conservation times · many families have been spending more time around home. there are many...
TRANSCRIPT
CONSERVATION TIMES Newsletter of the McKean County Conservation District
17137 Route 6, Smethport, PA 16749
Many families have been spending more time around home. There are many inexpensive projects that
you can do to improve your property, increase habitat for wildlife, prevent water issues, and boost
your home’s green factor!
Native Plants: Survey your property and see what plants may not be the best choices for wildlife and
the environment. Non-native invasive plants can be removed by hand or with careful use of herbicide.
(not sure which are which, visit PA DCNR https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/WildPlants/
InvasivePlants/Pages/default.aspx for a comprehensive list) Native plant alternatives are a benefit to
pollinators, birds, and mammals. These animals need the nutrition native plants provide to live, nest,
and grow. Include flowering plants that bloom throughout the season to provide a consistent source
of food and nectar. A plant advertised with the benefit that “nothing will eat it” won’t help any living
creature; and can grow and reproduce unchecked into nature.
Water: Water features, including small garden fish or frog ponds, also help pollinators and birds. Use
good management and do not let stagnant water stand, which can allow mosquitos to breed. Even a
bird bath in a small yard without another water source is very beneficial. For a more ambitious project,
consider a rain garden. These can eliminate water management and pooling problems in your yard and
add great habitat.
Shelter: Plant a few corners of your
property as wildflower or tall grass
areas. Add shrubs that produce fruit.
These can provide shelter and
resources for many small animals,
with the added bonus of less mowing
for landowners.
Try one or more of these ideas and
watch for new butterflies, birds, or
furry critters! Making habitat and
watching the animals that visit can be
a great family activity.
TIP: The National Wildlife Federation and Audubon Society have certified backyard habitat programs and information on their websites.
Inside This
Issue:
Remote Work and Learning
2
Education Programs
3
Invasive Plant Program
4,5
Chapter 102 & 105 Information
6
Agriculture
7
DGLVR Program
8
9
Conservation in Your Backyard
Dates to Remember:
Sept. 16
Board Meeting
Sept. 30
DGLVR Applications
Due
Late Summer
2020
Photo credit: The National Wildlife Federation
2
Remote Work and Learning
- Communications & Outreach Director Jody Groshek
Life and Work with Zoom, WebEx, and Skype
Work during the pandemic has changed the way we view meetings, trainings, and other typical
in-person events. Conservation Districts
and other agency partners have moved
to a variety of online platforms to
accomplish the many collaborative
endeavors we work on daily. Staff have
worked through technical difficulties
while improving online communication
skills. We are fortunate that these
platforms and tools are available.
Phone and conference calls are
effective, but seeing others’ faces
during a meeting is an important piece
that helps teams connect. Work is also underway to deliver some educational programs remotely
as schools face flexible re-opening plans and curriculum.
Erosion Control in Our Forests Workshop Coming via Webinar
The annual workshop for foresters, loggers,
landowners, and others in the timber
industry will be held remotely through a
morning webinar on October 1, 2020. Elk
County Conservation District is leading the
effort, which is a partnership of four
neighboring Conservation Districts this year,
with the help of Pennsylvania Sustainable
Forestry Initiative and Landvest, Inc.. Penn
State Extension will serve as the webinar
host. The webinar will be four hours long, including several short breaks; while lunch is on your
own! PA SFI credits will be available for a nominal fee. Registration will be free and through Penn
State Extension.
Visit: https://extension.psu.edu/erosion-control-in-our-forests
PACD Executive Council Meeting held via Zoom on July 23, 2020
with 92 participants.
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Education Programs
- Communications & Outreach Director Jody Groshek
Envirothon Online Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic required local and state Envirothon events to be cancelled on short notice.
The PA Envirothon Board developed an alternative activity for students who had prepared to
compete. A series of five online challenges were sent to students who signed up the week of May
18-22. Each day corresponded to a station
topic (Soils & Land Use, Wildlife, Aquatic
Resources, Forestry, and Current Issue)
The top 10 statewide winners for each
station challenge received gift certificates.
Overall winners from the five days
received PA Envirothon gear. Teachers
and students were appreciative of the
opportunity to test their skills. There
were top 10 winners in both Cameron
and McKean Counties (the ‘Wild’
Envirothon participants).
MCCD staff member Maddie Stanisch
developed the Online Challenge graphic
used to promote the event statewide.
Educational Program Planning
Plans are underway to shift some
normally scheduled programs, including
school programs, to remote delivery.
School schedules and plans for 2020-2021 remain flexible and it is expected most school districts
will begin with restrictions on visitors and field trips. By working with teachers and partners,
program materials and video lessons can be delivered remotely to schools. The first program will
be the My Growing Tree program for elementary students. Participating teachers will receive a kit
of visual aids, a step-by-step lesson plan including a series of videos produced by staff members,
and a supply of tree seedlings and certificates for all their students. The program will be available
for second grade classes this fall (these students missed their first grade spring program) and to
first grade later in the school year. This will allow teachers to deliver the program while visitors are
not permitted at their school and students cannot take field trips.
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Invasive Plants: Japanese Lilac Trees - Invasive?
-University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Professors Mary Mulcahy, Denise Piechnik, and UPB Alumna Emily Reams (APIPMA Guest article)
As the saying goes, some things are too good to be true. Japanese lilac trees may be one of many examples of landscape plants that are a little too successful in their non-native environment. Japanese lilac seems to be the perfect landscaping and municipal tree: cheap and available at garden centers, easy and fast to grow, producing luxuriant and fragrant flower clusters, tolerant of road salt, and resists most pests and pathogens. Regrettably, these features that are desirable in a landscaped setting are some of the same traits that characterize exotic invasive plants that can outcompete native trees or even harm our native ecosystems. The potential invasiveness of Japanese lilac has caught the attention of the biology program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and faculty and students have begun research to explore whether the tree poses a threat to Pennsylvania woodlands, especially those forests that border the many miles of our beautiful meandering streams.
The Japanese lilac and common lilac are close relatives but are different species. They resemble each other somewhat in leaf shape and arrangement (opposite), and both species have showy clusters of flowers, and can be made up of multiple stems. According to the Morton Arborteum fact sheets on trees (https://www.mortonarb.org/ ), they differ in that the Japanese lilac has a more tree-like habit and can grow to be 20-30 feet tall, in rare cases, taller. Common lilac tends to stay below 10 feet in height (Dirr’s Encylopedia of Trees & Shrubs, 2011). The tiny 4-petaled flowers that make up the large flower cluster in common lilac are usually a pinkish/violet color but sometimes white. The tiny flowers that make up the fairly large inflorescences of Japanese lilac trees have smaller petals than the common lilac and are always white or cream-colored. Japanese lilac bark is often brownish and smooth (sometimes with some peeling sections) and with distinctive horizontal striped markings that are called lenticels. Common lilac bark, on the other hand, has less noticeable lenticels and, mature common lilac bark is composed of shredding gray strips and is not smooth. Japanese lilac blooms later in the summer than the spring-blooming common lilac.
The biology program at Pitt-Bradford began focusing on Japanese lilac tree after informal conversations with observant local citizens, especially several thoughtful outdoorsmen and women who alerted us to the problems the tree may pose. Local citizens asked us, what is that curious tree with the large creamy white flowers clusters that are reminiscent of cotton-candy? Is it invading our forests, and could the trees be establish-ing themselves after seeds are transported down the stream? We are so grateful to the community members who asked us these important questions.
(continued on page 5)
Escaped Japanese tree-lilac growing wild along the Tunungwant Creek at UPB
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Invasive Plant Program
Japanese Lilac - Invasive? (continued)
Pitt-Bradford alumna Emily Reams, and associate biology professors Mary Mulcahy and Denise Piechnik, began mapping Japanese lilac trees on and near the Pitt-Bradford campus this summer using Pennsylvania iMapInvasives, an online program where citizens and scientists can join together to share data on the locations invasive plants with the intent to promote research and management of invasive species. In just a few days, we found over 40 trees established along the banks of a short half-mile stretch of the forested edge of the Tunungwant stream (fondly called “Tuna Creek”) that passes through the Pitt-Bradford campus. We hope to involve students in answering more questions about how the trees got there and what determines the success of a Japanese lilac trees in the riparian habitat.
Japanese lilac tree and the common lilac shrub are exotic plants, native to other parts of the world. Common lilac came from Europe, and, as the name suggests, Japanese lilac tree was cultivated from an Asian species. Our preliminary data suggest that Japanese lilac trees are not staying put, but rather spreading into the woods beside the Tuna Creek. Our preliminary data suggest that Japanese lilac is invasive in this area, and we eagerly encourage local landowners and municipal leaders to think twice before planting this species, and to consider native trees instead.
Japanese lilac tree may fall into the same category as other tempting exotic plants like Norway maple , butterfly bush, and burning bush that are also “too good to be true”. There are many advantages to resist temptation and stick with native species. Some trees and shrubs that that are good native alternatives to Japanese lilac include service berry (or Juneberry), tulip poplar, American hophornbeam (or ironwood), elderberry, and native Viburnum species. Native plant species will often reward you with an elegant natural landscape and diverse native pollinators and insects that are fascinating and educational. Furthermore, native plants and trees are well-adapted to our local habitats and carry no risk of danger to our adjacent and beautiful wild habitats that define the rural Pennsylvanian and the McKean county outdoor experience.
Invasive Plant Treatment Work - Resource Specialist Maddie Stanisch
In the fall of 2019, McKean County Conservation District was awarded two grants through Pennsylvania De-partment of Agriculture’s Rapid Response fund to treat invasive plants- Japanese knotweed (in the East Branch Tionesta watershed )and goatsrue. These plants are priority for treatment as they spread rapidly and establish large populations, threatening Pennsylvania’s native plants.
Goatsrue is currently being treated as it must receive pesticide application before it seeds. It is crucial to keep the plants from seeding since the seed bank for goatsrue is approximately 27 years, meaning the seeds can remain viable in the soil for that amount of time.
Knotweed treatment has shown to be more success-ful when the stems are cut and allowed to regrow before pesticide application. In July, Maddie Stanisch and a crew of volunteers helped landowners by cutting large infestations of knotweed on their prop-erties. The shorter plant regrowth will be treated by a licensed pesticide applicator. This method saves herb-icide and time, and provides a more effective kill of the plant rhizomes (roots).
Japanese knotweed cut in preparation for later
herbicide treatment.
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PA Chapter 102 and 105 Project Information
With fall approaching, time is limited to build, create driveways, and conduct other land clearing or property improve-
ment activities. The McKean County Conservation District reminds landowners and contractors that certain activities
may require permits or erosion and sedimentation plans.
When planning any work near a stream or waterway it is especially critical to acquire permits and check regulations. A
stream in Pennsylvania is a waterway with a defined bed and banks, even if water does not flow year round. If your
project requires work in a stocked trout stream, the permit application must include request for a waiver from the PA
Fish & Boat Commission for work between March 1 and June 15. Permitted work in wild trout streams must be
completed prior to spawning season (no work between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31).
Before beginning your project, check with your municipality and county planning office regarding their requirements
and building permit information. Also check with the District about requirements for erosion and sedimentation and
work near waterways.
Here are a few guidelines when planning your project.
If your project:
Will have less than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance, it is not necessary to have a written plan on site but
erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) are required to minimize the potential for
accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
Will have more than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance, a written E&S plan is required to be on site and
implemented.
Will have more than 1 acre of earth disturbance and is not in a special protection (Exceptional Value, High Quality)
watershed, a General NPDES Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth
disturbance activity can occur the plan must be approved. A copy of the approved stamped, signed, and dated
plan must be kept on site.
Will have more than 1 acre of earth disturbance and is in a special protection watershed, an Individual NPDES
Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth disturbance activity can occur the
plan must be approved. A copy of the approved stamped, signed, and dated plan must be kept on site.
Is timber harvesting or road maintenance activity involving 25 acres (10 hectares) or more of earth disturbance, an
E&S Permit is required to be submitted for approval to the District. Before any earth disturbance activity can
occur the plan must be approved. A copy of the
approved stamped, signed, and dated plan must be
kept on site. Timber harvests with less than 25 acres
of earth disturbance are required to have a written
E&S plan posted on site and implemented.
Please feel free to contact the McKean County
Conservation District at 814-887-4001 or
[email protected] or visit
www.mckeanconservation.com for more permitting
information. The District is here to provide educational
and technical assistance to help landowners comply with
the Clean Streams Law.
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Agriculture Program
- Sherry Dumire, Resource Conservationist
The McKean County Conservation District is an active part of the McKean County farming community. We
pride ourselves on education, technical assistance, and agricultural outreach. We appreciate hearing from
our farming community so that we know how we can better meet their needs. Our goal first and foremost is
to offer educational opportunities such as informational workshops, one-on-one educational visits for
technical assistance, and manure management assistance. We can assist with manure spreader calibrations,
manure analysis, plan writing and mapping.
Many people do not realize that every operation in Pennsylvania that produces, spreads, or stores manure
must have and implement a written Manure Management plan. Some larger operations with higher animal
numbers on fewer acres may require a Nutrient Management plan. Depending on the size of your farm and
activity on the farm (cropping or strictly hay and pasture fields) you may need an additional Agricultural
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
If you are not sure if you have a plan that meets the requirements or if you are unsure of what plan(s) you
may need for your operation, please contact the District for technical assistance. In addition to assistance
with plan writing we also keep an eye out for funding to assist with manure storage, sediment and nutrient
runoff, and technical assistance. We currently have several best management practice projects on farms in
different stages of progress, funded by grants.
A few county citizens who are pleased with their new exclusionary
fencing and stream crossing project.
Manure Management workbooks are
available at the District office.
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Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Program
- Lindsay Shine, Resource Conservationist
Button Road—Liberty Township
Liberty Township was awarded a Dirt and Gravel grant in 2019 to improve Button Road.
The project was designed to improve water quality by decreasing sediment pollution to the nearby stream.
Prior to the project, Button Road was entrenched, which caused runoff after rain events to be trapped in the
roadway and also run down the road. This water picked up sediment from the roadway and carried it to the
stream. With the project, the road profile was raised sixteen inches
and crowned to allow water to escape the roadway.
Button Road also lacked sufficient crosspipes. Crosspipes, when
properly installed, assist to divert ditch water away from the road
to a stable place where the water can filter back into the ground.
There were three new crosspipes installed on Button Hollow
through this project to move ditch water away from the road and
help keep sediment-laden water out of the stream.
Project Details:
• Total project length was 2,431 feet.
• Total grant amount was $56,604.00
• Total in-kind provided by Liberty Township was $8,140.00.
Before (above): Entrenched road held water and the sediment-laden water that left the
road surface discharged directly into the
stream
After (left): Raised the road and created a 4%
crown to effectively allow for sheet flow of
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The McKean County Conservation District was organized at the request of the County residents. The County was declared a District by the board of County Commissioners on August 19, 1959, according to provisions of the Soil Conservation Law of 1945, Act 217 of the General Assembly, as amended.
The primary goal of the District is the development, improvement, and conservation of the County’s Soil, water and related resources as well as educating the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods.
The District is administered by a board of seven Directors-three farmer members, three public (non-farmer) members and one County Commissioner. District Directors are appointed by the County Commissioners from a list of names submitted by countywide nominating organizations. The Commissioners also designate one of their members to serve as a Director.
Directors
Kerry Fetter - Chairman Steve Sherk - Vice-Chairman
Cliff Lane-Commissioner-Secretary/Treasurer Chase Miles - Farmer Blaine Puller - Farmer Jeff Larson - Farmer
Ken Kane - Public
Associate Directors
Pete Mader Charlie Kirkpatrick Boyd Fitzsimmons
Rebecca Holdowsky Greg Bell
Staff
Sandy Thompson~District Manager 814-887-4025
Sherry Dumire~Resource Conservationist 814-887-4008
Lindsay Shine~Resource Conservationist 814-887-4002
Jody Groshek~Communications Director 814-887-4001
Adam Causer~Watershed Specialist 814-887-4003
Maddie Stanisch~Resource Specialist 814-887-4020
Vision: The Conservation District is the steward
of McKean County’s natural resource and embraces environmentally responsible decisions.
Mission: The Conservation District provides
leadership and stewardship to ensure the protection and
sustainability of McKean County’s natural resources by fostering public and private partnerships.
Stay Connected with MCCD
Be sure to visit the District website for a variety of resources related to our program areas and conservation
in general. www.mckeanconservation.com You can subscribe to receive this email link in your inbox by
contacting Jody at [email protected]
If you are a Facebook user, our Facebook page has timely information and resources related to District work
and environmental issues for citizens of McKean County and beyond.
Like and follow us!
Joe-Pye weed is an impressive late summer native wildflower.
Reaching over six feet, Joe-Pye is a pollinator favorite.