Bear Run’s Unique Habitat and Recreational Attractions Preserved through Conservation
Bear Run begins among boulders and oak forests atop Laurel Ridge in Fayette County. From its lofty source, this Exceptional Value stream tumbles through hemlock stands and rhododendron tangles, down the western flank of the Laurel Ridge toward Fallingwater. Its secluded course is at the heart of WPC’s Bear Run Nature Reserve; 4,849 acres of forests, tributary streams, old farm fields and hiking trails above the Youghiogheny River. Rare and endangered plant species like the single-headed pussytoes (Antennaria solitaria) and the buffalo nut (Pyrularia pubera) persist at Bear Run, and the WPC ranks preservation of the reserve’s natural beauty and ecological diversity as a high priority.
Recognizing the reserve’s value as a unique habitat and a destination for low impact outdoor recreation, WPC is beginning a long-range planning effort focused on Bear Run’s future. WPC staff and an advisory committee of local community members will guide a two-year effort to update the management plan for the entire reserve and develop a comprehensive Conservation Plan.
Initial steps in the process will include a natural resource inventory and analysis of the Bear Run watershed and surrounding areas. A watershed approach will offer opportunities to further engage the local community in the plan and foster awareness of Bear Run’s natural significance and its need for conservation.
A critical component will be identification of threats to the reserve and Bear Run watershed, as well as recommendations to address potential problems. Currently, some of the known threats include acid drainage from abandoned mines, non-native invasive plants, ATV (all-terrain vehicle) use and other unauthorized recreation, and atmospheric deposition (acid rain).
Preserving the Exceptional Value status of Bear Run Stream is a major focus of WPC’s work on the Reserve. Stream monitoring indicates that although water quality is currently high, there is at least one known mine discharge on Bear Run.
The Conservation Plan will be an important aid in the management of the reserve, and the protection of the Bear Run stream and its Exceptional Value status. WPC has always held the conservation of Bear Run as a key part of its mission. But, with increased visitation at Fallingwater and the new public use of the renovated barn at Bear Run, a comprehensive plan is more important than ever.
If you would like to contribute information, as well as your thoughts and concerns to the Bear Run Conservation Plan, please join us at The Barn at Fallingwater on June 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the “kick off” public meeting. For more information, e-mail mhoff@paconserve.org or call 412-586-2354.
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