Botanical Survey Update – September 2007
The White Clay Creek Watershed Management Committee (a federally-funded group which oversees the White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River watershed) is encouraging a watershed-wide survey of botanical species resources. The Township received a proposal in December 2006 from an independent botanist to conduct the survey in Franklin Township (as she had in another township). She had done similar work for Franklin as part of the Township development approval process and the open space grant application process. The WCCMC funded one-half of the $5,000 cost, DCNR funded one-quarter through its TreeVitalize program, and the Township funded the last one-quarter.
The roadside survey has been completed and a number of landowners have been contacted to authorize site surveys. To date, 804 species have been recorded – 259 species, or 32%, are alien species, a normal % of aliens. Recent alien invasives, mile-a-minute and porcelain berry, have become common in the township. Sixteen PNDI (Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index) species of special concern (Endangered, Threatened, Rare, Undetermined) have been found in the township in 28 occurrences. Some of these sites are confirmations of previously known occurrences, but a fair number are new discoveries. Highlights include a buttercup not collected in the state since 1929, a valerian that may be a new state record (still checking), and a sedge that may be a new species (DNA study in progress). We expect this survey to be complete early next year.
For information on the conservation of Pennsylvania's biodiversity and lists of species of special concern in Pennsylvania, see Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP).
– September 26, 2007