WATER RESOURCES

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the context of forest resource management, the Bureau of Forestry views “Water Resources Management” as an array of potential resources, impacts, issues, and opportunities encompassing all water resources, values, uses, and functions. Water resources include watersheds, riparian ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems (surface waters), groundwater systems, and social values and uses of water resources such as for drinking, recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, research and industrial uses. This scope and complexity demonstrates the need for managing water resources within the broader context of forest ecosystem management.

Drinking Water

On state forest lands near populated areas, the demand for potable water is increasing and beginning to approach the limit of available supplies from impoundments and reservoirs. Remote areas of state forest lands will continue to serve as a reserve of clean water. In addition to providing water from surface sources, state forest lands also provide access to potable groundwater and serve as significant groundwater recharge areas. A number of rural municipalities have entered into agreements with the Bureau of Forestry to drill municipal water wells on state forest lands. Public ownership, scientific-based management, and the vast geographic extent of state forest lands make them uniquely suited to continue to provide clean water for Pennsylvanians. The Bureau of Forestry will cooperate with agencies such as the US Geologic Survey and DCNR, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey to protect surface and groundwater resources.

"In-stream" Values-Ecological Functions, Aquatic Ecosystems, and Recreation

Water for municipal and household uses might be the most obvious and valuable benefit to the Commonwealth, but water also has intrinsic "in-stream" values and functions such as recreation, aesthetics, and habitat for aquatic life. Additionally, wetlands and riparian zones act as natural filters of sediment and pollutants, and clean water from forested watersheds helps to dilute pollutants entering the system. Forested watersheds and riparian zones greatly influence the ability of surface waters to provide in-stream values, uses and functions; and thus, will be managed as integral components of forest ecosystems.

There are many different kinds of aquatic ecosystems on state forest lands, the majority of which are moving-water systems (rivers, streams) or lakes and/or ponds. The nature and quality of these systems are critical to the survival of thousands of fauna species on State Forest lands.

Riparian areas, or streamside forests are critical to the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Due of their location, riparian areas play a critical role in protecting water quality, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing fish and wildlife resources. Also, because of the dendritic pattern exhibited by most of the streams on state forest land, riparian zones provide travel lanes or corridors for many wildlife species. Aquatic and riparian system are linked. Riparian habitats form a natural buffer between an aquatic ecosystem and the drier upland terrestrial systems.

Recreational expectations of state forest lakes, ponds, and streams vary among users. Some use water resources for environmental education, while others may use it for fishing, boating, hunting, or trapping. Still others simply wish to observe the plants and animals associated with aquatic ecosystems. Water-related recreational interests are extensive and often times conflict, which means that not every water body can simultaneously support all activities. Therefore, in areas of high recreation use, the Bureau of Forestry will base recreation management decisions on designated primary uses of each water body in an attempt to minimize conflict among recreation users, while also protecting the ecological values of the resource.

Aquatic Community Classification

An aquatic community classification project is currently underway in Pennsylvania by the Natural Heritage program including The Nature Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. The Pennsylvania Aquatic Community Classification Project (project) proposes to develop and apply standardized aquatic ecosystem classifications and reference conditions, which will allow conservation planners to identify, characterize and map existing locations of freshwater plants and animals and their habitats across the state and assess their relative conservation priority. The project will help identify the highest priority areas for aquatic resource protection as well as augment and strengthen statewide conservation programs while providing important data to watershed groups and other organizations in order to assist local watershed planning, protection and restoration efforts. For more information on the project refer to the Fauna Resources section of this plan.

Management Practices

The Bureau of Forestry will continue to develop and implement best management practices (BMPs) to minimize and prevent water pollution, as well as support and engage in research to restore degraded surface and groundwater resources. Erosion and sedimentation, acid mine drainage, acid precipitation, and chemical and thermal pollution are notable examples of human-caused factors adversely affecting water resources. Controlling inputs into aquatic systems, both negative and positive, (e.g., limestone to increase the buffering capacity of acidic streams is beneficial) is essential for maintaining and improving the quality of Pennsylvania's water resources.

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History

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began protecting watersheds in 1897 when the legislature passed an act authorizing the purchase of unseated lands for forest reservations in the headwaters of each of the main rivers of the Commonwealth, including the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Ohio Rivers. This foresight, along with subsequent legislation, helped to acquire and establish the present state forest system, which today serves as a 2.1 million-acre source of clean water for Pennsylvania. One of the original purposes for establishing the state forest system was to protect forested watersheds, and this remains part of the Bureau of Forestry's mission today.

Historically, the Bureau of Forestry's water resources management and planning efforts focused on protecting watersheds to maximize the supply and production of potable water, as well as protecting and improving wetland and aquatic habitats. This is evidenced by the former name given to the Bureau of Forestry, "The Department of Forests and Waters."

The management objectives of the first "official" management plan, the Forest Resource Plan of 1955-1970, were to:

1. Produce the greatest possible sustained supply of timber products.
2. Improve species composition and quality of existing stands and provide for adequate residual growing stock as well as reduce the damage caused by insects and diseases.
3. Regulate the cutting of timber so that the supply and flow of products from the forest will be constant and adequate. This will tend to stabilize wood-using industries and the employees and communities dependent upon them.
4. Develop and preserve the recreational values of the forests.
5. Protect the watersheds from erosion and obtain from them the maximum yields of useable water.
6. Harvest timber in such a way that an adequate, uniform supply of food and cover for wildlife is produced.

Objective number five clearly states the bureau's intentions of protecting watersheds and providing clean water. The subsequent Forest Resource Plan (1970-1984) included a "Watershed Management Section" with specific objectives for watershed management:

To make available the maximum yield of potable water under sound multiple-use practices by:

1. Restricting or limiting activities and development on watersheds to practices that will neither reduce the quantity nor impair the quality of the water.
2. Analyzing future water needs of communities within or near state forest lands and designating potential watersheds that can be developed to fill those needs.
3. Zoning to control future development on watersheds in order to protect the water resources.

Objectives one and two of the "Watershed Management Section" of the 1985-1999 State Forest Resource Plan were very similar to the 1970-1984 Plan. Objective number three of the 1985-1999 Plan was added to address the notion of coordinating management activities.

1. To restrict or limit present and future activities and development on watersheds to practices that will neither reduce the quantity nor impair the quality of the water.
2. To review future water needs of communities within or near state forest lands and designate potential watersheds that can be developed to fill those needs.
3. To coordinate the use and development of water resources so as to protect and enhance water quality and the other forest resources.

As the Bureau of Forestry develops and implements the 2000-2005 State Forest Resource Management Plan, it will expand its water resources management efforts to consider all water resources, uses, values, and functions within the broader context of forest ecosystem management.

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Water Resources Inventory

The Water Resources Inventory contains information on the following resources:

• Rivers and Streams
• Lakes and Ponds
• Watersheds
• Groundwater
• Impaired Water Bodies
• Palustrine and Wetland Communities
• Spring Seeps and Vernal Ponds
• Aquatic Community Classification

Rivers and Streams Inventory

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PA FBC), and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (DCNR, R&C) are the primary agencies responsible for determining special protection designations for rivers and streams.

A. DEP Special Protection Waters

Under Title 25, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 93. Water Quality Standards, all waters within the Commonwealth have been classified according to present condition and use. Waters receiving special protection include High Quality Waters (HQ) and Exceptional Value Waters (EV). HQ and EV waters are defined as follows:

HQ: "A stream or watershed which has excellent quality waters and environmental or other features that require special water quality protection."

EV: "A stream or watershed which constitutes an outstanding national, state, regional or local resource, such as waters of national, state or county parks or forests, or waters which are used as a source of unfiltered potable water supply, or waters of wildlife refuges or State game lands, or waters which have been characterized by the Fish Commission as 'Wilderness Trout Streams,' and other waters of substantial recreational or ecological significance."

The following links provide access to DEP websites containing information on water quality standards and stream designations:

2002 Section 305(b) - Water Quality Assessment Report
Past Section 305(b) Reports - for historical reference: 2001 || 2000 || 1998 || 1996

Statewide Existing Use Classifications

Stream Redesignation Evaluations - Status and Draft Reports

Pennsylvania's Surface Waters Assessment Program - 2002 Update

In cooperation with DEP, the Bureau of Forestry compiled a listing of the special protection waters (EV and HQ) on state forest land organized by state forest and county. There are approximately 2,970 miles of HQ and 626 miles of EV waters on state forest land. A table at the end of this section provides a listing by state forest. For example, below is a listing of stream designations for Adams County in the Michaux State Forest. The listings for remaining counties and state forests can be found in the following file: State forest waters with special protection list (Adobe PDF 163 Kb). Additionally, the Bureau of Forestry maintains GIS layers of rivers and streams and their corresponding designations.

Special Protection Waters of Michaux State Forest

Current through 30 PaB 6191 on December 2, 2000 (Trout Run)

B. PA FBC-Trout Stream Designations

1. Pennsylvania Class A Wild Trout Streams

Definition - Streams that support a population of naturally produced trout of sufficient size and abundance to support a long-term and rewarding sport fishery.

Management - Natural reproduction of wild populations without stocking. The following file, maintained by the PA FBC, contains a listing of naturally reproducing trout streams on state forest land.

2. Pennsylvania Wilderness Trout Waters Definition:

Wilderness trout stream management is based upon the provision of a wild trout fishing experience in a remote, natural and unspoiled environment where man's disruptive activities are minimized. Established in 1969, this option was designed to protect and promote native (brook trout) fisheries, the ecological requirements necessary for natural reproduction of trout and wilderness aesthetics. The superior quality of these watersheds is considered an important part of the overall angling experience on wilderness trout streams. Therefore, all stream sections included in this program qualify for the Exceptional Value (EV) special protected water use classification, which represents the highest protection status provided by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The PA Fish and Boat Commission maintains a listing of Class A Wild Trout Streams and Wilderness Trout Waters on their website: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/pfbchom2.html

3. The following file contains a listing of PA FBC waters on state forest land by grouped by Pennsylvania county: State Forest Water Pa Fish & Boat CommWaters (Adobe PDF 35 Kb).

C. DCNR, R&C Scenic Rivers Program

For purposes of designating and managing rivers for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, the DCNR, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation developed the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program. The link below provides access to the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation's Rivers Program:

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/rivers/index.htm

Classification Criteria

Rivers included in the Scenic Rivers System will be classified, designated and administered as Wild, Scenic, Pastoral, Recreational and Modified Recreational Rivers (Sections 4; (a) (1) of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act). A designated river may have more than one classification; each segment will have its own classification, and must be long enough to provide a meaningful experience. The number of different classified segments within the river should be kept to a minimum.

WILD or SCENIC river designations are intended to preserve the primitive qualities the natural, and aesthetic values of a river and also to protect the existing character and quality of both the river and its adjacent land environment.

Wild rivers shall be free flowing and supportive of native fish and wildlife. The shorelines and adjacent environment shall be pristine in character. Access to segments is restricted to foot and/or nonpowered watercraft.

Scenic rivers shall be free flowing and capable of, or under restoration, to support water-cased recreation, fish and aquatic life. The view from the river or its banks shall be predominately wild, but may reveal some pastoral countryside. The segment may be intermittently accessible by road.

PASTORAL river designation is intended to recognize the capability and productivity of agricultural activities. The surrounding pastoral landscape enhances the aesthetic qualities of this river type.

Pastoral rivers shall be free flowing excepting historic or restored mill dams and capable of, or under restoration, to support water based recreation, fish and aquatic life. The view from the river or its banks shall be predominately pastoral of farming countryside. The segment may be intermittently accessible by roads.

RECREATIONAL and MODIFIED RECREATIONAL designations are intended to maintain the utilization of the river and its adjacent land environment for recreational uses. Such use however, must be compatible with the capability of the resource to support that use without degradation.

Recreational rivers may combine free flowing and relatively short stretches of impounded water that can, or is being restored to, sustain appropriate water-based recreation, fish and aquatic life. The shorelines may exhibit considerable man-made modification; however, such modification shall be compatible with the aesthetics of the river environment. The river shall be readily accessible.

Location Map

The map below shows the location of Pennsylvania designated Scenic Rivers. Federally designated Scenic Rivers are not depicted in this map. The colored corridors represented in and around the map are linked to more detailed maps that better locate the boundaries of each river, and include river segments and their designated uses.

Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers on state forest land include:

The table below summarizes stream and river designations on state forest lands. For maps and additional information please refer to one of the 20 specific State Forest Resource Management Plans.

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Lakes and Ponds Inventory

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Watershed Inventory

As part of the Pennsylvania State Water Plan, DEP delineated 104 watersheds in Pennsylvania's six major river basins. The map below shows the major river basins and the link provides access to DEP's Watershed Notebooks website, which provides additional information on each watershed.

Pennsylvania's Major Watersheds

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/WC/Subjects/WSNoteBks/shedtable.htm

The Bureau of Forestry GIS Library contains GIS data for the State Water Plan watersheds. Bureau of Forestry personnel can use these data to consider the watershed impacts of policy and management decisions.

First delineated as part of the 1970-1984 Forest Resource Plan, and updated since, the table below lists the acres of state forest land designated as municipal watersheds, along with potential watershed acres.

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Groundwater Inventory

Groundwater Sources of Information

The Internet provides access to a wealth of information on groundwater resources in Pennsylvania:

1. The PA DCNR, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey provides background information on the geology of Pennsylvania's groundwater, water well information, along with links to other data, information, agencies, and organizations devoted to groundwater protection and management.
   
   http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/groundwater/groundwater.htm
   
   Pennsylvania Ground Water Information System
   
   The Pennsylvania Topographic and Geologic Survey (PaGS) developed and maintains a groundwater database for Pennsylvania called the Pennsylvania Groundwater Information System (PaGWIS). This MS Access database contains information on construction, location, and hydrogeologic data for water wells; improvement and hydrogeologic data for springs; and water quality information for selected wells and springs. These data were gathered from databases of the PaGS, the United States Geologic Survey, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the PA Department of Agriculture. In addition to the Access database, the PaGS developed GIS coverages representing the ground water sites, which allows users to visually ascertain what information is available for specific areas of Pennsylvania.
   
   From the PaGWIS database, the PaGS developed another database titled, "Hydrogeologic Characteristics of the Stratigraphic Units on the 1980 State Geologic Map in the Ridge and Valley Physiographic Province, Pennsylvania." This database provides a regional statistical summary of the hydrologic, water chemistry, and well construction characteristics of the stratigraphic units on PaGS's 1980 edition of the state geologic map. The PaGS is planning to expand this database to the remainder of Pennsylvania.
   
   The Bureau of Forestry plans to use this ground water information when planning management activities on state forest land having the potential to affect ground and surface water resources. Additionally, these data could help to identify new sources of potable water as demand increases in the future.
   
   The table below shows that there are currently 126 groundwater wells and 17 surface water intakes on state forest land. Intakes for inholdings adjacent to state forest lands are also shown, since they are most likely affecting the water resources on state forest, and vice versa. Maps such as the one below have been developed for each state forest

Impaired Water Bodies Inventory

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has an ongoing program to assess the quality of waters in Pennsylvania, according to Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act. Water quality standards are comprised of the uses that the waters can support and the goals established to protect those uses. Uses include, among other things, aquatic life, recreation, and drinking water, while the goals are numerical or narrative water quality criteria that express the in-stream levels of substances that must be achieved to support the uses. Periodic reports on the quality of waters in the Commonwealth are required under section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act.

The link below is to DEP's website for impaired water bodies, which are listed and organized according to the State Water Plan.

Final 2002 Section 303(d) Report - List of Impaired Waterbodies
Past Section 303(d) Report - for historical reference: 1998

Related to the above-referenced information available through DEP, the U.S. EPA maintains a website for impaired waterbodies, searchable by state:

http://oaspub.epa.gov/waters/region_rept.control?p_region=3#IMP_STATE

http://oaspub.epa.gov/waters/state_rept.control?p_state=PA

Palustrine and Wetland Communities Inventory

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Spring Seeps and Vernal Ponds Inventory

Spring seeps and vernal ponds will be inventoried per the Landscape Examination process. This inventory will result in a GIS layer of spring seeps and vernal ponds.

Aquatic Community Classification

An aquatic community classification project is currently underway in Pennsylvania by the Natural Heritage program including The Nature Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. The Pennsylvania Aquatic Community Classification Project (project) proposes to develop and apply standardized aquatic ecosystem classifications and reference conditions, which will allow conservation planners to identify, characterize, and map existing locations of freshwater plants and animals and their habitats across the state and to then assess their relative conservation priority. The project will help identify the highest priority areas for aquatic resource protection as well as augment and strengthen statewide conservation programs while providing important data to watershed groups and other organizations to assist local watershed planning, protection and restoration efforts. For more information on the project refer to the Fauna Resources Section of this plan.

Policy Statement

Water Resources Management involves all water resources, values, uses, functions, and delineations. The Bureau of Forestry will manage water resources within the context of ecosystem management, considering the wide range of potential impacts, issues, and opportunities relating to water resources.

Goals and Objectives

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Guidelines and Actions

The Bureau of Forestry has developed both general and specific management guidelines designed to maintain and/or enhance water resources, values, uses, and functions, and also to protect riparian and aquatic ecosystems from sedimentation, thermal, and chemical pollution. The Bureau of Forestry approached this task by developing a diverse set of guidelines considering management zoning, best management practices (BMPs), and restricting certain activities in specific areas. The following guidelines apply to all management activities occurring on state forest land; variance from these guidelines requires the prior written approval of the State Forester. The guidelines for managing water resources are organized by the following subject areas:

• Environmental Reviews
• General Guidelines for Managing Water Resources
• Zoning Guidelines for Considering Water Resources
• Guidelines for Managing Municipal Watersheds
• Guidelines for Special Protection Waters
• Guidelines for Protecting Spring Seeps and Vernal Ponds
• Guidelines for Activities in Wetlands, Aquatic Ecosystems, and Riparian Ecosystems
• Guidelines for Groundwater Conservation and Protection
• Guidelines for Coordinating Water Resources Management with Other Management Considerations

Environmental Reviews

A written Environmental Review must be completed for the following types of projects having the potential to affect water resources:

• Wetlands encroachment
• In-stream alterations for aquatic habitat improvements
• Groundwater well drilling
• Bridge construction
• Herbicide treatments in aquatic ecosystems

General Guidelines for Managing Water Resources

The following general guidelines apply to any management activity on state forest land.

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Zoning Guidelines for Considering Water Resources

It is a policy of the Bureau of Forestry to zone all state forest lands according to the primary land use and land use capability, and to apply management practices that will protect and enhance the values for which the land was zoned. Examples of how water resource values are protected through the Bureau of Forestry's seven management zones are discussed below. Refer to the Land Classification and Management Zoning Manual for additional information.

Natural and Wild Area Management Zones

Natural Areas have been designated to protect specific unique scenic, historic, geologic and ecological values. Wild Areas cover extensive areas designed to provide forest users the opportunity to pursue recreation activities in remote and relatively undisturbed settings. By excluding most management activities, Natural and Wild Areas afford the greatest protection of water resources.

Aesthetic/Buffer Management Zone

Connectivity, aesthetics, and water quality conservation are the primary values associated with the Aesthetic/Buffer Management Zone. The following minimum buffer zones are designed to protect water resources by limiting operations within riparian zones:

1. Exceptional value waters: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream. Only salvage cutting will be permitted within this zone.
2. High quality waters: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
3. Perennial cold water streams: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
4. Wilderness trout streams: will have a 200-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream. Only salvage cutting will be permitted within this zone.
5. Warm water streams: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
6. Wild rivers: The assigned stream corridor will be zoned aesthetic/buffer management zone. Only salvage cutting will be permitted within 200 feet of both sides of the stream.
7. Scenic rivers: The assigned stream corridor will be zoned aesthetic/buffer management zone. Only salvage cutting will be permitted within 100 feet of both sides of the stream.
8. Recreational rivers: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
9. Modified recreational rivers: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
10. Pastoral rivers: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone on both sides of the stream.
11. Lakes, Ponds and Impoundments: will have a 100-foot aesthetic/buffer management zone around their perimeter.

Limited Resource Management Zone

The Limited Resource Management Zone limits management activities, such as timber harvesting and recreation development, on sites with steep slopes, surface rocks or other features affecting operability.

Multiple Resource Management Zone

The Multiple Resource Management Zone is applied to areas where timber, water, recreation, fauna, flora and minerals are the major values. This comprises the majority of lands within the State Forest system and is the least restrictive, most encompassing management zone. Appropriate BMPs will be followed during all management activities.

During the harvest allocation planning process for the Multiple Resource and Commercial land base, an area reduction factor of 10% was applied to reduce the available area for harvest to account for areas that are too rocky, too wet, or too steep and too small to small have been classified as a separate stand. This reduction factor will help to protect sensitive areas within the multiple resource and commercial land base.

Special Resource Management Zone

The Special Resource Management Zone is applied to areas managed for specific values such as public plant sanctuaries, special wildlife management areas, certain recreation sites, vistas, and reservoirs. Appropriate BMPs will be followed in these zones, which will have specific management recommendations or plans, depending on the values that are being recognized.

Anthropogenic Site Management Zone

Anthropogenic management zone applies to areas where human influence on the natural setting is most apparent, such as roads, rights-of-ways, mineral sites, tower sites, leases, forest district buildings, etc. Appropriate BMPs will be followed in theses zones.

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Guidelines for Managing Municipal Watersheds

Recognizing the importance and need for water, the Conservation and Natural Resources Act states, "The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall have the power: to give to boroughs and other municipalities of this Commonwealth, upon such terms and subject to such restrictions and regulations as the Department may deem proper, the privilege of impounding water and drilling water wells upon any state forest, and of constructing, maintaining and operating lines of pipes upon and through state forests for the purpose of conveying water therefrom, wherever it shall be to the public interest so to do".

The management of municipal watersheds is aimed at correcting past problems, such as the immediate removal of pollution sources and soil stabilization in problem areas, and at preventing future problems from arising. This is done by prohibiting possible pollution sources from becoming established, and by controlling the management of the other forest resources to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.

The management of potential municipal watersheds is aimed at the gradual removal of pollution sources, at prohibiting potential pollution sources from becoming established, and at controlling permanent physical development to avoid future erosion and sedimentation problems.

The following guidelines are designed to provide specific protection to municipal watersheds on state forest land.

Timber Harvesting in Municipal Watersheds

Timber management will be permitted on municipal watersheds, but with restrictions to protect water quality. Research has shown that removing trees through silvicultural practices can increase water yields of forested watersheds. For the present management period, the Bureau of Forestry does not plan to implement management activities specifically designed to increase water yield; however, this could be necessary in the future.

The following guidelines apply, in addition to all other water resources guidelines, when a proposed state forest timber sale is located upstream from a dam or impounding basin on a watershed that supplies water to a municipality, institution or others for domestic, industrial or recreational use:

Oil, Gas, and Mineral Activities in Municipal Watersheds

Oil, gas, and mineral activities in municipal watersheds will be implemented in a manner that eliminates or minimizes impacts to water resources and protects municipal water sources. These activities must be reviewed independently for each resource to be extracted, for each watershed and for each location within the watershed. An Environmental Review must be completed for proposed oil, gas, and mineral activities in municipal watersheds. In addition to the standard 21 items, this review should consider circumstances such as mineral ownership (if minerals are reserved, we may not be able to prevent their extraction); benefits to be gained by the Commonwealth (e.g., land reclamation); or economic value of the resource (e.g., loss of gas because of migration); and the possible adverse effects on the watershed.

Refer to the Oil and Gas Lease as well as the Guidelines for Administering the Oil and Gas Lease for specific operating guidelines.

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Recreation Development and Activities in Municipal Watersheds

Recreation management and activities will be implemented in a manner that eliminates or minimizes potential pollution and sedimentation threats. The following guidelines apply specifically to recreation-related management and activities in municipal watersheds:

Guidelines for Special Protection Waters

Under Title 25, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 93. Water Quality Standards, all waters within the Commonwealth have been classified according to present condition and use. Waters receiving special protection include High Quality Waters (HQ) and Exceptional Value Waters (EV). HQ and EV waters are defined as follows:

HQ waters are subject to the same anti-degradation water quality restrictions as EV waters. The difference is that no water quality degradation is permitted of EV waters, but degradation is permitted of HQ waters for justifiable social and economic reasons. Water quality criteria have been established for each classification delineating the limits of metals, dissolved oxygen, pH. temperature, turbidity, etc. that can occur within the streams in each class. EV waters are an exception because specific criteria for levels of pollutants were not established but rather an "existing quality or "antidegradation" criteria was established which specifies that no pollutants can be discharged into a stream of that class. This means that no human-made or human-caused activity can change the temperature, increase the turbidity or change the pH of the stream.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission established The Wilderness Trout Streams Program "to protect and promote native trout fisheries, the ecological requirements necessary for natural reproduction of trout and wilderness aesthetics." Streams classified as Wilderness Trout Streams also meet the standards for EV waters.

In addition to all other guidelines for protecting water resources, the following guidelines have been developed for Wilderness Trout Streams, HQ, and EV waters:

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Guidelines for Protecting Spring Seeps and Vernal Ponds

Spring seeps and vernal ponds are highly diverse and valuable components of our forest ecosystems in Pennsylvania. Spring seeps are important to wildlife as they provide a variety of food sources during periods of snow cover in addition to the diversity of species associated with the forested wetland habitat they create. Vernal ponds support a diversity of species not found elsewhere in the forest including many invertebrates such as fairy shrimp. These ponds also are critical to the life cycles of many amphibians, which make up the largest vertebrate biomass in the forest and perform many vital functions. Proper management of these aquatic ecosystems is critical.

The ecosystems dependent upon spring seeps and vernal ponds are sensitive to disruption. Some important management considerations should be remembered to protect the integrity of these systems. Shading is important on both spring seeps and vernal ponds, especially in the maintenance of the unique vegetation associated with forested wetlands. High temperatures resulting from increased insolation are a problem for the amphibians using vernal ponds. Sedimentation is detrimental to both of these systems. Ruts in the vicinity of spring seeps can disrupt water flow. Ruts around vernal ponds can disrupt the migratory patterns of amphibians, or cause the amphibians to breed in undesirable bodies of water, which may dry up too soon.

Spring seeps and vernal ponds are considered "jurisdictional wetlands," and as such, fall under the regulatory process. The following guidelines clarify management questions regarding these sensitive areas, and should serve well to protect these valuable resources. Zoning variances will be granted, where justified, upon approval by the State Forester. If you have any questions or comments regarding these recommendations, please contact the Ecological Services Section or the Resource Planning and Information Division.

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Guidelines for Activities in Wetlands, Aquatic Ecosystems, and Riparian Ecosystems

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Guidelines for Groundwater Conservation and Protection

Groundwater Sources of Information

The Internet provides access to a wealth of information on groundwater resources in Pennsylvania:

Groundwater Wellhead Protection Guidelines (Based on DEP's Wellhead Protection Program)

A legal mandate of the state forest system is to provide potable water, and thus, the Bureau of Forestry is committed to protecting drinking water sources. Due to strict water-quality standards and the expense associated with treating water from surface sources, increasingly, local municipalities are relying on groundwater. In certain rural areas, state forest land is the first choice for municipalities to drill high-yield water wells. Therefore, the Bureau of Forestry will take every measure possible to ensure the protection of groundwater resources, particularly those serving as public water sources. Protecting groundwater resources is critical, because if contamination occurs, it is very costly and difficult to employ remedial activities, and if polluted, groundwater often remains contaminated for a long period of time.

The DEP's Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) is a proactive effort designed to protect groundwater supplies. The underlying principle of the program is that it is much less expensive to protect groundwater than it is to try to restore it once it becomes contaminated. The Bureau of Forestry will cooperate with DEP and local municipalities in efforts to implement water wellhead protection guidelines to protect groundwater supplies and recharge areas.

Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)

A WHPA is defined as the surface and subsurface area surrounding a public water supply well, wellfield, spring or infiltration gallery through which contaminants are reasonably likely to move toward and reach the water source. Chapter 109 currently establishes three zones of protection for wellhead protection areas:

1. Zone I is the immediate area surrounding the source, which may range from a radius of 100 to 400 feet depending on site-specific source and aquifer characteristics.
2. Zone II is a radius of one-half mile, unless a more detailed delineation is established to identify the surface area overlying the portion of the aquifer through which water is diverted to a well or flows to a spring or infiltration gallery (capture zone for a well; note that this is not the same as the zone of influence).
3. Zone III is an area that contributes surface water or groundwater to Zone II that may be significant to protecting the well. Collectively, Zone II and Zone III constitute the contributing area of the well.

The figure below illustrates the concept of wellhead protection zones.

Source: DEP, Bureau of Watershed Management

The Bureau of Forestry will cooperate with other local municipalities (water supplier) and agency experts (DEP, DCNR Topo-Geo, USGS) in efforts to implement the following guidelines for managing water wellhead protection zones:

Zone I: 100-400 Foot Radius

1. Prohibit management activities or land uses having the potential to adversely impact the water quality or quantity. Examples include, but are not limited to wastewater disposal, stormwater basins, parking lots, permanent structures, heavily traveled roads, etc.
2. Prohibit the storage, use, or disposal of potential contaminants, unless the chemical or material is used in the production or treatment of drinking water.
3. Prohibit the storage of liquid fossil fuels (except if used as an auxiliary power source for a public water supply system).
4. Timber sale and oil and gas access roads with heavy truck traffic, and public-use roads with heavy traffic should not be located in Zone I. Minor, less used skid trails and public-use roads could be permitted, depending on the particular site.
5. Cooperate with local municipalities and agency experts in efforts to develop specific protection guidelines for Zone I for specific wells.
6. Identify existing and potential sources of contamination.
7. Comply with all other guidelines for protecting water resources.

Zone II: One-half Mile Radius

1. Cooperate with local municipalities and agency experts in efforts to delineate (map) the one-half mile radius protection zone.
2. Cooperate with local municipalities and agency experts in efforts to develop specific protection guidelines for Zone II for specific wells.
3. Identify existing and potential sources of contamination.
4. Comply with all other guidelines for protecting water resources.

Zone III: Area Contributing Surface or Groundwater.

1. Cooperate with local municipalities and agency experts in efforts to delineate (map) Zone III.
2. Cooperate with local municipalities and agency experts in efforts to develop specific protection guidelines for Zone III for specific wells.
3. Identify existing and potential sources of contamination.
4. Comply with all other guidelines for protecting water resources.

Impacts to the Larger Forest Ecosystem

Except for wellhead protection zones, most of the water resources guidelines are aimed at protecting surface water. However, because most streamflow is derived from groundwater, management activities in groundwater recharge areas have implications for both surface and groundwater. Activities such as mining, oil and gas well drilling, and other surface activities that generate pollutants have the most potential to cause groundwater degradation. Plans for these activities should be evaluated carefully, and then closely monitored. Refer to the Oil and Gas Guidelines and Oil and Gas Lease for information on protecting groundwater during oil and gas drilling operations.

Groundwater resources will be managed as part of the larger hydrologic system. In addition to managing wellhead protection zones to protect the groundwater resource, the Bureau of Forestry is also concerned with potential negative impacts to the larger forest ecosystem resulting from over-developing groundwater resources. When considering requests for drilling groundwater wells, the Bureau of Forestry will work with agency experts to assess the well's potential impact to the surrounding forest ecosystem. Watersheds have varying tolerances to varying levels of groundwater development. The Bureau of Forestry will cooperate with agency experts to ensure that additional wells in certain watersheds will not adversely impact the water resources within that particular watershed. The Bureau of Forestry will work closely with local municipalities and agency experts to conduct thorough site assessments for individual water wells as well regional planning efforts considering local water needs and the available water supply.

Guidelines for Coordinating Water Resources Management with Other Management Considerations

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Actions for Goals and Objectives

Monitoring

Indicators:

• Extent of area by forest community type in protected area categories.
• Area treated with herbicide, pesticides, fertilizer, etc. (herbicide / fertilizer treatment lists / maps, insect suppression lists / maps)
• Number of sites where illegally deposited waste is a problem
• Percent of water bodies in forest areas (e.g. stream miles, lake acreage) with significant impairment.
• Mechanisms in-place to provide opportunities for public input in decision-making related to state forest management.
• Central depository for data collection, monitoring efforts and research are in place.
• Level of expenditure on research, information and education monitored.
• User Days (from district specific inventories & surveys).

Critical Research Needs

• Inventories of ground water resources.
• Impacts of groundwater development on forest ecosystems, including surface water systems
• Baseline data for monitoring changes to biological diversity, pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical levels, sedimentation, temperature change
• Baseline chemical analysis data for lakes and ponds (streams?)
• Aquatic life inventories
• Effects of trout stocking on native flora and fauna

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