August 14, 2003 Mr. David Wolanski Environmental Scientist Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control Watershed Assessment Section 820 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 220 Dover, DE 19904 Dear Mr. Wolanski: As follow-up to our conversation, the Nature Society respectfully submits the attached nomination to designate the Burrows Run as an Exceptional Ecological or Recreational Value Stream (ERES). The enclosed nomination is based on criteria suggested by the Nature Society in a previous submission to DNREC. You will note that our nomination package reflects a strong emphasis on the Nature Society’s Burrows Run preserve. We feel this emphasis is appropriate because the protected status of the preserve not only safeguards the stream’s water quality, but it also forms the basis of numerous partnerships and continues to help leverage the preservation of other stream corridor lands within the watershed. You may also be interested to know that the Kennett Township Environmental Advisory Council (KTEAC) is working to upgrade the designation of the Pennsylvania portion of Burrows Run from “not impaired” to “exceptional value,” allowing for the establishment of special protection criteria for the upstream portions of this waterway. We view this effort as highly complementary of our request for designation and hope that the Burrows Run will be afforded higher levels of protection in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. I trust you will find the information useful in your considerations. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need any additional information. Sincerely, Lori L. Spagnolo

Associate Director Natural Resources Conservation

Enclosures: Nomination report Map of the Burrows Run Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) for the Delaware Portion of the Christina Basin State of the Watershed Report for the Red Clay Creek

Nomination for Exceptional Recreational or Ecological Significance (ERES) Designation

Burrows Run, New Castle County, Delaware Submitted by the Delaware Nature Society

August 14, 2003

The Burrows Run as it travels through the Nature Society’s preserve

Burrows Run is a small, rocky tributary of Red Clay Creek that begins in southern Chester County, PA and joins Red Clay Creek in New Castle County, DE. Just below the state line, it runs through the Nature Society’s 352-acre Burrows Run Preserve. Located

between Ashland-Clinton School Road, Way Road, and Old Kennett Road in the Appalachian piedmont region of northern Delaware, the preserve includes scenic rolling hillsides, fields, floodplain meadows, mature woodlands, a pond, and the beautiful stream valley of the Burrows Run. Known for its abundant birdlife, butterflies, and wildflowers, the preserve is one of northern Delaware’s most scenic natural areas. One hundred ninety-six acres of the preserve, including the Burrows Run valley, has permanent protection as part of the state System of Nature

Preserves. The Nature Society’s goals for the preserve are to protect and manage the valley’s natural features to retain and enhance the diversity of native fauna and flora. Maintained as a model for biodiversity management, the valley is the location of various ecological surveys and offers a venue for scientific research. The Nature Society also conducts specialized natural history programs at the preserve for members, school groups, professionals, and the public. The Burrows Run watershed area is 7 sq. miles. Over two thirds of the watershed is located in Pennsylvania in the Kennett Township, draining woodlands, farmlands, suburban developments, and commercial mushroom houses. The watershed is roughly bounded on the north by PA Route 1 terminating at a narrow neck at the Red Clay Creek in DE. Route 52 (DE and PA), Kennett Pike, is a rough boundary for most of the eastern portion of the watershed. In Delaware, the Burrows Run drains suburban estates, developments, and farmland. According to the University of Delaware Water Resources Agency, Burrows Run has some of the largest percentages of protected open space in a watershed and a low level of impervious surface at only 9%.

Contribution to Water Supply Approximately 4.3 % of the Burrows Run watershed serves as a contributing drainage area to the United Water Delaware drinking water intake at Stanton. United Water Delaware relies only on surface waters for supply and provides water services to over 100,000 people in New Castle County. Most of these customers receive water from the Stanton Water Treatment Plant, which is capable of treating 30 million gallons of water per day. Water Quality As quantified in a recent report by the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Agency (enclosed), Burrows Run is one of the healthier watersheds in the Christina Basin with a grade of B- (good). By comparison, the other DNREC ERES waters--Brandywine Creek above Wilmington and White Clay Creek above Newark--are graded at B-and B respectively.

In addition to the data collected for the Water Resources Agency study, the Nature Society has monitored the health of the Burrows Run through our citizen stream-monitoring program for the past 8 years. Data collected include dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, nitrate-nitrogen and conductivity. Analysis of data from the 2 Burrows Run monitoring sites has shown that the stream consistently meets or exceeds state standards. Data obtained by volunteer monitors from 1995 to 2000 has been compiled in a State of the Watershed report done for Red Clay Creek (enclosed).

Stream Watch intern Mike Cacciapaglia collects data on Burrows Run.

Since 1994, college student interns and Nature Society Stream Watch staff have been studying the macroinvertebrate populations in the Red Clay Creek using Burrows Run as the reference stream. In 2002, the study

explored the health and viability of the Burrows Run to check its suitability as a reference stream in order to maintain the integrity of the project. Based on a quantitative assessment of macroinvertebrates found in the stream, it was concluded that the Burrows Run remains in a state of relatively stable, high health. Instream and Riparian Habitat The natural condition of the Burrows Run allows for optimal instream and riparian habitat, particularly within the Nature Society’s preserve. The varied stream topography is characterized by deep pools and shallow riffle areas. Rocks in the streambed offer prime habitat and nooks and crannies provide a sheltered, stable surface where organisms can hide from predators. The rapid water flow insures a steady stream of organic material on which some organisms feed and a well-oxygenated environment. Other macroinvertebrates prefer more protected areas like undercut banks or slower-moving, shallow edges. The vegetated banks of Burrows Run not only help stabilize the

2

streambank, but they also provide protected living space, shade, and food for stream inhabitants. Flora and Fauna Since 1991, Nature Society volunteers and staff have surveyed the preserve’s fauna, flora, and geological features. Plant and animal surveys, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and rare plants are periodically updated. Fauna Amphibians and Reptiles

Northern Spring Peeper

Nineteen species of amphibians and reptiles have been documented at Burrows Run Preserve, including Wood Frogs and Northern Spring Peepers that visit the floodplain’s vernal pools each summer. Various salamanders, such as the Northern Two-lined and Northern Red Salamanders can be found in Burrows Run and its tributaries. Stinkpot and Eastern Painted Turtles have been

observed in

Burrows Run. Eastern Gartersnakes bask in the sun and Common Watersnakes hunt fish and frogs in the

stream and surrounding wetlands.

Fish and Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Burrows Run is one of Delaware’s finest piedmont streams. Its clear, relatively unpolluted waters provide habitat for a wide variety of fish and other aquatic organisms. In 1992, the Nature Society began to survey the fish of Burrows Run and its tributaries with the assistance of volunteers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control fisheries personnel. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia also

conducted a fish survey. By means of seininghand net, hook and line, and electro-shocking

3

,

Long-tailed Salamander

Fish shocking at

Northern Red Salamander larvae

Burrows Run

techniques, 19 species of fish have been identified indicating that Burrows Run and its tributaries maintain a high diversity of fish life. Some of the fish found during surveys, such as the Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, and White Sucker, are fairly common in Delaware. Others such as the Longnose Dace, Fallfish, and Cutlips Minnow are not as common. One fish found in Burrows Run, the Green Sunfish, has not been documented anywhere else in Delaware. Surveys of the aquatic macroinvertebrates have been conducted by Nature Society Stream Watch staff, interns, and volunteers. Additional information has been contributed by Stroud Water Research Center and Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia studies. The surveys indicate the presence of a wide variety of aquatic insects, including various species of stoneflies, mayflies, caddisflies, dobsonflies, true flies, and beetles, as well as other macroinvertebrates such as crayfish, limpets, clams, mussels, and various types of worms. Many of these species require healthy, oxygenated streams to survive so their presence indicates that Burrows Run is in good condition. Flora Trees and Shrubs Within the preserve, American Sycamore and White Ash can be found growing on the floodplain of Burrows Run, while Black Willows grow along the stream bank. A forest restoration project along the Burrows Run corridor is in its 10th year and vegetation around the pond is being restored to a natural condition. Invasive, non-native plants are being carefully removed to allow native plants to flourish while additional native species, such as Common Alder, Red Maple, American Sycamore, and Spicebush are being planted to enhance the streambank. Wildflowers and Rare Plants

The Nature Society has conducted various wildflower and other non-woody plant inventories, many involving professional botanists, including Delaware Natural Heritage Inventory staff. Qualitative assessments are conducted annually to track populations of rare and uncommon species. About 100 different native wildflowers have been documented in the preserve. Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Common Blue Violet, and Early Meadow Rue along with a sizeable population of False Hellebore, one of about a dozen rare plant species identified in the preserve, can be found

in the floodplain. In midsummer the floodplain is enhanced by a

False hellebore found in Burrows Run preserve

stand of yellow Canada Lilies, unusual in Delaware, while Pale-spike Lobelia, Hairy Agrimony, and 2 rare sedges can also be found there.

Canada Lily at Burrows Run

4

Educational Value

Jim White, Associate Director for Land and Biodiversity management, leads members on a walk along the Burrows Run

The preserve’s Burrows Run valley provides unique opportunities to educate people about the natural world. Opportunities to enjoy and learn about the valley are offered during scheduled programs and events throughout the year. Interpretive walks through the valley increase landowner appreciation of the ecological and scenic values of natural areas, thereby encouraging land preservation within the Burrows Run watershed and beyond. The reforestation project along the Burrows Run provides an ideal educational experience. Landowners, citizens, and students view reforestation first-hand as they learn about its links to wildlife habitat, stream health and water quality improvement. School programs in the valley are linked to state education standards. The Nature Society has enlisted over 100 nearby and upstream landowners in a streamway and natural area stewardship program. Streamside landowners have been instructed in proper riparian land management, particularly the importance of leaving buffers of native vegetation along the stream. Some landowners have preserved lands by donating conservation easements to the Nature Society. By voluntarily relinquishing their rights to develop forested or riparian lands, they are helping to permanently protect watershed habitat and the health of the Burrows Run. All of these educational opportunities are closely linked to the recreational and aesthetic values offered by the Burrows Run. Visitors to the preserve enjoy the contemplative environment and the natural beauty of the Burrows Run valley as they learn about the stream and the plants and animals that live there. Scientific Research Value In 2001 the Nature Society began a systematic monitoring of terrestrial salamanders based on protocol developed by the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program. The survey uses artificial cover objects installed at strategic locations. The counts of species will provide population trends and may be useful to indicate the impact of air and water pollution on ecosystem health. Moreover, the data will be entered into a national database that may assist in warning of impending population problems and generate hypotheses for research.

5

In addition to the Nature Society’s routine flora and fauna surveys, one of the preserve goals is to offer research opportunities for scientists from other institutions or agencies. The Stroud Water Research Center and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia have included Burrows Run in their respective forested watershed research projects. These regional studies are investigating the relationship between the health of a stream and the extent and condition of the riparian forest within the watershed.

6