| Cook
Flats, outside CFSP, PA |
djluth-@pennswoods.net |
| Sep
22, 2006 15:11 PDT |
ENTS,
On 6/30/06 I investigated an old lumber mill site (prior to 1878
county
atlas) along the south side of the Clarion River in Cook Forest
State Park.
After collecting some data for archaeology research at this
site, I continued
down river to an impressive stand of ancient E. hemlock.
I've been driving past this stand for 11 years now along River
Road, but have
never set foot in it since it's on the opposite side of the
river. Turns out
we have another old growth forest area on our hands. It is just
outside of the
park boundary, but is in very good hands. After closer map
inspection, the
current owner is no other than the prestigious Anthony E. Cook.
It's not a purely untouched stand, but is quite impressive none
the less. A
number of ancient hemlock cover this flat with some scattered
old N. red oaks.
It appears this old growth area continues up the slope to the
ridge top, but I
ran out of time & daylight in the bottoms. I'd be surprised
if the entire area
would go over 15 acres when it's all mapped out.
Here's the day's stats:
Species CBH Height Comments
Am. hornbeam 2.2 32.1 new
park girth record
cucumbertree 6.1 109
E. hemlock 12.3 121.1 12x100
club
E. hemlock 9.6 125
E. hemlock 11.6 125.3
N. red oak 12.6 106.6 12x100
club
white ash 9.1 87.5
yellow birch 10.3 90.2 new
park girth record
Gorgeous day. Kayaked over the river to get to the site. Can't
believe they
pay me to do this stuff...
Dale |
| Re:
Cook Flats |
djluth-@pennswoods.net |
| Sep
22, 2006 16:25 PDT |
Ahhh yes...
I can smell it now. Mushrooms are really popping now after all
the rain we've
had. Just had some folks bring in some 'shaggy maines' and
'sulfur mushrooms'.
Made me hungry. Time to go home and get a bite to eat.
Dale
Quoting Russ Richardson:
| |
Dale:
A very good description of the terrain. On this wet
September day I can
also imagine the scent of the hemlock needles and the
low wafting smell of
musty, damp moss.
Russ |
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