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Natural Resources Stewardship at Raystown LakeAs land stewards of nearly 30,000 acres of land and water spanning a linear distance of over 30 miles, we must recognize our regional role to maintain ecological viable land base with large areas of forest ecosystems and smaller unique habitats. Within this role it is vitally important that the public understand that silvicultural, agricultural and wildlife management measures are a critical tool in proper land management at Raystown Lake. The primary stewardship goal at Raystown Lake is to provide healthy lands and waters for future generations. General Land Management InformationRaystown Lake project is comprised of over 22,000 acres of land, which is primarily forested. Forestland represents approximately 18,000 acres, followed by old field communities, agricultural leases, and recreational areas. Typically, the western side of the lake is comprised of rolling land, short ridges and a diversity of land types including forest, agricultural, recreation and old field. The western side is riddled with old township roads and private land drives that present excellent accessibility to most of the forested areas. On the western side, oak ridges have been severely impacted by gypsy moths and since the 1950’s the vast majority of agricultural and old field communities have been reverted to forest-land. Many wood lots, although variable in size, contain timber in the large saw log and present harvest opportunities to meet regeneration and wildlife goals. Reverting old fields present opportunities to restore old field habitat for numerous ground nesting birds. The eastern side of the lake primarily consists of the Terrace Mountain ridge. Excluding approximately 400 acres of the Lake Raystown Resort and the Tatman Run Recreation Area, the Terrace Mountain side is forested, primarily oak, with moderate to steep slopes. Little land management has occurred on the eastern side. When combined with natural areas of the adjacent State Forest this side has important values as a contiguous forested component for forest interior wildlife. Primary management on this side will consist of less intrusive management such as crop tree, uneven age and select tree harvest to promote more diversity, disease resistance and aesthetic qualities. Some opportunities for even-age management is available and will not conflict with the objectives stated. Wildlife Management Raystown Lake supports a variety of wildlife including popular games species such as deer, turkey and bear along with unique habitats such as shale barrens, moist soil habitats, wetland creation projects and wetlands. The establishment of four bald eagle nests provide a unique and exciting resource for the visitors to enjoy. Already a popular wintering area for eagles, the new nest provide additional viewing opportunities. Other new species include recent releases of river otters by Frostburg State University and the Pennsylvania Game Commission Other new wildlife initiatives include the creation of numerous wildlife habitat practices with the involvement of numerous partnerships. Our conservation partners including the Ruffed Grouse Society and the National Wild Turkey Federation provide additional funding and technical assistance for numerous habitat projects. Forest Management Sustainable forestry provides a healthy forest for the long-term, while providing a diversity of habitats across the landscape. The Raystown Lake forester operates under an approved annual forest management plan to address forest health and forest wildlife needs. All harvesting activity will be according to standard, acceptable silvicultural and harvesting practices. Logging operations will access existing forest trails, with minor cut and fill practices allowable in isolated cases. Seeding of all trails and landings will be required upon harvest completion. Aesthetics will be of paramount concern during all phases of timber harvesting plans and activities. Active forest management has resulted in the harvest of over 4 million board feet of saw timber, 60,000 tons of pulpwood and returned revenues back to Raystown Lake of nearly 1 million dollars. The returned revenues are utilized to improve forest roads, replant desirable seedlings in timber sales, eradicate and control invasive species and improve wildlife habitat. In summary, incorporating land management techniques according to the goals and objectives described the Forest and Wildlife Management plan will present a diversity of new habitat that is consistent with proper regional and landscape perspectives and presents a land ethic that conserves and enhances this large public land tract for years to come. |
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