Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES percent, respectively. The mean annual sunshine To assist in providing orderly, intelligent, Average Annual Temperature 50° F per year for the County is about 2,500 hours. and efficient growth for Dauphin County, it is Mean Freeze-free Period 175 days Summer Mean Temperature 76° F Although the climate will not have a major essential that features of the natural environment Winter Mean Temperature 32° F effect on land uses, it should be considered in the be delineated, and that this information be layout of buildings for purposes of energy integrated with all other planning tools and Winds are important hydrologic factors consumption. Tree lines and high ground should be procedures. because of their evaporative effects and their on the northwest side of buildings to take association with major storm systems. The advantage of the microclimates of a tract of land. To that end, this chapter provides a prevailing wind directions in the area are from the By breaking the velocity of the northwest winds, compilation of available environmental data as an northwest in winter and from the west in spring. energy conservation can be realized by reducing the aid to planning in the County. The average wind speed is 10 mph, with an temperature slightly. To take advantage of the sun extreme wind speed of 68 mph from the west- for passive or active solar systems, buildings should CLIMATE northwest reported in the Lower Susquehanna area have south facing walls. during severe storm activity in March of 1955.
Weather elements or activities of the GEOLOGY atmosphere, such as precipitation, temperature, Hurricanes, or tropical disturbances, as they Map 3-1 graphically illustrates the geology wind direction and speed, relative humidity, and move northward, follow a northeasterly path in the of Dauphin County. sunshine are measurable quantities that affect middle latitudes and produce heavy rainfalls and
Dauphin County. strong surface winds in the County. Frequently Dauphin County is located in two affecting water supplies and causing floods, these physiographic provinces – the Ridge and Valley Precipitation data includes: tropical storms are observed during the hurricane Province and the Piedmont. The Ridge and Valley season, June through November. Average Annual Precipitation 46” province is categorized with large ridges and a
2.6” (Feb) to valley that extended from New York to Alabama. The evaporation process is controlled by Normal Monthly Precipitation 4.3” (Aug) The Piedmont Province is characterized by flat areas Snowfall (light-moderate) 30” average temperature, wind, sunshine, and humidity. The located in Lower Dauphin County, specifically in the Mean Annual Days with Snow rate of evaporation during the warmer months has municipalities of Conewago and Lower Paxton. Cover 1” + 50 days an important impact on water storage in reservoirs
and on irrigation. The mean May to October The Ridge and Valley Province is composed Air temperatures are important to the evaporation accounts for about 72 percent of the of mostly sandstones and shales. This province management of water resources and water quality. total annual evaporation. constitutes most of Dauphin County. The Piedmont
Province is located in Southern Dauphin County and Relative humidity and sunshine also affect is composed of silty mudstone and diabase. Sub the evaporation process. The mean monthly physiographic regions also exist to further break relative humidity for typical seasonal months of down the geology of the region. Dauphin County is January, April, July, and October are about 68 located in six sub physiographic sections. The
Natural Resources 3-1 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends sections located in Dauphin County include The Mesozic Era: the expense of a mine. The continued Gettysburg-Newark Lowland, Great Valley, Blue sedimentation and the continued filling of the Mountain, Anthracite Upland, and Susquehanna Triassic Period, 245 million years ago Appalachian basin affected Dauphin County. Jurassic Period, 208 million years ago Lowland. The beginning of the Permian Period started Geology can affect the factors involved with In the Late Cambrian and Early Ordovician with two continents colliding into each other and on-lot sewage disposal, drainage, and construction time period volcanic activity took place. During the causing faulting and folding to occur in the area of costs. The rock types found in Dauphin County Late Ordovician two continents collided into each the Appalachian basin. Folding during the Permian generally do not present specific inherent other causing high mountains, now known as the Period caused the Ridges that are characteristics of limitations. However, in some cases, on-site Appalachian Mountains. On the other side of these the Ridge and Valley Province to occur. Weathering evaluation of geologic factors may be necessary to mountains a long basin was formed, called the and faulting made the Valleys of the same province. determine the feasibility and impacts of a proposed Appalachian basin and filled with ocean water. project. The engineering aspects of the bedrock Limestone’s formed in the basin during the Late The Jurassic and Triassic Periods started geology are also important. These characteristics Ordovician; Limestone is composed of dead sea with volcanic activity once again. During the early give an indication of such things as ease of organisms with high amounts of calcium. Due to Jurassic period heated magma intruded into rocks, excavation, slope stability, and foundation stability. the high concentration of calcium limestone due to weathering this cooled magma can be seen Generally, the rock formations in the County weathers fairly quickly and easily causing problems in the form of diabase. provide strength and support for heavy structures with sinkholes. such as dams, highways, bridges, and large The oldest rocks in the county formed during the buildings. Those few areas that are underlain by In the Silurian period the high Appalachian Cambrian time period. Their formation began at the limestone and dolomites can create problems for Mountains that were formed during the Ordovician end of the Cambrian period and is the same type of certain structures. Cavernous areas and areas period started to weather. Volcanic rocks as with all limestone and dolomite that was created in the known to be susceptible to sinkholes should be rocks weather or breakdown over time, this Ordovician time period. A small amount of the investigated thoroughly before construction of any produces sediment and silt, that accumulated in the Buffalo Springs formation is located in the county structures. Most of these problems would be site Appalachian basin. Some of the sandstone seen in and can be seen in Derry Township. specific and require an on-site evaluation to Dauphin County formed during this time and is very determine the appropriateness of a project. resistant to weathering. Ordovician Period.
The majority of these rocks are limestone. The following is a more detailed The geologic era and the period the rocks in description of the existing Ordovician aged rocks in the County. During the Devonian period two continents • Hamburg Sequence: The three types of rocks in this sequence are the Dauphin County were formed influence the type of collided into each other forming the Acadian most common Ordovician rocks in Dauphin County. They are gray, rock and the engineering qualities of these rocks. greenish, or maroon shale’s, dark gray sandstones, and light gray mountains that are north of Pennsylvania. Sediment crystalline and shaly limestones. These rocks produce small fragments The geology of Dauphin County was formed in when weathered, water is available for wells in this area, but would be from these mountains was carried into the easily transferred from place to place so preventing pollution would be several stages occurring in geologic time. Appalachian basin. Over time and through key. The Paleozoic Era: The following are types of the Hamburg Sequence and locations. compaction it formed shales. o Limestone of Hamburg Sequence located in the Townships of Susquehanna, Lower Paxton, East Hanover, West Hanover and Cambrian Period, 570 million years ago South Hanover. o Graywake of Hamburg Sequence located in the Townships of Ordovician Period 505 million years ago The Mississippian and Pennsylvanian periods East Hanover, West Hanover, Susquehanna, Lower Paxton, the Silurian Period, 438 million years ago had some impact on Dauphin County. Much of the Boroughs of Pennbrook, Paxtang, and the City of Harrisburg Devonian Period, 408 million years ago o Hamburg Seq. – (small strips) Located in the Townships of coal in Pennsylvania formed during the South Hanover, West Hanover, East Hanover, Lower Paxton, Mississippian Period, 360 million years ago Susquehanna, Derry, Swatara, Lower Swatara, the Boroughs Pennsylvanian Period, 320 million years ago Mississippian and Pennsylvanian periods. Dauphin of Steelton, Hummelstown, Pennbrook, Paxtang, and the City County does not have enough coal in one area for of Harrisburg.
Natural Resources 3-2 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
• Rockdale Run Formation: This formation consists of mostly limestone and coarse grained conglomerate sandstones with thin interbeds of dark some dolomite. Sinkholes may occur in this area, investigations should be gray shaly claystone. Moderately weathered, they provide good done when building large heavy structures for caverns and weak areas. surface drainage, is an adequate source for domestic water, and can This formation is located in Harrisburg. be used for random rock fill and rock protection. The sandstone has been used as decorative building stone. These three types of rocks • Chambersburg Formation: Rocks of this type are dark gray limestone’s are located in Middle Paxton Township, East Hanover Township and and exist along the Susquehanna River close to City Island. Median West Hanover Township. capacity of wells in this rock type is low for commercial, industrial or community wide uses. Individual wells would be able to obtain water but • Catskill Formation – Irish Valley Member: These non-marine grayish would be affected during times of drought. Heavy buildings should not be red siltstone and mudstone rocks are located in the Townships of built in this rock formation and sinkholes should be looked for. Middle Paxton, East Hanover, West Hanover, Reed, Halifax, Upper Paxton and Jackson. It provides an adequate source of domestic • Pinesburg Station Formation: These light to medium gray dolomites have water with good surface drainage, and can be used for rock fill. interbeds of medium gray limestone and occur in a layer extending east to west directly south of City Island and Paxtang Borough. Water is available Some minor rock formation that formed during this period includes: in this formation; careful consideration should be given when building Hamilton Formation These rocks include gray and black siltstone and are because this formation has properties for sinkhole formation. located in the Townships of Susquehanna, East Hanover, West Hanover and Lower Paxton. • St. Paul Group: This category of moderately resistant limestone underlies the southern portions of Reed Township, Halifax Township, Halifax Trimmers Rock This formation consists of gray to olive gray, fine to Borough, Jackson Township, Jefferson Township and Wayne Township. medium grained massive siltstone and minor shale’s. These rocks are These rocks have high capacity for high production wells. Industrial and located in the Townships of Susquehanna, East Hanover, West Hanover, public water can be obtained from this rock type due to the availability of Rock Formations Middle Paxton and Lower Paxton. water. Sinkholes are common with this rock type.
• Hershey and Myerstown Formation, undivided: These rocks are located in Mississipian and Devonian Periods parts of Lower Swatara Township, Swatara Township and Derry Township. Silurian Period. These dark grey to black limestone’s contain clay. They have a very low availability of holding a large capacity of well water but small individual The three rock formations of this age are located in strips extending east • Spechty Kopf Formation: These fine to medium grained, light to olive wells are feasible. These rocks are not good for heavy structures and to west through East Hanover, West Hanover, Middle Paxton and Susquehanna gray, sandstone, with interbeds of olive-gray to dark gray shale and should be investigated for sinkholes before building. Townships. siltstone may contain minor thin coal and coalified plant fragments. They can be highly resistant, possess good surface drainage, • Annville Formation: Rocks of this type are light gray limestones with a • Bloomsburg Formation: Primarily composed of siltstones and red moderate to low porosity, are an adequate source for domestic high content of calcium. They have a high yield for well water but are not shales with some green shale’s, sandstones and limestones. These water, and are quarried for crushed stone and aggregate utilized in good for heavy structures. Sinkholes are common in this formation, which regions have both a large capacity for well water and a small road construction, riprap, rock protection, and rock fill. These rocks occurs in parts of Derry Township, Lower Swatara Township, and in the capacity depending on the location of the well and the fractures in are located in the Townships of Middle Paxton, East Hanover and Borough of Highspire. the bedrock. These rocks can hold heavy structures well. The rocks West Hanover. may be used in road materials, fill, and as a raw material for • Ontelaunee Formation: These light to dark gray, fine to medium common brick. crystalline dolomites underlie portions Derry Township, South Hanover Mississipian Period Township, Swatara Township, Lower Swatara Township, and • Clinton Group: Contains light to dark gray fossiliferous sandstone, Hummelstown Borough. These rocks are utilized in building stone, road reddish purple to greenish gray shale with iron sandstones and local- materials and riprap. These rocks have a capacity for wells and are good gray limestone’s. Poor potential for well water, individual wells must The following rocks are located in large swaths throughout the Townships for holding heavy structures. be drilled from 50 to 150 feet to be productive. These rocks may be of Upper Paxton, Mifflin, Lykens, Wiconisco, Middle Paxton, Washington, used in road materials and fill and this geologic area is good for Williams, Rush, and Elizabethville Borough. • Stonehenge Formation: These gray, finely crystalline and dark gray heavy structures. laminated limestones are slightly weathered to a shallow depth. They have • Pocono Formation: Serving as a good source of material for good surface drainage, and a high potential for wells that have a high • Tuscarora Formation: These rocks are red and green firmly embankment facing, riprap, road materials, and building stone, water capacity. They can also hold large heavy structures but should be cemented sandstones and quartzites and are commonly found on these sandstones, siltstones, and shale are highly resistant to investigated for caverns. This formation may be used for building stone, Peters Mountain. This formation is very resistant to weathering and weathering. This geologic area is productive in obtaining riprap, and flagstone and exist in sections of Derry Township. does not have a large capacity for well water. The quality of the groundwater, has adequate surface drainage and an excellent area water that it has is high mineral concentrations but is of good to hold heavy structures. This geologic formation is located in Upper quality. Rocks from this grouping are utilized as silica for refractory Dauphin County. Additionally this formation can be found in • Epler Formation: Extending through much of Derry Township, parts of bricks, embankment facing, road materials, riprap, and building Jefferson Township, Jackson Township, and some of Halifax Swatara Township and the Boroughs of Hummelstown and Highspire, stone. Township. these medium gray finely crystalline limestones are intermixed with gray dolomites. Caves and sinkholes occur frequently in this area that has a • Mauch Chunk Formation: This formation consists of shale, claystone, low availability for well water. These rocks are acceptable for road The Devonian Period sandstone, and siltstone; the shales and claystones are red, the materials, embankment facing, flagstone, riprap and fill. sandstones and siltstones are green. They are moderately resistant to weathering; are a source of groundwater for individual and • Martinsburg Formation: Contains gray or dark gray easily weathered • Catskill formation – Duncannon Member: Composed of interbedded red industrial uses, sandstone areas have greatest amount of shale, which has good surface drainage and low permeability. The rolling, and grey sandstone, red siltstone, and red mudstone, located in hills and groundwater available the average depth for accessibility is 590 feet. shaly hills are suitable for real estate development, road materials, and fill. ridges of moderate to high relief and lower slopes of mountains. Good This rock may be used for road material and fill. In addition, the This rock is seen mainly in Derry Township surface drainage, a fair source for some domestic water and is good for shale is a good raw material for brick. This formation can also be rock fill and riprap found in East Hanover Township, Millersburg Borough, and • Catskill Formation – Clarks Ferry Members: These rocks are typically Williamstown Borough. grayish-purple and light gray to olive gray, and are medium to Natural Resources 3-3 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
Pennsylvanian Period Jurassic period
• Diabase • Llewellyn Formation: Interbedded sandstone, siltstone, and Composed of dikes and sheets, rock is usually black and conglomerate are common in these medium to coarse grained, light dense. Groundwater has small yields from wells drilled 150 gray to brown rocks also containing coal and dark-gray to black feet deep. Good in holding heavy structures and good source shales. They have good surface drainage, are an adequate source of fill and building stone. This rock type is located in areas of for domestic water, and are a good source of road material and fill. Lower Dauphin County. The conglomerate is suitable for building stone, flagstone, embankment facing and riprap. This is located in East Hanover Township, Williams Township and Wiconisco Township. The most abundant type of rock located in Dauphin
• Pottsville Group: Conglomerate sandstone, gray shale, siltstone, County is shale and slate. Shale is a relatively limestone, coal and underclay are characteristic of this group. They brittle rock; it is made out of mud and silt that form crests, flanks of ridges, and other breaks in topography. Sandstone provides good groundwater amounts but at depth may settled on the ocean floor before the mountains contain brackish water. Some areas are good for heavy structures, however underclay portion of this group is not due to possible were formed. Slate is a form of shale that has gone landslides. They can be used for refractory clay, road material and through a metamorphic process, in other words it fill, building stone, riprap, and embankment facing. This formation is located in portions of Middle Dauphin County, including the was cemented through extreme pressure. Slate is a Townships of Rush, Middle Paxton, East Hanover, Williams, Jackson, and Jefferson. relatively hard rock. The colors of shale are significant in determining what is underneath. Red Triassic period slate and shale indicate a high amount of iron; this
• New Oxford Formation: This formation is made of light colored translates to a higher amount of iron in the soil sandstone, intermixed with red shale, mudstone and fine-grained around this rock type. Green shales and slate sandstone. Groundwater yields can be high from wells that are 500 feet deep, generally good quality water. Good for holding heavy indicates that chlorite, associated with metamorphic structures, and possible source of brick and floor tile. rock, is present. Black shale and slate is formed due • Hammer Creek Conglomerate: This conglomerate is made up of to high levels of carbon. These rocks were formed reddish brown sandstone intermixed with red and green shale. Groundwater is available in valleys and fault zones but wells are not in swamps that occurred in the area known as to be drilled beyond a 500 foot depth. Geologically good for holding up heavy structures, and can be excavated for use as road material Dauphin County in the Pennsylvanian Era. Large and fill riprap. This formation is located in Derry Township. amounts of black shale and slate can indicate coal.
Hammer Creek Formation: This formation is made up of Most of the black shale occurs around Peters smaller rock particles than what is seen in the Hammer Creek conglomerate rocks, this formation is located in a small portion Mountain in the sub physiographic section of of Derry Township. Anthracite Upland.
• Gettysburg Formation: Made up of reddish brown shale, mudstone, siltstone and beds of green and brown shale. Has high groundwater potential with wells ranging from 200 to 500 feet deep. Wells must be limited due to the fact that wells 2000 feet apart generally show interference with the other wells. Due to space needed to maintain active wells this geological formation may be prime area for farms and agricultural uses. Good for holding heavy structures and good for road material and common brick. This formation is located in Lower Dauphin County.
Gettysburg Conglomerate: This rock type is composed of Gettysburg Formation except it is composed of larger stones. This area is located in small lines in Derry Township, Conewago Township, Londenderry and Lower Swatara Township.
• Minor formations Limestone Fanglomerate: This formation is composed of yellowish- gray to medium gray limestone and dolomite pebbles, cobbles and fragments set in a red, very fine grained quartz matrix. This formation is located in Derry Township. Natural Resources 3-4 NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
PERRY COUNTY
LEBANON COUNTY
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Sedimentary Rock Formations Limestones and Dolomite Sandstone Buffalo Springs Formation Hamburg Graywacke Sequence LANCASTER
Stonehenge Formation Tuscarora Formation COUNTY
Epler Formation Clarks Ferry Member of Catskill Formation
Ontelaunee Formation Duncannon Member of Catskill Formation YORK COUNTY Martinsburg Limestone Formation Spechty Kopf Formation
Annville Formation Pocono Formation
Rockdale Run Formation Pottsville Formation
Pinesburg Station Formation Llewellyn Formation
St. Paul Group New Oxford Formation
Chambersburg Formation Hammer Creek Formation
Hershey and Myerstown Formations, undivided Hammer Creek Conglomerate
Hamburg Limestone Gettysburg Conglomerate Limestone fanglomerate
Shale Igneous Rock Formations DAUPHIN COUNTY Martinsburg Formation Diabase COMPREHENSIVE MAP 3-1 Hamburg Sequence
Hamilton Group PLAN 2008
Trimmers Rock Formation Diabase Dike GEOLOGY Sherman Creek Member of Catskill Formation TRI-COUNTY Clinton Group REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Bloomsburg Formation PLANNING Irish Valley Member of Catskill Formation COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 0123 mi Mauch Chunk Formation DATE: JULY 2004 TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: PENNDOT AND PA GEOLOGIC SURVEY, 4TH SERV. Gettysburg Formation NOTE: ROCKS ARE LISTED OLDEST TO YOUNGEST MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. & T.C.R.P.C. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
WATERSHED specific issues are addressed than the broad goals hurricanes, which occur during the period of June and objectives of the watershed management 1st to November 30th and can cause extensive A common water resource management approach. flooding over large areas. strategy focuses on the management of watersheds. Watersheds are defined as the areas The first factor affecting water flow SURFACE WATER of contribution or drainage to a particular conditions is runoff, which is primarily influenced by watercourse, such as a creek or river. Individual precipitation distribution and impervious surfaces. The Susquehanna River and the existing watersheds are often divided up into sub-basins Other factors that influence runoff patterns include network of streams and their tributaries in Dauphin because it is easier to classify a smaller area rather land cover and use, geologic and topographic County provide an abundant supply of surface than a large expanse of land. In the early 1970’s features. These influence the variability of flows water. It is imperative that this supply of water the Bureau of Resources Programming of the from individual watersheds. remains free of pollution. Dauphin County obtains Pennsylvania Department of Environmental 88% of their drinking water from surface water. Resources (now DEP) developed a water Runoff has seasonal variations. The season management program that divided the state into with the highest runoff occurs in late winter or early The Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 93 twenty large study areas called sub-basins. Each of spring, mainly due to snowmelts that occur during establishes water quality criteria for the waters in these sub-basins contains individual creeks. this time frame. The period with the lowest runoff the Commonwealth. Water quality standards are Dauphin County is located within two of these large occurs in the late summer and early fall. Drainage based on designated water uses. These uses are state designated sub-basins; the area north of patterns and surface flow attributes based on protected in relation to wastewater discharge and in Peters Mountain is included in the Lower Central topography and the underlying geology, determine implementation of water quality standards. Based Susquehanna River Sub-Basin (Sub-Basin 6), and runoff flow directions. on chapter 93 Exceptional Value and High Quality the region south of Peters Mountain is incorporated streams in Dauphin County are: in the Lower Susquehanna River Sub-Basin (Sub- Droughts develop after prolonged periods of Basin 7). little or no precipitation and persist until sufficient Exceptional Value High Quality rainfall relieves the situation. Flow deficiencies of East Branch Rattling Creek Clark Creek Sub-Basin 6 is primarily drained by significant duration may cause new water supply West Branch Rattling Creek Stoney Creek Mahantango Creek, Wiconisco Creek, Armstrong problems and may magnify existing water quality Rattling Creek Creek, and Powell Creek. Sub-basin 7 consists of problems. the Swatara Creek, Clark Creek, Stoney Creek, The Dauphin County Natural Areas Inventory Fishing Creek, Paxton Creek, Spring Creek, Laurel Although floods occur in all seasons, studies identifies stream corridor sensitive areas. Stoney Run, and Conewago Creek. All these creeks drain of the relationship among storm intensity, duration, Creek is the only creek in Dauphin County identified into the Susquehanna River. Map 3-2 illustrates affected area, and seasonality suggest a tendency as part of the Scenic Rivers Program, a state each of these watersheds. for flooding on principal streams to occur in winter initiative. and for floods on small streams to occur mostly in Another water resource management tool summer. Large area floods are caused by storms of Dauphin County also has many Protected Cold and utilized by local agencies is a water quality low rainfall intensity and long duration covering the Warm Water Fisheries. management approach. Water quality management entire area of principal watersheds. Small area • Cold Water Fisheries consist of Armstrong, is composed of focusing on wastewater collection, floods, on the other hand, are caused by storms of Bear Creek, Clark Creek, Manada Creek, treatment and on other actions that could high rainfall intensity and relatively short duration, Powell Creek, Rattling Creek, and Stoney potentially create problems with the water quality. otherwise known as flash floods. An exception to Creek. Trout are fished in cold-water By focusing on the aforementioned items more this is tropical storms, tropical depressions or fisheries.
Natural Resources 3-6 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER ARMSTRONG CREEK MANADA CREEK COUNTY
BEAVER CREEK PAXTON CREEK YORK COUNTY BOW CREEK POWELL CREEK
CLARKS CREEK SPRING CREEK
CONEWAGO CREEK SPRING WEST RUN
FISHING CREEK STONEY CREEK DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-2 COMPREHENSIVE GURDY RUN SUSQUEHANNA RIVER PLAN 2008 WATERSHEDS KELLOCK RUN SWATARA CREEK TRI-COUNTY MAHANTANGO CREEK WICONISCO CREEK REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 012345 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: PENN DOT & T.C.R.P.C. MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
• Warm Water Fisheries includes Beaver Creek, groundwater can be found. Limestone is highly management. This criterion was adopted as a Fishing Creek, Iron Creek, Little Wiconisco soluble in water whereas diabase does not hold much national standard to avoid any discrimination in Creek, Mahantango Creek West, Manada water. When looking for placement of large delineating floodplains and their floodway and flood Creek, Paxton Creek, Swatara Creek, Spring buildings, or heavy structures, developers should fringe tracts. Creek, and Wiconisco Creek. Fishing of Large look to see if there is limestone present as this could and Small Mouth Bass, Carp, Panfish, cause the structure to sink later. When locating The National Flood Insurance Program and Walleye, Muskellunge, Pickerel and Catfish individual residential housing to be serviced by wells Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act were occurs in these waters. the geology should be looked at to see if enacted in the wake of the Hurricane Agnes floods. groundwater is obtainable and will provide enough National cameras focused on the banks of this region Acid Mine Drainage affects one waterway in Dauphin water for daily use. in June of 1972 when fifteen inches of rain County; this is Wiconisco Creek. Current efforts are descended on Dauphin County in two days. underway to mitigate further damage from Acid Hurricane Agnes caused the river to crest sixteen Mine Drainage to the Wiconisco Creek. (See Dauphin FLOODPLAINS feet above the flood level. Municipalities and County Conservation District’s study Wiconisco townships bordering the Susquehanna River closely Creek Watershed Conservation Plan July 2004). Floodplains, defined as low-lying, flat areas observe the level of the river, particularly during adjacent to streams, are susceptible to frequent, times of heavy rainfall, and assess the likelihood of GROUNDWATER periodic flooding. During rainy periods they assist in flooding and the possible injury to its citizens. drainage and infiltration as well as buffer the streams from severe flash floods. Floodplains should The numerous creeks that have chiseled their Geologic factors such as rock type, porosity, be protected in order to: paths through the mountains in the northern half of permeability, rock inclination, faults, joints, folds, the County, Mahantango Creek, Wiconisco Creek, bedding planes, and solution channels affect Prevent unnecessary property damage and Armstrong Creek, Clark Creek, Powell Creek, Stoney groundwater movement and availability. risk of injury during floods Creek, and Fishing Creek all possess their own Groundwater quality is a result of interaction designated floodplains. The floodplains in the between the groundwater and the bedrock with Provide adequate drainage and detain or southern portion of the County are more extensive. which it is in contact with. The more soluble types of store excess water during periods of heavy The Conewago Creek, Swatara Creek, Spring Creek, rock will allow more minerals to become dissolved in rainfall and Manada Creek, may flood a more extensive the groundwater. For example, groundwater in region due to the flatter topography. Floodplain highly soluble limestone aquifers will commonly have Allow for groundwater absorption for recharge management programs are critical in these regions high hardness values. Groundwater quality will of subsurface water due to the size of the County’s population that eventually affect surface water quality as it resides there. percolates into surface streams as base flow. Maintain a safe water supply Groundwater is highly susceptible to contamination. WETLANDS Leaking underground storage tanks, toxic spills, and In recent years it has become particularly cars leaking oil can become major problems to crucial that floodplains be clearly delineated and The nation and Pennsylvania recognize groundwater. preserved from development and other activities that wetlands as a valuable natural resource. To
may disturb the natural balance of the water supply. understand the importance of wetlands, the Dauphin County receives 10 % of its public The Federal Emergency Management Agency utilizes definition and function of wetlands must be drinking water from the groundwater. There are also the one percent annual chance of a flood or the 100- explained. As of January, 1989, U.S. Environmental many individual private wells in Dauphin County. year flood as the criteria for its floodplain Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Geology is the leading factor as to where
Natural Resources 3-8 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service, and the U. S. Natural WILDLIFE VALUES Resources & Conservation Service adopted a joint Wetlands are classified as one of two types: Habitats for fish, waterfowl, birds, delineation manual entitled Federal Manual for tidal (coastal wetlands) and nontidal Mammals, plants, insects and other Forms of wildlife Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. (inland/palustrine). Non-tidal wetlands are the only The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental form of wetlands found throughout Dauphin County. Protection uses the 1987 Army Corp of Engineers The western border of the County is a wetland in its manual. entirety. There are two types of wetlands that are found, either a Palustrine, which is dominated by In general, the Federal Manual for Identifying trees, shrubs, and mosses or Riverine, which is a the Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands outlines the wetlands within a water way. These wetlands are criteria used to determine whether three basic formed in the Susquehanna River Basin, including its wetland conditions exist. These conditions are: shores and islands. The additional streams throughout the County also meet the criterion for The presence of hydrophytic (wetland) being noted wetlands. Small areas of hydric soil and vegetation. These plants are adapted to life low-lying areas also add to the number of wetlands in saturated soil conditions. throughout the County and each should be investigated when any potential impact is Identification of Hydric Soils, soils that are forthcoming. The United States Army Corps of characterized by being flooded for length of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of time. There are federal criteria, set by the Environmental Protection should be contacted when National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, making a determination on certain tracts of land. in order to classify soils as hydric. Map 3-3 Floodplains and Wetlands illustrates the general locations of these environmentally sensitive Wetland hydrology or water being present at areas. or near the surface during the growing season. Wetlands in the County are important for a number of reasons:
SOCIOECONMIC VALUES Flood Control Erosion Control Groundwater Recharge Recreation Aesthetics Education/Research
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY VALUES Sediment Removal Oxygen Production Nutrient Recycling Chemical and Nutrient Absorption Aquatic Productivity Wetlands Natural Resources 3-9 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY
WETLANDS
FLOODPLAINS DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-3 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 200 8 FLOODPLAINS AND WETLANDS
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: U.S. H.U.D., PENN DOT, TCRPC, & FEDERAL INSURANCE MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH ADMINISTRATION-1998 RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
SLOPES – TOPOGRAPHY situations may exist in these areas that would accessible stretches of land. The gradual slopes and Slopes and topography are two influential require additional attention for development to topography of the southern portion of the County components of the natural environment that are occur. The category of 15 to 24.9 percent displays has made the development process much easier and useful in determining potential development areas. the location of the lower, rolling hills and should be has added to the competition for use of this land. The gradients and paths of roadways, the flow of viewed with caution when considering development. Areas containing slopes less than fifteen percent are various utilities, the land uses, and the general These areas tend to be closely related to streams in attractive to residential use as well as agricultural arrangement of development and the community are drainage areas. Areas designated as 25% and operations. Such agricultural operations are also all dependent on topography and slope. The higher outline the mountainous areas. These areas more productive in these areas since they often topographic features of the landscape are derived are generally considered not suitable for contain fertile soils. from the structure and weathering characteristics of development and should remain as open space. the underlying bedrock. The more weather resistant Development restrictions are often placed on land rock is responsible for areas of higher elevation, with the slopes above twenty-five percent. while less resistant rock, such as limestone and shale, has eroded to form low lying valleys of Topography has been one of the determining moderate relief. factors in the distribution of population throughout Dauphin County. Due to the relative ease of Stream systems and the flow of development in flatter areas, the more desirable surface water have a strong influence on the lands are those located in the central valley. The formation of slope and topographic features over more densely populated and urbanized areas are time. Although erosion and runoff in slope areas is a located on these mostly level lands. The steeper natural process, development activities located in slopes of the mountain and hill areas have presented slope areas can alter the gradients and upset the physical barriers to the development of these lands, natural balance. When discussing the slope of the which are, therefore, the least populated of the land, it is important to keep in mind that the natural County. gradients are created by erosion forces trying to establish a stable condition or equilibrium. When Agricultural uses also occur predominately in slopes are altered during construction, the natural the more level areas since these lands allow for more balance becomes upset, which may result in efficient farming operations. Additional competition dangerous landslides, rock falls, mudslides, and soil for the flatter lands is intensified because commerce creep as nature tries to restore the equilibrium. By and industry, along with residential and agricultural redirecting water runoff of buildings and impervious uses, seek flatter, more easily developed areas. surfaces away from the face of steeper slopes, land slides, rock slides, mud slides, severe soil erosion, Original settlement trends were also drainage problems, loss of vegetative cover and soil influenced by the topography of Dauphin County. In creep can be reduced or avoided. the northern half, the early settlers chose to settle in the flatter valley areas. The steep slopes of the Map 3-4 illustrates the slopes in Dauphin mountains have always presented physical barriers County. As a general development guide, slopes to development. Towns such as Millersburg, from 0% to 14.9% are usually suitable for a variety Elizabethville, Gratz, Berrysburg, Lykens, Halifax, of development types. However, unique site-specific and Williamstown evolved in the flatter, more
Natural Resources 3-11 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY
STEEP SLOPES 15% AND STEEPER DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2008 STEEP SLOPES TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: PENN DOT & TCRPC MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
SOILS documented in a detailed soil survey of Dauphin Lewisberry-Penn Athol Association: Deep and moderately deep, well County which classifies the soils according to depth, drained, gently sloping and sloping soils that have predominantly gravelly sandy clay loam to shaly silty clay loam subsoil. Located on uplands in the Soils, the weathered, three dimensional texture (coarseness or fineness), natural drainage, southern part of Dauphin County. These soils are moderately good for crop material covering from sixteen to sixty inches of the thickness, and arrangement of the various layers, farming. This association makes up about 4 percent of the County. earth, is a product of the geologic bedrock kind of parent material, slope, erosion, flooding, and Brecknock-Neshaminy Association: Deep, well-drained, gently sloping and sloping soils that have a clay loam and silty clay loam subsoil. Located on underneath, topography, the degree of slope other characteristics. uplands these soils are surrounded by the Lewisberry-Penn Athol soils. steepness, temperature, moisture conditions, and These soils are used for general farming with some areas still wooded. This association makes up about 3 percent of the County. vegetation. Any changes in these elements can Soil associations are classifications that cause alterations in the soil type. Soil formation and recognize the unique proportional soil designs of a Duncannon-Chaives-Tioga Association: Deep, well-drained, nearly level and gently sloping soils that have a fine sandy loam to silt loam subsoil. Located soil erosion are continuing actions, however erosion landscape. These associations are comprised of on terraces and flood plains mostly along the Susquehanna River including some of the islands. These soils are used for general farm crops or urban has been greatly accelerated by man’s misuse of the dominant, or major soils and minor soils. Each of development. This association makes up about 3 percent of the County. land. these major soil associations are further broken
down into minor soils series. Both the dominant and
Soil conditions are dynamic and can easily be minor soils series are documented in the Soil Survey affected by development. Some soil types are of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, published in known to pose severe limitations on development. February 1972.
These limitations result from such factors as slow percolation rates for on-lot sewage disposal, shallow The Dauphin County’s predominant soil associations depth to bedrock, and erodibility. (Map 3-5) are:
Soils have many properties by which they are Dekalb-Lehew Association: Moderately deep, well drained, gently sloping to very steep soils that have a channery sandy loam to channery loam subsoil identified. Knowledge of these properties is essential with a very stony surface layer. Located on upper mountain slopes and ridges including Blue, Stoney, Peters, Berry, Short and Manhantango in determining land use policy. Some soils are deep mountains. This association is poorly suited to cultivate crops but are well and well drained making them suitable for most, if suited as woodland; majority of trees are oak. This association makes up about 28 percent of the County. not all, types of urban or agriculture uses. However, Calvin-Leckkill-Klinesville Association: Deep to shallow, predominantly well shallow and poorly drained soils have definite use drained, gently sloping and sloping soils that have a shaly silt loam subsoil. limitations. Although applying various engineering Located in upland areas between mountains, north of Berry Mountain from Millersburg through Gratz to the Schuylkill County line, and northeast of practices to the land may alter these soils, this is Halifax. Most soils in this association are good for the cultivation of crops. This association makes up about 30 percent of the County. always a costly and frequently unwarranted expenditure. In an effort to avoid such Laidig-Buchanan-Andover Association: Deep, well drained to poorly drained, gently sloping and sloping soils that have a fragipan. Located on lower expenditures, engineers, planners and developers mountain slopes, in the northern half of Dauphin County. Most of the soils are using soil maps more frequently as a basis for in this association are very stoney and forested. This association makes up about 13 percent of the County. land use decisions and planning. Berks-Weikert-Bedington Association: Deep to shallow, well drained, nearly level to steep soils that have a shaly silt loam to shaly silty clay loam Soil profiles display natural horizontal layers subsoil. Located on the uplands, this soil occurs in a six-mile strip that extends from Harrisburg to the Lebanon county line. The soils are used of soils from the surface layer down through the mostly for general farming, dairy and livestock. This association makes up about 15 percent of the County. various subsoil levels to the parent material and rock layers. This vertical analysis of the existing soils Hagerstown-Duffield Association: Deep, well drained, nearly level to gently sloping soils that have a silty clay loam to clay subsoil. Located on uplands, often reflects the landscape of the land. The from Hershey westward to the Susquehanna River, and along the Reading characteristics ascertained from these profiles are Railroad almost to Harrisburg. The soils in this association are good for crop and orchard farming. This association makes up about 4 percent of the County. Natural Resources 3-13 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY LEWISBERRY NESHAMING YORK HAGERSTOWN DUFFIELD COUNTY
LADIG BUCHANAN ANDOVER
BERKS BEDINGTON WEIKERT
BRECKNOCK NESHAMINY DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-5 COMPREHENSIVE CALVIN LECHKILL KLINESVILLE PLAN 2008 SOILS DEKALD LEHEW TRI-COUNTY DUNCANNON CHAVIES TIOGA REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: PENN DOT, TCRPC & DAUPHIN COUNTY MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CONSERVATION DISTRICT THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
PRIME AND STATE IMPORTANT Classes I, II, and III have few limitations for crop production. These have been AGRICULTURAL SOILS deemed by Pennsylvania as “soils of statewide importance”. If these prime agricultural soils are taken out of production by development, they cannot be Agriculture has been important to Dauphin County’s culture and economy, replaced. As a result, development should focus on the classes that have severe and agriculture is extremely dependent upon the quality of the soils. Grouping limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation in order to preserve the prime the soils into classes can help show their agricultural capabilities easily. All soils farmland. Map 3-6 illustrates the locations of the Class I, II & III soils in Dauphin in a single class have similar limitations and management problems. The County. Dauphin County Soil Survey defines in detail the capability classes of soils for agricultural use. These capability classes form the basis in determining important Prime farmland (Map 3-7) is land best suited for producing food, feed, farmland and areas that are important for conservation and preservation. The forage, fiber and oilseed crops. This farmland is also suitable for cropland, Soil Survey Reports delineate agricultural soils into eight major capability classes pasture land, rangeland and forestland. In general, prime farmland has the soil that indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower choices of soils for quality, growing season and moisture needed to produce and sustain high yields practical farming use. Capability classes are defined as follows: of crops economically when treated and managed, according to modern farming methods. Map 3-7 illustrates the Prime Farmland in Dauphin County. The Class I: Soils have few limitations restricting their use. Dauphin County Soil Conservation Report elaborates in detail the nine criteria for prime farmland: Class II: Soils have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants, require special conservation practices. Soil moisture Flooding frequency Soil depth Erosion PH levels of soil Soil Permeability Class III: Soils have severe limitations reducing the choice of plants, require Relation to water table Soil texture very special management, or both. Soil salt levels
Class IV: Soils have very severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants, require very special management, or both.
Class V: Soils are not likely to erode but have other limitations, impractical to remove, that limit their use largely to pasture, range, woodland or wildlife.
Class VI: Soils have severe limitations that make them generally unsuited to cultivation and limit their use largely to pasture, range, woodland or wildlife.
Class VII: Soils have very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and restrict their use largely to pasture, range, woodland or wildlife.
Class VIII: Soils and landforms have limitations that preclude their use for commercial plants and restrict their use to recreation, wildlife, water supply or aesthetic purposes.
Natural Resources 3-15 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY
PRIME AND ADDITIONAL FARMLAND OF STATE WIDE IMPORTANCE (CLASS I, II, III) DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-6 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2008 IMPORTANT FARMLANDS
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: DAUPHIN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. U.S.G.A , N.O.S./N.O.A.A. PENN DOT & T.C.R.P.C. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY
DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-7 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 200 8 PRIME AGRICULTURAL SOILS
PRIME AGRICULTURAL SOIL TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: DAUPHIN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. PENN DOT & T.C.R.P.C. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
HYDROLOGIC SOILS WOODLANDS
Volumes of water and rates of runoff vary in direct relation to the soils Forests affect water resources in both a protective and a depletive natural capacity to absorb water. The Natural Resources & Conservation Service manner. They offer protection from floods and erosion, and during growing has developed a hydrologic soil grouping system for indicating the runoff season can contribute to some of the depletion of stream flows. potential for most soil series found in the United States. For Dauphin County purposes four hydrologic soil classifications are described below. Forests offer protection from floods and soil erosion. Covered with litter (leaves and twigs), the forest floor acts as a protective layer to the soil and Group A: Soils having high infiltration rates even when thoroughly wetted, reduces the possibility of erosion. The litter decays and becomes humus, which consisting chiefly of deep, well to excessively drained sands, helps to form a highly permeable layer of soil, which causes infiltration rates to gravel, or both. These soils have a high rate of water transmission usually exceed rainfall intensities. This helps to reduce downstream flood peaks. and a low runoff potential. The forest floor becomes disturbed through construction and building activities. By disturbing litter and humus, soil erosion and flooding is more likely. The Group B: Soils having moderate infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted, wooded areas on steep slopes and along streams should be preserved to prevent consisting chiefly of moderately deep to deep, moderately well to erosion and reduce flooding downstream. well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse textures. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission Dauphin County is fortunate to possess several parks; state game lands and moderate runoff potential. and state forests, which preserve expanses of the natural forests. Approximately 8,030 acres of forest are located in Weiser State Forest (known as the Haldeman Group C: Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted, and Greenland tracts) and 46,052 acres of wooded areas are located in State consisting chiefly of (1) soils with a layer that impedes the Game Lands #210, #211, #246, #254, #258, #264, #275, and #290. downward movement of water, or (2) soils with moderately fine to fine texture and slow infiltration rate. These soils have a slow rate The location of Dauphin County’s woodlands is predominantly in the of water transmission and a high runoff potential. mountainous areas in the central and east central parts of the County. Woodland areas are also scattered throughout the southern portion and along the northern Group D: Soils having very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted, border of the County. consisting chiefly of (2) clay soils with a high permanent water table; (3) soils with claypan or clay layer near the surface; and (4) The most common variety of forest cover is mixed oak-hickory stands shallow soils over nearly impervious materials. These soils have a consisting mainly of white oak, red oak, hickory, black oak, and chestnut oak very slow rate of water transmission and a very high runoff trees. Other tree species to be found include yellow poplar, shagbark hickory, potential. white ash, red maple, beech, elm, birch, sycamore, hemlock, white pine, and Virginia pine. It is important to note that the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources & Conservation Service hydrological soils groupings were developed for soils under normal conditions. When using these soil groups in planning, planners and developers should realize that various other natural and human related forces can also affect the soil runoff characteristics.
Natural Resources 3-18 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
WILDLIFE 2. Botanical: Plant life, of a unique character not generally indigenous to the area, of interest for botanical study and visual value. More specifically, critical animal habitats, virgin Dauphin County’s woodlands, streams, wetlands, and even backyards timberlands and specimen vegetation unscathed by development. support a numerous array of wildlife such as small mammals, non-game species of birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. Hunting is a popular sport because of the 3. Ecological: Floodplains, watersheds, slope land and general forestlands necessary for enhancing the environment and the preservation of open space. Areas and water courses ample supply of white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, turkey, grouse, which influence the structure and quality of development and provide general conservation ring-neck pheasant, woodcock, morning dove, and various waterfowl that abide and open space opportunities. in the wooded areas and along the flood plains of the numerous creeks. There are also red and gray fox, mink, muskrat, raccoon, weasel, opossum, and beaver living throughout the County. NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY
Development in the County is limiting the areas in which many of these In October 1999, the Natural Areas Inventory for the Tri-County Region species can exist. To preserve the habitat for these species, conservation was completed after more than three years of public involvement and field districts and proper game management are of the utmost importance. investigations. The final report was compiled and written by the Pennsylvania Conservation is especially important to those species including; the Bald Eagle, Science Office of The Nature Conservancy. Based on public input and field Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Great Egret and the Peregrine Falcon, and the Least investigations, the report contains information on the locations of rare, Shrew that are endangered and have a good habitat in Dauphin County. threatened and endangered species and of the highest quality natural areas in Conservation districts will ensure that these species and all other species will the three counties. It is not an inventory of open space. have sufficient space to cohabitate with man in the future. The same pieces of the landscape that provide scenic and recreational ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS opportunities also function as habitat for a great diversity of plants and animals. Protecting the integrity of these natural systems provides benefits to humans as There are many environmental limitations which effect land development well as providing for the survival of wildlife, rare and otherwise. The danger of decisions. For the purposes of the Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan the losing rare species and habitats is more intense in a county experiencing growth following have been considered and are depicted on Map 3-8: as rapidly as Dauphin County.
Wetlands A balance between growth and conservation of scenic and natural Floodplains resources can be achieved by guiding development away from the most Agricultural Conservation Easements environmentally sensitive areas. In order to achieve such a balance and ensure Agricultural Security Areas protection of natural critical areas, county and municipal governments, the Slopes Greater than 15% public, and developers must know the location and importance of these sites. This knowledge can help prevent conflicts over land use as well as help to direct UNIQUE NATURAL FEATURES protection efforts and limited conservation dollars to the most vulnerable areas.
There are many unique geological, botanical and ecological areas located The Natural Areas Inventory (Map 3-9) of Dauphin County presents the within Dauphin County. Table 3-1 lists the unique natural feature sites in County’s known outstanding natural features – floral, faunal and geologic. The Dauphin County that were identified in a 1974 Dauphin County Park, Recreation inventory provides maps of the best natural communities (habitats) and all the and Open Space Plan. They have been classified into three categories known areas of habitat for animal and plant species of special concern (endangered, threatened, or rare) in the County. Sites are identified at two 1. Geological: Rock struts, cliffs, fossils and rock outcroppings of a unique character that afford opportunity for paleontological and scenic interest. primary levels of significance for protection of biological diversity: (1) sites of Natural Resources 3-19 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends statewide importance and (2) sites of local significance. Sites of statewide importance are listed in Table 3-2. They support species of special concern or have exemplary natural communities. Locally significant sites are presented in Table 3-3. These areas provide locally significant habitat and may be suitable for environmental education, parks or preserve; no species of special concern or exemplary natural communities have been identified at the local level. There are eight sites in Dauphin County that are listed as Top Priority Areas for maintaining the County’s biological diversity into the future:
(1) Peter’s Mountain Wetland (2) Doc Smith Run Wood’s / BearPuddles (3) Fort Indiantown Gap (4) Stoney Mountain Ponds (5) Rattling Creek Watershed (6) Wiconisco Creek Outcrops (7) Mahantango Mountain Slopes (8) Susquehanna River Islands
Natural Resources 3-20 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO 209
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG
JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA 39
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY WETLAND
FLOODPLAIN
SLOPE > 15%
AG EASEMENT - JUNE 2004 DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-8 COMPREHENSIVE AG SECURITY - JUNE 2004 PLAN 2008 ENVIROMENTAL LIMITATIONS
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: CONSERVATION DISTRICT, U.S. HUD, FEDERA MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. INSURANCE ADMIN., PENN DOT & T.C.R.P.C. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
TABLE 3-1 UNIQUE NATURAL FEATURES Dauphin County
Geological Sites
Devil’s Race Course Unique to Dauphin County, this glacial boulder field is not generally viewed by geologists as comparable to those found in Monroe and Berks Counties. However, it is of interest to the general public and offers visual amenities.
Rockville Fossil Locality Well known by local geologists, the Rockville Fossil Locality contains fossils typical of the Middle Devonian Age. Consisting of several quarries, the locality has rock exposures estimated to be in excess of 300 million years of age. While some fossils may be found in all of the quarries, the northern quarry is of most value to collectors.
Susquehanna Water Gap Recognized as a significant natural landmark, the area of five water gaps along the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg presents a magnificent view. The gaps accent the history of geological events which produced the existing water gaps.
Manada Gap Formed during the glacial period, Manada Gap provides a picturesque division of the Blue Mountain chain. The gap serves as a classical exhibit of mountain fold development and long periods of erosion, affecting various rock formations and ridges.
Indian Echo Caverns Indian Echo has long been recognized as an outstanding example of cave development with many unique features. Stalagtites and stalagmites are found in abundance along with coating on the cavern walls, and “flows” over irregularities such as broken pieces of rock.
Annville High-Calcium High calcium limestone such as that found at this site is considered very rare in the United States. Limestone of this quality is in demand for steel production. Fortunately, this site has been retained in reserve under private ownership.
Highspire Gravel Pits Originally mined for gravel and sand, these pits contain exposed glacial gravels. Rocks found within the pits have been matched with those of the “Canadian Shield” and typify rock movement during various glacial periods.
Botanical Sites
Enterline Swamp Representative of bog in its late transitional stage, the site is popular with local botanists for its many plants typical of bog flora which have remained in a virtual virgin state.
Ecological Sites Watershed, floodplain, steep slopes and other notable ecological areas are numerous and diverse.
Source: Dauphin County Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, 1974.
Natural Resources 3-22 NORTHUMBERLAND PILLOW COUNTY LYKENS 225 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MIFFLIN BERRYSBURG GRATZ
UPPER PAXTON WILLIAMS
25 WILLIAMSTOWN WICONISCO CREEK WICONISCO OUTCROPS MAHANTANGO MOUNTAIN 209 SLOPES
LYKENS
WASHINGTON
ELIZABETHVILLE 209 MILLERSBURG RATTLING CREEK WATERSHED DOC SMITH RUN WOODS/ BEAR PUDDLES JACKSON
225 JEFFERSON 147
PERRY WAYNE RUSH COUNTY HALIFAX
HALIFAX 325
PETERS MOUNTAIN WETLANDS
STONY MOUNTAIN PONDS
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP REED EAST HANOVER MIDDLE PAXTON
LEBANON 443 COUNTY 22 322 DAUPHIN 81 WEST HANOVER
743
81
22 39
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER 39 ISLANDS SUSQUEHANNA
CUMBERLAND 81 LOWER PAXTON SOUTH HANOVER 422 COUNTY 230
22 83 DERRY
PENBROOK 322 HARRISBURG SWATARA HUMMELSTOWN PAXTANG 322 83
LOWER SWATARA 743
230 283
STEELTON 283 CONEWAGO
HIGHSPIRE MIDDLETOWN 76
230 283
ROYALTON LONDONDERRY LANCASTER COUNTY
YORK COUNTY TOP PRIORITY AREAS
LOCALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS
DESIGNATED NATURAL COMMUNITIES
WETLANDS DAUPHIN COUNTY MAP 3-9 COMPREHENSIVE FLOODPLAINS PLAN 2008 NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY
TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLANNING
COMMISSION PREPARED BY TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: NOVEMBER 2003 0123 mi TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION SOURCE: PENN DOT, TCRPC & NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY- MAKE NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OF DATA REPRESENTED FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NATURE CONSERVANCY-1998. THE DATA IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK OF USE. Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
TABLE 3-2 NATURAL FEATURES OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE Dauphin County
(A more complete description and location can be found in the Dauphin County Natural Areas Inventory)
Peters Mountain Wetland A headwaters swamp, drained by tributaries of Powell Creek which flow out (Wayne Twp.) both east and west. It supports five plant species of special concern. The site is primarily used for hunting and does not appear to have any unnatural threats.
Fort Indiantown Gap A valley located between Blue Mountain and Second Mountain on both sides (East Hanover Twp.) of the Dauphin/Lebanon County line. Historically, parts of the valley were kept open by wildfires and other disturbance. Populations of two rare animal species occur together in these open habitats in the Dauphin County portion of the site. The Nature Conservancy is working with Fort Indiantown Gap to assess how future military operations might coexist with and facilitate the survival of the rare species at this site.
Doc Smith Run Woods/ A poor to fair quality of federally and PA-Endangered plant species occurs in a Bear Puddles series of shallow woodland pools (Bear Puddles) at the headwaters of Doc (Jefferson Twp.) Smith Run. This site occurs within State Game Lands #210 and Weiser State Forest.
Wiconisco Creek Outcrops Consists of a series of calcareous shale and limestone outcrops along (Washington Twp.) Wiconisco Creek below Elizabethville. A PA-Threatened plant species occurs on seven separate outcrops.
Stoney Mountain Ponds Includes 12 ponds which occur in a high valley between Stoney Mountain and (Middle Paxton Twp.) Sharp Mountain. A PA-Endangered plant species occurs in open habitat in several of the ponds. The woods surrounding the ponds have been logged. The wooded buffer between the pools and the mowed area to the south should be maintained. The site occurs on State Game Lands #211.
Susquehanna River Islands Consists of a number of islands along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. McCormick’s Island Fair to good quality populations of three state listed species of wading birds. Archipelago The importance of preserving the islands is underscored by the lack of (Susquehanna Twp.) alternative habitat along the highly developed Susquehanna River shoreline.
Rattling Creek Watershed Animal and plant species (threatened and of concern) are found in the forests (Jackson, Jefferson Twps.) adjacent to Rattling Creek and its small tributary streams. This is Dauphin County’s only exceptional value watershed.
Mahantango Mountain Slope Supports a fair to good quality Mesic Central Forest Natural community and (Upper Paxton Twp.) a fair to good quality Northern Appalachian Acidic Cliff Natural Community. Both are mature and relatively undisturbed.
Ellendale Forge Site Consists of the forested crest and steep upper slopes of a south facing section (Middle Paxton Twp.) of Third Mountain. Located in State Game Lands #211, it supports a good quality population of a PA-Endangered animal species.
Camp Hebron Swamp An approximately five acre swamp located at the headwaters of a tributary (Halifax Twp.) to Powell Creek. A fair-to-good quality population of a PA-Rare shrub species is found growing in dense thickets.
State Game Lands #290 An island in the Susquehanna River located in State Game Lands #290. A (Reed Twp.) Federally-Threatened, PA-Endangered animal species has been breeding at this site since 1991.
Second Mountain Cliffs An extremely steep southwest-facing slope. Located partly in State Game (Middle Paxton Twp.) Lands #211. It supports an Acidic Cliff Natural Community and a population of PA-Threatened animal species.
Hummelstown Limestone Series of small north facing limestone bluffs with rich flora and animal Bluff species. It supports a fair quality population of a PA-Threatened plant species. (Hummelstown)
Bear Swamp Includes wetlands and riparian areas along a two-mile stretch of Bear Creek (Wiconisco Twp.) in Valley between Bear Mountain and Big Lick Mountain. The site supports two PA-Rare plant species. Located entirely within State Game Lands #264, this site will benefit from being allowed to recover from mining activities without further manipulation.
Williamstown Woods/ Consists of a 3.5 mile rectangular block situated on the lower north slope of Wiconisco Creek Berry Mountain and the adjacent floodplain of Wiconisco Creek between Floodplain Wiconisco and Tower City. Three plant species of concern occur at this site. (Jackson Twp.) Most of the site is within the Weiser State Forest.
Berry Mountain Woods Consists of a portion of the lower slopes of Berry Mountain along Wiconisco (Halifax Twp.) Creek. A good quality population of a PA-Rare plant species occurs at several locations within the site. Additional surveys, particular of the steeper slopes and ravines, are needed to determine the full extent of the population.
State Game Lands #258 Consists of an archipelago of islands in the Susquehanna River near the (Upper Paxton Twp.) Dauphin/Northumberland County line. A PA-Endangered vertebrate species is on Crafts Island, the largest forest island in the group. It is dependent upon maintaining the fish populations and water quality of the Susquehanna River.
Natural Resources 3-24 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
Oakdale Station Woods A north-facing ravine. A PA-Rare shrub specimen is in the understory of the (Washington Twp.) site. The site has been disturbed by logging, a railroad grade, and small dams in the past. Severe logging or browsing are potential threats.
Clark Creek Wooded site consists of two small pools along a blocked streamlet at the base (Middle Paxton Twp.) of Third Mountain. A fair to good population of a PA-Endangered plant species was discovered in 1997.
Sharp Mountain Consists of a steep south-facing forested upper slope. It supports a (Middle Paxton Twp.) population of a PA-Threatened animal species. Located in State Game Lands #211.
Wildwood Lake The lake and adjacent marshes support two plant species of special (Susquehanna Twp.) concern. Entirely within Wildwood Lake County Park.
Smoke Hole Run A clear, sandy-bottomed stream which flows south from Broad Mountain. A (Jefferson Twp.) particular species occurs along the stream.
Swatara Creek Woods A forested site along the Swatara Creek that supports a rich diversity of (Lower Swatara Twp.) herbaceous species, including two species of special concern.
Cummings Swamp Consists of a swampy forest on the floodplain of the Susquehanna River (Upper Paxton Twp.) which supports a good quality population of a plant species of special concern.
Mahantango Creek Outcrops Consists of two shale cliffs. A good quality population of a PA-Threatened (Upper Paxton Twp.) species occurs at this site. The woods above and across the creek from the cliffs should be preserved.
Conewago Creek at An aquatic animal species of concern was found in this portion of Conewago Koser Run Creek, located in the Dauphin and Lancaster County lines. It supports one (Conewago Twp.) animal species of special concern that is sensitive to pollution and excessive sedimentation.
Deep Hollow A forested north-facing drainage located within Haldeman State Forest. A (Jackson Twp.) poor to fair quality population of a PA-Rare shrub species is found at this site. Over-browsing by deer is a potential threat to the site.
Clark Creek Wetlands A small, damp to seepy, sandy opening on the roadbank/woods border (Middle Paxton Twp.) interface along PA Route 325 in State Game Lands #211. Marginal and poor populations of two PA-Threatened plant species. The viability of this habitat is largely dependent on maintaining roadside clearing operations to benefit the species of concern.
Stony Creek-White Springs Located along the narrow forested floodplain of Stony Creek. A small (Middle Paxton Twp.) population of a PA-Rare plant species grows in and adjacent to the sandy bottom of one of these channels. Within State Game Lands #211.
Stony Mountain Consists of the steep forested slope of a south facing mountain. Supports a (East Hanover Twp.) population of a PA-Threatened animal species. Located in State Game Lands #211.
Susquehanna River at Site is located in the Susquehanna River and supports two animal species of Fort Hunter special concern that are sensitive to water pollution and excessive siltation. (Middle Paxton Twp.)
Susquehanna River at Portion of the Susquehanna River within the City of Harrisburg. Increasing Independence Island the height of the Dock Street Dam would expand the impounded area and (City of Harrisburg) may eliminate the species of concern at his site. Pollution or other changes in water quality are also threats.
Indian Echo Caverns A commercially operated cave with one large room and two passages. A fair (Derry Twp.) quality population of a globally rare animal species is in the room.
Swatara Creek at An approximately one-mile section of Swatara Creek below Hummelstown Fiddler’s Elbow with a fair to good quality population of a particular freshwater mussel. Threats to these populations, as well as to other common species that occupy Swatara Creek, include thermal and chemical pollution, impoundment, and excessive sedimentation.
Iron Run Dam Site A fair to poor quality of a PA-Rare plant species of concern occurs at this (Londonderry Twp.) site on the shoreline of an artificial lake in the Susan Cole Natural Area. The lake is used as a water source for Middletown Borough.
Natural Resources 3-25 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
TABLE 3-2 NATURAL FEATURES OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE Dauphin County (continued)
Roundtop Thicket Situated on a power line right-of-way in State Game Lands #242 in the Iron (Londonderry Twp.) run drainage,it supports a poor population of a plant species of special concern having a suggested state status of endangered.
Royalton Rivershore A disturbed site just below a small rapids on the east shore of the Susquehanna (Londonderry Twp.) River has a poor quality population of a plant species of concern. The species requires disturbance.
Swatara Creek Royalton This site supports two invertebrate animal species of special concern. The (Londonderry Twp.) species are sensitive to degradations in water quality.
Susquehanna River at Consists of an archipelago of islands in the Susquehanna River near the State Game Lands #258 Dauphin/Northumberland County line. Three animal species of concern exist. A PA-Endangered animal species was found in Craft’s Island, the most southern of the large islands.
Susquehanna River at There are two animal species of special concern in the water at the confluence Millersburg of Wisconisco Creek and the Susquehanna River. These species are sensitive to (Upper Paxton Twp.) pollution and excessive siltation.
Susquehanna River at Portion of the Susquehanna River just upstream of the confluence of the Montgomery Ferry Susquehanna River and Bucks Run. Two animal species of concern have been (Halifax Twp.) found here. Threats to these populations as well as to other common species that occupy this stretch of the river, include thermal and chemical pollution, impoundment, and excessive sedimentation.
Hill Island Rapids Located on the west side of Hill Island and consists of a rock outcrop river (Londonderry Twp.) shore. A fair to good quality population of a PA-Endangered plant species exists. This population is vulnerable to impoundment of the river on this otherwise free flowing stretch of water.
Susquehanna River Islands An area of islands and associated small rapids and riffles in the Susquehanna at Steelton River south of the Dock Street Dam. There are two animal species of concern (City of Harrisburg and which are subject to the threats of degradation of water quality and flow. Steelton Borough)
Source: Dauphin County Natural Areas Inventory, 2000.
Natural Resources 3-26 Dauphin County Comprehensive Plan: Basic Studies & Trends
TABLE 3-3 NATURAL FEATURES OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE Dauphin County
(A more complete description and location can be found in the Dauphin County Natural Areas Inventory. Areas of local significance in Dauphin County based on size, diversity of wildlife and plant life, water quality protection, and recreation potential. (These sites do not include high quality natural communities and no species of special concern have been documented at the sites, although several of the areas have potential for rare species to occur.)
County Line Swamp Swamp on the Dauphin/Lebanon County border, bisected by a slow-moving (Middle Paxton Twp.) portion of Stony Creek. The area is a potential habitat for plant species of concern.
Powell Creek Swamp A hardwood swamp near the confluence of the North Fork of Powell’s Creek and (Rush Twp.) Smoke Hole Run. There is a potential habitat for a rare plant species located upstream at Smoke Hole Run in Powell Creek Swamp.
Fiddler’s Elbow Bluff’s Section of Swatara Creek often bounded by limestone cliffs and ledges with a diverse native Native flora. There is potential for at least one plant and one animal species of concern To colonize this habitat.
Berry Mountain Slopes Consists of a very steep, undercut shaly slope at the west end of Berry (Jackson and Upper Mountain south of Millersburg. The unusual forest type may serve as habitat Paxton (Twps.) for rare plant or animal species.There are no obvious threats or management concerns to the site.
Source: Dauphin County Natural Areas Inventory, 2000.
Natural Resources 3-27