When the Spanish arrived in 1494, except for small agricultural clearings, the country was deeply forested.

Extensive agricultural clearing in parts of this region have led to fragmentation of the native ecosystems.

Extensive grasslands resulted from burning and agricultural clearing by Indians.

PA 879 heads into more forested areas with some fields and residences, passing through an agricultural clearing before turning to the northeast.

The road passes through an agricultural clearing before running through more forested areas with occasional homes and small fields.

The habitat consists of edges of sub-montane forests and agricultural clearings.

The route curves east and leaves the state park as it heads north through wooded areas of homes before passing through an agricultural clearing.

Additionally, cattle are sometimes allowed to free-range over these former agricultural clearings, preventing forest re-growth.

Other sources theorize that slash burning from agricultural clearing could have been the initial spark.

The road turns to the east and heads through more wooded areas with some agricultural clearings.