Sugar Bay Willow Bay

These Conservation Areas, located within the Allegheny Reservoir, support several nesting pairs of osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a state threatened species. The Allegheny Reservoir, also known as Kinzua Lake, is a 12,000-acre impoundment that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest; and in New York State by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation. The landscape surrounding the reservoir is entirely forested.

The osprey is a Neotropical migrant bird species with a range that is widespread and increasing. Its main breeding range extends from northern Canada south to the Great Lakes states and along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to Florida. More scattered populations breed along inland rivers and lakes. The species is considered imperiled within the state, although its population may be increasing due in part to active management by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Habitat requirements for osprey vary between sites, but must include an adequate supply of accessible live fish within commuting distance of nest (10–20 km); shallow waters (0.5–2 meters deep) which generally provide the most accessible fish; and open nest sites free from predators (Poole et al. 2002). Reservoirs that provide ample expanses of shallow, clear water have ideal conditions for hunting. Like other fish-eating birds, osprey generally defend only nest sites, not feeding territories.

Threats and Stresses Any factor that would decrease water quality of the lake would impact the nesting ospreys. Non- point source pollution from agricultural development upslope from the lake and timber harvesting within forested areas along the lake are the greatest threats to water quality. Acid precipitation may affect fauna residing in the lake.

At the national level, osprey are recovering in many areas following severe declines resulting from organochlorine biocide (e.g. DDT) use. However, organochlorines and other contaminants are still contributing to eggshell thinning and low hatching success in some populations (Steidl et al. 1991). General threats to osprey include death by gunshot, steel traps, impact with, or electrocution by, high-tension wires, and being caught or drowned in nets (Wiemeyer et al. 1980, cited in Henny and Anthony 1989).

Conservation Recommendations Forest cover in the immediate watershed surrounding the lake should be left intact because alterations in light levels and temperature along the perimeter of the lake could alter the hydrology of the site. Fishing is the primary recreational activity at Allegheny Reservoir and boats with motors are permitted. Human disturbance near the nest platform should be kept to a minimum during the nesting period (months of June and July) when Ospreys are most sensitive to intrusions. Tolerance levels of human activity near nests are too variable for guidelines to be broadly applied. Biologists with the Allegheny National Forest are aware of the Osprey nests and monitor them annually.