencies. To promote cooperation in resource management endeavors, separate agreements have been developed with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. These agreements are part of the State Forest Resource Management Plan.

Habitat Guidelines

Because of the many values associated with the animals occupying the forest, programs have been developed to protect, improve, and where necessary, restore these resources through the management of habitats on which their welfare depends. The following guidelines, and agreements developed cooperatively between the department and the Pennsylvania Game and Fish & Boat Commissions, provide the guidance and direction for the implementation of a balanced and positive program. To affect this positive program, habitat guidelines focusing on the management of key habitat components have been developed to provide for the maintenance of a diversity of animal species dependent on the forest ecosystem. Habitat guidelines shall be applied in the management of the State Forests.

Habitat and Landscape Examinations The landscape examination process is designed to identify faunal habitat needs, set priorities for habitat projects, assist in planning annual activities, record accomplishments, and provide continuity in forest resource management. Successful completion of the landscape exams involves consulting resource maps and aerial photos to evaluate land uses and habitat components within the LTA (landtype association) and surrounding areas. Look for the presence of desired habitat components and other important habitat features. Record the components and features present on the compartment and note deficiencies. The presence or amount of deficit of habitat components should be used to set priorities for future habitat improvement projects. There are four general avenues of implementing habitat enhancement recommendations: Coordinated Implementation is critical to the Bureau's habitat program. Diversity of tree species, tree size and density of stocking are of major importance to forest wildlife habitat. Commercial cutting is a significant method at the Bureau's disposal to attain required diversity. Hence, habitat considerations and recommendations should be designed around and implemented through commercial harvests. Funded Implementation is directed at those habitat recommendations that cannot be accomplished through coordinated implementation or other means. Certain recommendations, like installation of small impoundment clusters, require specific allocations of time or money in order to effect their implementation. Such recommendations should be reflected in Bureau budgeting requests or specified in special work programs. Cooperative Implementation is aimed at those recommendations that can be effected through cooperation with the Game Commission or Fish & Boat Commission. According to the specifications of Cooperative Agreements, the Commissions are invited to implement recommendations on special projects that are specifically designed to improve habitats for species within their jurisdiction. Volunteer Implementation is self-explanatory. Briefly, private organizations participate in certain habitat improvements projects on State Forest lands. The benefits of this kind of implementation are usually twofold. Volunteers may benefit through a feeling of participation or accomplishment and projects requiring funded implementation can be achieved at minimal cost to the public.

Terrestrial Habitats

Forest Succession In general, plant communities progress in an orderly and predictable manner known as forest succession; however, the nature of forest succession varies due to soil conditions, topography, frequency of natural disturbance, number of deer, and amount of competing vegetation. The abundance and kinds of wildlife also change as a forest matures, because the quantity and quality of food, water, cover, and space also change. The following chart is a brief listing of some animal species and the successional stage(s) they require. The chart was adapted from Forest Stewardship, Wildlife, Number 5, Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Maintain plant communities in all stages of succession across the forest.

Horizontal and Vertical Structure As a forest changes through succession, its structure also changes. Horizontal structure refers to the mix of successional stages across the landscape. Vertical structure refer to the different layers vegetation within a forest stand such as a forest with a weIl developed overstory, understory, shrub, and forest floor strata. Maintaining horizontal and vertical diversity within the forest promotes a greater variety of wildlife. For more information on forest structure and diversity see Woodlands and Wildlife.

Maintain horizontal and vertical diversity within the forest.

Edge/Ecotone Edge is defined as the boundary between two different stages of succession, or, in general, between any two different ecological communities. Edge is the interface between a pond and a stand of trees, high and low evergreen cover, a logging road and the forest, a grassy field and a timber stand. Ecotone is the transition between different ecological communities. Edge is an important habitat component for a variety of reasons. These reason can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on the species involved. Often the diversity of animals is greatest along an edge, because the transitional area around the edge allows a variety of habitats to exist in close proximity to each other. However, edge also increases the chance of the spread of invasive species and/or predatory species.

When planning, developing or enhancing any habitat component, edge and ecotone should be an important consideration. Edges and ecotone should be irregular in shape and should be gradual (soft) in nature.

Upland herbaceous openings Forest openings, also called herbaceous openings, are areas in the forest where woody vegetation is absent or sparse. These areas are generally covered with herbaceous, or non-woody, plants such as grasses and forbs. Such plants serve as substrata for grass- hoppers and other insects that thrive in the opening. The insects, in turn, are an important source of protein for ruffed grouse chicks and wild turkey poults. Other species, such as deer and rabbits, graze on the succulent forage. Foxes, raptors, and other predators are attracted to the openings because of an abundance of small mammals such as mice and voles. These are areas within the forest that are less than 30% stocked with trees that are dominated by herbaceous vegetation.

Consider the landscape setting when planning and/or developing herbaceous openings. Herbaceous openings should not be developed in close proximity to agricultural areas or where forests are highly fragmented or perforated.

Within interior forests, consider developing and maintaining areas in herbaceous openings or orchards. These openings should not exceed 2% of the landscape setting. (see seeding recommendations in Flora Section).

These openings can range from .5 to 10 acres in size but preferably be .5 to 5 acres in size. Openings greater than 10 acres should be broken into smaller openings through planting or should be considered as a special management area.

Openings can include existing upland openings, orchard stands, rights-of-way, and well sites.

The use of native vegetation is preferred and should include nectar and host plants to support a diversity of butterflies, skippers and moths (see seeding recommendations in Flora Section).

Following cultural or development operations, access roads, log landings and other land clearings should be seeded to a native-dominated herbaceous vegetation mixture to prevent erosion and provide upland herbaceous openings.

Skid trails should be reseeded (see seeding recommendations in Flora Section) but these areas may reseed naturally where erosion and invasive species are not a problem.

Deciduous Brush-Stage (Early successional forests) Brushy areas in the forest consist of dense patches of small woody vegetation. Generally the brush is composed of young trees known as seedlings and saplings. An abundance of young trees can be the result of planned timber operations, which are a means of regenerating the forest. Brush also can be in the form of dense pockets of shrubs, such as scrub oak or speckled alder. Brushy areas provide food for

wildlife in the form of browse and fruits. Because of the density of these areas, they also provide excellent escape and nesting cover. Many wildlife species, including white-tailed deer and American woodcock, benefit from brushy habitat. Songbirds, such as the rufous-sided towhee, are dependent on brush for some of their habitat requirements. For more information consult the publication - Timber Sales and Wildlife.

5-10% of the forest should be in the brush stage or early successional forests.

The optimum size for brush-stage habitats is approximately 20 acres. However a total of 60 acres can be desirable by clustering 3 or more blocks. The blocks should be in proximity to each other.

All timber sales should reserve clumps of trees (.5-5 acres), strips of trees and/or scattered single trees. Select reserve trees on the basis of potential mast production, facilitation of travel lanes and future forest diversity.

Deciduous brush-stage habitat can include terrestrial and palustrine shrublands and forest stands in size classes 4 and 8.

These guidelines are integrated in the Timber Management Manual; for additional considerations, see the Timber Management Manual.

Polestage Forests (Stem Exclusion Stage forests) Seedlings and saplings eventually grow out of the brush stage into what foresters call the pole-stage forests and some ecologist term the stem exclusion stage. Although some wildlife species benefit from this seral stage, it is generally of less value than brush. Remedial actions can be taken in polestage areas to increase their potential for wildlife. The polestage is sometimes the first potential tree harvest, whether it be for fuel wood, weeding, or a thinning operation.

During harvests, careful attention should be paid to tree species. Save those species that you want to bring to maturity. Encourage a diversity of tree species, particularly those that will provide food or shelter for wildlife when they mature (see Reservation Guidelines).

Mast Production / Nectar producing and Host Plants When sexually mature, trees are capable of producing mast. Mast is the fruit of woody plants. Mast can be the hard-shelled seed of oak, hickory, walnut, or beech; the dry fruits of ash, maple, elm, and basswood; or fleshy fruits of trees like black cherry and apple. Mast is a high-protein food source for animals and birds such as black bears, ruffed grouse, and blue jays, white-tailed deer and the nuts are an important source of body fat, which animals need to survive in the winter (see chart on following page). Mature trees also provide nesting and feeding sites in their canopies. The upper branches and leaves that make up a tree's crown attract a variety of songbirds.

25-50% of the forest area should be in trees capable of producing mast (seed).

When possible, provide a mixture of species that will provide both hard and soft mast consideration should be given to retaining a diversity of mast trees. For example, acorns from white oaks reach maturity in one year, whereas it takes acorns from red oaks two years. Having both species of oaks on your property will help ensure a sufficient supply of acorns in years of poor acorn production.

Large, Old Trees / Old Growth Forests Most of the forested land in Pennsylvania is second growth. Scattered throughout the forests, however, are large, old trees that were left from the earlier cuttings. These trees usually have many limbs and branches that allow the trees to dominate the forest canopy and are therefore excellent producers of mast. Their numerous limbs provide a variety of roosting sites, and the large trunks may have cavities that

animals can use for dens. Many animal species, including barred owls, porcupines, and raccoons, find haven in these trees. All forest seres or systems are important components of managing state forestlands under an ecosystem management approach. Old growth forests provide ecological niches for a myriad of fauna species. There is generally a substantial level of structural diversity, including vertical diversity and dead and down wood, in old growth forests. Spiders appear to be more abundant in old growth along with several species of birds. (see Old Growth strategy in Ecological Considerations Section)

Several stands or patches of large, old trees should be present in each landscape regardless of the priority goals for the landscape. These stands or trees should collectively comprise >3% of the landscape.

Individual old trees should also be left throughout the landscape.

The following classes of land provide or have the potential to provide large, old tree habitat: buffers, natural areas, wild areas, and limited resource zones. If none of these classes of land occur within a compartment, reserve 1-5 acre stands or patches especially near wetlands, in steep ravines or along the edges of coniferous cover.

Protect all existing virgin or old growth remnant forests.

Advance old growth forested systems on state forests lands using areas zoned to promote a successional pattern toward potential old-growth systems.

Maintain a minimum of 20 percent of state forestlands as potential or existing old-growth areas.

Evergreen Habitat Wildlife most commonly use evergreens as cover from the cold and as nesting and escape cover. Low evergreen cover, such as mountain laurel, and high evergreen cover, such as a mature eastern hemlock stand, provide areas with smaller amounts of snow accumulation and protection from winter winds. They also provide year-round escape cover. Evergreen cover is essential to many species of warblers for nesting and is often used by the common crow as a roosting site. The mourning dove nests primarily in evergreen trees. The value of evergreens for wildlife depends on the species, size, and age of the evergreen stand and its location in relation to other cover types. Evergreen cover is best when found near brushy areas and small herbaceous openings.

Strive to develop and maintain 10% of the forest area in evergreen habitat.

Provide for both high (>10' in height) and low (<10' in height) evergreen habitat. Low evergreen habitat such as mountain laurel and rhododendron should not account for more than 5% of the 10% total evergreen component.

Preferably these areas should be .25 acre or greater in size.

Evergreen habitat can include natural coniferous stands, or thick pockets of understory hemlock, white pine, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Native spruce such as red or black spruce and red and pitch pine can be planted within their range.

Wildlife Food Shrubs, Vines and Fruit Trees Although trees are the dominant vegetation in a forest, there are often several layers of vegetation in the understory. Vertical diversity in the forest is as important for wildlife as is horizontal diversity. Understory plants often include shrubs, vines, and small trees that are valuable as a source of food and cover for wildlife. Valuable understory species include dogwood, witch hazel, hawthorne, apple, juneberry, viburnums, wild grape and so forth. Basically any native fruit-producing shrub or vine can benefit wildlife. Preserve or enhance native wildlife food producing small tree and shrub species in all timber cultural operations. For a listing of species to conserve, see chart below. Chart was adapted from Forest Stewardship, Wildlife, Number 5, Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Efforts should be made to retain these plants during a timber harvest or to improve their growth and survival by release cuttings.

Wild Grape should be favored in areas zoned as non-commercial forest and in pockets in commercial forest.

Sp = spring S = summer F = fall W = winter

Down Woody Material Dead trees or limbs on the ground, or "down woody material" offer both shelter and food to many wildlife species. As the tree decomposes, nutrients are recycled into the soil and a microhabitat favorable for the growth of new tree seedlings is often created. Insects, salamanders, snakes, mice, and shrews seek refuge in rotting logs. Skunks, bears, and woodpeckers repeatedly return to these cafeterias for easy pickings. Depending on a log's location relative to good cover, a grouse may use it as a drumming site. Some rot-resistant logs have been used by generations of ruffed grouse. For some mammals, including deer mice, chipmunks, and squirrels, log tops are highways over the forest floor.

Logs and stumps meet the special habitat requirements of the redback and slimy salamander. The four toed and long tailed salamanders hide in moist, decaying wood. The eggs of the northern spring salamander are laid in running water under logs. Seven species of turtles bask on logs that are in or near water. The eastern box turtle may burrow under a log during hot weather. The northern fence lizard is found in log piles and around stumps and hibernates in the rotting wood. Special habitat requirements of the five-Iined skink include open woods with logs and slash piles. Snakes use logs for shelter and food-seeking activity. Some species, such as the eastern garter snake and the eastern worm snake, hibernate in rotting wood. Often the rattlesnake coils next to a log and waits for food to arrive. At least 19 kinds of salamanders and 26 species of reptiles make some use of logs, stumps, bark, and slash piles in Pennsylvania's forests.

Monitor firewood collection to insure that some woody debris is left within the forest especially along public use roads.

Retain slash on areas treated by conventional timber operations.

Whole-tree harvests are discouraged on state forest lands. The State Forester or designee must approve whole tree harvests. If approved, retain slash on 10% of the area treated by "whole-tree" removal.

Retain 2-5 non-merchantable logs per acre on timber operations. Cull trees may be felled and left to accomplish this guideline.

Snags and Trees with Cavities Snags are dead trees that are still standing. They are often characterized by broken tops and limbs and are usually infested with insects and fungi. Snags are good feeding sites for many bird species, and are used as perches by flycatchers, hawks, and owls. Cavity trees are trees containing at least one hole that is suitable as a wildlife-nesting site. Cavity trees can be living trees or snags. In Pennsylvania, 21 species of mammals and 33 species of birds use tree cavities for nest sites, dens, and escape cover. Wood ducks, white-breasted nuthatches, screech owls, pileated woodpeckers, gray squirrels, and raccoons are some of the animals that depend on cavity trees for their existence.

Retain an average of 5 trees with cavities per acre and 1 to 5 snags per acre, of which all or part may be cavity trees, in all cultural operations.

o Ideally, trees with cavities should be apportioned as 4 trees per acre, which have an entrance hole less than 5" minimum diameter, and one tree per acre with an entrance hole greater than 5" minimum diameter.

o Preferably, these trees should be split between live and dead trees and should be distributed among various DBH classes with preference toward the larger DBH classes (>12" DBH).

o If the above guideline cannot be met with existing cavity trees, leave an average of 4-6 cull trees per acre in all timber operations. If desired, cull trees may be girdled.

o A uniform distribution of cavity trees may be both impractical and, from the standpoint of wildlife, undesirable. These guidelines apply to averages. A few acres may have an excess of cavity trees. This excess can compensate for the many acres that have few or no cavity trees.

Consider leaving more than the minimum number of cavity trees within 50 feet of an "edge" situation or along a stream, river or wetland.

Avoid cutting or removing hollow trees and limbs on the ground or standing trees (live or dead) within 15 yards of a field. In woodland areas that are immediately adjacent to this zone, reserve an average of from five to ten den trees per acre.

Avoid cutting or removing hollow trees and limbs within 30 yards of water zones (e.g., streamside riparian zones).

Educate firewood permittees to leave cavity trees within areas designated for fuelwood removal.

See Reservation Guidelines.

Spring Seeps Spring Seep - A permanent or semi-permanent spring where water emerges from the ground and flows across the soil surface without a defined bed and banks. The limits of the seep are demarked by the extent of surface water. Spring seeps are highly diverse and valuable components of our forest ecosystems in Pennsylvania. Spring seeps are important to wildlife as they provide a variety of food sources during periods of snow cover in addition to the diversity of species associated with the forested wetland habitat they create.

All existing spring seeps should be protected. o 100 foot buffer zone to retain shading, prevent erosion, and promote water flow o Maintain a 10-foot wide "no disturbance" buffer around the perimeter of the seep. o Manage an additional 90 foot buffer around the "no disturbance" area in which is retained

at least 50% canopy closure or a minimum basal area of 60 square feet of live trees. Retain cavity trees located within buffer. Avoid disturbing soil & leaf litter within the buffer: harvest under frozen or dry

conditions when possible; any ruts created within the buffer must be graded or raked to the original contour.

Fell trees away from seeps; leave tops in wetland if they fall into standing water.

Where property boundaries and topography permit, locate roads and heavy use recreational trails at least 150 feet downslope from head of seep; avoid roads within 150 feet uphill of seep. If topography does not permit recreational trails to be routed around the seep, elevate or stabilize trail surface as appropriate to ensure water flow and soil stability.

Encourage herbaceous vegetation around and below seeps and retain all valuable food producing small tree and shrub species in the vicinity of seeps, especially those seeps that remain open through the winter. Establish wildlife food shrubs and coniferous cover near seeps if needed.

Rights-of-Way

Vegetation on established rights-of-way will be maintained according to POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE OF VEGETATION ON RIGHTS-OF-WAY ON STATE FOREST LANDS (ERFM 4).

Approval of new rights-of-way or on established rights-of-way that are being treated so as to disturb the soil, the following guidelines apply:

o The District Forester will request of the lessee any GPS/GIS data of the proposed right-of-way. This data will be used to review potential impacts to ecological, cultural, and recreational resources.

o The District Forester will check the list of Compartments referencing archeological sites per the Bureau of Forestry's agreement with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. If a listed Compartment is affected, the District Forester will contact the Silviculture Section per standard operating procedures.

o The District Forester will conduct a PNDI review of the proposed right-of-way. If the PNDI results in no potential conflicts, the District Forester may approve the request and coordinate the right-of-way construction activities with the lessee in a manner that avoids or minimizes disturbance to the following ecological resources

Rare plants and animals Unique habitats Vernal ponds Spring Seeps Scrub oak/pitch pine communities Scree slopes/talus/boulder fields Sunny rock outcroppings Caves Wetlands Cliffs Exposed limestone or shale Stands of at least 100 trees with diameter at breast height > 30 inches Herbaceous openings in high-quality forage Other unusual features

o If the PNDI review results in a potential conflict, the District Forester will contact the Ecological Services Section.

The Ecological Services Section will evaluate the PNDI review results to determine if a field assessment is necessary. If a field assessment is not necessary, the Ecological Services Section will notify the District Forester, who will then grant approval for the right-of way and proceed.

Based on the PNDI review results, the Ecological Services Section could recommend that professionals conduct a field assessment with specialized expertise in ecological resources. Several options exist, including assessments conducted by:

Ecological Services Section staff Heritage Program biologist Qualified biologist (approved by the Bureau of Forestry) hired by the lessee

The Ecological Services Section will provide oversight of the assessment and will provide instructions and a list of resources and features that will be considered in the assessment. The Lessee will be invited to accompany the persons conducting the assessment.

Persons conducting the assessment will report the results to the Ecological Services Section, the District Forester, the Lessee, and the Operations Section. The Ecological Services section will evaluate potential conflicts.

If the Ecological Services Section identifies a conflict, DCNR will facilitate a resolution, or if no conflicts are identified, the Ecological Services Section will notify the District Forester so that approval can be granted and road or pipeline activities can begin, following the guidelines beginning with number four above.

o In addition to the referenced ecological resources, the District Forester will coordinate right-of-way activities with lessees to avoid or minimize disturbance to cultural resources and recreational and other uses of state forest land.

o Erosion and sedimentation BMPs, which the Bureau of Forestry follows for timber sale road construction and other soil-disturbing activities, apply to all soil-disturbing activities for right-of-way development.

o If possible, the guidelines for wildlife habitat improvement as recommended by wildlife biologist should be followed during construction activities.

Where undesirable vegetation, from a wildlife food and cover standpoint, exists on established rights-of-way, the revegetation of these areas should be pursued. For recommendations on revegetation, see seeding recommendations.

On each side of the right-of-way edge in an undulating pattern within the adjacent forest, several potential treatments should be pursued. These treatments include;

border cuttings, selective timber harvesting and the planting of coniferous species.

Artificial Nest/Den Structures Artificial nest/den structures are man-made structures designed to provide shelter for certain animal species. These artificial structures can be used to enhance a particular animal population (ex. wood duck, bluebird) by supplementing natural cavity, nest or den sites. Many birds and mammals can benefit from artificial nests. However, houses must be built to certain specifications and be properly placed to ensure desired results. Artificial structures can also be used as a tool in managing for certain species of special concern.

For specific guidelines on structures pertaining to a particular species or group of species, see the publication - Woodworking for Wildlife.

Cliffs and Rubble Land Cliffs are generally steep, vertical rock facings. Rubble lands are areas where boulders and stones cover the surface and is less than 30% stocked with trees. These areas provide secure nesting sites and unique microhabitats for some species of wildlife. Birds such as raptors and cliff swallows can be found on these rocks, along with reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Although management potential for these areas is limited, their value to some wildlife species is great and should be recognized.

These unique habitats should be identified and enhancement of nesting or denning sites should be considered.

See timber rattlesnake guidelines.

Disturbed Areas

Wildlife habitat development should be considered when revegetating disturbed areas (strip-mine land, oil well sites, gravel pits, etc.). Consult the landscape plan for landscape goals and/or deficient habitat components and plan revegetation strategies accordingly.

For sample revegetation plans and additional information on disturbed area reclamation, consult the Ecological Services Section.

Wetland Habitats

Wetlands are extremely variable in their appearance and/or function. There are several definitions of what constitutes a wetland but a good generic definition, as used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is "Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Wetlands generally have three attributes: (1) presence of hydrophytic (wetland) vegetation, (2) presence of hydric (typically non-drained), and (3) presence of water during the growing season. Historically, ecological functions and economic values associated with wetlands included mainly waterfowl and furbearers. However, a host of wildlife use and depend on wetlands for their existence. Wetlands, in fact, are the most productive habitats in Pennsylvania. The protection and management of wetlands is as diverse as the wetlands themselves. For information on managing wetland habitats for fauna consult Wetlands and Wildlife.

Essentially all wetlands on State Forest lands are subject to regulatory control. Wetland protection and protection in Pennsylvania are addressed by a variety of federal and state public agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Perhaps the most important program involving wetland protection by the federal government is Section 404 of the Clean Waters Act that establishes the federal authority to regulate certain activities in waters of the United States, including wetlands. The Dam Safety and Encroachment Act and accompanying Chapter 105 regulations provide protection at the state level by requiring permits be obtained prior to the construction of any obstruction or encroachment on any watercourse, floodway, or body of water, including wetlands. The following guidelines apply to wetlands on State Forest lands:

All Wetlands

All wetlands will be protected or enhanced.

All wetlands will be inventoried and evaluated during scheduled landscape examinations. See landscape examination (Adobe PDF - 45 Kb).

Wetlands may be created or developed in suitable areas. Consult PNDI (for species of special concern), compartment soil maps, Pennsylvania Game and Fish Commissions, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and Pennsylvania DEP Bureau of Dams and Waterways Management prior to wetland development. Permits are usually required for work in wetlands.

Proposed disturbances in wetlands will undergo an environmental review and be approved by the State Forester or designee.

Spring Seeps Spring Seep - A permanent or semi-permanent spring where water emerges from the ground and flows across the soil surface without a defined bed and banks. The limits of the seep are demarked by the extent of surface water. Spring seeps are highly diverse and valuable components of our forest ecosystems in Pennsylvania. Spring seeps are important to wildlife as they provide a variety of food sources during periods of snow cover in addition to the diversity of species associated with the forested wetland habitat they create.

see spring seeps guidelines in terrestrial habitats.

Vernal Ponds; Ephemeral Pond; Autumnal Ponds Vernal Ponds are small, temporary bodies of water in a depression fed by surface water and/or groundwater (typically does not persist year-round). Also called ephemeral, fluctuating pools and autumnal ponds.

200 foot buffer zone to retain shading and minimize soil and leaf litter disturbance o Maintain a 100-foot wide "no disturbance" buffer around the perimeter of the pond

including fuelwood harvests. o Manage an additional 100 foot buffer around the "no disturbance" area in which is

retained at least 50% canopy closure or a minimum basal area of 60 square feet of live trees.

Restrict cutting operations within buffer to November through January. Any ruts created within the buffer must be graded or raked to the original contour. Recreational trails may be located within the buffer, provided the trail does not

increase sediment in the pond.

Aquatic and Riparian Habitat

The necessary factor or unifying force that sets aquatic systems apart from terrestrial systems is the constant presence of water. It is the medium in which both living and abiotic aspects of the ecosystem exist. There are many different kinds of aquatic ecosystems. The majority of the aquatic ecosystems on State Forest lands are moving-water systems (rivers, streams) or lakes and/or ponds. The nature and quality of these systems are critical to the survival of thousands of fauna species on State Forest lands. Riparian areas or streamside forests are critical to the protection of our aquatic ecosystems. Due of their location, riparian areas play a critical role in protecting water quality, reducing soil erosion and enhancing fish and wildlife resources. Also, because of the dendritic pattern exhibited by most of our streams, riparian zones provide travel lanes or corridors for many wildlife species. Aquatic and riparian system are linked. Riparian habitats form a natural buffer between an aquatic ecosystem and the drier upland terrestrial systems.

Aquatic Community Classification An aquatic community classification project is currently underway in Pennsylvania by the Natural Heritage program including The Nature Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. The Pennsylvania Aquatic Community Classification Project (project) proposes to develop and apply standardized aquatic ecosystem classifications and reference conditions, which will allow conservation planners to identify, characterize and map existing locations of freshwater plants and animals and their habitats across the state and assess their relative conservation priority. The project will help identify the highest priority areas for aquatic resource protection as well as augment and strengthen statewide conservation programs while providing important data to watershed groups and other organizations to assist local watershed planning, protection and restoration efforts. The project will proceed in two phases. Phase I will be primarily a collection and analysis of existing data requiring limited fieldwork with the objective of developing a draft aquatic community classification. Phase II will include extensive testing and refinement of the classification through field surveys, analysis and determination of rarity and quality of each community type identified. Furthermore, Phase II will include cross-references to regional and national classifications. The project will require several years to complete.

Participate in the aquatic community classification by supporting funding and reviewing technical material.

Implement aquatic community classification on State Forest lands upon project completion.

In-Stream Restoration and Improvement

Retain woody debris in streams that threatens infrastructure (i.e. bridges).

Remove in-stream debris whenever such debris might: o Increase the rate of silt deposition or cause an alteration to the existing channel. o Prevent fish passage, particularly from larger bodies of warm water into smaller, colder,

feeder streams. o Slow the rate of flow and thereby contribute to the warming of a trout stream above 68oF.

Small, shallow, low gradient streams are particularly susceptible to warming in that their flow is easily obstructed and they have relatively sensitive thermal regimes.

All in stream alterations require an Environmental Review and an encroachment permit from DEP Bureau of Dams and Waterways Management and the notification and, in certain instances, the approval of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Prohibit any in stream activities, which might result in silt washing downstream unless an erosion and sedimentation control plan has been filed and approved.

For more information on In-Stream Restoration and Improvements, contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission or Bureau of Forestry Ecological Services Section.

Litter

Remove all litter (human disposed trash) from the stream channel.

Streamside (Riparian) Maintenance, Restoration and Improvement

Retain high canopy forests along watercourses and waterbodies.

Stabilize eroding stream banks to prevent siltation and to provide shelter. Seed exposed and plant native tolerant woody species such as willow, alders or silky dogwood. Consult with the Ecological Services Section for riparian zone seeding and planting recommendations.

When natural disturbances (fire, windthrow, flood, or defoliation) result in the removal of the riparian zone canopy, attempts should be made to restore the riparian zone as soon as possible.

If wind throw occurs in riparian zones, keep tree in place - do not remove. Trees cut within 50-feet of the stream should be winched out.

Roads and rights-of-way should be located away from stream courses. The filter strip between a stream and road or ROW should be a minimum of 50 feet plus 4 feet for each one percent of slope, or where there is an effective filter strip.

Stream crossing should be avoided whenever possible. All roads must cross watercourses, even small springs and seeps, on culverts, bridges or approved fords. Consider using open-bottom arch culverts where fish passage is a concern. Stream crossings should be at a right angle to the stream. Refer to the Silviculture Manual for stream crossing specifications.

Drilling sites or mineral excavation should not be located within 200 feet of a stream or impoundment. Refer to the Oil and Gas Guidelines for additional information regarding oil and gas development.

Any activities in which soils are disturbed must be regulated by erosion and sedimentation control plans which will prevent disturbance of established drainage ways and prohibit exposure of unprotected soils to uncontrolled erosion.

Water Quality

During landscape examinations locate and assess the nature and extent of existing or potential sedimentary, thermal, and chemical pollution that is having or might have a detrimental effect on the aquatic resources.

o Prepare a short statement outlining location, impact and recommendations and send to the Division of Resource Planning & Information. RP&I will forward the statement to the appropriate agency in consultation with the District.

Pesticides. All proposed applications of pesticides that will affect the aquatic resource must be submitted to the Fishery Resources Biologist, Bureau of Fisheries and Engineering, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, for review.

Remote Trout Streams The majority of the trout streams in Pennsylvania are within easy access to the fishing public, however, there are remote trout streams on State Forest lands that provide an opportunity for walk-in fishing, away from the crowds and a highly mechanized society. Prior to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's Wilderness Trout Stream Program, the Bureau of Forestry recognized the value of these streams.

The remoteness of these streams should be considered whenever additional access is proposed for timber management or mineral development. New administrative access roads that will make Remote Trout Streams more accessible should be closed to motorized vehicles.

Wilderness Trout Streams - Exceptional Value Waters Certain trout streams have been classified in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission as "Wilderness Trout Streams". Many of these streams have also been classified as Exceptional Value Waters under Title 25, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 93, Water Quality standards. The Wilderness Trout Streams program as established by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission "is designed to protect and promote native trout fisheries, the ecological requirements necessary for natural reproduction of trout and wilderness aesthetics." Under Chapter 93, all streams within the Commonwealth have been classified according to present condition and use. Water quality criteria have been established for each classification delineating the limits of metals, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, etc. that can occur within the streams in each class. Exceptional Value Waters are an exception in that specific criteria for levels of pollutants were not established but rather an "existing quality" or "antidegradation" criteria was established which specifies that no pollutants can be discharged into a stream of that class. This means that no man-made or man-caused activity subject to the control of the Department will be permitted if it will alter the water quality of the stream. The Exceptional Value Waters classification was established to fulfill the federal requirement that some outstanding national high quality stream resources within the Commonwealth be given special protection to insure that their high quality is retained. The following management guidelines have been developed in order to meet the objectives of the Wilderness Trout Streams program and meet the antidegradation requirements of Exceptional Value Waters: Access

A limited access zone where public motor vehicle traffic is excluded should be established for one-fourth mile on each side of the stream. The length of the limited access zone should be no less than two miles. Topographic or other physical features may dictate consideration of a narrower zone. Existing drivable trails can be closed to vehicular traffic in order to create a limited access zone. After considering all alternatives, public use roads may be closed providing campsite lessees or private interior landowners do not use the road.

All existing roads within the limited access zone may be used for administrative purposes. New access roads needed for resource management can be constructed within the limited access zone providing the roads are gated and posted to exclude public motor vehicles.

Timber Management

Timber management will be permitted on Wilderness Trout stream watersheds and Exceptional Value watersheds as provided in the Timber Management Manual but with the following additional restrictions:

o Wilderness Trout Streams will have a 200-foot zone on each side of the stream where only cutting for human safety will be permitted. Exceptional Value Waters that are not classified as Wilderness Trout Streams will have a 100-foot no-cut buffer on each side of the stream.

o Haul roads will be located away from the stream course; the distance between the stream and a parallel road or trail shall be 200-feet plus four-feet for each one percent of slope. Fording of stream channels is not permitted. Culverts will be permitted only on intermittent and small tributary stream channels averaging less than 10-feet in width during mean annual flow. Bridges will be permitted but only if they can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the stream banks. Haul roads and skid roads within one-fourth

mile of all intermittent and perennial streams will be limed, fertilized, and seeded after their use is no longer needed. Mulch will be applied to roads at 1.5 tons per acre if determined to be necessary by the District Forester.

o Sawmill sets or debarker-chipper installations shall not be permitted within the one-fourth mile limited access zone on each side of the stream.

Utility Corridors

Pipeline and powerline corridors will be avoided, whenever possible, within the one-fourth mile limited access zone on each side of the stream. When they cannot be avoided, all disturbed areas within the limited access zone will be seeded and limed and fertilized as recommended Ecological Services Section. Mulch will be applied to all disturbed areas where the slope exceeds 15 percent and other areas if determined to be necessary by the District Forester.

Pipeline stream crossings will be permitted where necessary but only after proper review and approval by the District Forester and DEP- Bureau of Dams and Waterways Management.

Rights-of-way will be as narrow as possible within the 200-foot streamside buffer and a screen of native small trees or tall shrubs should either be maintained or planted within the 200-foot zone. If the trees on an electric transmission right-of-way will not interfere with the power line, the 200-foot streamside buffer should not be disturbed.

Mineral Development

Mineral development will be permitted within the watershed as outlined in the Oil and Gas Guidelines but with the following additional restrictions:

o Well drilling sites must be located a minimum distance from the stream of 200-feet plus 4 feet for each one percent grade of the slope between the stream and proposed well site.

o Strip-mining will not be permitted within the one-fourth mile limited access zone on each side of the stream.

o Roads associated with mineral sites must be located a minimum distance from the stream of 200 feet plus 4 feet for each one percent grade of the slope between the stream and the road or where there is an effective filter strip. When stream crossings are necessary they will be permitted but with the following restrictions: 1) Fords will not be permitted. 2) Culverts will be permitted only on intermittent and small (generally unnamed) tributary streams. 3) Bridges will be permitted but only if they can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to stream banks.

o Roads within one-fourth mile of all intermittent and perennial streams will be revegetated upon termination of the mineral activity.

High Quality - Cold Water Fishery Streams classified as High Quality - Cold Water Fishery under Title 25, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards are subject to the same antidegradation water quality restrictions as are Exceptional Value Waters. The difference is that no water quality degradation is permitted of Exceptional Value Waters but degradation is permitted of High Quality Waters for justifiable social and economic reasons. The following Management Guidelines have been developed in order to meet the antidegradation requirements for High Quality Streams: Timber Management

Timber Management will be permitted within the watersheds of High Quality Streams as provided in the Timber Management Manual but with the following additional restrictions:

o Haul roads will be located away from the stream course. The distance between the stream and a parallel road or trail shall be a minimum of 200 feet plus four feet for each one percent of slope or where an effective filter strip is present. Culverts and bridges will be permitted but only if they can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to stream

banks. Haul roads and skid roads within one-fourth mile of all intermittent and perennial streams will be revegetated upon termination of the logging operation.

Utility Corridors

Pipeline and powerline corridors should be avoided whenever possible. When they cannot be avoided, all disturbed areas adjacent to the stream will be revegetated as recommended by the Ecological Services Section.

Powerline crossings of streams will be permitted. Rights-of-way should be as narrow as possible within the streamside buffer.

Pipeline stream crossings will be permitted only after proper review by the DEP Bureau of Dams and Waterway Management.

Mineral Development

Mineral development will be permitted within High Quality watersheds as provided for in the Oil and Gas Guidelines but with the following additional restrictions:

o Well drilling sites and roads must be located a minimum distance from the stream of 200 feet plus four feet for each one percent grade of the slope between the stream and proposed well site.

o Strip-mining will not be permitted within a one-fourth mile of each side of the stream. o Roads associated with mineral sites must be located a minimum distance from the

stream of 200 feet plus 4 feet for each one percent grade of the slope between the stream and the road. When stream crossings are necessary they will be permitted but with the following restrictions: 1) Fords will not be permitted. 2) Culverts will be permitted only on intermittent and small (generally unnamed) tributary streams. 3) Bridges will be permitted but only if they can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the stream banks and channel.

o Roads within one-fourth mile of all intermittent and perennial streams will be revegetated in such a manner as designated or approved by the District Forester in cooperation with the BOF Ecological Services Section.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the foregoing management requirements can be granted by joint approval of the State Forester and the Director of the DEP Bureau of Water Quality Management. Exceptions will be granted only for justifiable social or economic reasons.

Caves and Karst Habitats

Caves are natural underground chambers that open to the surface. Caves provide shelter, nesting and roosting sites for animals such as bats, wood rats and bobcats. Caves and other karst resources on state forest lands are experiencing increasing recreational use. Most caves and karst features found on state forest lands have been managed individually using a variety of methods. There are some common threats to karst and cave features on state forest lands. These include destruction and alteration, vandalism, impacts by cavers, and degradation of entrances. At present, there are no specific management plans written for individual caves or karst features. The following guidelines apply to the management of these resources on State Forests.

Resource Identification

The bureau shall develop a strategy to survey and identify significant cave and karst features on State forest lands.

The caving community has a wealth of knowledge concerning caves on state forest lands. These organizations, groups and individuals should be canvassed and partnerships should be established.

Survey information should include the cave's name, location, a brief description, cave map, topographic overlay, drainage/recharge area, significant features/values, and special hazards.

Resource Protection:

Suitable gates or other structures should be considered for high public use caves that are critical habitat for species of special concern or where they are necessary for public health and safety.

Caves should be managed to protect their natural state, and to perpetuate their natural ecological processes, including the interactions of cave and surface biological communities.

Maintain and enhance the water quality of cave and karst spring systems and prevent subsurface disturbances that may affect water quality.

Natural cave entrances should be maintained in a natural state.

Activities that may cause direct subsurface impacts to cave passages must undergo an environmental review and be approved by the State Forester or designee. These activities include drilling, excavation, mining, and similar activities.

Surface and subsurface activities that may impact subsurface karst resources shall be appropriately designed and conducted to minimize impacts to karst systems.

Recreation and User Management:

Recreational caving is recognized as a legitimate use of cave resources. o Access to caves containing sensitive or especially significant resources, or to those

posing significant safety hazards, shall be regulated at the discretion of the district forester in consultation with the Ecological Services Section.

Existing trails should be rerouted away from cave proximities as needed.

Research

The Bureau of Forestry should pursue research of caves and karst features on state forest lands to determine the faunal composition of these caves and identify specific needs to protect these caves.

Research requests should follow normal operating procedures (see research guidelines)

Species of Special Concern

Goal 2: Protect species of special concern and promote their recovery to viable levels. The Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) is Pennsylvania's natural heritage program. PNDI's primary purpose is to monitor the status and map the location of plants and animals in Pennsylvania that are threatened or endangered, on the decline, or little understood. PNDI also identifies the best examples of natural communities in the state, and provides information on outstanding geologic features. Natural communities include a diverse array of habitats, such as grasslands, wetlands, shrub lands, forests, and aquatic systems. Outstanding geologic features include a variety of unique examples of Pennsylvania geology. The collection and management of this information is accomplished through a partnership

between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Environmental Review Protection of the Commonwealth's State Forests can be accomplished in harmony with the sustainable use of our natural resources. Since 1984, PNDI data has been a component of environmental assessments on State Forest land. These evaluations help to prevent damage to valuable ecological areas and can save planning and development costs by identifying potential land use conflicts in the early stages of proposed projects. The Bureau of Forestry conducts environmental reviews for species of special concern for projects (e.g. timber sales or hiking trials) that are initiated on lands managed by the Bureau of Forestry. The PNDI Internet Database, which may be found through the IntraForestry Website, is accessible to Bureau of Forestry employees and other approved agency staff. Searches are conducted by logging into the database and entering the project type, acreage of project, and either the latitude/longitude or inches up and over on a given USGS Topographical Quadrangle map. The system, using the database, creates a receipt/results page that may be printed out and used for reference. The PNDI Internet Database Search Results page tells the person conducting the search the next step that they may have to take. First, the search may result in no conflict with the project area. If this result is received then no further action is required. Second, the search may result in potential conflict or conflicts with the project site. In the case of a potential conflict a listing of agencies or persons will be provided for one to contact for consultation.

Fauna Any project search that results in a potential animal conflict may require contact with several different agencies, individual biologists, or other experts, depending on the species. For all Bureau of Forestry projects these conflicts should be directed to a wildlife biologist on staff within the Ecological Services Section, Bureau of Forestry. BOF field staff will work directly with the Bureau biologist, and in turn the biologist will work with corresponding experts in a cooperative effort to gather information and make recommendations for the protection of the species of concern.

New occurrences of federal and state listed animal species of concern on State Forest land will be identified by scientists through inventory and recorded in the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) database.

Where a federal and/or state-listed species of concern or unique species is known to occur on State Forest land, appropriate measures will be taken to insure against adverse man-made or natural (e.g., deer browse, invasive species) disturbances to the species and habitats critical to their survival.

Existing and historic occurrences in the PNDI database for species of special concern will be periodically field visited and monitored.

Training will be provided to district staff on species of special concern natural history and identification. If the district staff locates new locations for species of special concern, they will contact the BOF, Ecological Services Section to report the information.

Keystone Species Special Management Areas

Goal 4: Provide for the conservation of "keystone" and other specific animal species or habitats by designating special management areas and developing specific strategies for the management of these resources.

The habitat guidelines established for terrestrial, wetland, aquatic/riparian, and cave habitats represent the Bureau's "normal" operating plan on State Forest lands. In conjunction with these guidelines, certain areas have been designated as Special Management Areas and several species have been identified as "keystone species". Keystone species are generally species of fauna that increase or decrease the diversity of systems. Because of their relative importance these species deserve specific treatment in management strategies. Special Management Areas have been given their designation either because they are managed for a particular species or group of species or they represent a unique ecosystem or habitat type. Because of the nature of these species and/or areas, the Bureau's management strategies employed on them generally deviate from the "normal" operating guidelines. Specific plans have been established for these species and/or areas.

Keystone Species

White-tailed Deer White-tailed deer are well recognized for their potential to profoundly influence the forest. Deer are also a tremendous resource pursued by many for sport hunting and for wildlife viewing. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is actively planning to implement the proposed Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) on the State Forests in the fall of 2003. Our long-term goal is to restore the sustainability of our forest systems, including forest plants and habitat for the diverse assemblage of forest wildlife that these forests have historically supported and still possess the potential to support. For the short-term, however, we will work to identify priority areas where we can begin to reduce deer browsing pressure incrementally, until we begin to see the forest community responses. The planning process includes both centralized development of protocols and template plans, and field based data collection and mapping. A draft monitoring protocol has been developed, is under review, and will be in place prior to the field data collection season (the month of May, primarily). The protocol is heavily weighted towards vegetative monitoring, specifically the browsing pressure on a variety of indicator plants. It includes a minimal level of data collection on overwinter deer density, through the pellet group technique, to get an estimate of relative population density (i.e., low - 10-15 deer/mi2, moderate - 20-30 deer/mi2, or high - > 30 deer/mi2). Specific goals will be to reduce deer densities to moderate browsing. The approach will be to not try to estimate population levels precisely, or predetermine a desired deer population level, but to base the management decision on the vegetative response to reduced browsing pressure. This is a very important point to remember. We are using this to address the forest conditions, not decide on a specific number of deer/mi2. That number is so widely variable, dependent on forest conditions, availability of alternate food sources, local harvesting intensity, long-term browsing history, and many other factors. Over the long-term, we will expand the number of DMAP areas to begin to address this issue across the State Forest system. Some areas will use DMAP for up to several years, while others may accomplish the goals in one to two years. Monitoring will be ongoing following DMAP implementation on a site, returning periodically to assess when it will be necessary to come back in for follow-up work. Often we will likely treat a large area the first few years, achieve the goal on much of the area, but monitoring will show us the need for further reductions on some smaller sites within. We can then focus the DMAP tags on those specific sites (at reduced numbers) and work to resolve the overbrowsing on those hotspots. This year we will be working out the "bugs" in the system, looking for feedback on how to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and growing public and hunter support for DMAP. The main premise of DMAP is to, through additional site-specific tags, entice hunters to areas where additional deer harvest is

necessary. Hunters must become willing to move to new areas and harvest additional doe in those areas. Many times these will be remote or otherwise inaccessible. Another issue will be to help provide an outlet for the additional venison. Hunters are unwilling to harvest more deer than they can personally use, but, if a venison donation system is in place and funded, they will often harvest additional deer to be dropped off at the collection points. These are issues and opportunities we will need to promote in whatever ways possible. Finally, we must keep in mind that deer are a tremendous natural resource when properly managed. Many Pennsylvania families depend on venison for low-cost protein, especially in rural areas. Far more enjoy seeing deer in their natural habitats while driving through our countryside. And, of course, hunting is a primary recreational activity throughout the forests of Pennsylvania. We must remain aware of these values, be sensitive to them, and be careful not to begin to think of deer as a nuisance species, only one that needs more active, thoughtful management. Bureau-wide Level DMAP Planning

1. Wildlife Program develops template plan (Wildlife Program) 2. Wildlife Program develops monitoring protocols (external Expert review completed in Draft form

4/21/2003) (Wildlife Program) 3. Wildlife Program in cooperation with Forest Pest Management Division develops field data

collection software (FPM loaner on hardware for 2003, Wildlife Program purchased hardware for ongoing use) (Wildlife Program and FPM)

4. Wildlife Program coordinates training and standardized approach (Wildlife Program) 5. Wildlife Program coordinates information flow to and from Game Commission and public (Wildlife Program)

Local DMAP Planning

1. District staff identify proposed DMAP areas (District staff) 2. District staff determines DMAP goals for each area (District staff) 3. District staff produce shapefiles of proposed DMAP areas (District staff) 4. District staff trained to complete monitoring (Wildlife Program and District staff) 5. District staff compiles summary data from recent (within past 2 years) Regeneration assessments

(SILVAH or DMAP monitoring) within the proposed DMAP areas (Silviculture Section, Resource Planning, and District staff)

6. Wildlife Program analyzes summary data to support DMAP nomination (Wildlife Program) 7. District staff determines deer population reduction goal (in deer/mi2 to be reduced) (District staff) 8. Wildlife Program compiles Game Commission data on Antlerless Deer Harvest for Public Lands

in DMAP Area township, and estimates previous year's harvest on DMAP Area (Wildlife Program) 9. Wildlife Program compiles Game Commission data on Hunter Success rates for Antlerless

Licenses for DMAP Area county (Wildlife Program)

DMAP Effectiveness Monitoring

1. Each District will conduct more intensive monitoring on the ecological responses to DMAP for each Ecoregion in the District (District staff)

2. The District staff will use standardized monitoring of plots on a grid of one plot per 250 acres to assess browsing of woody vegetation and woody species diversity and abundance (District staff)

3. The Wildlife Program will conduct annual surveys of known wildflower populations in each DMAP monitoring area to assess browsing pressure and species diversity and abundance (Wildlife Program)

DMAP Application

1. Wildlife Program supplies template DMAP Plan to District staff (Wildlife Program)

2. District staff inputs acreages, descriptions, maps, and contact information into the Area Plan (District staff)

3. Wildlife Program inputs findings from data analyses into plan for justification to use DMAP (Wildlife Program)

4. Wildlife Program computes number of antlerless permits necessary to reduce deer population by desired amount, and requests them in the DMAP Plan (Wildlife Program)

5. District submits final draft of DMAP Plan to the Game Commission prior to July 1 each year (District staff)

DMAP Permit Dissemination

1. Game Commission evaluates DMAP Plan 2. Game Commission sends hunter "coupons" to District, along with guidance on posting

requirements for DMAP area (District staff time - posting) 3. DCNR publicizes application deadline for DMAP coupons, along with request form in press

release (Wildlife Program and Press Office) 4. District staff holds public drawing on September __ to mail coupons to successful requestors

(District staff time - major commitment) 5. Unsuccessful requestors are sent back a response by October 1 (District staff) 6. Unallocated

coupons are disseminated to hunters on a first come - first served basis (District staff time - minor commitment)

DMAP Information transfer

1. Statewide press release on DCNR plans to implement program 2. Maps of DMAP areas on DCNR website (need web support) 3. District staff meets with local hunter organizations (District staff time - moderate)

Additional Monitoring Ideas to evaluate DMAP effectiveness

1. Forest Rangers and other field staff distribute windshield survey to hunters within DMAP areas (District staff time - minor commitment)

2. Deer coming from DMAP areas aged and weighed by field staff or volunteers 3. Mail survey distributed with coupon to successful coupon recipients

Sample Plan Deer Management Plan to allow the use of Deer Management Assistance Program Tags on a the Spinning Wheel Area, Tioga State Forest

Submitted by: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry

Contact person: Merlin Benner, Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Forestry P.O. Box 8552 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 717-787-3706

Maps: See attached maps (showing boundaries, access points, recent timber harvests, and fenced deer exclosures)

Description: That area of the Tioga State Forest within Tioga County, Morris Township, Pennsylvania Game Commission Deer Management Unit #5, bounded by Pine Creek on the East and South, the Cedar Run Road on the West, and the Painter-Leetonia Road on the North. The designated area encompasses approximately 18,000 acres of forestland that is used for recreation, timber production, and the conservation of biological diversity. All of the designated area is open to public hunting except for safety zones around occupied cabins throughout the area. Hunter access to the area can occur along all the state forest roads within the area, with parking areas at trailheads located in Blackwell and at Rattlesnake Rock.

Site Access and Physical Characteristics: This area is a part of the Allegheny Plateau that is deeply cut by steep valleys. Oak forests dominate, with some dense hemlock stands along the headwaters. Some areas have large patches of mountain laurel in the understory. The best access to the area is from the West Rim Road, which runs north from Rt. 414 just south of Blackwell. There are adjoining roads that run down the major drainages to the Cedar Run Road, and numerous hiking trails and gated access roads throughout. For a public use map of the area, contact: Tioga State Forest, Box 94, Wellsboro, PA 16901 (570-724-2868).

Deer Mgt. Goals:

Promote diverse, healthy natural habitat

Promote wildlife species diversity

Reduce the need for fencing to establish tree seedlings and forest regeneration

Manage for a balanced deer sex ratio (1:1 buck:doe)

Allow a diversity of wildflower and shrub species to recover on this area

Reduce deer browsing on a Threatened or Endangered native wild plant species ____________________(plant species from Species of Special Concern List)

Forest sustainability is threatened on this area by overabundant deer; therefore, the goal is to reduce the deer pressure to the point where the forest will persist and function into the future.

Justification for use of additional antlerless deer harvest:

The Bureau of Forestry currently maintains __________ acres of deer exclosures in _____________ fences (see map). Over the past 10 years, __________ acres of forestland have been harvested for timber , forest age class structure, and wildlife management goals. We have plans to conduct _________ acres of additional timber harvest in this area over the next ___ years. Currently, __________ % of timber harvests in this area must be fenced to ensure forest regeneration and sustainability. The species diversity of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers occurring in this area in forest regeneration are greatly reduced from those that should naturally occur. See comparison between vegetative plots taken from the area within and outside of deer deterrent fencing (Appendix I). The ratio of preferred to non-preferred understory plant species (as forage by deer) on plots within this area is _________. Also, browsing on these species is summarized in Table 1., and shows severe browsing on highly preferred species, severe browsing on moderately preferred species, and moderate browsing on non-preferred species of plants. Among wildflowers on the area, only _________ % of trillium species, __________ % of Indian Cucumber, and ________ % of Canada Mayflower were found to be flowering, versus ________%, ________%, _________% respectively for these same species found within fenced exclosures. Also outside the fences, __________ % of beech stems were browsed, indicating a _________ high deer browsing pressure. Within this area, a population of _____________________ exists, a State _________ species, and this population is being threatened with extirpation by deer browsing. The deer browsing pressure must be reduce to protect this population of rare plants. This area has historically contained a high diversity of wildflower species, including __________, __________, _______________, and _____________. These species have been greatly reduced or extirpated from the area by deer overbrowsing. The deer browsing pressure needs to be reduced to restore this forest community.

Number of DMAP tags Requested: _____________

Elk

Elk are a keystone management species, especially for managing the State Forests for watchable wildlife. DCNR has developed an Elk Viewing and Tourism Plan to manage and promote watchable wildlife recreation within the elk range. We also have formed the Habitat Challenge Initiative for Pennsylvania's Elk Range to improve habitat quality to manage elk distribution and viewing opportunities. Other watchable wildlife opportunities are being incorporated into the sites and strategies of DCNR's elk-related management and planning, with elk being the "flagship." Other watchable resources being promoted here include butterflies, birds, vistas, deer, other mammals, waterfowl and water resources. The elk plan can be viewed through the following web site: http://www.fermatainc.com/pennelk/reports.html

Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy

The Bureau of Forestry will enact the following measures to adequately conserve Timber Rattlesnakes on the State Forest lands of the Commonwealth. These measures are designed to reflect the current "state of the art" in rattlesnake knowledge, but will be adapted as new information becomes available. Inherent to this strategy is the understanding that timber rattlesnakes are sensitive to human disturbance, primarily through direct killing when they are encountered.

Conservation measures: 1. EDUCATION a. Bureau of Forestry Employees i. Schedule training sessions for Forestry employees to inform them of rattlesnake biology, issues,

and how to best convey the information to loggers and others who may come into contact with rattlesnakes

b. Loggers i. Produce a brochure to hand out to loggers, fellers, skidders, and all other operators on State

Forest sites (including mineral and gas lessees) providing information on rattlesnake biology, issues, and how to handle encounters with snakes

ii. Inform loggers in the preharvest conference (and other operators on State Forest lands) about the Bureau of Forestry's concern for Timber Rattlesnakes, and inform them about how to handle snake encounters

2. MANAGEMENT BUFFERS AROUND DEN SITES AND BASKING AREAS a. Timber Harvest Seasonal Restriction: A 300 foot protective buffer will be implemented around all

known rattlesnake den sites and basking areas (as defined by a qualified rattlesnake expert) within which timber harvest will be limited to the period between November 1 and March 31. Also, within this buffer, no large rocks (> 2' diameter) may be disturbed by skidding activities.

b. Road/Landing Restriction: A 450 foot protective buffer will be implemented around all known rattlesnake den sites and basking areas (as defined by a qualified rattlesnake expert) within which no roads or log landings will be constructed or improved.

c. Recreational Trail Restriction: Recreational trails will avoid known rattlesnake den sites and basking areas (as defined by a qualified rattlesnake expert) for new trail construction or rerouting.

3. QUESTIONAIRE TO EMPLOYEES TO GATHER DISTRIBUTIONAL DATA a. A questionnaire will be distributed to Bureau of Forestry employees to gather information on timber

rattlesnake distribution. 4. SUPPORT RESEARCH TO EVALUATE PROTECTIVE MEASURES a. The Bureau of Forestry will support research to evaluate important rattlesnake management issues

like the interaction with other forest management and use activities and identification of critical habitat components.

b. The Bureau of Forestry may enlist the services of rattlesnake experts to compile a database of known den sites, basking areas, and other critical habitat areas. This database would be used to plan for other forest management activities and to compile a spatially explicit GIS habitat model to predict areas of high probability of critical rattlesnake habitat.

Bat Conservation Strategy Introduction Nine species of bats are known to inhabit Pennsylvania's forests (Table 1.1). Although little is known about bat ecology, it is known that bats play an important role in the ecology of the forest system, functioning as an insectivore of flying insects. Bat habitat consists of roosting sites, foraging areas, and hibernation sites. The larger species of bats roost solitarily among tree foliage, while smaller bats in the genus Myotis roost in social groups, under exfoliating bark or in tree cavities. Forage areas are selected based on prey availability and the bat's size and maneuverability. Some of Pennsylvania's bat species hibernate in rocky outcrops, caves, or talus slopes while others migrate long distances to southern North America. As a result of their small size and high energetic requirements, bats are especially vulnerable to stressors and habitat alteration. In Pennsylvania, the Small-footed bat (Myotis leibii) is listed as threatened and the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Table 1.1). The decline of these species is attributed to the destruction or degradation of hibernacula, toxicity from pesticides, reduction in prey items, and loss of old growth forests. Specific benefits of old growth forests include increased diversity and abundance of prey (insects), the presence of large and old or dead trees as roost sites, a complex vertical structure, and canopy gaps providing solar radiation to warm the roost sites. As Pennsylvania's forests age into later second growth throughout much of the State Forest system, large and/or dead trees and canopy gaps are not as abundant as in old growth forests. Some taller growing species of trees, such as white pine (Pinus strobus), are beginning to grow above the canopy, providing super-canopy roost sites. Through carefully planned timber harvesting, it is possible to create canopy openings and vertical structure indicative of old growth conditions. Tree species that are beneficial for bats can be also be managed for by following tree reservation guidelines. Managing for a combination of forest characteristics can help improve or sustain current bat habitat conditions. The Bureau of Forestry is committed to ecosystem management. By incorporating bat habitat management into forest management, we can add diversity and stability to forests ecosystems. Bats are integral in managing insect pests and contribute to forest health. As our understanding of the relationship between bats and forests increases, we can identify adaptive management strategies to ensure ecosystem sustainability.

Goals

1. Conduct inventories on bat species diversity and abundance on State Forest lands. 2. To evaluate various forest management activities and assess their impact on bat populations in

the State Forest system. 3. To assess the diversity and abundance of bat prey sources on State Forest lands. 4. Evaluate the applicability of using bat occurrence and activity as indicators of long-term forest

community health. 5. To manage the State Forest lands in such a way that promotes bats.

Interim Bat-Sensitive Reservation Guidelines for Timber Harvest Activities on State Forest Lands (Proposed modifications to Bureau of Forestry current Reservation Guidelines)

Even-age Reproduction Reservation Guidelines

Retain all dead snags in sale area that do not pose a safety hazard to the loggers

Retain all shagbark and shellbark hickories in the sale area

Retain a minimum of 5 live trees > 9 inches d.b.h. on each acre, representing the diversity of species and size classes occurring pre-harvest on the site

Retain living trees to provide shading on 1/3 of the large dead snags

Retain "islands" of trees in timber sale area, with one 0.25

1 acre island occurring for every 10 acres of harvest area

Retain peninsulas or linear corridors of trees across all sales greater than 25 acres, preferably wide enough to retain shading on the interior forest floor

Retain all trees exhibiting visible bat maternity roosting activity (hear bats squeaking, observe bat droppings, observe bats leaving tree)

Exemptions may be granted following consultation and concurrence with the Bureau of Forestry's Wildlife Biologist

Interim Indiana Bat Occurrence Guidelines (all timber harvest activities with PNDI "hits" for Indiana Bats

Implement "Interim Bat-Sensitive Reservation Guidelines for Timber Harvest Activities on State Forest Lands"

Mist net site a minimum of 1 net night per 100 acres of sale area if Indiana Bats detected on ultrasonic survey

If Indiana Bats are captured or observed leaving roost trees, timber harvest activities within a one-mile radius will be suspended until Winter (November 16 - March 31operable window)

Salvage operations will require consultation with the Wildlife Biologist and subsequent approval prior to progression

Exemptions may be granted following consultation and concurrence with the Bureau of Forestry's Wildlife Biologist and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Special Management Areas

Important Bird Areas IBA: http://pa.audubon.org/Ibamain.htm DCNR will work with the PA Audubon and the Pennsylvania Biological Survey's Ornithological Technical Committee in the identification and conservation of these unique or representative areas.

Important Mammal Areas IMAP: http://www.pawildlife.org/imap.htm DCNR will work with the PA Wildlife Federation and the Pennsylvania Biological Survey's Mammal Technical Committee in the identification and conservation of these unique or representative areas.

Reptile & Amphibian Protection Areas

On April 9, 1979, the Bureau of Forestry and the Penns’ylvania Fish and Boat Commission designated eighteen of the Natural Areas as special regulation areas for the protection of all amphibians and reptiles within the designated areas. Section 77.1(b) of the Fishing and Boating Regulations states: "The taking, catching, killing and possession of individuals of any species of Pennsylvania amphibians and reptiles occurring naturally within the boundaries of designated Natural Areas, by persons other than those possessing a valid scientific collectors permit is prohibited." On February 27, 1982, seven additional areas were added to the list, and after another review, three more areas were listed on April 13, 1985, bringing the total to 28 Natural Areas where amphibians and reptiles are protected. Following is a listing of these areas:

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN PROTECTION AREAS ON STATE FOREST LANDS Name Acres Forest Location Features

Carbaugh Run ARP

780 Michaux Adams Co., South U. S. 30 near Caledonia.

White pine-hemlock stream bottom with mixed oak on the side hills. Heavily cut three times for charcoal.

Sweet Root ARP

1,403 Buchanan Bedford Co., 2 miles west of Chaneysville.

Virgin hemlock surrounded by second growth mixed oak.

Frank E. Masland,Jr. ARP

1,270 Tuscarora Perry Co., 12 miles west of Landisburg on Laurel Run Road.

Oldest second growth oak on State Forest land.

Roaring Run ARP

3,090 Forbes Westmoreland Co., south of Rt. 31 on west side of Laurel Ridge.

Mountain-stream valley with second and third growth mixed mesophytic forest type.

*Bear Meadows ARP

890 Rothrock Centre Co., 6 miles south of Boalsburg.

Spruce-fir bog community.

Big Flat Laurel ARP

184 Rothrock Huntingdon & Centre Co., intersection of Bear Gap and Gettis Ridge Roads.

Laurel beds.

Detweiler Run ARP

463 Rothrock Huntingdon Co., one mile north of Alan Seeger Natural Area along Detweiler Run.

Virgin hemlock-white pine with rhododendron understory.

Little Juniata ARP

624 Rothrock Huntingdon Co., west of Alexandria, a water gap in Tussey Mountain.

Water gap, major fault line, thrust fault, talus slope.

Charles F. Lewis ARP

384 Gallitzin Indiana Co., northside of Conemaugh Gap, west of Johnstown.

Steep-sided stream valley, nature trail showing second growth northern hardwood and oak.

The Hook ARP

5,119 Bald Eagle Union Co., north Branch Buffalo Creek, 3 miles north of Harleton.

Complete watershed in the Ridge and Valley, mixed oak forest.

Mt. Logan ARP

512 Bald Eagle Clinton Co., Bald Eagle Mountain, east of Castanea.

Old growth hemlocks and Tuscarora sandstone outcrop.

Rosecrans Bog ARP

152 Bald Eagle Clinton Co., north of Loganton along Cranberry Road.

High mountain bog with cranberry, mountain holly and high bush blueberry.

Tall Timbers ARP

660 Bald Eagle Snyder Co., west of Snyder-Middleswarth along Swift Run.

Second growth oak, white pine-hemlock and oak-hard pine.

Marion 917 Moshannon Elk Co., at intersection of White birch, high mountain bog, mixed

Brooks ARP

Quehanna Highway & Losey Road.

oak and laurel.

Cranberry Swamp ARP

144 Sproul Clinton Co., Cranberry Run, 3 miles south of Renovo.

Mountain bog, beaver dams, native cranberry.

East Branch Swamp ARP

186 Sproul Clinton Co., East Branch Big Run, PA 144 & Beech Creek Road.

Mountain swamp, old growth hemlock, portion affected by tornado.

Tamarack Swamp ARP

86 Sproul Clinton Co., east of Tamarack.

Tamarack-spruce swamp.

Algerine Swamp ARP

84 Tiadaghton Lycoming Co., south of the Reynolds Spring Trail and Gamble Run Road intersection.

Spruce-fir swamp community with pitcher plant, sundew, spahgnum moss.

Bark Cabin ARP

73 Tiadaghton Lycoming Co., near Okome on headwaters of Bark Cabin Run.

Old growth hemlocks and second growth oak.

Miller Run ARP

4,987 Tiadaghton Lycoming Co., west of Pine Creek at Jersey Mills.

High plateau dissected by 4 streams, variety of forest types & sites.

Lower Jerry Run ARP

892 Elk Headwaters of Lower Jerry Run near Cameron-Clinton Co. line, west of Dutchman Road.

Old growth white pine-hemlock stand.

Wykoff Run ARP

1,215 Elk Cameron Co., at Junction of Wykoff and New Hoover Roads.

White birch, white pine-hemlock, oak, northern hardwoods & large open areas.

Forrest H. Dutlinger ARP

1,521 Susquehannock Clinton Co., Hammersely Fork, Beech Bottom Hollow.

Old growth hemlock-surrounded by second growth hardwoods.

Black Ash Swamp ARP

308 Tioga Tioga Co., Asaph Run. Old beaver meadow surrounded by northern hardwood forest, once a mountain bog.

Reynolds Spring ARP

1,302 Tioga Tioga Co., at intersection of Gamble Run and Reynolds Spring Road.

High mountain bog surrounded by white pine and pitch pine, aspen and oak forest.

Buckhorn ARP

471 Delaware Pike Co., one mile east of Pond Eddy.

Mountain swamp, oak forest, rock ledges.

Pennel Run ARP

936 Delaware Pike Co., two miles west of Twelve Mile Pond.

Scrub oak, mixed oak forest, mountain swamp, sheep laurel.

*Kettle Creek Gorge ARP

774 Wyoming Sullivan Co., 5 miles south of Hillsgrove on the Ogdonia Road.

Complete watershed with second growth northern hardwoods, aspen, oak.

ACTIONS:

Work with local stakeholders to seek socially, economically, and biologically preferred deer management goals and strategies.

Use demonstration areas to evaluated localized deer management options, incorporating science, education, and stakeholder input into the system.

Educate hunters and landowners on localized deer census techniques.

Work to improve the role of white-tailed deer management in overall forest management within Pennsylvania.

Use up-to-date information on the current ranges, distributions, and site-specific locations of wildlife species in planning for forest management.

Provide training to our forest land managers about techniques in wildlife habitat management and conservation.

Work with conservation organizations on special wildlife habitat projects.

Monitoring

Indicators:

The number of forest dependent species.

The status (rare, threatened, endangered, or extinct) of forest dependent species at risk of not maintaining viable breeding populations, as determined by scientific assessment.

Number of forest dependent species that occupy a small portion of their former range.

Population levels of representative species from diverse habitats monitored across their range.

Critical Research Needs

Effects of different types of forest fragmentation on fauna.

Evaluation of different strategies in localized deer management.

Identify and monitor the effects of forest pests, non-native, and invasive species on native fauna.

Inventory of invertebrates, small mammals, and other poorly understood or under inventoried taxa.

Effects of herbicide and pesticide use on fauna.

Evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed burning as a habitat management tool

Research of caves and karst features on state forest lands to determine the faunal composition of these caves and identify specific needs for conservation