Natural Resource Management

The Natural Resource Management Department at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is responsible for the biological and environmental resources within the park. Three main topics of concern include non-native invasive plants species, air quality monitoring, and water quality monitoring.

Non-native, invasive plants can threaten native species within the park. There are six nonnative plant species targeted for control at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. They are Asiatic Bittersweet, Garlic Mustard, Giant Knotweed, exotic Honeysuckles, Japanese Barberry, and Multiflora Rose. Different methods are used for removal of the plants. They can be pulled, cut or sprayed with an herbicide. These control methods used by the resource management department have shown success in past years and have reduced nonnative vegetation in the park.

Air quality monitoring is done by collecting and sampling weekly precipitation. A standard rain gauge and recording rain gauge are also used to measure how much and when the rain or snow fell. Testing is done for atmospheric deposition sometimes called "acid rain," mercury, and other trace metals.The rainwater and other data collected are sent to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and the Mercury Deposition Network to be tested. The findings are compiled in annual reports.

The park also monitors stream water quality. Each month water samples are taken from eight different locations in Blair Gap Run and its tributaries. Testing is done by park staff for pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, turbidity and flow. The findings are recorded in a National Park Service database.

These are some of the major tasks taken on by the Natural Resource Management staff to protect the natural resources here at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.