Bog Turtle Study Being Conducted by Conservancy Staff

Hunters are always interested in whitetailed deer research, particularly when the results help to unravel the many mysteries when it comes to the world of whitetails. Most of us recall or refer to the collaborative PGC and Penn State studies on whitetail fawn mortality or the yearling buck dispersion study, particulalry when it comes to discussing deer management in PA.

Did you know, that as a Science based Conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy at times gets involved in helping to conduct on-the-ground research, usually focused on a wildlife species of concern, such as the threatened Bog Turtle.

The smallest and rarest turtle in North America — the bog turtle — exists in small numbers in only 12 eastern states. Since 1974, the bog turtle has been legally protected in Pennsylvania, but its numbers continued to decline throughout its range by 50 percent or more. Much of its shallow wetland habitat had been converted to residential or commercial use or golf courses. And, because of its rarity, small size and "cuteness," it was highly valued by illegal collectors in the black market pet trade, especially overseas. In 1997, it was finally given federal protection and classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Now, laws and funds were available for more research it its remaining homes, habitat requirements and preservation.
TNC-PA staff are involved in ongoing studies to learn as much as they can about this mysterious turtle and how to maintain its security in the Poconos. There are actually two distinct population complexes of bog turtles in the eastern U.S., separated by a 250-mile gap. The northern bog turtles occur in fewer than 200 sites in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The southern bog turtles occupy southern Virginia down into extreme northeastern Georgia. First discovered by the Rev. Muhlenberg in Lancaster in 1778, the bog turtle is distinguished not only by its small size — the upper shell, or carapace, averages just three inches and rarely exceeds four inches in length — but by prominent, squarish, bright orange or reddish patches of skin on the sides of its face. The upper shell is brownish to ebony in color, with distinct sculptured lines on younger turtles that become smoothed off on older adults from burrowing in the mud. Bog turtles can live as long as 50 years in the wild.

Hibernating from October to April in burrows at the bases of tree roots in wetlands, bog turtles emerge in spring to bask in the warmth of the sun. There diet consists of insects, snails, slugs, worms, crayfish and lots of plant material. Despite their common name, they don't really live in the acidic bogs typical of the Pocono Plateau. Instead, the preferred habitat is a broad, open, marshy, spring-fed, saturated grassland with shallow, neutral to slightly alkaline water, narrow rivulets, a muddy bottom, very few trees and plenty of sedges, grasses, mosses, skunk cabbage and other plants that grow in low, thick clumps emerging from the water and mud. There are often cattails, shrubs like alder, silky dogwood, and arrowwood and small red maples, but once these woody plants become too dense, the bog turtle's preferred wet-meadow habitat disappears. Such ideal habitats are often created by beavers and may once have been maintained by elk browsing the woody plants. Nowadays, cattle may ironically help to maintain these transitional, temporary bog turtle habitats. About a month after emerging from hibernation, bog turtles find mates, and some time in June the females lay only two to five eggs in a shallow depression on top of a clump of moss or sedge tussock. Six to eight weeks later, baby turtles smaller than a quarter hatch, unless raccoons, mink or other predators found the eggs.

Stay tuned for a follow up article describing how Conservancy staff are tracking the movements and survival of bog turtles within Southeastern PA, much like the Game Commission did with their deer movement study.

Deer Wars - A Must Read for PA Hunters

Well known Pennsylvania outdoor writer and award-winning author, Bob Frye has donated two signed copies of his book Deer Wars, which will serve as part of this year’s prize package for the West Branch Antlerless Deer Harvest Contests. Deer Wars is a must have for every hunter, as it showcases the history of deer management in PA and discusses the important role that hunters play in forest management and in preserving our hunting heritage. If interested in purchasing a copy of Deer Wars, please let me know, as I have access to limited quantities signed by Gary Alt for the purchase price of $30.

Hunting Opportunities on other Nature Conservancy Properties

Hunting Sites in PA:

Brush Mountain Preserve
Chrome Barrens Preserve
Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain
Fern Ridge Bog Preserve
Great Marsh Preserve
Long Pond Preserve
Mineola Marsh Preserve
Thomas Darling Preserve at Two-Mile Run
West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest

For specific property level information refer to:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/news/news2482.html

Prowl the Sproul Weekend includes hike at West Branch Forest

The abnormal summer weather patterns that we have experienced this year remind me of those typically experienced in Northern New England. The cooler temperatures have been embraced by many and are saving people money from not having to kick on their air conditioning units. As budgets remain tight with the current economy, an increased number of Pennsylvanian’s are rekindling their relationships with local, outdoor oriented vacations and activities. Fishing license sales are up and so too are the numbers of people taking advantage of the 2.1 million acres of state forest land across the state. The 6th Annual Prowl the Sproul weekend recently took place (July 17-19) and was headquartered at the local Western Clinton Sportsman’s Association. The event, sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources proved to be enticing. Eighteen people turned out to participate in a moderate intensity, 5 mile hike across portions of The Nature Conservancy’s West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest. The hike was crafted to give participants the opportunity to see and hear first hand about the Conservancy’s forest restoration strategies which included the American chestnut orchard, the tree shelter study, the various forest management activities and a glimpse into the CCC built Whetham Cabin along the remains of its associated fire tower. Although the overcast and rainy weather helped to fend off the presence of annoying insects and the potential for encountering ornery timber rattlers, it wasn’t conducive to experiencing the true majestic beauty of the three spectacular viewpoints that were originally incorporated into the tour. The hike did include passage by the Dark Hollow and Breezy Hill camp. Many hikers expressed interest in the history of the local hunting camps and enjoyed seeing the different styles and craftsmanship that went into building the camps, outhouses, woodsheds, and so on. Special thanks to the member of the Dark Hollow camp for mowing their lane, as that made the water logged hike just a little more comfortable. For more information on Prowl the Sproul refer to the Keystone Trails Assocation website at http://www.kta-hike.org/

Acorn Alert!!!

Bureau of Forestry staff within the Sproul State Forest District have informed me of a red oak acorn crop forming within places, particularly on the southern side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. With recent time afield, I am excited and somewhat surprised to report on a moderate red oak acorn crop forming sporadically at West Branch Forest. With higher concentrations of tannins (acidity), red oak acorns are not as preferred as white oak acorns to whitetails. However, even a modest mast crop will serve as a much needed nutritional boost and hopefully increase viewing opportunities throughout the upcoming hunting season.

Interesting Tid-Bid on Acorns:

No other natural food is more attractive to the white-tailed deer during autumn and winter than oak acorns. Given a good supply of acorns, deer will quickly abandon their normal routines and food sources to take advantage of this high energy food. The acorn, although low in protein is one of the most metabolizable energy sources that are utilized for body growth and the building of fat reserves. Research has shown that deer will eat all the acorns that they can get, but in preferred order. White oak acorns are usually eaten first, then the acorns of the pin, red and black, followed by the scrub oak, and finally the large chestnut oak. Even though the chestnut oak belongs to the white oak group – and produces the largest acorns – deer simply do not have a great liking for this species as for the others.

Acorn crops are not produced with regularity on an annual basis, but are more likely to follow cycles over several years. Red oak tree species (northern red oak, black oak, scarlet oak) flower every other year and produce bumper crops every 2-5 years, whereas white oak tree species (white oak, chestnut oak, post oak) flower every year and usually produce good crops every 4-10 years.

Acorns typically become available and are heavily used first during September and consumed throughout the fall, winter and into spring when the hard mast forage becomes minimal. Normally, by late November, the majority of the year’s acorn production has been consumed by deer and bears along with squirrels, chipmunks, and other small mammals. Studies have indicated that black oak has proven to be the most important acorn producer through the years, followed by red, white, post-scarlet, black-jack, and pin oak in that order.

Few trees under the age of 20 years produce acorns. Acorn production is directly related to tree diameter and crown size. Typically, the larger the diameter of the tree and the wider the crown, the greater the acorn production. For example, a 26-inch diameter white oak might be expected to yield more than 20 pounds of acorns, whereas a 10-incher might yield less than 3 pounds. Likewise, one oak tree having a crown radius of 24 feet could produce nearly 50 pounds of acorns, while one with a 12-foot crown radius might yield only 2 pounds. So, generally speaking, the more sunlight trees receive, the better the acorn production.

Newly Acquired Brush Mountain Property Enrolled in Public Access and DMAP - (Click on Map to Enlarge)

For Interested Hunters and Recreationalists:

The Nature Conservancy has recently acquired another forested property located between Altoona and Holidaysburg. This 650 acre property, known as Brush Mountain, is open to public hunting through the Game Commission's Forest Game Program and has been enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program. A limited number of DMAP antlerless tags have been allocated for use this first year. If interested in hunting Brush Mountain please refer to The Nature Conservancy's Pennsylvania Chapter website (http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/) for directions and site information. A limited number of DMAP antlerless permits were available, however they quickly sold out (even before TNC staff were able to secure them).

Any additional questions on the Brush Mountain Forest should be directed to TNC's Stewardship Program Manager, Jenny Case whom can be reached via email at jcase@tnc.org

Prescribed Fire conducted on 20 acres south of Whetham Cabin

The Nature Conservancy’s Stewardship Crew was able to conduct a successful late spring prescribed fire within one 20 acre block of the preexisting 100 acre mowed unit located due south of the Whetham Cabin. This was the second burn implemented within this particular land management area. At this stage, prescribed fire is being used as a site preparation tool to knock back undesirable mountain laurel and to reduce the vigor of their thick root mats. Hopefully, once a good acorn crop occurs this site will be more receptive for seedling establishment. Refer to the video for actual Prescribed Burn footage and commentary.

Improved Relations with PGC Wildlife Conservation Officers

This past spring TNC staff met with local PGC Wildlife Conservation Officers at West Branch Forest to discuss issues of concern regarding wildlife crimes and hunting related incidents that reflect poorly on the hunting community. Last year there were multiple hunting related incidents involving poaching, vandalism, and theft that caused TNC to call into question its Hunter Management Plan for the West Branch property. Some TNC staff were in favor of leasing the property to an interested hunting club who would pay a premium for exclusive hunting rights. After much time and deliberation it was decided to maintain the property’s enrollment in the Game Commission’s Public Access Program, which will offer additional support through increased law enforcement for the upcoming hunting seasons. The Nature Conservancy acknowledges that the vast majority of our hunters are respectable sportsmen who share our values and respect the opportunity to hunt on private land. I urge participating hunters to be watchful of suspicious behavior and to report illegal activities to the property authorities to prevent one or two bad apples from spoiling a good thing. Be aware that Wildlife Conservation Officers now have full access to West Branch Forest and have been given keys and combinations to the existing gate locks. Note that there has been a series of night time poaching and camp firewood theft occurring throughout the greater Renovo area.

Conservation Deal Keeps Hyner Hang Glider Landing Zones Viable

HYNER, PA — April 23, 2009 — Hang-glide pilots who catch the wind at Hyner View State Park will have a safe place to land, thanks to an agreement announced today between The Nature Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The agreement involves the purchase of 66 acres which, combined with an existing 44 acres in West Keating Township, will help conserve public access to forest land and outdoor recreation along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Clinton County.

Ray and Marney McDonald’s 66-acre Hyner View Farm in Chapman Township includes fields, forest land, a portion of Huff Run and the Huff Run Trail, a half-mile stretch of the West Branch Susquehanna River, and one of only two possible landing zones for hang gliding from Hyner View State Park. Under the agreement, The Nature Conservancy has purchased the farm and will transfer the farm in two separate transactions to the Commonwealth‘s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “This property represents one of only two possible hang gliding landing zones from Hyner View State Park,” said Shawn McDuff, president of the Hyner View Hang Gliding Club. “Hyner View is one of the premier hang gliding destinations in the East and this purchase ensures our sport will always be a part of the local outdoor recreation scene.”
Under the land deal, the Commonwealth will purchase the 28 acre southern portion of Hyner View Farm including the hang gliding landing zone and river access.

Hyner View Farm owner Ray McDonald noted, “We’re thrilled that the Conservancy and state were able to protect our farm and forestland. The site could have been purchased by a developer, but will now provide high quality outdoor recreation opportunities for years to come.”

The Conservancy will combine the northern 38 wooded Hyner Farm acres with a separate 44-acre Conservancy-owned parcel in West Keating Township. These two forested parcels will be exchanged for a 60-acre state-owned wooded parcel near the Conservancy’s 3,000-acre West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest in Grugan and Gallagher Townships. Ultimately, the entire Hyner View Farm will be in state ownership and provide numerous high quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

“It’s unusual to have so many outdoor recreational values packed into a single property,” stated Dylan Jenkins, Director of Forest Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Williamsport. “With this purchase and land exchange, we’re ensuring that hang gliding and public river access are protected for future generations.”

“The County fully supports this land protection deal by The Nature Conservancy,” said Clinton County Planner Tim Holladay. “It’s good for public recreation in Clinton County, good for the McDonalds and good for Pennsylvania.”

“We are glad to be able to make this investment to support Clinton County’s interest in outdoor recreation along the river and the economic benefits associated with recreational events and the activities of groups like the Hyner View Hang Gliding Club. That is what the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative is all about,” said Meredith Hill, DCNR’s PA Wilds Director.

The deal will help achieve the Conservancy’s mission of protecting the diversity of life on Earth by securing habitat for forest wildlife, protecting water quality, and promoting low-impact outdoor recreation opportunities. After purchasing the property from The Nature Conservancy, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will meet with interested outdoor enthusiasts to plan for use and improvements to the property. The Nature Conservancy is currently fundraising to pay for their portion of the land transaction.

West Branch Wilderness Preserve to be renamed West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest

History & Primary Goal

In 1999 The Nature Conservancy purchased this 3,034 acre forested property from American Wilderness Resources to prevent the tract from being subdivided into a recreational retreat; eliminating the potential for the construction of numerous cabins and outbuildings. Once the property was deeded over, TNC named it West Branch Wilderness Preserve. However, with the development of the Forest Conservation Program and the Conservancy’s desire to promote “Working Forests” that are managed to balance ecological and economic values through Sustainable Forest Management, West Branch Wilderness Preserve is being transitioned to West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest. In simple terms, the Conservancy, similar to most private forest landowners, is working to manage and conserve its forest resources, yet derive income from it to help pay for the costs associated with stewardship and general ownership. The long-term vision for West Branch is to restore and sustain a healthy forest that produces all the tangible and intangible products that society demands, such as Wood, Water, and Wildlife, along with beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and much more.


What is the game plan?

During the fall and winter of 2007, an extensive ecological inventory was conducted across the entire property to assess forest conditions, such as timber, tree regeneration, deer densities and deer browse impacts, presence of invasive species, wildlife habitat (snags and downed wood debris), along with existing road infrastructure and general terrain characteristics. The results of this inventory were used to create a Forest Management Plan. As the plan is nearly complete, it has been determined that due to consistently poor harvesting and property management practices prior to TNC ownership, forest management activities scheduled during the next ten years will be largely restorative. Strategic use of herbicide, prescribed fire, targeted recreational hunting, mowing treatments, fencing, and timber harvesting has and will continue to be utilized throughout the property to create conditions conducive to establishing a more healthy and diverse forest. As a Research and Demonstration Forest, West Branch will be used as a platform to showcase forest restoration practices applicable to private forest landowners and the diverse forested landscapes across the Commonwealth. In addition, West Branch will be utilized as a small-scale research station to conditions amenable to studies involving wildlife, rare plant communities, prescribed fire, herbicide applications, and of course, a case study for managing white-tailed deer. The Nature Conservancy has partnered with a variety of state agencies and land management organizations to work collaboratively to address some of the most pressing and challenging issues that our forests face.

West Branch Hunting Guidelines

Similar to years past, you are welcome to hunt at West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest and are encouraged to use treestands if inclined to do so as long as they are not damaging to trees.

A complete list of activities that are prohibited on The Nature Conservancy's properties is as follows:

- Trapping of any wildlife is prohibited.

- Use of motorized vehicles of any sort is prohibited, except over public access roads.

-Camping, fires, horseback riding, bicycling, collecting flora, fauna, or mineral specimens is prohibited.

- Artificial feeding of wildlife is prohibited.

- Alteration of natural growth or natural features for the purpose of enhancing the beauty, neatness, or amenities of the preserve is prohibited.

- The introduction of exotic species (species non native to a particular area) is prohibited.

- Pet and stray domestic animals are prohibited, including leashed dogs, except seeing-eye dogs.

- Hunting of any animal with dogs is prohibited.

- The use of pesticides is prohibited.

Please notify the preserve manager (570-220-6097; meckley@tnc.org)
if you see anyone engaged in the activities listed above.