Conservation Planning at Bear Run Nature Reserve

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is developing a long-term management plan for the conservation of natural resources on the Bear Run Nature Reserve. The reserve, unlike the majority of forestland in Pennsylvania, still remains fairly intact.

Bear Run Nature Reserve’s habitat supports rare species and natural communities that require a contiguous natural landscape. The photo below features a regular resident of the reserve, the scarlet tanager. The bright red male is resting among the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). In early spring, the tree blooms white and after a few weeks turns pinkish.

Protecting the biological diversity of the 4,758-acre reserve will preserve:

• 3.5 miles of Exceptional Value stream;
• four species of special concern;
• six important habitats;
• and an Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society.

Detailed investigations of these resources will reveal current conditions, identify potential threats and enable the development of recommended measures to sustain the landscape. Information and discoveries made through this project will also benefit other private and public landowners in the region interested in natural resource conservation.

The project is funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.

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