ROMOBE LAKE

This baglike wetland has distinctive bog vegetation on a series of floating islands. The wetland has slightly elevated water levels due to a manmade dam, which likely flooded the outer edges of the bog vegetation. The floating islands are remnants of the bog vegetation that likely covered much of the open water at this location. The floating mats support a good diversity of characteristic bog vegetation including five plant species of concern. The floating islands are dominated by leatherleaf, a common evergreen shrub of acidic wetlands, interspersed with the shrub bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia). Together, these two shrub components make up a Leatherleaf-bog rosemary Peatland Natural Community that dominates much of the floating mats at this site. Among the plant species of concern at this location is the rough cottongrass (Eriophorum tenellum). This relative of the more common tawny cottongrass is considered globally secure, but is quite rare in Pennsylvania where it is currently only known from a few sites in the state. This habitat also contains two uncommon sedges, the many-fruited sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), the mud sedge (Carex limosa) and the horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta), an insectivorous plant species. The bog copper butterfly (Lycaena epixanthe) was also observed on the vegetation mats. This is a butterfly that depends on cranberry plants for its only food source while in its larval stage. The host plant of this species, cranberry, occurs frequently throughout these wetlands. A host plant specialist, the distribution of bog copper is linked directly to the habitat of the cranberry. Loss of cranberry wetlands can severely diminish occurrences of this species. The Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula incesta) was also documented at this location. This species uses the wetland as its primary habitat. Reduction of wetland quality by changes in hydrology (permanent draining or flooding), or degradation of water quality could severely impact this population.

Threats and Disturbances: Despite the existence of an artificial dam, the bog vegetation appears to be in good condition. There are patches of cattails, which suggests that nutrients are entering the normally nutrient poor environment. Several houses are clustered along a small section of the shoreline. An abandoned rail line runs along one edge of the wetland.

Conservation Recommendations: This is an example of a good quality bog habitat in a relatively undisturbed surrounding. The current wetland hydrology should be maintained or slightly and gradually lowered to allow the bog vegetation to recolonize the wetland. Avoid building permanent dams or drainage channels. Remove beaver dams as they are formed to prevent the wetland from becoming overly flooded. It may be necessary to trap beavers if they persist. Further development should be discouraged adjacent to this bog- Dominant and characteristic plant species of Romobe Lake wetland. Cutting and the use of Trees Acer rubrum red maple Betula populifolia gray birch herbicides along the pond Shrubs shoreline should be avoided. Alnus incana speckled alder Spiraea latifolia northern meadow-sweet Access from the abandoned rail Andromeda polifolia bog-rosemary Spiraea tomentosa hardhack spiraea Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry Vaccinium corymbosum highbush blueberry line should be limited to avoid the Chamaedaphne calyculata leatherleaf Vaccinium macrocarpon large cranberry spread of invasive species of plants Kalmia polifolia pale laurel Vaccinium oxycoccos small cranberry and destruction of this fragile Rosa palustris swamp rose habitat. A 100 meter undisturbed Herbs Brasenia schreberi watershield Nuphar lutea yellow cowlily forested buffer around the wetland Calla palustris wild calla Nymphaea odorata American water-lily would help protect the wetland Carex atlantica prickly bog sedge Onoclea sensibilis sensitive fern from negative external influences Carex canescens hoary sedge Pogonia ophioglossoides rose pogonia such as nonpoint sources of Carex lasiocarpa slender sedge Pontederia cordata pickerel weed Carex limosa mud sedge Potentilla palustris marsh cinquefoil pollution and the spread of Carex stricta tussock sedge Rhynchospora alba white beakrush invasive species of plants. Future Carex trisperma three-seed sedge Sagittaria latifolia broadleaf arrowhead development activities within the Carex utriculata sedge Sarracenia purpurea northern pitcher-plant Drosera intermedia spoon-leaved sundew Symplocarpus foetidus skunk cabbage immediate watershed should be Drosera rotundifolia roundleaf sundew Thelypteris palustris marsh fern assessed for their impact on this Dulichium arundinaceum three-way sedge Triadenum virginicum marsh St. John's wort and nearby high quality wetlands. Eriophorum tenellum rough cotton-grass Typha latifolia broad-leaf cattail Consider conservation easements Iris versicolor blue flag Utricularia cornuta horned bladderwort Lysimachia terrestris swamp loosestrife Utricularia macrorhiza greater bladder-wort on the properties surrounding this Menyanthes trifoliata bog buckbean bog habitat for future protection of this interesting and fragile ecosystem.