Ecological Assessment
The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge Ecological Assessment was carried out in two parts – the first completed in 2007, the second completed in 2010. The purpose of the assessment was to provide baseline data necessary to guide current and future restoration efforts.
LGWR Ecological Assessment Part I
Report Prepared by: Latham, R. E., D. B. Steckel, H. M. Harper, C. Steckel and M. Boatright
The complete document can be downloaded here:
Preferred Citation: Latham, R. E., D. B. Steckel, H. M. Harper, C. Steckel and M. Boatright. 2007. Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge Ecological Assessment. For the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Slatington, Pennsylvania, by Natural Lands Trust, Media, Pennsylvania; Continental Conservation, Rose Valley, Pennsylvania; and Botanical Inventory, Allentown, Pennsylvania. 62 pp. + 8 maps, 5 appendices.
LGWR Ecological Assessment Part II
Report Prepared by: Diane W. Husic, Corey Husic, Dan Kunkle, Frank Kuserk
Individual chapter files are linked below. The complete document can also be downloaded here:
Preferred Citation: Husic, D.W., C. Husic, D. Kunkle, and F. Kuserk. 2010. Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge Ecological Assessment Part II. Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Slatington, PA.
Front Matter and Acknowledgments
Section I – Introduction, Background and Methodology
Section II – Biota of the Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge
Chapter 4. Reptiles and Amphibians
Section III – Ecological Studies, Abiotic Parameters, and Risk Assessment
Chapter 9. Ecological Studies at the Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge
Chapter 10. The Physical Environment and Risk Assessment
Section IV – Conclusions and Recommendations
Chapter 12. Conclusions: Reflections and Recommendations
Section V – Appendices
A. List of Researchers, Consultants, and Collaborating Partners
B. Vertebrates of the Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge
C. Insect Data
- C-1: Preliminary Faunal Assessment for Insects, Part II, John E. Rawlins, Carnegie Museum of Natural History (6/29/10)
- C-2: “Tips on How to Use Bee Bowls to Collect Bees” by Sam Droege
- C-3: Preliminary List of Bee Species Identified in LGWR Study
- C-4: Species list for Lepidopterans and Odonatans at the LGWR
- C-5: Compilation of Insect Species at the LGWR
D. Macroinvertebrate Diversity in Metal Contaminated Ponds of the Lehigh Gap Refuge
E. Microorganisms
- E-1: Current State of the Soil Microflora at the Palmerton, Pa Superfund Site
- E-2: Evidence for Zinc Tolerance among Bacteria of the Palmerton, PA Area
- E-3: Poster: Clarke-Ruiz and Kuserk Bacterial Zinc Tolerance Study
- E-4: Poster: Sarson and Kuserk Bacterial Identification Study
- E-5: Abstract: Casper Laboratory Studies on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
F. Habitat Enhancement
- F-1: Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge Native Habitat Garden Database
- F-2: Experimental Design – Grassland Enhancement/Deer Fencing Project Report
- F-2a: Summary of 2009 Plant Monitoring Data
- F-3: Acorn and Seedling Plantings
G. Moravian College Plant Studies (Research Poster)
H. Ecological Studies
- H-1: Succession Monitoring Report
- H-1a: August 2008 Succession Plot Monitoring Data
- H-1b: 2008 Cumulative Succession Data
- H-2: 2008 Educational Succession Plot Plant Inventory
- H-3: Total Vegetative Cover Analysis Educational Activity
I. Wilkes Food Web Study
J. Educational Habitat Displays
- J-1: Forest
- J-2: Grassland
- J-3: Ponds
- J-4: River/Riparian
- J-5: Scrub
- J-6: Wetland
K. Lehigh University Research Studies
- K-1: Lehigh Research Technical Report (December 2010)
- K-2: Lehigh Metals Studies Pamphlet
- K-3: Lehigh Metals Research Poster