In close collaboration with the PA Game Commission (PGC), RGS supported habitat management planning and implementation on SGL 42 with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in 2018 and 2020.2020 funding from NFWF will support the mowing of 171 acres on SGL 42 as part of the PGC’s broader habitat plan for SGL 42, which they describe:The habitat management goal for SGL 042 is to maintain mixed succession conditions with a focus on practices that favor habitat requirements for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse. Hunting for these species, as well as for bear and squirrel, is popular in this area.
Prominent fur taking opportunities include raccoon and fox. In addition to practices geared toward game species, all management activities on SGL 042 will consider avian and mammalian species of greatest conservation need, and those habitat improvements that can be made to support them.
This proposed habitat project is 171 acres in size, found in Compartment 2, stands 175 and 201 of SGL 042. The project is primarily located in Upper Yoder Township, Cambria County with small portions extending into Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County and Conemaugh Township, Somerset County. The proposed habitat project “Wicked Witch II” will consist of 1 mechanical treatment block found within a low-quality Red Oak – Mixed Hardwood Forest (AR36 & AR32).Past management in this area includes an herbicide application in the Fall of 2019, performed in order to treat hay-scented fern and prepare for mechanical treatment.
The strategy to reach these goals will be to use a mowing/mulching machine to mow all species 5” DBH and less in the mid/understory. All stems will be severed allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor to help establish new desirable regeneration. Sprouting of severed stems will provide a flush source of browse and the cut stems will create ground cover. Another benefit that will be achieved from mechanical treatment will be the scarification of the forest floor. Scarification will expose rich soil that in hope will create a desirable seed bed for future regeneration.
