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The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Home Contact How We Work Places We Protect News Room Upcoming Events Volunteer Ways of Giving |
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O'Conner Reservoir in Moosic Mountain Preserve © George C. Gress/TNC DirectionsFrom I-81, take exit 187 for Carbondale/Route 6. Once on Route 6, go just over four miles. Take Exit 3 for Jessup, and travel south on Moosic Lake Road/Route 247 for about two miles. The entrance to the parking area will be on your left. ContactThe Nature Conservancy
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Scrub oak in fallLocated in Lackawanna and Wayne counties, Moosic Mountain provides sweeping views of Pennsylvania’s northeastern corner and represents one of the best locations in the state for ridge-top heath barrens. Contrary to its name, the Moosic Mountain “barrens” comprise a healthy mosaic of stunted pine and oak forest dominated by huckleberry, blueberry and other low-lying shrubs that attract a broad array of birds, butterflies and moths – including the globally rare sallow moth and barrens buckmoth.
Because of its location on a cool, windy mountain ridge, the wildlife inhabiting Moosic Mountain has not been as well documented as other natural areas in Pennsylvania. However, the area has not remained immune to the development pressures and lack of fire that has led to a decline in these unique habitats across the state.
In 2001, The Nature Conservancy purchased 1,200 acres in the heart of the Moosic Mountain that were slated to become a business park. With support from the state of Pennsylvania, the business park was relocated to a former industrial site located along the Susquehanna River. Not only did this redevelopment project protect sensitive habitat on this unspoiled mountaintop, it contributed to cleaner waters that feed into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This “public-private partnership” also created 5,000 jobs. Today the Conservancy works with state government and local partners to foster compatible uses and a sense of ownership among bird watchers, sportsmen and other community groups interested in protecting Moosic Mountain’s ecological resources.
Size: 15,000 acres
Location: Lackawanna and Wayne counties, eight miles northeast from the city of Scranton
What You’ll See
One of the few known locations of ridge-top heath barrens in Pennsylvania. Scrub oak and pitch pine forest. Globally rare sallow moth and barrens buckmoth. Breeding birds that include prairie warbler, black-and-white warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, hermit thrush and broad-winged hawk.
Threats
Land development, ATV use and fire suppression.
Action
Encouraging compatible uses and fostering community involvement in stewardship activities. Pursuing ecological management and restoration, including the management of fire. Negotiating the acquisition of additional land and conservation easements. Conducting an inventory of moth and butterfly species.
Milestones
Purchased 1,200 acres in 2001 from the Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Building Corporation. Completion of an ecological management plan in 2006.
Partners
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Jessup Borough Council, Moosic Lakes Property Owners Association, Lackawanna River Corridor Association, local municipalities, sportsmen’s groups including the Jessup Sportsman’s Club and the Deer Run Club
Things To Do
Enjoy the scenic views. Participate in recreational activities that include bird watching, hiking and biking. Contact The Nature Conservancy’s Long Pond Office to learn about hunting on and near the preserve.
