Forest Stewardship Plan

Table of Contents

* Overall Property Inventory and Recommendations
* Management Unit 1
* Management Unit 2
* Management Unit 3
* Management Unit 4
* Recommendations Schedule
* Site Map 1 - Management Units
* Site Map 2 - Soils
* Site Map 3 - Masterplan

Property Address:

Delaware Valley Christian Camp (Camp Manatawny)
33 Camp Road
Douglassville, Pa. 19518

Berks County
Earl Township
52 Acres Addressed in this Plan

Camp Board Representative:

Thomas Pernice, Grounds Chairman
212 West Neversink Road
Reading, PA 19606
(610) 779 - 0523

Authors of the Plan:

David W. Brown - Landscape Architect
2 Brown Ave.
Downingtown, PA 19335
(610)873-6696

Antietam Forestry Consultants - Foresters
75 Mexico Road
Oley, PA 19547
(610)921-9770

Berks County Service Forester:

Jeffrey Stuffle
DER Bureau of Forestry
District 17 Office
1132 Ridge Road
Pottstowi4 PA 19465
(610) 469-6217

Date: July 1995
Overall Property Inventory and Recommendations

1. Landowner's Management Objectives: Improve the health of the woodlands. Make the camp a better place for enjoying and studying the woods by developing trails and recreation potential of the property. Recoup cost of improvements with limited timber sale.

2. Directions to Property. From the intersection of Rt. 662 and Rt. 562 at the top of Yellow House, go east 1.0 miles on Rt. 562, and take the first turn left (north) on Camp Road, take first drive on right marked Camp Manatawny.

3. The Property Within the Landscape: The property is located along Manatawny Creek and is situated at the boundary between the Oley Valley on the west, and a mountainous region (including Stone Cave Hill) on the east. The town of Yellow House is about a half mile to the west. The Delaware Valley Christian Camp is located primarily on the west bank of the creek, and includes areas of flood plain forest, all of Rabbit Hill (wooded,) and areas of relatively level land including the campgrounds themselves, orchards, and agricultural land west of Rabbit Hill. A large overhead power-line and right of way cuts across the property in an east-west direction.

The dominant land use in the area surrounding the property is agricultural to the west, and forest and quarrying to the east. The Oley Valley to the east, is characterized by gently rolling farm land on soils derived predominantly from limestone, while Stone Cave Hill is part of a rugged region of sandstone and quartzite hills ranging from 700 - 1100 feet in elevation and includes a large area of unbroken forest land.

One of the interesting features of the camp is it's position on the edge of the two geologic/physiographic regions mentioned above. Any nature trail development on the camp property might include educational signs/displays which describe the geology of the area, and show how the bedrock relates to soil land-form and land-use -- ie. limestone rock produces gentle land-form and good agricultural soils, while sandstone/quartzite bedrock weathers to mountains and rugged terrain, with soils suited primarily to forests.

Both the wooded areas along the creek and the proximity to the forested hills provide important wildlife corridors, the later being somewhat compromised by the north-south road and houses along the east bank- of the creek.

Access to the property is good via camp road on the west edge of the tract. Manatawny Creek generally forms the property boundary on the east.

4. Aerial Photo:
Photo available for use at the Forest District 17 Office
File #s:1325-84BC, 1325-85TC
Scale: 1" = 1320'
Year Flown: 1989

5. Species of Special Concern:
Topographic Quadrangle Map (7-1/2 minute) on which property is found: Boyertown
Location of the site on the topo map: 14 inches up from the bottom, 15.25 inches over from the right side.
The Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory indicates no occurrence of any Species of Special Concern.

6. Habitat Inventory: The presence of Manatawny Creek along the property insures an abundance of wildlife in the area. The habitat inventory indicates a mix of forest and farmland within the 250 acre area. Forests cover about 42% of the area, with the remaining lands being crops, pasture, hedgerows and about 3% stream Within the forested acreage, the majority (79%) of timber is mature deciduous trees. Only 5% of the trees are pole sized, and only 1% are evergreen. Given the Camp's interest in enhancing habitat and encouraging nature studies, all cavity and den trees located along existing or proposed trails should be maintained provided they do not present a danger due to windfall. Artificial cavities and nesting boxes could be placed along proposed nature trails, in the vicinity of the orchard, and along the creek. More specific recommendations are given in Management Units 1 - 4.

7. Water Resources: Water resources are the Manatawny Creek and the wet areas occurring in its riparian zone. The creek appears to be of generally good quality, with areas of rapids, and results of PNDI Biotic Search show it is a high-gradient clearwater stream. It is @ 40 feet wide and appears to be navigable by canoe during times of high water. Located in Management Units 2 & 4.

8. Special Habitats Noted on the Property: The property contains an abundance of water related habitats along the creek, including areas of slow moving channels which form islands in the flood plain. There is also a nice stream-weathered limestone bedrock outcropping at a bend in the Creek. Located in Management Unit 4.

9. Soils: Five soil types are located on the property. Management Unit 1 is underlain with Edgemont and Dekalb very stony sandy loams, considered fair for growing trees. Management Unit 2 is underlain with both Edgemont and Dekalb very stony sandy loams, considered fair for growing trees, these soils occurring on more mesic or wet sites than the xeric or dry sites of Unit 2 & 3. Management Unit 3 is underlain with Edgemont and Dekalb very stony sandy loams, considered fair for growing trees. Management Unit 4 is underlain with Melvin Silt loam, considered excellent for growing pin oak, and fair for many other trees. Melvin Silt Loam is considered a hydric soil with severe equipment limitations.

The remainder of the property is underlain by Duffield and Hagerstown Soils, and Duffield Silt Loam both of which are considered very good to excellent for many upland tree species. However, this area is not wooded, being instead used for crops, pasture, orchard, and the camp grounds.

10. Mineral Resources: There are no minerals of particular note on the Camp property. There is a nice stream-weathered limestone bedrock outcropping at a bend in the Creek. Located in Management Unit 4. The soils on Units 1 & 3 are very stony and make walking difficult. Any trails through these units should be constructed so as to remove or reduce the impact of small stones on the feet, thus enabling people of many abilities to use the trails. This could be achieved through the use of hand tools and possibly wood chip surfacing.

11. Forest Health: Many of the trees on Units 1 & 3 are mature or overmature and are succumbing to disease or windfall. These trees are of medium size, as the site is dry and rocky and only fair for growing trees. Management Unit 2 is moister and the trees are able to attain larger size, with mortality less of an issue at the present time. Black Birch on the property is generally affected by canker.

12. Aesthetics: The property has significant topographic relief/variation, ranging from the stony and rocky Rabbit Hill to the gently rolling campgrounds and farmed land, to the flat floodplain along Manatawny Creek. The property has a sense of being tucked into the mountains at the edge of the broad Oley Valley, which lends a nice atmosphere to the camp and creates a sense of retreat. The views of the higher hills to the north and east are particularly impressive. The views to the south are somewhat compromised by houses and development, and the camp would benefit from a screen of low growing trees (perhaps developed as a natural hedgerow/wildlife corridor) which block views of the houses, yet permit views across the Oley Valley. The presence of the high voltage power line including a tower and cleared swath of ground is a detriment to the aesthetic character of the property, which would be greatly improved by strategic plantings. A group of Norway Spruce would work well for this purpose -- planted near the tower and outside the r.o.w. There are areas along the creek and in Unit 2 which have particularly nice aesthetic qualities. See included Masterplan for other aesthetic concerns.

Because the property operates as a recreational camp/retreat, the owners want to preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the landscape. Any timber harvest which may occur should be fight and sensitive to the visual and natural environment. Trees, including den/cavity and some old/overly mature ones, should be left to remain in the vicinity of proposed nature trails.

13. Recreation: The property is used as both a camp for children and as a retreat for groups of all ages, thus recreation is a significant aspect to the use of the land and forests. There are numerous facilities for active recreation (volleyball, baseball swimming, etc.,) while opportunities for passive recreation (hiking, nature studies etc.) are somewhat underdeveloped, in part due to the difficulties of the terrain (rugged and stony Rabbit Hill) and environment (low and wet flood plains along Manatawny Creek.) There is a campfire ring in the woods at the south tip of Rabbit Hill. There is a trail (faint at times) over Rabbit Hill which connects the camp with the conference center. There is a decent foot-trail which follows the creek above the floodplain, which also connects the camp with the conference center. However it passes over non-camp property at one point and may not always be usable. There is an old road grade which connects the camp with the creek along a steeply wooded bank. The camp has expressed an interest in developing a better trail network, which might include natural education signs. See included Masterplan for layout of proposed nature trails and other recreation features.

The camp should consider working with a Forester and/or Tree Surgeon to selectively remove trees or limbs which may present a safety hazard due to windfall particularly in the vicinity of the campfire circle, adjacent to the sleeping cabins, and along trails.

14. Cultural, Geologic, or Vegetative Features of Note: Other than the camp itself there are no outstanding features.

15. Cleanup and Rehabilitation Needs: No serious cleanup/rehabilitation problems or concerns exist on the property.


Management Unit Number 1

15 acres

Summary of Inventory

This management unit makes up the bulk of the area on Rabbit Hill. The soils on this unit (and on units 2 and 3) are Edgemont and Dekalb very stony sandy loams, which, depending upon the steepness of the slope, have moderate to severe equipment limitations. This is a stand which is well stocked. Basal area readings in this area are approximately 100 square feet basal area per acre. The past history of this stand is not known, but at the present time does contain mature as well as valuable sawtimber. A good mix of species is represented within the stand. The species composition within the stand is made up of Chestnut Oak, Black Oak, Poplar, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Hickory, Sassafras, White Oak, Ash and Black Birch. Black Oak and Chestnut Oak are the most predominant species.

Regeneration is very sparse throughout this management unit. The lack of regeneration of commercial species is attributed to the mature overstory with heavy crown closures. These two characteristics inhibit sunlight from reaching the forest floor, and thus inhibits the rate of natural regeneration. Some areas of this stand are being invaded by Ailanthus. This is a very invasive species of tree which will also inhibit the chance of regeneration in the areas in which it is established. Shrubs located in the understory are: dogwood, mapleleaf viburnum, spicebush and blackberries. Although some vines are present they are not a major concern in this unit.

Cavity trees (wildlife habitat) are abundant within the stand. There is also an abundant supply of hard mast available in the form of acorns. Drupes present on the mapleleaf viburnum also furnish an ample supply of soft mast for many wildlife species. Deer have been using this area according to the evidence found in the field, but browsing is minimal. This is probably due to the amount of hard mast available for forage.

Management Recommendations

This unit is well suited to the camp for use as a recreational area. The stand of timber is in need of some help from a forest management standpoint. A selective harvest of timber focusing on the overmature timber, as well as the deformed and defective trees should be considered. A harvest such as this along with the removal of the invasive species, such as the Ailanthus would greatly improve upon the success of regeneration among desired species within the stand.

Some cavity trees should be maintained, especially in the vicinity of proposed nature trails, as shelter for wildlife. The grapevines should be cut at the ground and at head height on the trees which are valuable from a timber and/or mast producing standpoint.

The small stand of white pine located in this stand would make a very suitable picnic area if the surrounding forest was cleared of the underbrush. From a recreational viewpoint some of the mature oak trees located in this stand are potential safety hazards due to the conditions of their butts as well as dying branches in the crowns. These types of trees should be focused on in the prescription for the selective harvest.

Management Unit Number 2

9 acres

Summary of Inventory

Management unit # 2 is a well stocked stand. It contains medium to large size sawtimber, 14" DBH and up in the dominant and co-dominant classes. This management unit lies on the northern and eastern aspects above Manatawny Creek. These areas are of a steep slope class. There is a very good mix of species on this unit. The species composition is comprised of red oak, sugar maple, beech, chestnut oak, ash, ailanthus, basswood, white oak, black birch. A type of fungus called nectria is present in the black birch in this area.

The regeneration is spotty on this management unit. Advanced regeneration noted within this unit was in poplar, red maple, cherry and black birch. The regeneration is limited due to the closure of crowns on the dominant trees within the stand. The cover density of shrubs and understory trees is also very spotty. It is relatively sparse in some areas and dense in other areas. The species which make up the understory are as follows: spicebush, blackberry, mapleleaf viburnum, witch hazes and very limited mountain laurel. The ground cover consists of honeysuckle as well as some ferns and mosses present on the northern section. The honeysuckle is very dense in certain areas. The invasive nature of the honeysuckle is an inhibiting factor upon regeneration on some portions of this unit.

There is an availability of cavity trees within the stand. The northern section of management unit # 2 is abundant with acorns as a form of hard mast. The availability of soft mast is more limited than the hard mast. The evidence of deer browsing is fairly light although it does appear that deer use this area frequently through evidence noted in the field.

Management Recommendations

An existing road on the eastern section of this unit could be used as a trail to transport canoes or other recreational equipment to and from Manatawny Creek. A new trail may be considered on the northern section as another access to the creek for boating recreation.

Management unit #2 is located on a steep slope area adjacent to the creek. A timber harvest is not recommended due to the degree of slope present and the possible environmental concerns to the creek. This stand both serves as a forested buffer to the creek, and provides an aesthetically pleasing character to the area.

The black birch in this stand which is affected by the nectria canker could be cut or culled out of the stand and used as firewood.

The northern section of this unit also adjoins the creek. This area is used by a wide variety of species of ducks. Wood duck nesting boxes may be placed along any section of the Manatawny creek to encourage this species to nest in and/or frequent the area on a more regular basis.

In summary, this unit is very aesthetically pleasing and is best suited to be utilized by the camp as a recreational and educational experience for the campers. No timber harvest is recommended for this management unit.

Management Unit Number 3

4 acres

Summary of Inventory

Management unit # 3 is an understocked forested stand. It appears that this area was once cleared or quite possibly could once have been planted with pine trees. Since that period of time the stand has reverted back to native hardwoods. The stand is comprised of medium to large sawtimber, 14" and greater within the dominant and co-dominant trees. However, the stand is understocked with an approximate crown closure of 40%. The species as they exist within this stand are as follows: poplar, ailanthus, black oak, white pine, walnut, norway spruce and red maple.

Very minimal advanced regeneration of any commercial species is present within the stand. The reason for the lack of regeneration is primarily due to the dense cover density of the shrubs and understory trees. The species within the understory are: cedar, spicebush, blackhaw, and privet. Privet is the major component of the understory and this species severely inhibits regeneration of poplar which is the main component of the overstory.

The major ground cover component is honeysuckle which in combination with the privet composes a very dense understory/groundcover within unit #3. Grapevine is also present in some of the overstory trees.

Cavity trees are very limited within this unit. Cover for wildlife is very high due to the amount of underbrush and downed woody material. Deer frequent this area for cover as well as a variety of songbirds which utilize this cover for nesting purposes.

Management Recommendations

This unit has a well established stand of seed bearing poplar intermixed with various species of conifers. The main recommendation for this area would be the removal of the underbrush and unwanted species to prepare the site for future generation of the more desired species. The removal of the ailanthus species within this stand should be a priority. As stated before, this is a very invasive species with little value to either the people which use the camp or the wildlife that frequent the area. In this case the use of a chemical application may want to be explored as a possible means for the removal of the ailanthus as well as some of the deciduous underbrush. A removal of this underbrush would help prepare the site for future regeneration, as well as making the stand more appealing from an aesthetic viewpoint.

This is an area which is frequented by a number of different species of wildlife. Some areas of thick underbrush may be retained to continue the use of these areas as cover and/or nesting areas for the wildlife.

This area also adjoins the small white pine stand which is referred to in management unit # 1.

Management Unit Number 4

24 acres

Summary of Inventory

Management unit #4 is composed of a wooded riparian area along the Manatawny Creek. The stand is located on the soil classification of MI (Melvin silt loam.) This soil is described as having a very high water table with water standing in depressions for extended periods of time. It is considered excellent for pin oak and fair for a variety of other trees. The stand is composed of species of trees suited to grow under these wetter conditions. The species present in this unit are as follows: walnut, ailanthus, hickory, poplar, sycamore, ash, red maple, cedar and basswood.

Regeneration is very sparse, with minimal regeneration of ash occurring at this time. Some of the other shrubs and trees present in the understory are red stem dogwood, multiflora rose, spicebush and honeysuckle. Red stem dogwood is very established in the understory of unit #4.

The ground cover is mainly composed of a variety of species of grasses, sedges and wildflowers. There are a number of grapevines and poison ivy vines growing in this area. Some of the grapevines are inhibiting the growth of some of the better quality walnut trees. The multiflora rose is very thick and well established in certain areas and is an inhibiting factor on the successful regeneration of commercial timber species.

This unit is a virtual haven for wildlife due to the creek and the amount of food and cover available within the understory. Some of the wildlife using the area include: deer, squirrels, hawks, ducks, as well as a variety of songbirds.

Management Recommendations

The wetness of this management unit is a very limiting factor for the use of any equipment for the purpose of management operations. There are also obvious environmental concerns involving the use of equipment within the floodplain along Manatawny Creek.

For the reason stated above the only recommendation that will be made for this unit is some form of vine control. The grapevines that are established in some of the better quality walnut should be cut. The method to be used is cutting the vine at two locations. The first cut should be made just above the ground level and the second cut should be made approximately 5 feet above the ground. The control of these vines would eliminate the competition between the foliage of the vine and the tree itself. The health and vigor of the trees which are released of the vines would be greatly prolonged.

Some trails exist within management unit 4. These trails could be improved upon with some form of brush removal. New trails could also be created into this trail system to serve as a very educational nature trail located in this area which is abundant with different types of plants, wildflowers, as well as species of wildlife which utilize this riparian environment.

Recommendations Schedule

Map 1 - Management Units

Map 2 - Soils

Map 3 - Masterplan

Masterplan Narrative

1. Screen utility tower with norway spruce
2. Plant shade trees to enhance drive/entrance and create "gate" effect.
3. Shrubs to screen trailers from driveway.
4. Screen view of distant houses with low growing trees which keep sense of openness and views out to Oley Valley. Suggested species include crabapple, hawthorn, viburnum,dogwood and orchard trees.
5. Relocate existing trailhead access to gazebo.
6. Develop trailhead access at campfire circle.
7. Nature Trail follows gentle slope along base of Rabbit Hill at edge of forest.
8. Maintain existing trailhead access -- area of pristine woods.
9. Area of great natural appeal -- careful placement of natural benches could create setting for meditation/reflection.
10. Plant base of gazebo with daylilies -- this is focus/center of camp.
11. Small trees at each bath-house entrance; low yew hedge around pool fence.
12. Plant Boston Ivy on bathhouse walls (concrete block,) daylilies at base of walls.