Overview
One of the major agricultural enterprises within the the drainage basin is
dairying. Stream watering for live stock is an age old practice.
This direct access provides the opportunities for cattle to directly pollute
the streams and destroy the ecosystems along the streams and tributaries to
lake Erie. Moving cattle and livestock away from streams will provide
the opportunities to restore and protect the habitats along the riparian
corridors within Lake Erie basin.
Problem
Statement
Approximately 20% of Pennsylvania's rare and endangered species occur in the
Lake Erie watershed. Access of the cattle to the streams and
tributaries destroy the unique habitat within the streambed and the
vegetation along the banks. As a result, many plants indigenous to the
Lake Erie watershed have been aversively affected. The U.S. service
has advocated planting riparian zones to trees. Although trees have
their place, trees alone do not provide protection and biodiversity.
We are utilizing native plant species (both herbaceous and woody) to promote
the restoration of ecosystems and rebuilding the habitat within the riparian
corridors of the Lake Erie watershed.
Proposed Work Outcome
The outcome of this project is to restore currently and previously degraded
ecosystems by planting native grass, shrub, and tree species to create
biodiversity within the riparian corridors.
Producers participating in other federal, state, and local programs have
been invited to become involve with this program on their riparian
corridors. Sites of 7 interested parties inventoried and have been
selected. Diverse habitat systems have been planted based on soils,
climate, and suitable indigenous plants. Other materials including
fencing, water supply systems, and stream crossings have been included.
The corridors have been established by planting and excluding cattle.
We anticipate that cattle will be grazed in pastures away from streams.
This will result in the riparian areas being re-vegetated with a diversity
of indigenous species. This will also result in providing habitat for
a variety of wildlife species including songbirds and waterfowl.
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