Threats to Yellow Breeches Watershed
Although, the Yellow Breeches is considered a high-quality stream, many sections of the watershed are impaired by pollutants that come from agricultural and urban runoff, unsustainable agricultural practices, excess nutrient and sediments, and overflow from wastewater treatment facilities during flood events. The Yellow Breeches flows into the Susquehanna River, one of the most endangered rivers in the country. The Susquehanna River is a significant contributor to the environmental damage to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The PA Department of Environmental Protection, along with many partners, is currently in Phase 3 of the Watershed Implementation Plan. This plan outlines methods and target goals for watershed restoration within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The goals of Phase 3 include
-Reducing Nitrogen by 34 million pounds per year
-Reducing Phosphorus by 0.7 million pounds per year
-Reducing Sediment (soil) by 531 million pounds per year
Along with the Watershed Implementation Plan, the PA DEP is working with the agricultural community to incorporate more sustainable agricultural practices. Practices like no-till/limited tillage, proper manure and nutrient application, and increasing riparian buffer and streambank health are some of the key practices that will positively affect the Yellow Breeches Watershed.
Climate change
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Climate change is a global issue that affects both global and local ecosystems. Like many other areas of the world, Pennsylvania has seen increased annual temperatures and increased precipitation, with more and more extreme weather events. The increase in annual temperature presents another issue for the Yellow Breeches, the warming of cold-water fisheries.
Climate change will likely affect the surrounding forest productivity and reduce biodiversity on a large scale. The changing of average temperature will allow for the expansion of invasive species into areas that they were not present in before.
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Addressing the challenge of climate change requires the collaboration of a multitude of stakeholders working toward a more sustainable development and world.
Biodiversity Threats
The Yellow Breeches Watershed provides habitat to several threatened and endangered species. One of the most threatened species found in the Yellow Breeches Watershed is the Bog Turtle. The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is Pennsylvania’s smallest turtle species and is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.This turtle has very specific habitat requirements, which is one of the reasons that it is so rare. Bog turtles are found in wetlands with early successional conditions and limited open water with deep mucky soils fed by groundwater seeps. Because of their strict habitat requirements, relocation to nearby habitat is difficult and can lead to local extinctions. They are found in very low numbers in Southeastern Pennsylvania and considered critically impaired and on their way to being extirpated in the area. They are highly affected by habitat destruction and natural forest succession.
