Biological Inventory for Conservation of Great Lakes Islands: 1999 Progress Report
Biological Inventory For Conservation of Great Lakes Islands: 1999 Progress Report
Prepared by: Michael R. Penskar, Daria A. Hyde, Phyllis J. Higman, John J. Paskus, Reuben R. Goforth, David L. Cuthrell, Dennis A. Albert, Rebecca L. Boehm
Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944
For: Great Lakes National Program Office Environmental Protection Agency GLNPO Grant # 985161-01-0 & Michigan Coastal Management Program Land and Water Management Division, MDEQ Coastal Management Program Grant # 98-309-14
Report Number 2000-11 Submitted June 30, 2000 This document has been converted to an electronic format. There may be some minor formatting changes between the original printed version and the electronic version. There is no difference in content.
Cover Photo Identification and Credits: Shoreline photo: North shore of Garden Island, Charlevoix County, August, 1998, by Michael R. Penskar Bird inset: Blackburnian warbler, courtesy Petersen CD Field Guide to North American birds Plant inset: State threatened yellow pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea f. heterophylla), June, 1999, discovered on Marquette Island, Les Cheneaux chain, Mackinac County; by Phyllis J. Higman Executive Summary
In 1998, Michigan Natural Features Blanc Island than on the other two islands. A Inventory (MNFI) initiated a multi-year project quantitative assessment of habitat use by to conduct biological inventories for the migratory birds was conducted via selected point conservation of Great Lakes islands. The count censusing stations. During spring fundamental goal of this project is to migration, a greater number of individuals and systematically examine selected Great Lakes bird species were recorded near cobble islands, compile comprehensive information on shorelines bordered by coniferous forest, or near natural features and significant biodiversity an inland lake or wetland. areas, and then convey this information in the With regard to rare bird species, no piping most useful form for landowner education and plovers were observed on Beaver Island at a conservation planning purposes. The first year previously known site near McCauley Point. of the project focused on biological inventories Common loon was recorded at several locations in the Beaver Island archipelago (Beaver and on Beaver Island and at one Bois Blanc Island Garden islands in Charlevoix County) and a site. Red-shouldered hawks responded to taped selective floristic survey of several islands within calls and were observed or otherwise heard at the Garden Peninsula group (Poverty, Summer, several sites on Bois Blanc Island. Additional and Little Summer islands in Delta County). In rare bird observations include bald eagle (Beaver year two, we continued inventories within the and Bois Blanc islands), American bittern (Bois Beaver Island archipelago and also conducted Blanc and Beaver islands), caspian tern (Bois inventory work in northern Lake Huron, focusing Blanc and Beaver islands), common tern (Bois on Bois Blanc Island Blanc Island), osprey (Beaver and Garden (Mackinac County), Marquette and La Salle islands), Northern harrier (Beaver Island), islands within the Les Cheneaux chain Forster’s tern (Beaver Island), common moorhen (Mackinac County), and Drummond Island (Beaver island), and merlin (Beaver and Garden (Chippewa County). In addition, a prototype islands). conservation planning workshop was held on In other animal surveys, no aweme borer Beaver Island for residents and other island moths were found on Beaver Island at McCauley stakeholders. Point, site of the only known observation for this In 1999, animal surveys were conducted on extremely rare taxon in Michigan. New Beaver, Garden, and Bois Blanc islands, populations of the endemic Lake Huron locust focusing on migratory and breeding birds, rare were found at all three sites surveyed on Beaver insects, and selected reptiles. Overall, 133 island; no sites were identified on Bois Blanc different bird species were observed; 108 species Island, where little suitable habitat was found. were observed during spring migration and 109 Suitable habitat for the federal endangered species were observed during summer breeding Hine’s emerald dragonfly was identified on Bois season. Fifty-one species were classified as long- Blanc Island, where it was subsequently learned distance migrants, 55 species were classified as that a researcher had documented new locations short-distance migrants, and 27 species were for this species just prior to the MNFI inventory. classified as resident taxa. Mean bird abundance No Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes were during spring migration was greater on Bois observed during limited meander surveys on Blanc Island when compared to Beaver and Bois Blanc Island, although a resident population Garden islands; species richness was greater on likely remains extant, based on recent Beaver and Bois Blanc islands than on Garden observations of island residents. Island. Mean bird abundance during the summer Aquatic surveys focused on four inland lakes breeding season was greater on Bois Blanc and two streams on Beaver Island, and included Island when compared with Beaver and Garden dedicated surveys to determine the status of the islands; species richness during the summer deepwater pondsnail. No extant locations of the breeding season was slightly higher on Bois pondsnail were observed. SCUBA survey of Fox
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page i Lake concluded that reports of this species there cliff-brake, one of dry non-acid cliff), and one are likely in error, based on the apparent absence previously known occurrence was relocated and of suitable habitat. No rare or sensitive taxa updated (wall-rue). were identified during these brief aquatic As part of this project, all natural features surveys. It was concluded that the aquatic occurrences within the Beaver Island archipelago systems of Beaver Island are notably unique; were digitized for spatial representation within a there is striking ecological diversity among the Geographic Information System (GIS) following lakes for the relatively small geographic area transcription, updating, and data processing for represented. the statewide Biological and Conservation Plant and natural community surveys were Database (BCD). Sites included known conducted on all of the 1999 island study sites. locations on all significant islands within the Numerous new plant and community archipelago, including Beaver, Garden, High, occurrences were documented, and many Hog, Squaw, Whiskey, and Trout islands as previously known occurrences were located and necessary. updated with current status information. For A prototype conservation planning workshop Beaver Island, four new natural community was designed and conducted for Beaver Island. occurrences (one of open bog, two of mesic A community-based approach was selected, in northern forest, one of dry-mesic northern forest) order to allow residents and other important were documented. Fourteen previously known stakeholders to determine what types and levels occurrences of plant species were located and of MNFI data they would like, what form or updated (two of dwarf lake iris, one of forms it might take, and how to use the available Pumpelly’s brome grass, three of Pitcher’s information most effectively. Ultimately, instead thistle, three of Lake Huron tansy, one of ram’s of one conservation planning workshop, MNFI head ladyslipper orchid, two of butterwort, one developed and organized one presentation as part of beauty sedge, and one of Michigan monkey- of an annual meeting and then conducted an flower). On Garden Island, eight new interactive workshop, the latter open to all occurrences were documented (one of northern Beaver Island residents and interested parties. A wet meadow, two of Great Lakes marsh, one of presentation was given during the 1999 annual Houghton’s goldenrod, two of northern fen, and meeting of the Beaver Island Property Owners two of beauty sedge). Five previously Association (BIPOA), the most active group documented occurrences were relocated and within the community. Approximately 100 updated (one of boreal forest, one of butterwort, people attended the annual meeting. The two of Pitcher’s thistle, one of mesic northern interactive workshop, open to all residents and forest). On Hog Island, five new occurrences stakeholders and held in August, was entitled were documented (one of northern fen, one of “Preserving the Natural Resources and forest-dune swale complex, one of Great Lakes Community Character of Beaver Island”. The marsh, one of dwarf lake iris, and one of latter workshop was prepared and conducted hardwood swamp). Two previously known with the assistance of the Land Information and occurrences were relocated and updated (one of Access Association (LIAA). Fundamental Pitcher’s thistle, one of dry-mesic northern findings and recommendations of the workshop forest). On Marquette and La Salle islands in the included developing an arrival guide to inform Les Cheneaux chain, nine new occurrences were new residents and visitors about the unique documented (three of beauty sedge, one of natural and cultural features on Beaver Island northern fen, two of boreal forest, one of dwarf and surrounding area, and how to be good land lake iris, one of yellow pitcher-plant, and one of stewards. It was also suggested that a user- open dunes). Two previously known friendly electronic kiosk be installed, along with occurrences were relocated and updated (one of instructive brochures for dissemination. Lastly, dwarf lake iris, one of Great Lakes marsh). and perhaps more importantly, a suggestion was Lastly, on Drummond Island, two new made to integrate natural features information occurrences were documented (one of slender collected by MNFI and others with the current
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page ii values of islanders into the comprehensive master planning process for each of the island’s two townships.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page iii Table of Contents
Executive Summary...... i Introduction ...... 1 Organization of Report ...... 1 The Study Areas...... 2 Methods for Animal Surveys...... 10 Birds...... 10 Insects...... 11 Reptiles...... 12 Results of Animal Surveys ...... 13 Birds...... 13 Insects...... 18 Reptiles...... 18 Discussion of Animal Surveys ...... 18 Methods for Aquatic Surveys...... 21 Results of Aquatic Surveys...... 22 Discussion of Aquatic Surveys...... 25 Methods for Plant Surveys ...... 25 Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands...... 26 Les Cheneaux islands...... 26 Drummond Island...... 27 Results of Plant Surveys...... 27 Discussion of Plant Surveys ...... 29 Methods for Natural Community Surveys ...... 30 Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands...... 30 Bois Blanc Island...... 30 Les Cheneaux islands...... 31 Drummond Island...... 31 Results of Natural Community Surveys...... 31 Discussion of Natural Community Surveys...... 31 Digitization of Island Data and Spatial Representation of Natural Features...... 32 Overview of 1999 Work and Results ...... 32 Conceptual Basis for Element Occurrences and Mapping ...... 32 Conservation Planning for Beaver Island ...... 36 Background ...... 36 Methodology...... 36 Summary of Results...... 37 Site Summaries...... 39 Beaver Island Sites ...... 39 Appleby Point ...... 39 Barney’s Lake...... 39 Bonner’s Landing ...... 40 Bonner’s Landing to McCauley Point ...... 41 Cable Bay ...... 41 Cheyenne Point...... 41 CMU Biostation...... 42 Donegal Bay to McCauley Point ...... 42 Donegal Bay to Indian Point ...... 42 Egg Lake Bog ...... 43 Font Lake...... 43
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page iv Font Lake Old-Growth...... 44 Fox Lake...... 44 French Bay...... 44 Greenes Bay to McFadden Point ...... 45 Greene’s Lake – Common moorhen area ...... 46 Indian Point ...... 46 Iron Ore Bay...... 47 Lake Geneserath Hemlock Stand...... 47 Lefts Point ...... 48 Little Sand Bay Preserve ...... 48 Lookout Point ...... 49 Martin’s Bluff...... 49 Point La Par...... 50 Sand Bay...... 50 Sandy Point North...... 51 Southwest Old-Growth...... 51 St. James Harbor...... 51 Garden Island Sites...... 52 Garden Island Harbor...... 52 Garden Island West Boreal Forest...... 52 Indian Harbor...... 53 Jensen Harbor...... 53 Jensen Harbor West ...... 53 Manatou Bay to Sturgeon Bay...... 53 Northcutt Bay...... 54 Red Oak Garden ...... 54 Sweat Lodge Swale...... 55 Hog Island Sites...... 55 Baldimore Bay EA...... 55 Hog Island East Shoreline...... 56 Hog Island North ...... 56 Bois Blanc Island Sites ...... 57 Marquette Island Sites (Les Cheneaux islands)...... 57 Marquette Bay ...... 57 Marquette Southeast Peninsula ...... 57 Peck Bay...... 58 Voight Bay West...... 58 La Salle Island Sites (Les Cheneaux islands) ...... 59 Drummond Island Sites...... 59 Marblehead Cliffs ...... 59 Identification of Significant Biodiversity Areas...... 61 Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands...... 61 Bois Blanc Island...... 61 Les Cheneaux islands...... 61 Drummond Island...... 62 Projected Island Work for Year 2000...... 62 Natural Community Surveys ...... 62 Botanical Surveys ...... 62 Animal Surveys ...... 62 Landowner Contact...... 62 Acknowledgements...... 63
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page v References ...... 65 Appendices ...... 69
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of study areas in northern Lake Michigan...... 3 Figure 2. Beaver Island survey sites ...... 4 Figure 3. Garden Island survey sites...... 5 Figure 4. Hog Island survey sites...... 6 Figure 5. Bois Blanc island bird survey sites...... 7 Figure 6. Marquette Island and La Salle Island survey sites...... 8 Figure 7. Drummond Island survey sites ...... 9 Figure 8. Hog Island with digitized and mapped natural features occurrences, demonstrating the spatial extent of elements recently determined in the field versus the relational uncertainty of older occurrence information (spherical area in southern region) based on less site-specific data ...... 34 Figure 9. Essential stages in developing an element occurrence representation ...... 35
List of Tables
Table 1. Bird species recorded during migration and breeding seasons on Beaver Island, Garden Island (Charlevoix County), and Bois Blanc Island (Mackinac County) in 1999...... 13 Table 2. Mean bird abundance, species richness, and dominant species recorded during spring migration in 1999 on Beaver, Garden, and Bois Blanc islands ...... 16 Table 3. Mean bird abundance, species richness, and dominant species recorded during summer breeding season in 1999 on Beaver, Garden, and Bois Blanc islands...... 17 Table 4. Occurrences of aquatic mollusks in four Beaver Island inland lakes. Spent shells were collected during SCUBA visual surveys and in lake substrate dredge samples...... 23 Table 5. Occurrences of aquatic macroinvertebrates obtained in samples from inland lakes and streams on Beaver Island. Lake samples were collected using a bottom dredge and stream samples were collected using a benthic kick net...... 23 Table 6. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Beaver Island ...... 28 Table 7. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Garden Island...... 28 Table 8. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Hog Island ...... 28 Table 9. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Marquette and La Salle islands, Les Cheneaux group...... 29 Table 10. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Drummond Island...... 29
List of Appendices
Appendix A. PowerPoint Presentation Given to Beaver Island Conservation Planning Workshop ...... 69 Appendix B. Interactive Workshop: Beaver Island...... 76
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page vi Introduction
This progress report presents the results of convened by the Great Lakes Island Project year two of a multi-year project to conduct (Department of Resource Development, systematic inventories of selected Great Lakes Michigan State University) to determine the state island groups, followed by conservation planning of Great Lakes islands and elucidate potential efforts. As noted previously (Penskar et al. conservation strategies. Among the three 1998), a considerable portion of the biological fundamental findings of the workshop was a diversity unique to the Great Lakes region is recommendation for governments and other found on islands. Soule (1993) stated that entities to support island and archipelago “nowhere else does the combination of vast, conservation, and to that end, to base interconnected, mid-continental bodies of conservation planning on “good” (i.e. sound) freshwater and such a number of variety of scientific information. Comprehensive islands occur.” Thus, the nearly 600 islands inventories are thus critical to building the strong contained within Michigan’s borders comprise a base of scientific knowledge upon which critically important part of this freshwater conservation strategies are dependent. landscape, owing to their richness in variety of In this compilation of our second-year geography, geological origin, indigenous and efforts, we provide the results of the completion non-indigenous human history, and biodiversity. of biological inventories for the principal islands Over the past two decades Michigan Natural of the Beaver archipelago selected for surveys, Features Inventory (MNFI) has surveyed consisting of Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands. numerous natural communities and rare species We also provide a description and summary of a found on or allied with Great Lakes islands. This prototype island conservation planning workshop extensive work was described in part by Soule given on Beaver Island to key island (1993) and was detailed in last year’s progress stakeholders. Included within this report are also report (Penskar et al. 1998), and therefore will the results of biological inventories conducted not be repeated here. Conducting comprehensive variously by zoologists, botanists, and ecologists biological inventories on Great Lakes islands is in northern Lake Huron, where we initiated both timely and crucial to future conservation surveys on Bois Blanc Island, selected islands planning, as reflected in the findings and within the Les Cheneaux archipelago, and the recommendations of The State of the Great eastern shoreline of Drummond Island. As in the Lakes Island Report (Vigmostad 1999). first year progress report, a preliminary Vigmostad reports the proceedings of a 1996 identification of important biodiversity areas is U.S-Canada Great Lakes islands workshop presented in the conclusions section.
Organization of Report
This report has been organized according to high quality natural communities; and lastly, the various inventory efforts within the aquatic ecology surveys, with a focus on the aforementioned sites, followed by a summary of inland lakes and streams on Beaver Island and an the conservation planning activities completed emphasis on verifying historic occurrences of for Beaver Island. Biological inventories in 1999 rare snails, in addition to general aquatic surveys consisted of the following types: animal surveys, to determine biodiversity potential. Methods, with an emphasis on migratory birds and rare results, and discussion are provided separately invertebrates; plant inventories, focusing on for each of the aforementioned components. The Great Lakes shoreline endemics and the report concludes with an assessment of identification of intact coastal and interior significant biodiversity areas and a brief habitats; natural community surveys, description of the projected and ongoing work emphasizing the delineation and assessment of for year 2000 surveys.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 1 The Study Areas
In northern Lake Michigan, the study sites In northern Lake Huron, the study sites for the second year of island inventory included consisted of Bois Blanc Island, Marquette and La Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands, three of Salle islands in the Les Cheneaux group, and principal islands within the Beaver Island group Drummond Island (Figure 2). Bois Blanc Island in northeast Lake Michigan (Figure 1). Located is the largest island within the Straits region, approximately 19 miles west of its nearest point located immediately east of the Straits of in Emmet County on the Lower Peninsula Mackinac and covering approximately 24,000 mainland, Beaver is the largest of these islands, acres. A significant portion of Bois Blanc covering approximately 37,000 acres. Several consists of state land within Mackinaw State thousand acres of the southern half of the island Forest. The Les Cheneaux islands lie in the occur within the Mackinac and Jordan River vicinity of Hessel and Cedarville, approximately State Forests. Public land thus comprises the 20 miles northeast of the Straits. The islands are majority of this region of the island. To the largely private with the exception of Government north, about 1.25 miles at its closest point, lies Island, which is within the Hiawatha National Garden Island, the second largest of the group, Forest. Marquette Island is the largest island covering approximately 4,400 acres and within the Les Cheneaux group, covering occurring entirely within the Beaver Islands State approximately 4000 acres in the western portion Wildlife Research Area (WRA). Hog Island, of the island group. La Salle Island, which lies which lies approximately 3 miles east of Garden immediately east of Little La Salle Island and Island, also occurs within the WRA, and is more Marquette Island, covers approximately 1200 than 2000 acres in size. The remaining islands acres. Drummond Island, exceeded only by Isle of the Beaver archipelago, which were not Royale in size, is the easternmost point of visited during this inventory, are Gull, Hat, High, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and covers more Squaw, Trout, and Whiskey islands, variously than 83,000 acres. A significant portion of located to the east, west and south of Beaver and Drummond Island lies within Lake Superior Garden islands. These islands range in size from State Forest. about 11 to more than 3,500 acres.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 2 Figure 1. Location of study sites in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 3 Figure 2. Beaver Island survey sites.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 4 Figure 3. Garden Island survey sites
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 5 Figure 4. Hog Island survey sites.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 6 Figure 5. Bois Blanc Island survey sites.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 7 Figure 6. Marquette Island and La Salle Island survey sites.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 8 Figure 7. Drummond Island survey sites.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 9 Methods for Animal Surveys
Neotropical migratory birds and rare inver- and botanists also identified potential survey tebrates endemic or largely restricted to the Great sites. A field schedule was developed based on Lakes region were the primary targets of animal prior Michigan observation and collection dates surveys on Beaver, Garden and Bois Blanc for each animal group or species and the extent Islands (Figures 1,2,3,5). In addition, surveys for of suitable habitat. Survey techniques varied the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake and red- according to species groups and are described in shouldered hawk were conducted on Bois Blanc the following sections. Incidental observations Island. The Natural Heritage Biological and of listed species, which have been designated Conservation Database (BCD) was consulted for under the federal and/or state Endangered known occurrences of rare animal species Species Acts as endangered, threatened, or associated with these islands. Information on special concern status, were noted by all project various species was gathered by consulting staff when they occurred. Data from all expert zoologists and wildlife biologists, perti- sightings of listed animal species were recorded nent unpublished reports, and a variety of on MNFI field forms, including numbers of published sources. Survey sites for each target individuals observed and the extent and quality species or group were selected based upon of occupied habitat. These data were then historical occurrence records, air photo inter- entered into the statewide BCD. All birds species pretation, current landcover maps, and by observed during spring and summer island visits consulting with individuals knowledgeable about were also recorded. the islands’ flora and fauna. MNFI ecologists
Birds
The Great Lakes shorelines serve as has not been documented as an important important migration corridors for large migration area. Although previous studies have concentrations of migrant landbirds (Beebe recorded the avifauna of Beaver Island (Hatt et 1933, Perkins 1964, Hussel et al. 1992). Great al. 1948, Drew and Phillips 1964, Mahan 1969, Lakes islands may act as focal points for Grudzien 1979), this survey further elucidates the migratory birds which tend to accumulate near role that Beaver Island and other islands in the ecological barriers (Moore and Simons 1992). Beaver archipelago may play in providing critical Scharf (1996) suggested three possible reasons stopover habitat to migratory birds. that Great Lakes islands are attractive to Ewert and Hamas (unpubl. data) in their Nearctic-Neotropical birds as well as short 1993 study, document the importance of the distance migrants including: immediate shoreline along the northern shore of 1) Nocturnal migrants that find themselves over Lake Huron as critical stopover habitat for open water at dawn seek the nearest land. Neotropical migratory birds. They found that 2) Islands often represent northward extensions this cobble shoreline habitat provides an of the mainland and are included in the flight- important food source, in the form of aquatic path north by internal orientation mechanisms of midges, to spring migrants that arrive before birds and stochastic events of weather patterns. terrestrial insects are abundant. It would thus 3) Islands are the intended destination of seem logical that Bois Blanc Island, located just migratory species that regularly nest on the south of this study area, would also provide islands. important stopover habitat to migratory Scharf (1973) documents large numbers of songbirds. passerines moving along the shorelines of North Bird counts using the point count method and South Manitou and South Fox Islands as part were conducted using standard methodology as of a very large and important flyway. He outlined by Ralph et al. (1993, 1995). All birds remarks that it is surprising that Beaver Island seen or heard within a 50-meter radius were
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 10 tallied for 5 minutes during spring migration and Dominant species were identified by calculating for 10 minutes during the breeding season. Birds the total number of observations for each species seen or heard outside the 50-meter radius circle at each of the point count stations by the total were noted also. Point counts were conducted at number of stations censused on each island. thirty-four different sites on Beaver Island, The federally endangered piping plover fifteen sites on Garden Island, and thirty-four (Charadrius melodus) is known to occur on sites on Bois Blanc Island in a variety of habitats Beaver Island. Areas of cobble beach habitat (Figure 2,3,5). along Donegal Bay at McCauley Point and at Spring bird counts were conducted between McFadden Point where piping plovers have a sunrise and 1200 hr on 11-12 May 1999 on history of occurrence were surveyed between 13- Garden Island, 13-15 May 1999 on Beaver 15 May 1999 and again between 13-15 June Island, and 11-14 May 1999 on Bois Blanc 1999. Other historical piping plover sites on the Island. Breeding bird counts were conducted island were not surveyed. between sunrise and 1000 hr on 13-15 June 1999 The state threatened common loon (Gavia on Beaver Island, 16-17 June 1999 on Garden immer) is known from Beaver and Bois Blanc Island, and 15-18 June 1999 on Bois Blanc Islands. Observations were made at inland lakes Island. All counts were conducted when there on these islands to determine if loons were was no precipitation and little or no wind. feeding or nesting at these locations. Surveys began immediately after the observer On Beaver, Garden and Bois Blanc islands, arrived at the location. Field staff conducting the surveys for the state threatened red-shouldered point counts were able to identify Michigan birds hawk (Buteo lineatus) were conducted in areas by sight and sound. Point counts were conducted of appropriate habitat. Standard methodology at least 250 m apart to ensure that each bird was outlined by Kennedy and Stahlecker (1993) was counted only once. Standard field forms for used. Taped conspecific red-shouldered hawk point counts were used. calls were broadcast with a predator caller 3 Overall mean bird abundance was times: at 60 degrees for 10 seconds, 180 degrees calculated by dividing the total number of birds for 10 seconds, and 300 degrees for 10 seconds. observed within 50 m at each of the point count This was followed by 30 seconds of listening. stations by the total number of stations censused This calling sequence was repeated 3 times at on each island. Species richness was calculated each calling station. When hawks responded to by dividing the total number of species recorded the taped calls, observers intensively searched for at each of the point count stations by the total birds and/or a nest in the direction the call was number of stations censused on each island. initially heard.
Insects
The Hine’s emerald dragonfly with marshes, seeps, and sedge meadows (U.S. (Somatochlora hineana) is an extremely rare Fish and Wildlife Service 1999). Meander dragonfly listed as federally endangered in surveys were conducted for this species by January 1995. This species is currently known to walking through suitable habitat during the persist in seven populations at a variety of sites appropriate time of year on Bois Blanc Island on in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan (Cuthrell 27-28 July 1999 along the northern shore, pers. comm). Hine’s emerald was first eastern shore, and along the edges of Twin Lake documented in Michigan in 1997. Since this East and Thompson Lake. time, three distinct populations at a number of The aweme borer (Papaipema aweme) is an sites have been found in Michigan in the Upper extremely rare noctuid moth known from only Peninsula, Bois Blanc Island, and the Northern four sites globally. It was collected in 1925 on Lower Peninsula. The Hine’s emerald dragonfly Beaver Island (Moore 1930), and has not been is thought to be restricted to wetland habitats documented since, despite a survey in 1987 and characterized by thin soils over dolomite bedrock 1988 (Profant 1991), and an MNFI survey on
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 11 Beaver Island in 1998 (Penskar et al. 1998). No identified and prepared following standard insect rangewide surveys have been conducted for this collection techniques. Prepared specimens were species and this is the only known Michigan identified to genus or species using published record. Virtually nothing is known about the life references. history of this taxon. Based on collection The Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis locations it is believed to be associated with the huroniana) is a Great Lakes endemic known only dune formations of lakes (present day or glacial) from high quality, sparsely vegetated coastal or adjacent wetlands (Profant 1991). sand dunes of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Blacklighting for Papaipema aweme was Ontario. It is presently listed as state threatened conducted using standard light trapping methods and has been recommended to the U.S. Fish and at McCauley Point on Beaver Island on 11 Wildlife service for consideration as a federally August 1999 located on the west side of the listed species. Populations of the Lake Huron island. This site is located adjacent to dune locust were documented at eight locations on formations and a variety of microhabitats located Beaver Island in 1998. This year inventories within these dune communities were targeted. were expanded to include additional sites on Light trapping was conducted with a standard Beaver Island not previously surveyed as well as 1500-watt mercury-vapor light and a 15-watt UV surveys in suitable habitat on Bois Blanc Island. blacklight powered by portable Honda generator. Surveys were conducted on 12 August 1999 on A 2 x 2 meter metal conduit frame supporting a Beaver Island at Lookout Point, Bonner’s large white sheet was used as a collecting Landing, and Little Iron Ore Bay and on 27 July surface. 1999 on Bois Blanc Island along the north shore The collection period started at sunset (about between Pt. Catoosh and Pt. Detachee. Surveys 2000 hr) and lasted for 4 - 6 hr. Insects collected were conducted by walking through areas of from the sheet were transferred to an ethyl suitable habitat and searching for adults. At new acetate-charged killing jar and later transferred to locations, voucher specimens were collected with a zip-lock plastic bag and placed into a cooler. an aerial net. Bagged samples were then frozen until they could be processed. At a later date, insects were
Reptiles
The Eastern massasauga rattlesnake from Lower Peninsula populations, are at the (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is currently listed northern limit of their range, and achieve a larger as a species of special concern in Michigan due size on the island than anywhere within their to loss of its preferred habitat and human range. The Snake Island wetland complex, a persecution. These snakes occupy shrubby or small peninsula that is a designated State Natural marshy lowlands that are immediately adjacent Area, is thought to provide the most important to open uplands and use both habitats at different habitat for massasaugas on the island (Taylor times of the year (Harding 1997). In the past, 1995). Meander surveys were conducted in massasauga rattlesnakes were reportedly appropriate habitat on 11-14 May 1999 and 15- common on Bois Blanc Island. They are disjunct 18 June 1999 on Bois Blanc Island.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 12 Results of Animal Surveys
Birds
One hundred thirty-three different bird species can be considered residents (birds species were observed as part of this study that winter and breed in the same region). during spring migration and the summer During spring migration surveys breeding season (Table 1). One hundred seventy-six bird species were observed on eight different species were observed during Beaver Island, sixty-three bird species were spring migration and one hundred nine observed on Garden Island and seventy-eight species were observed during the summer bird species were observed on Bois Blanc breeding season. Fifty-one species can be Island. During the summer breeding season classified as long distance migrants (birds surveys, eighty-nine bird species were that winter south and breed north of the observed on Beaver Island, fifty-eight bird Tropic of Cancer). Fifty-five species are species were observed on Garden Island and short distance migrants (birds that winter in seventy-four bird species were observed on the southern U.S. and northern Mexico and Bois Blanc Island (Table 1). breed in the U.S. and Canada). Twenty-seven
Table 1. Bird Species Recorded During Migration and Breeding Seasons on Beaver Island, Garden Island, and Bois Blanc Island, Charlevoix County, and Mackinac County Michigan, 1999. Common Name Scientific Name Beaver Garden Bois Blanc Long Distance Migrants: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps B Osprey (T) Pandion haliaetus BB Merlin (T) Falco columbarius BM Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia B Caspian Tern (T) Sterna caspia MB B Common Tern (T) Sterna hirundo B Forster’s Tern (SC) Sterna forsteri B Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor M Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus B Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris BB B Eastern Wood Peewee Contopus virens BB B Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii MB Least Flycatcher Empiodonax minimus MMBMB Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus BB Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus BMMB Bank Swallow Riparia riparia M Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica MB Veery Catharus fuscescens BMBB Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus BM B Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina B Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis MB M MB Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius MMB Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus M Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus MB B MB Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina M Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata M Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla MB MB MB
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 13 Common Name Scientific Name Beaver Garden Bois Blanc Northern Parula Parula americana MB B MB Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia BBMB Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica MM B Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia MB M MB Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina MM B Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens MB MB Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens MB MB MB Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca BMMB Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum M Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea MM Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia MB MB MB American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla MB B MB Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus MB MB MB Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis MMMB Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia MM Common Yellowthroat Geothylpis trichas MB B Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla M Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis B Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea BB B Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina MB MB MB Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida B Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheuticus ludovicianus MB B MB Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea BB Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus B Short Distance Migrants: Common Loon (T) Gavia immer MB B B Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus MB MB MB American Bittern (SC) Botaurus lentinginosus BM Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias MB MB MB Green Heron Butorides virescens B Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura MB MB M Canada Goose Branta canadensis MB MB Northern Pintail Anas acuta M Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris B Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus M Common Merganser Mergus merganser MMMB Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator BMB Northern Harrier (SC) Circus cyaneus M Red-shouldered Hawk (T) Buteo lineatus MB Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis BMB Virginia Rail Rallus limicola M Sora Porzana carolina MB B Common Moorhen (SC) Gallinula chloropus B Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis MB M Killdeer Charadrius vociferus MB MB MB Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca M Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes MM Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago MB MB MB American Woodcock Scolopax minor MB MB M Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura MB M MB Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon MB M Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius MB MB MB Northern Flicker Colaptes auruatus MB MB MB
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 14 Common Name Scientific Name Beaver Garden Bois Blanc Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe BM Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor MB MB MB Brown Creeper Certhia americana MB B MB House Wren Troglodytes aedon B Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes MB MB MB Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula MM Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea M Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis MB Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus MB B B American Robin Turdus migratorius MB MB MB Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum MB MB Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata MB MB MB Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus MB MB Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus MMB Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida M Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis MB Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia MB MB MB Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana BM White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis MB M MB White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys MM M Red-winged Blackbird Abelaius phoeniceus MB MB MB Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna MB M Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus B Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula BBM Brown-headed Cowbird Moluthrus ater MB MB M Pine Siskin Cardeulis pinus M American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis MB M MB Residents: Mute Swan Cygnus olos BBMB Mallard Anas platyrhynchos MB MB MB Common Goldeneye Bucepahla clangula MB MB Bald Eagle (T) Haliaeetus leucocephalus MMMB Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus MB MB Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo MB M Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis MB MB MB Herring Gull Larus argentatus MB MB MB Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus B Barred Owl Strix varia M Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens MB MB MB Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus BMBMB Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus M Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata MB MB MB American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos MB MB MB Common Raven Corvus corax MB MB M Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricappilus MB MB MB Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis MB MB MB White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis MM M Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa MB MB M European Starling Sturnus vulgaris MB M Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum BB B Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis BB Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis B Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus BBMB
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 15 Common Name Scientific Name Beaver Garden Bois Blanc House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus M Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus B TOTAL 108 species 83 species 98 species M=MIGRATION 76 63 78 B=BREEDING 89 58 74 MB=BOTH 58 38 52 (SC)=State Special Concern (T)=State Threatened
Mean bird abundance during spring Mean bird abundance during the summer migration was greater on Bois Blanc Island when breeding season was greater on Bois Blanc compared with Beaver and Garden Islands Island when compared with Beaver and Garden (Table 2). Species richness during spring Island (Table 3). Species richness during the migration was greater on Beaver and Bois Blanc summer breeding season was slightly higher on Islands than on Garden Island. During spring Bois Blanc Island than on the other two islands. migration, the black-throated green warbler and During the summer breeding season the red-eyed the yellow-rumped warbler were identified as vireo, black-throated green warbler, and the dominant species on each of the three islands American redstart were identified as dominant censused. species on each of the three islands censused. Other dominant species represented on the Other dominant species recorded during the islands censused during spring migration summer breeding season include yellow-rumped include: black and white warbler, American warbler, American robin, and ovenbird. redstart, American robin, ovenbird,and Nashville warbler.
Table 2. Mean bird abundance, species richness and dominant species recorded during spring migration in 1999 on Beaver, Garden and Bois Blanc Islands. Beaver Island-‘99 Garden Island-‘99 Bois Blanc Island-‘99 Mean Bird Abundance 3.79 + 0.91 4.13 + 1.80 7.53 + 1.78 (Mean No. birds per point count station) Mean Species Richness 6.44 + 0.94 3.53 + 1.18 6.26 + 0.87 (Mean No. species per point count station) Dominant Species Black-throated Green Myrtle Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler American Robin Yellow Warbler Black and white warbler Black-throated Green Yellow-rumped Warbler Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Am. Redstart American Robin Nashville Warbler Ovenbird
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 16 Table 3. Mean bird abundance, species richness and dominant species recorded during summer breeding season in 1999 on Beaver, Garden and Bois Blanc Islands. Beaver Island-‘99 Garden Island-‘99 Bois Blanc Island-‘99 Mean Bird Abundance 6.50 + 1.30 7.60 + 3.28 9.41 + 1.19 (Mean No. birds per point count station) Mean Species Richness 7.18 + 0.78 7.00 + 1.08 8.09 + 1.05 (Mean No. species per point count station) Dominant Species Red-eyed Vireo Black-throated Green Black-throated Green (In order of abundance) Warbler Warbler Black-throated Green American Redstart Red-eyed Vireo Warbler American Redstart American Robin Ovenbird Yellow-rumped Warbler Ovenbird American Redstart American Robin Red-eyed Vireo Black and white Warbler
A qualitative assessment of habitat use by Loons were also recorded on Bois Blanc Island migratory birds on the islands was conducted. at Twin Lake East (one individual), Twin Lake Habitats associated with point count stations that West (one individual) and on Thompson Lake had high numbers of individual birds as well as (one individual). No loons were recorded on high numbers of bird species were identified. Garden Island. During spring migration on Bois Red-shouldered hawks responded to taped Blanc Island, a greater number of individual calls at five different locations on Bois Blanc birds and a greater number of bird species were Island and were seen and heard in a number of recorded near cobble shoreline bordered by locations during spring and summer bird counts. coniferous forest, or near an inland lake or Because of limited time, minimal effort was wetland. Fewer numbers and species of birds directed toward locating their nests, although it is were seen or heard in upland deciduous forests at almost certain that numerous pairs are breeding interior locations on the island. The only interior on the island. An inactive hawk nest, sites on the island where high bird counts were presumably used the previous year by a red- recorded were upland habitats characterized by shouldered hawk, was discovered in an area early successional vegetation such as old fields where a red-shouldered hawk responded to the and orchards containing ground juniper and low taped call. This is probably an active territory. growing shrubs. This same pattern of bird State threatened and special concern birds distribution also occurred during point counts on were observed on all of the islands. On Bois Beaver and Garden Islands. During the breeding Blanc Island observations include: a pair of bald bird counts on the three islands this distribution eagles with two nearly fledged young at Sucker pattern was also noted but the differences were Creek Swamp, an American bittern in a sedge less significant. wetland north of Twin Lake Creek and two No piping plovers were observed on Beaver Caspian terns and a small colony of nesting Island at McCauley point, located at the southern common terns on a spit off the southeast shore of end of Donegal Bay, or at McFadden Point, the island. On Beaver Island rare birds include; located to the north of Greenes Bay. a Caspian tern and an Osprey fishing at Barney’s The common loon was recorded at a Lake, an American bittern heard calling at Font number of locations on Beaver Island including: Lake, an immature eagle seen at Iron Ore Bay, a Font Lake (a pair with a chick); Barney’s Lake common moorhen heard calling at Greene’s (one pair in May and 5 individuals in June); Lake Lake, a northern harrier observed flying over the Geneserath (one pair); Greene’s Lake (one pair); orchard at Barney’s Lake, a Forster’s tern seen in and an individual flying over McCauley Point. St. James harbor, and a merlin observed
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 17 patrolling the open fields at Wilke Airport. On Northcutt Bay and an osprey was observed at Garden Island, a merlin was seen in flight at Indian Harbor.
Insects
Surveys conducted for the Hine’s emerald habitat that we had inventoried and found dragonfly on Bois Blanc Island were suitable. inconclusive, although suitable habitat was No aweme borer moths were found at identified on the northern and eastern shores of McCauley Point on Beaver Island where the island. Extensive observations in suitable blacklighting was conducted. With so few habitat on the northern shore resulted in the specimens known for this species it is difficult to identification of dragonflies belonging to the predict with great accuracy the flight period for Somatochlora genus. There are three species in adult moths. The flight period is suspected to this genus, one of which is the federally occur in the last two weeks of August, which is endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly. The only why our surveys were conducted at this time. way to conclusively identify this dragonfly to In 1999, populations of the Lake Huron species is upon close examination of its genitalia. locust were found at all three of the sites This was not possible since the effort to net one surveyed on Beaver Island including Bonner’s of these individuals was not successful. Landing, Lookout Point, and Little Iron Ore Bay. After our searches for Hine’s emerald Very little suitable habitat was identified during dragonfly were completed, MNFI learned that surveys on Bois Blanc Island and no new this species had been identified on the island just occurrences of this species were identified. days prior to our surveys (Steffans 1999) in
Reptiles
No Eastern massassauga rattlesnakes were over the years in various places on the island, observed during meander surveys in appropriate although they mentioned that they do not see habitat during the spring and summer on Bois them as frequently as they did in the past. Blanc Island. A number of island residents Unfortunately, many of the recent observations reported encountering massasauga rattlesnakes were of snakes killed on the road.
Discussion of Animal Surveys
The diversity and abundance of birds Consequently, lepidopterous larvae, which are a documented on Beaver, Garden, and Bois Blanc primary source of food for migrants in areas Islands is impressive and illustrates the important south of Michigan, are not yet abundant. role that these islands play in providing critical Migratory birds instead take advantage of the stopover and breeding habitat for birds. Factors swarms of emerging aquatic insects, such as that likely contribute to the distribution of chironomid midges (Family: Chironomidae), that migratory birds using these islands as stopover are concentrated along Great Lakes cobble sites include weather conditions, human use beaches, and along inland steams, lakes and patterns, abundance of potential prey, predation wetlands. It is noteworthy that swarming insects pressure, and the composition, structure, and were observed in these areas on the islands successional stage of the vegetation. In their during point counts. Trees and shrubs in close 1993 research (unpubl.) Ewert and Hamas note proximity to the shoreline and interior riparian that spring migrants often arrive in Michigan and wetland areas provide an excellent foraging before the leaves on trees have fully emerged. substrate for migratory birds feeding on these
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 18 insects. The habitat assessment conducted from thrush has undergone a decline in the Midwest data collected from 1999 surveys supports this due to forest thinning and fragmentation, loss of hypothesis. The greatest diversity and abundance wetlands on the wintering grounds and heavy of migrating birds were found near the shoreline cowbird parasitism in some areas (Pinkowski or adjacent to wetlands rather than in deciduous 1991). Beaver Island provides suitable habitat forests located in the interior of the islands. This for the wood thrush and its forests should pattern of distribution was less marked during continue to support breeding pairs, as long a they the breeding season since after the trees have are managed to minimize fragmentation and to leafed out, lepidopterous larvae are present and enhance forest maturity. available to birds as a valuable food source. Observations of the state threatened merlin There were fourteen bird species that were (Falco columbaris) on Garden Island during the only recorded during migration and not during migratory period and on Beaver Island during the the breeding season (Table 1). These are birds breeding season indicate that the Beaver Island that breed primarily in the Upper Peninsula of archipelago provides both migratory and Michigan and in Canada or were not detected breeding habitat for this species. Merlin’s prefer during the breeding bird surveys even though to nest in forest edges adjacent to extensive they are known to nest in the area. openings and are more commonly found close to There are two Neotropical bird species that were the shores of the Great Lakes. The island chain recorded during breeding bird surveys that are offers the merlin an abundant source of avian worth noting, since there is evidence that they are prey in the form of trans-lake migrants both declining in all or part of their ranges. The black- during the spring prior to nesting and in the fall throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens), when the juvenile birds are becoming which was observed on Beaver and Bois Blanc independent (Binford 1991). Although a nest was Islands, has been ranked by the bird conservation not found, the sighting of the merlin hunting over organization, Partners in Flight (PIF), as a the airport field on Beaver Island suggests that it species of moderately high priority for was nesting nearby. conservation action due to its very restricted Surveys for the state threatened red- wintering range. The PIF watch list includes shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) on Bois Blanc those birds of the continental United States not Island were quite successful in documenting at already listed under the Endangered Species Act least five active breeding territories. Red- that warrant conservation attention. shouldered hawks nest in mature deciduous or The black-throated blue warbler breeds most mixed forest complexes that are located near commonly in mesic deciduous forest, prefers the wetland habitats. Although nests were not interior of mature forests and avoids young found, this hawk was heard and observed on second growth. Although previously considered numerous occasions all over the island. It is one of Michigan’s most abundant migrants it has clear that Bois Blanc Island provides an declined in numbers over the years. The abundance of good quality nesting habitat for protection of mature hardwood forests is critical this species. Unlike Beaver and Garden islands, for the conservation of this species (Bindford which also have suitable habitat, Bois Blanc 1991). Beaver and Bois Blanc Islands currently Island is located in close proximity to the contain large tracts of this desirable forest type mainland. Thus the hawks do not have to cross and consequently provide critical nesting habitat long distances over open water. Perhaps this is for this species. The wood thrush (Hylocichla why during our surveys the red-shouldered hawk mustelina) was recorded during breeding bird has only been found on Bois Blanc Island. surveys on Beaver Island and has been ranked by Breeding records for the state threatened Partners in Flight (PIF), as a species of common loon (Gavia immer) on all three of the moderately high priority for conservation action. islands is not surprising due to the habitat This species generally prefers dense mesic provided by the Great Lakes and the large inland woodlands with small streams and springs lakes on each of the islands. In addition, these associated with a dense understory. The wood birds enjoy less disturbance by recreational
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 19 boaters and jet skiers due to the absence of Nesting American bitterns (Botaurus extensive development on these islands. lentinginosus), a species of special concern, have The state threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus been documented in wetlands on Beaver and leucocephalus) nest observed on Bois Blanc Bois Blanc Islands previously. Preserving these Island was found on a territory that has been wetlands and protecting them from human active for several years. It was found in an area alteration and disturbance will be important if that receives little disturbance except for the they are to remain a part of the island’s fauna. occasional use of snowmobiles in the winter. One of the most important discoveries this The observations of the state threatened year was that of the federally endangered Hine’s osprey (Pandion haliaetus) fishing at Barney’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) on Lake on Beaver Island and flying at Indian Bois Blanc Island. Since this species has only Harbor on Garden Island during the breeding been known from Michigan since 1997, this season strongly suggests that they have nesting population on Bois Blanc Island is significant. territories on these islands. There is an Future surveys are targeted for 2000 in the areas abundance of suitable habitat for this bird where they were documented as well as in other although surprisingly there are no previous locations with suitable habitat. records for this species on either island. In the past two years, eleven new sites for The small colony of state threatened the state threatened Lake Huron locust common terns (Sterna hirundo) observed nesting (Trimerotropis huroniana) were documented. on Gull Island off the southern shore of Bois Eight of the eleven new sites are located on the Blanc Island is not expected to achieve western or southern sides of Beaver Island. The reproductive success. This colony shares the western shoreline of the island has greater small island with hundreds of ring-billed gulls vertical structure, higher dune ridges, and more (Larus delawarensis) and herring gulls (Larus dune blowouts than the eastern side of the island, argentatus) which will likely prey on their eggs which is lacking this vertical structure. The or young. Because the Great Lakes levels are western and southern coasts of the island are declining the terns will likely find more suitable subject to the prevailing winds from the habitat elsewhere. southwest. This may result in shifting sands, The observations of the state threatened which helps to keep the dunes open, thus Caspian tern (Sterna caspia), during the breeding maintaining habitat for the locust. season on Beaver and Bois Blanc island were Although it is uncertain how long these probably not of breeding pairs. No nests were populations can persist in small isolated pockets, noted and they were not a part of a nesting remnant dune areas located in the midst of colony. Although this species has apparently development can still provide critical habitat for nested continuously in the Beaver Island group this species. It would be informative to map since at least early settlement times (Barrows locations of Lake Huron locust populations and 1912), no colonies were documented during the determine the degree to which occupied sites are past two years of surveys. interconnected. This may help to determine The observation of the common moorhen whether the various locations should be (Gallinula chloropus), a species of special considered one site or whether they should be concern, during the breeding season on Beaver viewed as a metapopulation. This analysis is Island is surprising since they have not been essential in developing management and conser- documented nesting this far north and they are vation strategies for the species. not common in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Surveys for the aweme borer moth, Michigan. It is assumed that this observation (Papaipema aweme), a special concern species, represents a breeding individual since it was are inconclusive due to the limited sampling heard calling in suitable habitat during the effort in 1998 and 1999. Although this species breeding season. Surveys for this species should has not been reported in seventy-three years and be conducted on the island to further substantiate may well be extinct on Beaver Island, more this record. intensive surveys are needed to more
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 20 conclusively determine its status on the island. addition, this was the second year that the island Additional surveys of high quality dune habitats experienced lower than average snowfall. Many on other islands and along the eastern shoreline of the wetlands where these snakes had been of Lake Michigan would further clarify this documented previously were dried up or had species’ status in Michigan. receded significantly. Since these snakes are It is disappointing that the Eastern quite cryptic and difficult to detect even during massasauga rattlesnake (Sisturus catenatus the most optimal conditions, it is not surprising catenatus), a special concern species, was not then that our surveys were unsuccessful in found on Bois Blanc Island in 1999. The finding any massasauga rattlesnakes. Further weather was cool and dry during the spring and surveys are targeted for year 2000 studies. summer that the surveys were conducted. In
Methods for Aquatic Ecology Surveys
Beaver Island has several inland water using a Petite Ponar bottom dredge. The bodies that have potential for supporting dredge was lowered over the side of the boat significant biodiversity. Historical records with a hand line and allowed to sink to the indicate that the state threatened deepwater bottom. Upon contact with the lake bottom, the pondsnail, Stagnicola contracta, has been sampler automatically closed over a small area observed in Fox and Barney Lakes, and aquatic (0.234m2) and retained a volume of lake surveys were conducted to verify these historical substrate (≈ 2.4l) that was hoisted back into the occurrences. A wide diversity of aquatic habitats boat. The sample was washed in a sieve bucket exist that may support additional sensitive (mesh size 0.5mm) to remove excess fine species. Qualitative reconnaissance surveys of sediments and water. The samples were then additional aquatic resources were therefore placed in 70% isopropyl alcohol for later conducted to determine whether additional rare processing. Stream and seep habitats were also aquatic taxa may exist on the island. Lakes were sampled as part of the aquatic surveys. Benthic surveyed using SCUBA visual surveys conducted kick nets were used to collect samples of over a range of habitats, including shallow water macroinvertebrates from representative stream littoral (<2m water depth with abundant aquatic and seep habitats, including leaf packs, woody macrophytes), deeper water littoral (3-5m water debris and cobbles over a range of current depth with some aquatic macrophytes) and deep velocities in the stream. Samples were preserved water pelagic (>5m water depth with no aquatic in 70% isopropyl alcohol for later processing. In macrophytes present) habitats. Lake shorelines the laboratory, fauna present in the lake and were also searched for spent mollusk shells and stream substrate samples were culled from the other evidence of the occurrence of aquatic biota. sediments and identified to genus where Mollusk shells collected during the SCUBA and possible. shoreline visual surveys were identified to genus and species where possible. Lake habitats that could not be adequately surveyed using visual techniques were sampled
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 21 Results of Aquatic Ecology Surveys
Four lakes and two streams were visited and characterized by a flocculent organic mat in these surveyed on Beaver Island, including Font Lake, deeper areas that is similar to the extensive Fox Lake, Barney Lake, Lake Geneserath, a organic mat in Font Lake. The small tributary small tributary on the northeast side of Lake stream that feeds into Lake Geneserath is a first Geneserath, and Iron Ore Creek (Figure 2). Font order stream characterized by some cobble and Lake is a shallow lake (<2m in most areas gravel riffles separating clay, sand, and gravel- visited) with an extensive flocculent organic mat lined pools. Low water conditions during the >1m thick covering much of the lake bottom. site visit had reduced flow significantly, and Sparse sandy areas support aquatic macrophytes much of the streambed was dry. Leaf packs and and associated fauna as well as one unionid woody debris were common along the length of species, Anodonta grandis. Fox Lake is a deeper the stream as well as occasional beaver dams. lake (>6m in some areas) with water that is Iron Ore Creek is a sand-based stream system darkly stained with tannins (tannic acid), with very little rocky substrate. The principal suggesting that it is an acidic system. The darkly instream structure consists of woody debris and stained water prevents light penetration beyond a tree roots. The water is stained by tannins, and few meters from the surface, making SCUBA the system is assumed to be acidic. visual surveys in deeper areas impossible. Few fish were observed during the SCUBA Dredge surveys indicated that organic-rich sands visual surveys, and dense macrophyte beds and sediments generally characterize the lake hampered efforts to seine shallow areas. bottom, with some sandy-gravel areas in However, a wide diversity of invertebrates was nearshore areas that support macrophytes. Only observed among the six study sites (Tables 4 and one mollusk was observed in Fox Lake, 5). Both Font and Barney Lakes were Campeloma decisum, a species that was characterized by high mollusk diversity common in all of the lakes visited on Beaver compared to Fox Lake and Lake Geneserath Island. Barney Lake is shallow over much of its (Table 4). However, weather conditions area, although one end of the lake is up to 5m prevented surveyors from thoroughly searching deep. The substrates of Barney Lake are Lake Geneserath, and additional taxa may be principally sandy marl that is populated with present at the site which are not reported here. several calciphilous aquatic plant species (e.g. Regardless, the mollusk communities were Potamogeton spp., Sparganium spp., Utricularia relatively distinct among the lakes (Table 4). No spp.), including the alga Chara. Mollusks, currently listed taxa were observed during the especially gastropods, were very abundant in surveys, including S. contracta. No particularly Barney Lake, and at least six species were sensitive macroinvertebrates were observed in collected at the time of the visit. any of the lake bottom dredge samples or the Lake Geneserath is the largest of the lakes stream kick net samples. Some differences in visited on Beaver Island. It is characterized by species composition occurred between the Font extensive shallow littoral areas that support and Fox Lakes and between the Lake Geneserath abundant aquatic macrophytes. Substrates range tributary and Iron Ore Creek, although the from sandy areas to organic-rich sands and fine qualitative nature of the surveys preclude a sediments where the water is <4m deep. statistical analysis to detect significant Limestone cobbles are present in some areas on differences in community structure among the the lake. The uniniod Lampsilis siliquoidea was water bodies. common in the lake, especially in the shallow, sandy substrates along the shoreline. The middle of Lake Geneserath is deep (≈ 6m) and is
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 22 Table 4. Occurrences of aquatic mollusks in four Beaver Island inland lakes. Spent shells were collected during SCUBA visual surveys and in lake substrate dredge samples. Taxonomic Group Species Font Lake Fox Lake Barney’s Lake Lake Geneserath
Gastropoda Campeloma decisum XX X X Physella gyrina X Planorbella campanulata X Lymnaea stagnalis X Valvata tricarinata XX X Elimia livescens X Helisoma anceps X Bythynia spp. X Stagnicola elodes X Bivalvia Spaerium simile XX Lampsilis siliquoidea X Anodonta grandis X
Table 5. Occurrences of aquatic macroinvertebrates obtained in samples from inland lakes and streams on Beaver Island. Lake samples were collected using a bottom dredge and stream samples were collected using a benthic kick net. Order Family Genus Font Fox Lake Tributary to Iron Ore Lake Lake Creek Geneserath
Trichoptera Brachycentridae Brachycentrus X (Caddisflies) Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche X Hydroptiliidae Oxyethira X Leptoceridae Oecetis XX Leptoceridae Trianodes X Molannidae Molanna X Phryganeidae X Polycentropodidae Cyrnellus XX Sericostomatidae Agarodes X Uenoidae Neophylax X
Ephemeroptera Caenidae Caenis XX (Mayflies) Coleoptera (Beetles) Dytiscidae Dytiscus X Elmidae Optioservus X
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 23 Odonata (Damselflies Aeshnidae Aeshna XX and Dragonflies) Coenagrionidae Argia X Cordulagastridae Cordulagaste XX r Corduliidae Somatochlora X Gomphidae Gomphus X
Hemiptera (True Notonectidae Notonecta X Bugs) Diptera (True Flies) Chironomidae X X X X Ptychopteridae X Simuliidae Simulium X Tipulidae Tipula X Ceratopogonidae X X Chaoboridae Chaoborus XX
Lepidoptera Pyralidae Petrophila XX (Butterflies and Moths) Pyralidae Acentria X
Hirudinea (Leeches) Glossiphoniidae X X X
Oligochaeta X X X X
Amphipoda Hyalellidae Hyalella X Gammaridae Gammarus X
Isopoda X
Gastropoda Physidae Physa X
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 24 Discussion of Aquatic Ecology Surveys
Historical records for the deepwater shallow to support S. contracta, and no Chara pondsnail, S. contracta, could not be verified beds were observed in Lake Geneserath that from the lake surveys conducted on Beaver would provide suitable habitat for this species. Island. This species has been described as No additional sensitive or rare taxa were occurring in Chara beds at 10m depths in only a identified from the reconnaissance surveys of few locations in Michigan (Burch 1994). No Beaver Island lakes and streams. The surveys habitat fitting both of these criteria were conducted were brief and designed to provide an identified during the site visits. If S. contracta overview of aquatic resources on the island. does occur on Beaver Island, the most likely site More detailed surveys could potentially yield for supporting this species is Barney Lake, one of additional observations of rare taxa. Despite the the historical occurrence sites. Barney Lake does absence of rare taxa during these surveys, the have extensive Chara beds, but is only ≈ 5m aquatic systems of Beaver Island are notably deep at its deepest point. A similar species, unique. There is striking ecological diversity Stagnicola elodes, was abundant in Barney Lake, among the lakes for such a small geographic and may have been misidentified as S. contracta area. No two lakes on the island are even during the historical survey. Fox Lake is an superficially similar and differences in acidic system approximately 5-6m deep with community structure and composition are readily very few gastropod species present. No Chara apparent based on this reconnaissance survey. was identified from dredge samples, and the Also, the low to non-existent residential extremely low light penetration beyond a few development along the shorelines of these lakes meters from the surface makes the presence of qualifies these site as unique compared to many deepwater plants unlikely. It is therefore likely if not most inland lakes in Michigan. The that the historical reports of S. contracta in Fox ecological diversity and significance of these Lake are in error unless drastic ecological lakes should be recognized as important changes have occurred in this system since the elements to be conserved and protected. original observation. Font Lake was far too
Methods for Plant Surveys
Islands selected for plant field inventories quality community remnants for subsequent were identified following examination of the evaluation and possible transcription by MNFI Natural Heritage Biological and Conservation ecologists. Database (BCD) and consultation with MNFI The islands identified for 1999 botanical staff ecologists and other scientists. As in previ- surveys consisted of Beaver and Garden islands, ous studies (Penskar et al. 1999, Penskar et al. Marquette and La Salle islands in the Les 1997, Penskar et al. 1993), our high priority Cheneaux group, and a specific area, the eastern targets were Great Lakes endemic plant species, shoreline, of Drummond Island. Both Beaver most of which are associated with shoreline areas Island and Garden Island were targeted primarily and natural communities such as open dunes, to assess delineated areas that had not been coastal rich conifer swamps, bedrock beaches, covered during the 1998 inventory, as well as to alvar, cedar glades, northern fens, and forest review sites that had strong merit for more dune and swale complexes. However, emphasis comprehensive survey, particularly to focus on was also placed on delineating notable natural early blooming species. Marquette and La Salle communities. This was done both to identify islands were selected based on their large size significant potential rare plant habitats as well as and a priori knowledge that significant survey to conduct a preliminary assessment for high gaps existed for rare plants and other elements,
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 25 and also because these important islands lie The botanical survey methods closely follow within The Nature Conservancy’s Northern Lake those used during the first year of island Huron Bioreserve. Lastly, Drummond Island inventory. These have been thoroughly detailed was selected for an inventory of its extreme by Penskar et al. (1999) and thus will not be eastern shore in the vicinity of Marblehead, an presented again here. The results compiled area of extensive limestone cliff outcrops that below include several rare plant occurrences has been poorly inventoried – largely due to its identified by an ecologist during natural relative inaccessibility – despite several surveys community surveys on Garden and Hog islands. of the island during other studies.
Beaver, Garden, and Hog Islands
Both early and late season surveys were Garden Island was similarly identified to conducted to complete botanical inventories detect early blooming species, including the initiated in 1998. All early and late season orchids noted above and rare sedges such as surveys were conducted by P. Higman from May Carex concinna that had been tentatively 20-25 and August 16-20. For Beaver Island, identified in limestone glade areas. In addition, targeted areas included the upper west shoreline, several areas of apparent northern fen on the which had not been fully assessed and walked, southern shore of the island were highlighted for and several additional shoreline areas, such as inventory based on the potential for such rare French Bay and the east shore in the vicinity of species as Houghton’s goldenrod (Solidago the Central Michigan University Biological houghtonii), butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), Station. The latter two sites required early and dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris). In the case of season surveys in order to assess known Houghton’s goldenrod, northern fen areas were historical records and potentially find additional identified in spring for the late season inventory. sites for such early blooming species as calypso Hog Island was targeted only for natural orchid (Calypso bulbosa), ram’s head orchid community surveys, but rare plant occurrences (Cypripedium arietinum), and early fruiting were documented when encountered on this sedges such as beauty sedge (Carex concinna) island by a staff ecologist experienced with these and Richardson’s sedge (C. richardsonii). species. Additional rare plant occurrences were Several interior sites, including significant bog similarly identified by this ecologist on Garden habitat around Egg Lake, and areas with reports Island. of mature mesic northern forest, were also targeted and assessed. Les Cheneaux Islands
The Les Cheneaux group constitutes a by M. Penskar and P. Higman from June 9-11. prominent chain of islands in northern Lake This time period was selected in order to more Huron. These islands have been identified by optimally survey for both spring and early Soule (1993) as a high priority for inventory, and summer species via a single visit. A large are also known to contain numerous areas with a portion of the eastern shore of Marquette Island high potential for additional rare elements. Both was accessed by kayak and significant areas were Marquette Island, the largest in the chain, and La walked; whereas other portions, such as on the Salle Island were identified by Soule as having a southern end and southwestern shore, were high priority for both plant and natural accessed by powerboat and then walked and community surveys, and thus these were targeted meander-searched. for our initial inventories. Surveys for plants and high quality natural communities were conducted
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 26 Drummond Island
As noted above, the eastern shore of from the Marblehead peninsula south and around Drummond Island at Marblehead was identified to Bass Cove. M. Penskar and P. Higman as a survey site based on the paucity of previous conducted surveys on July 15. Several areas of inventory work. Although the site is well known, the Marblehead outcrops were examined inland it is difficult to access directly via inland roads to the forest border, as well as areas of lower and is distant from adjacent shoreline access bedrock outcrops, gravel shores, and rocky points. The Marblehead limestone cliffs were beaches. there accessed via kayak from Glen Cove to the east, and the entire eastern shore was assessed
Results of Plant Surveys
Because rare plant and natural community threatened) Tables 6-10. Most notably, the new surveys were conducted by both botanists and occurrences include discoveries of three of ecologists, the results of these surveys are Michigan’s four federally listed Great Lakes combined. Natural community results are endemics, including dwarf lake iris, Houghton’s discussed below in the community section. All goldenrod, and Pitcher’s thistle. Hog Island surveys, which resulted in several Twenty-one occurrences of known rare plant discoveries, were conducted by MNFI occurrences were relocated for obtaining current ecologist D. Albert. status information, consisting of one occurrence For the collective group of islands of beauty sedge, four occurrences of dwarf lake inventoried in 1999, a total of 10 new rare plant iris, five occurrences of Pitcher’s thistle, one occurrences were documented. These consisted occurrence of Michigan monkey-flower of one occurrence of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium (Mimulus glabratus var. michiganensis, federal pitcheri, federal and state threatened), one and state endangered), three occurrences of occurrence of Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris, state special huronense, state threatened), four occurrences of concern), three occurrences of Lake Huron tansy, beauty sedge (Carex concinna, state special one occurrence of ram’s head orchid concern), one occurrence of Houghton’s (Cypripedium arietinum, state special concern), goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii, federal and one occurrence of Pumpelly’s brome grass state threatened), one occurrence of dwarf lake (Bromus pumpellianus, state threatened), and iris (Iris lacustris, federal and state threatened), one occurrence of wall-rue (Asplenium ruta- one occurrence of yellow pitcher-plant muraria, state endangered). Some of these (Sarracenia purpurea f. heterophylla, state occurrences include those found in 1998 that we threatened), and one new occurrence of purple identified for further survey in order to obtain cliff-brake (Pellaea atropurpurea, state more comprehensive status data.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 27 Table 6. Rare plant and natural community sites inventoried during 1999 surveys of Beaver Island. Site name Known occurrences relocated and New occurrences documented updated Appleby Point Iris lacustris Bonners to McCauley Point Bromus pumpellianus Cirsium pitcheri Tanacetum huronense CMU Biostation Cypripedium arietinum Donegal Bay to Indian Point Cirsium pitcheri Pinguicula vulgaris Tanacetum huronense Egg Lake Bog Bog Font Lake Old-Growth Mesic northern forest French bay Carex concinna Iris lacustris Little Sand Bay Preserve Cirsium pitcheri Mimulus glabratus var. michiganensis Pinguicula vulgaris Tanacetum huronense Lookout Point Extension Cirsium pitcheri Tanacetum huronense Martin’s Bluff Mesic northern forest Point La Par Dry-mesic northern forest
Table 7. Rare plant and natural community occurrences identified during 1999 surveys of Garden Island. Site name Known occurrences relocated and New occurrences documented updated Garden Island Harbor Northern wet meadow Garden Island West Boreal Forest Boreal forest Indian Harbor Great Lakes marsh Jensen Harbor Pinguicula vulgaris Solidago houghtonii Northern fen Jensen Harbor West Cirsium pitcheri Carex concinna Monatou Bay to Sturgeon Bay Great Lakes marsh Northcutt Bay Cirsium pitcheri Northern fen Red Oak Garden Mesic northern forest Sweat Lodge Swale Carex concinna
Table 8. Rare plant and natural community occurrences identified during 1999 surveys of Hog Island. Site name Known occurrences relocated and New occurrences documented updated Baldimore Bay EA Northern fen Hog Island East Shoreline Cirsium pitcheri Forest dune and swale complex Trimerotropis huroniana Great Lakes marsh Iris lacustris Hog Island North Dry mesic northern forest Hardwood swamp
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 28 Table 9. Rare plant and natural community occurrences identified during 1999 surveys of Marquette and La Salle islands, Les Cheneaux group. Site name Known occurrences relocated and New occurrences documented updated Marquette Bay Carex concinna Northern fen Boreal forest Marquette Bay Southeast Iris lacustris Carex concinna Peninsula Peck Bay Great Lakes marsh Iris lacustris Voight Bay West Carex concinna Sarracenea purpurea f. heterophylla Boreal forest Open dunes
Table 10. Rare plant and natural community occurrences identified during 1999 surveys of Drummond island. Site name Known occurrences relocated and New occurrences documented updated Marblehead Cliffs Asplenium ruta-muraria Pellaea atropurpurea Dry non-acid cliff
Discussion of Plant Surveys
As in the previous year, systematic was obtained. These new data will greatly assist inventories of the targeted Great Lakes islands in conservation planning, owing to the rare of resulted in several new rare plant occurrences development along shorelines where the vast derived from a total of seven plant species. All majority of rare plants occur. of these species were found along the immediate In northern Lake Huron, only an initial effort shoreline or within near-shore natural could be made in the large Les Cheneaux island communities, once again demonstrating the chain, yet our surveys resulted in three new plant richness of the shoreline ecosystem. The occurrences and also several significant natural majority of discoveries were from Beaver, community occurrences (discussed below). The Garden, and Hog islands, perhaps due in part to most notable discovery was documented on the the extent of habitat exposed during a low water west side of Marquette Island in Marquette Bay, year, as well as the attention of surveyors at where the first Upper Peninsula record of yellow- optimal times. Two years of dedicated survey pitcher plant was found (see photo on report within this archipelago has also enabled cover). Prior to this discovery the species was surveyors to learn to focus on habitat of the known in Michigan only in a few bogs in the highest potential, such as bedrock exposures near northern Lower Peninsula near Lewiston. On the shore, cedar glades, northern fens, gravelly Marquette Island yellow-pitcher plant was storm beaches, interdunal wetlands, spring-fed discovered within a fen-like interdunal wetland, a seeps and streams, and sand dunes of any markedly different habitat than the southern significant extent. In addition to significant new Michigan sites. Substantial portions of occurrences, a large number of older records Marquette Island, which is quite large, and La were relocated and important information on the Salle Island remain to be more thoroughly status, condition, and extent of several rare taxa surveyed, and it is expected that additional
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 29 rarities and natural community occurrences will wall-rue, a species that remains extant and secure be recorded during future efforts. along the impressive outcrops. Because of the On Drummond Island, we succeeded in extent of this exposed bedrock, and the difficulty accessing a portion of the extensive limestone of traversing many of the vertical faces, cliffs bordering the shore of the Marblehead Marblehead is a site that cannot be considered as “peninsula”. These impressive outcrops resulted having been comprehensively inventoried, and it in a large new occurrence of purple cliff-brake, a is likely that additional discoveries, especially species known elsewhere on the island. ferns, will be documented at this site. Marblehead is also well-known for supporting the only state occurrence of the state endangered
Methods for Natural Community Surveys
Similar to the 1998 inventories, a portion of interpretation and potential field inventories. natural community surveys was based upon the While a variety of natural communities are preliminary identification of potentially high known to occur within the Beaver island quality sites by botanical surveyors and others. archipelago, inventory priorities focused on Examination of the MNFI statewide database locating, describing, and mapping high quality (BCD) and other information, such as knowledge examples of mesic northern forest, boreal forest, of existing dedicated state natural areas based on northern fen, and open dunes. old-growth tracts, was used to help delineate areas to serve as the foci for aerial photo
Beaver, Garden, and Hog Islands
Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands were searches and recording appropriate community identified for late season surveys to focus data (e.g. tree dbhs, microtopography, soils principally on mature (i.e old-growth) and high information, disturbance features, evidence of quality tracts of mesic northern forest and Native American management, etc.) for high shoreline related natural communities. quality examples of sufficient merit for Anticipated shoreline communities included such recognition for the statewide database. types as northern fens, open dunes/interdunal Several old-growth tracts reported wetlands, forest dune and swale complexes, and previously by other staff for Beaver and Garden Great Lakes marsh. Natural community islands were highlighted for survey (e.g. the red inventories were conducted by D. Albert from oak tract on Garden Island). A Great Lakes August 16-20. Prior to field surveys the islands marsh site was known for Hog Island, and was a were briefly examined via 1978 CIR photos to targeted of particular interest owing to the delineate potential survey sites. Surveys were current low water conditions. conducted by traversing habitats via meander
Bois Blanc Island
Bois Blanc Island was selected for a brief and composition of these tracts was due to late season survey to assess the regions of two to former Native American management. Several three dedicated state natural areas; these were sites were inspected in mid-November, including sites based on old-growth tracts of mesic tracts where recent red oak timber harvesting northern forest. Because of a mature red oak was taking place in order to obtain tree ages. component, it was suspected that the structure Soil litter and duff samples were obtained for
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 30 subsequent examination for charcoal and a management. possible indication of Native American burn
Les Cheneaux Islands
Natural community surveys for the Les performed by M. Penskar and P. Higman. Cheneaux islands were conducted during the Species lists for potentially high quality course of botanical inventories, with an emphasis examples were compiled as well as appropriate on boreal forest, northern fen, open dunes, and natural community field forms and photographs other potential shoreline communities. for evaluation by staff ecologists. Inventories took place from June 9-11 and were
Drummond Island
Natural community surveys for Drummond recognition within the statewide database. A Island were conducted during rare plant species list was compiled by botanists in addition inventories, as it was suspected that this to a description of the vertical cliff faces, extensive outcrop habitat was a high quality disturbance features, and the general extent and natural community with strong merit for condition of the community.
Results of Natural Community Surveys
A diverse assemblage of new natural boreal forest, one occurrence of open dune, and community occurrences was documented during one occurrence of dry non-acid cliff. In contrast, 1999 island surveys, as indicated in Tables 6-10. only one existing community occurrence was Eighteen new occurrences of communities were encountered and updated, a dry mesic northern documented and entered into the statewide forest example. database (BCD). These were comprised of one The majority of new natural community occurrence of bog, two occurrences of mesic occurrences is attributable to the Beaver Island northern forest, one occurrence of dry mesic archipelago, where 13 occurrences deriving from northern forest, four occurrences of northern fen, 8 different community types were documented, three occurrences of Great Lakes marsh, one including several occurrences of northern fen, occurrence of northern wet meadow, one Great Lakes marsh, and mesic northern forest. occurrence of forest dune/swale complex, one hardwood swamp occurrence, two occurrences of
Discussion of Natural Community Surveys
Natural community inventories resulted in a based on the fact that little previous work of this remarkable number of new occurrences, type has often not been conducted in an area. particularly within the Beaver Island archipelago. However, natural community occurrences must In one sense this is not surprising, owing to the still be of sufficient condition and extent from a fact this group is where the staff ecologists statewide standpoint to qualify for the database, concentrated their efforts. A relatively large and thus this large number of new occurrences is number of community occurrences are also not highly noteworthy. The community diversity unexpected in many natural features inventories, parallels that reflected in the plant and animal
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 31 findings, corroborating the richness and high island chain will undoubtedly lead to the biodiversity of the Beaver islands assemblage. recognition of additional occurrences and likely The current low water year has led to the other community types. Lastly, the outcrops enhancement and definition of several shoreline identified at Marblehead on Drummond Island communities, such as notable northern fens and are perhaps exemplary for dry non-acid cliffs in Great Lakes marshes, which comprise several of the eastern Upper Peninsula, and appear to be the occurrences within the Beaver archipelago. unique in their marked structure. Because of Elsewhere, a small number of significant their apparent uniqueness and difficulty in new occurrences were documented for the Les surveying, this bedrock exposure may yet harbor Cheneaux islands and Drummond Island. other plant and perhaps animal rarities such as Further surveys by staff ecologists in more snails that are associated with alvar comprehensive efforts in the Les Cheneaux communities.
Digitization of Island Data and Spatial Representation of Natural Features
Overview of 1999 Work and Results
As an effort of the island project, and a task Following two years of systematic inventory ultimately critical for conservation planning, in the Beaver islands, a total of 161 natural MNFI has initiated preparation of island natural features were processed and digitized. features data for use within a Geographic Approximately 25% of this total number Information System (GIS). To that end, natural originated via MNFI’s surveys in 1998 and 1999. features data for areas where inventory is An example of how natural features data are considered more or less complete will be depicted spatially is presented in Figure 8, which processed, digitized, and prepared for spatial displays the digitization of occurrences on Hog representation. During the 1999 island project, Island. The gray shaded areas are polygons that the Beaver Island archipelago was identified as represent the aerial extent of natural features, the first island assemblage to be digitized, and whereas the circular area in the southwest part of following the compilation of 1999 surveys, all the island demonstrates how more vague occurrence information was subsequently information, usually that which derives from processed in this manner. Here we present an older records, is displayed within a buffer of explanation of how these data are spatially relational uncertainty, the concept of which is represented, followed by a description of the described below. conceptual basis for mapping and representing these data, using Hog Island as an example.
Conceptual Basis for Element Occurrences and Mapping
When returning from the field the scientist 12.5 meters in both length and width. When an transcribes any information for element EO is less then 12.5 meters in one of these occurrences to be submitted to the information dimensions, it is mapped as a line. In cases management staff. The known extent of an where the EO is less then the minimal mapping Observed Feature is mapped on a 1:24,000 unit in both dimensions, it is conceptually USGS topographic map as a point, line or represented by a point (Figure 8). polygon. These Conceptual Feature types are It is at this stage that the scientist determined by the scientist and are based on the incorporates locational uncertainty. Since the minimum mapping unit of 12.5 meters. In order actual location may vary from the recorded for boundaries, resulting in a polygon, to be location represented on the topographic map, mapped, the extent of an element must exceed procedural buffers are generated around the
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 32 digitized feature in order to avoid known as Source Features. The locational misrepresentation of the occurrence’s location. uncertainty specified by the scientist is then The scientist sets the distances of these applied resulting in the creation of a procedural procedural buffers. buffer. This source feature combined with the With information clearly mapped and procedural buffer becomes what is known as a locational uncertainty classes set, the scientist Procedural Feature. It is this resulting polygon then passes the transcription forms along to that is used to calculate spatial information for information management staff to be entered into the element occurrence. the database. The Biodiversity Tracking and Once the spatial information is calculated in Conservation System (Biotics) is then used to the Biotics program, it is stored in the database digitize and record spatial information on and becomes an Element Occurrence element occurrences. Representation Polygon. It is these After receiving transcription information representation polygons that are used in from staff scientists, information management conservation planning efforts. These concepts staff then digitize the Conceptual Features and the flow of information resulting in a natural displayed on the topographic maps. These features occurrence record are depicted in Figure conceptual features become points, lines or 9. polygons within the Biotics program and are then
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 33 Figure 8. Hog Island with digitized and mapped natural features occurrences, demonstrating the spatial extent of elements recently determined in the field (irregular polygons) versus the relational uncertainty of older occurrence information (spherical area in southern region) based on less site- specific data.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 34 Figure 9. Essential stages in developing an element occurrence representation.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 35 Conservation Planning for Beaver Island
Background
During the first and second years of this meaningful ecological information. The purpose project, MNFI scientific staff collected of the conservation planning portion of the information on unique, rare, and sensitive natural project was two fold. The first objective was to features. Priority areas on Beaver Island were determine what types and levels of natural identified and inventoried, and these data were resource information were desirable to the analyzed and summarized. One of the primary Beaver Island community. The second objective goals of this project, however, was not just to was to determine the most effective ways to collect and analyze data, but also to assist island convey this information to the Beaver Island community and local decision makers with future community, including significant stakeholders land-based decision making efforts by providing and other interested parties.
Methodology
In order to achieve these goals we needed to stakeholders were consulted to develop a system develop a methodology or process to that was best suited for Beaver Island. These communicate with the Island community. The included, 1) Tom Bailey, Director of the Little original model was essentially an expert-based Traverse Conservancy, 2) Marilyn Damstra, model in which MNFI would present ecological chairperson of Little Traverse Conservancy’s information, systematically gather input from Beaver Island Steering Committee, and planning select members of the community, and commissioner of St. James Township, 3) E.B. summarize results. As development of the Lange, acting president of the Beaver Island process proceeded, we decided to take a more Property Owners Association, and 4) Bill community-based approach. In this model, the Paladino, planning commissioner of Peaine community would develop their own decision- Township. Instead of one workshop, John making process for determining what types and Paskus, Conservation Planning Specialist, MNFI, levels of MNFI data they would like, what form in cooperation with community leaders, or forms it might take, and how to use the developed and organized one presentation as part information most effectively. The plan was to of an annual meeting and one interactive hold one community wide meeting and invite key workshop, which was open to all Island community stakeholders and leaders. residents. The meeting was going to be broken into The presentation was given during the two segments. In the first segment, MNFI would Beaver Island Property Owners Association present 1) description of MNFI, 2) significance (BIPOA) annual meeting. According to several of the Great Lakes shoreline and Islands, 3) key people in the community, the BIPOA is threats to significant natural features along the currently the most active group on the Island. shoreline, and 4) ecological data of Beaver Approximately 100 people attended the meeting. Island. The second segment would focus on The presentation was coordinated with Tom engaging the community in a discussion about Bailey, Director of the Little Traverse the information we presented. Techniques such Conservancy (LTC). Bailey presented as breakout groups, steering committees, focus information about the LTC, past and present groups, and/or task forces could then be used to activities on the Island, and conservation tools. reach the two objectives mentioned earlier. He ended his talk by discussing the significance The method chosen to communicate with of MNFI’s work to the LTC. John Paskus the public was a slight modification of the followed Bailey’s presentation. Paskus community-based model described above. A developed a powerpoint presentation which number of key community leaders and contained information about MNFI, the
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 36 ecological significance of the Great Lakes’ workshop was entitled, Preserving the Natural Islands, results from previous and recent Resources and Community Character of Beaver biological inventory work on the Island, Island. MNFI contracted with the Land identification of significant ecological sites on Information Access Association (LIAA) to assist Beaver Island, and an interactive workshop with the design and implementation of the planned for August that would be open to the workshop. The agenda for the workshop entire community. Maps of the natural features, included: 1) introductions and greetings, 2) circa 1800 vegetation, and 1978 landcover of technology demonstration showing how Beaver Island were on display during the entire computerized mapping and multimedia can be meeting. (Please refer to Appendix A for a copy used to document and understand community of the slide presentation). resources, 3) an interactive exercise (break-out The workshop that followed was organized groups) entitled ‘crayon your community’, 4) an and advertised as an interactive workshop. The overview of significant natural features on the goals of the workshop were to: 1) initiate a Island and threats to those features (powerpoint community discussion about the natural presentation), and finally 5) a discussion about resources and community character of the Island, the next steps to consider. A total of 23 residents and 2) determine the natural features that Island attended the workshop, and relationships were residents value most. All Island residents were developed with several key people in the welcome, and key community stakeholders were community. (Please refer to Appendix B for a identified and specifically invited. copy of the agenda, notes taken during the Advertisements for the workshop were displayed workshop, and the follow up letter sent out to at key locations throughout the Island. The workshop participants).
Summary of Results
As part of the introduction for the center, protecting natural features, maintaining workshop, participants were asked to list some of public access to lakes, and road improvements. the things they appreciated about Beaver Island. A group discussion on next steps followed. The Items ranged from ‘dark night sky’ (low light purpose of this last step was to: 1) determine pollution), to specific sites such as Little Sand what types and levels of natural resource Bay and Barney’s lake. Of the 18 items information were desired by the community, and mentioned, 15 were related to natural resources. 2) determine the most effective ways to present The remaining three items were cultural history, this information. Recommendations were broken opportunity for seclusion, and the planning into two major categories: 1) process. information/communication, and 2) planning. The purpose of the interactive exercise Strong interest was expressed for entitled ‘crayon your community’ was to developing an arrival guide to inform new generate mental maps of the participant’s residents and visitors about the unique natural community and list things that define Beaver and cultural features on Beaver Island and Island as a special place. At the end of the surrounding area, as well as how to be good exercise, all items were broken into four stewards. It was also suggested that a user- categories: 1) commercial, 2) historic features, friendly electronic kiosk be installed on the 3) natural features, and 4) cultural features. By ferryboat or in one of the Boat Company’s far the category with the most items was natural offices, along with a brochure they can take with features that contained 22 different items, two of them. The kiosk would contain information which were mentioned several times. about special natural and cultural sites, unique A list of recommendations was provided in and/or exemplary natural communities, and rare the discussion on improvements and preservation and declining plants and animals found in the efforts. Recommendations were quite broad and Beaver Archipelago. Emphasis would be place included such things as building a cultural on informing users about the impacts of human
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 37 activities on natural features, beneficial values of Islanders into the comprehensive stewardship activities, environmental education master planning process of each township, and opportunities, and conservation programs. future outreach efforts. Several hard copy maps Another interesting suggestion came from two of natural features, circa 1800 vegetation, and planning commissioners (one from each 1978 landcover were provided to the township township). The commissioners expressed planning commissioners to temporarily address interest in integrating new biological information their needs. (collected by MNFI and others) and current
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 38 Site Summaries
As established in the format of several requires multi-year data, areas rich in bird previous MNFI reports concerning coastal zone species are highlighted. inventories, we provide here a summary The intention of this section is to provide a description of the significant inventory sites. summary of each site in a relatively brief These descriptions are provided primarily for commentary format that can be used for inventory sites covered by MNFI botanists, meaningful future reference and consultation. community ecologists, and aquatic ecologists. Lastly, because several surveys consisted of re- We have not attempted to catalogue this level of visits to sites inventoried in 1998, we have information for all sites assessed and inventoried updated the site summary descriptions where during animal surveys; many of these consisted necessary, and to avoid confusion, we are of bird census stations where it was not including all of the last two years’ site necessary to obtain detailed habitat data. summaries within this section. To avoid However, animal inventories did coincide in additional confusion with last year’s work, we several of the following sites, and where useful, have eliminated sequentially numbering each relevant information is incorporated below. Sites site, and instead provide each island’s inventory where bird point counts were conducted are sites in alphabetical order. appropriately noted. While a complete analysis
Beaver Island Sites
Appleby Point
Appleby Point is located at the southernmost Although sought, the Ram's-head orchid tip of the Island and was visited to assess the population was not observed. This species is status of a dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris) notoriously difficult to find due to its small size population documented in 1989, and a reported and short, weather dependent flowering period. ram's head orchid (Cypripedium arietinum) Reported from this site for several years by population. The iris population was found Central Michigan University staff and students, thriving at the edge of a cedar-spruce-sugar there is no reason to suspect it's extirpation. maple forest that is abruptly terminated by the This site appears slated for development, as bordering road, from where we observed the evidenced by construction stakes on the property. population. It extends into the forest along areas It will be important to educate those involved of of sparse canopy cover canopy opeings and out the significance of this site, harboring one of along the edge of a barrier dunes complex only two Beaver Island occurrences of the Great bordering Lake Michigan. A proposed cable Lakes endimic, dwarf-lake iris. Knowledge and route was changed to avoid this population in implementation of appropriate stewardship 1992 and likely had a significant role in the actions, could preserve the integrity of the forest preservation of this colony. and dune communities and associated species.
Barney’s Lake
The north shore of this lake was surveyed zoologists and other experts. Numerous snail briefly to detect the presence of any shells of shells were found, and this lake was observed to deepwater pondsnail (Stagnicola contractus), be markedly different from Fox Lake, with its which was documented and last observed here in mucky-peaty substrate and several indications of 1940. A small portion of the northern shore was more alkaline conditions. No specimens of inventoried by MNFI botany staff, who collected deepwater pondsnail were confirmed from the several snail shells for assessment by staff snail shells obtained. Portions of the northern
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 39 shore supported fen species, such as Indian Barneys Lake Nature Preserve along the shore, in paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), and old field habitat and in an orchard, zoologists groundwater seeps and springs were observed. recorded thirteen bird species including the state The shoreline was also unsuccessfully surveyed threatened caspian tern (Sterna caspia) which for a rare buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria) was observed fishing in the lake. In 1999, thirty- last observed here when it was first documented one bird species were recorded at Barney’s Lake in 1957. Because of the brief nature of the Nature Preserve along the lake and in the aforementioned surveys, further inventories are orchard during spring and summer bird surveys. warranted for both the deepwater pondsnail and The state threatened Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) the rare buttercup in 1999 to determine their and osprey (Pandion halieatus) were observed status. During an early evening survey of the fishing in Barney’s Lake.
Bonner’s Landing
This site extends along several miles of the northern fens and interdunal wetlands, such as west shore of Beaver Island just south of Barneys purple gerardia (Agalinis purpurea), silverweed Lake. It continues from Left’s point to the south (Potentilla anserina), rush (Juncus balticus), as a narrow shoreline band consisting primarily gentian (Gentianopsis procera), Kalm’s lobelia of cobble and sand beach, interspersed with (Lobelia kalmii), and grass-leaved goldenrod occasional emergent marsh and northern fen (Euthamia graminifolia). To the north, the site communities. In this region, it encompasses gradually widens to a broad sandy foredune just numerous small coves and rocky spits that west of Slop Town Road, where it is popularly extend out into the lake and is dotted with well known as Bonners Landing, a relatively secluded set-back private cottages. Species typical of open beach and picnic site. Only the southern portion dunes dominate the sandy portions of the site of the sandy foredune area was explored and including such species as ground juniper and Pitcher’s thistle was found to be fairly abundant horizontal juniper (Juniperus communis and J. while Lake Huron tansy, although not abundant, horizontalis), marram grass (Ammophila was more common than further south. The open breviligulata), Canada rye grass (Elymus dune continues northward eventually merging canadensis), agropyron (Agropyron with an extensive forested dune complex. The dasystachyum), wormwood (Artemisia Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana) campestris), and goldenrod (Solidago simplex was documented in the sand dunes along the var. gillmanii). Several clusters of Pitcher’s shoreline during 1999 surveys. Ninety-four thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) and a single cluster of adults were seen during a fifteen-minute search Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense) were of shoreline. Although not considered a large found scattered in the sandier coves, thus population, the habitat in this area is considered increasing the southward extent of previously good for this species. This area will be a priority known occurrences from this site. However, for 1999 survey work. In addition to assessing along much of the more rocky and narrower the status of the thistle and tansy populations, regions, exotic species such as soapwort attempts will be made to relocate and assess an (Saponaria officinalis), yarrow (Achillea occurrence of Pumpell’s brome grass that was millefolium), and bluejoint (Poa compressa) documented in 1958. have a significant presence. The wetter portions of the shoreline included species typical of
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 40 Bonner’s Landing to McCauley Point
This site is accessed from the end of northern two thirds of the shoreline is backed by Sloptown Rd., where a small parking area has a complex topography of mostly forested dune been designated for visitors. One climbs down ridges and valleys. The entire site is dotted with the steep, Nippising dune beach ridge and cottages or marked for future home sites, follows a pathway that opens into a broad sand however the open dune regions are not as beach vegetated with typical dune species such as disturbed as some of the more heavily used marram grass (Ammophila brevilugulata), wheat regions of the shoreline, such as Donnegal Bay. grass (Agropyron dasystachyum), wormwood Local colonies of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium (Artemisia campestris), sand cherry (Prunus pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum pumila) creeping juniper (Juniperis communis), huronense) are scattered throughout and several and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). A low colonies of Pumpell’s brome grass (Bromus foredune spans the entire site, broadening into pumpellianus) were observed in the blowout moderate blowout areas in two places, and a areas. broad sand beach at McCauley Point. The
Cable Bay
This site was identified primarily to gather (Asclepias syriaca), ground juniper (J. status information for known populations of communis), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radi- Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) and Lake cans), little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense). The dunes dune willows (Salix exigua, S. cordata), jack were found to be of good quality and extensive pine (Pinus banksiana), northern white cedar enough to merit documentation. In the upper, or (Thuja occidentalis), euphorbia (Euphorbia northeast portion of Cable Bay, where public polygonifolia), and starry false Solomon’s seal land provides access to the upper part of the bay, (Smilacina stellata). No particularly invasive the dunes grade relatively high in topography, exotics were observed. Animal surveys resulted with one parabolic-like blowout area. in the documentation of a large population of Moderately-sized populations of Pitcher’s thistle Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana) in (Cirsium pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy the open sandy dunes and blowouts. Two point (Tanacetum huronense) were observed, as well counts were conducted for migratory birds, one as a standard assemblage of dune species, in the open dunes and the other in the adjacent including marram grass and dune grass interior forest. Both areas contain a fairly (Ammophila breviligulata, Calamovilfa complex vegetational structure and were rich in longifolia), beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus), sea bird species. The state threatened merlin (Falco rocket (Cakile edentula), horizontal juniper columbarius) was observed hunting prey along (Juniperus horizontalis), hairy puccoon the forested edge of the open dune area. (Lithospermum caroliniense), milkweed
Cheyenne Point
This site spans several coves and sand spits mariscoides), rush (Juncus brachycephalus) and along the southwest shoreline of Beaver Island bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis inexpansa) in just west of Iron Ore Bay. It is comprised of a standing water characterize the wetlands. narrow fringe of mostly cobble beach with Clusters of colorful herbs such as Kalm's lobelia numerous emergent/northern fen wetlands. (Lobelia kalmii), Arkansas mint (Calamintha Emergent grass and sedge species such as arkansana), purple gerardia (Agalinis purpurea), hardstem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), three-square and Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) bulrush (S. americanus), twig-rush (Cladium occur along the edges of the larger wetlands and
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 41 in shallow depressions along the cobble beach. glaucus), and wheat grass (Agropyron Four small clusters of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirisum dasystachyum). pitcheri), consisting of only a few individuals A large population of Lake Huron locust each were noted in sandy pockets along this (Trimerotropis huroniana) was observed during stretch of shoreline. Associates included typical surveys conducted in 1999. Thousands of adults dune species such as creeping and ground juniper were seen and heard at this site and they are (Juniperis horizontalis, J. communis), balsam locally abundant here. This species occurs from poplar (Populus balsamifera), marram grass Iron Ore Bay to the dunes west of Cheyenne (Ammophila breviligulata), wild rye (Elymus Point in Section 23.
CMU Biostation
A population of Ram's-head orchid was which has persisted for several years, despite discovered at the CMU Biostation in 1986, significant amount of traffic through the area. occurring under pines on a sand dune ridge Only one sterile plant was observed in 1999. This topped by a layer of pine needle duff, a very population should be monitored periodically to typical habitat for this species. A survey was determine its viability. conducted to assess the status of this population,
Donegal Bay to McCauley Point
The Donegal Bay area has one of the island’s butterwort was observed in an interdunal area. largest dune complexes, yet the site is highly Animal surveys at McCauley Point resulted in fragmented with numerous homes and cottages the documentation of a new occurrence of the scattered throughout. Little of the accessible Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana). areas were inventoried, although several of the Large patches of little bluestem were swept for site’s well known rare species were observed, red-legged spittlebug (Prosapia ignipectus), including Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) and which was not found, and blacklighting was Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense). conducted in this same area in an unsuccessful These species appear to persist well in the intact attempt to detect the aweme borer moth local stretches of dunes, which are known to (Papaipema aweme), a very rare moth previously support several other rarities, including documented in sand dunes on Beaver Island. Pumpell’s brome grass (Bromus pumpellianus), Two migratory bird counts were conducted just fascicled broom-rape (Orobanche fasciculata), inland from McCauley Point in mature beech- butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), and maple habitat. A new occurrence of the Lake Houghton’s goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii). Huron locust was also documented in the Mt. Several interdunal depressions and low flats were Pisgah and Donegal Bay Park areas, which both investigated for Houghton’s goldenrod. Although contain back dunes that finger up and grade into good habitat was present, only the related, mixed northern forest. Blacklighting surveys did common Ohio goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis) not detect the rare aweme borer moth in the was observed. A large vigorous colony of vicinity of Mt. Pisgah.
Donegal Bay to Indian Point
This survey was initiated directly west of dune complex immediately adjacent to the shore, Donnegal Bay Rd. to complete coverage of the consisting of a mostly narrow band of sand shoreline from north Donnegal Bay northward to beach with one or two low foredune ridges in Indian Bay. Although similar to the site directly several regions. This is a heavy use residential south (Donnegal Bay - McCauley Point), area with fairly well set-back homes spanning the surveyed in 1998, this region lacks the extensive entire length of the site. Although vegetated with
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 42 the typical complement of dune species, several depression behind a low foredune ridge. exotics were fairly abundant including spotted Although the number of flowering stalks was not knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), yarrow as high as noted in 1993, the population (Achillea millifolium), bladder campion (Silene appeared to be undisturbed and non-flowering vulgaris), and Canada bluegrass (Poa shoots were abundant. Dominant associates compressa). Local clusters of Pitcher’s thistle included shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla and Lake Huron tansy were observed throughout fruticosa), Kalm's St. John's-wort (Hypericum the site, however they are vulnerable to kalmianum), rush (Juncus balticus), bulrush continued disturbance by human activity. (Scirpus atrovirons), Ohio goldenrod (Solidago A careful survey was conducted to relocate ohioensis), grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia and assess the status of a previously identified graminifolia), false asphodel (Tofieldia Houghton’s goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii) glutinosa), and Kalm's lobelia (Lobelia kalmia). population; the only reported location for this A small population of state threatened butterwort species on the Island. The small, but apparently (Pinguicula vulgaris) was also relocated at the healthy population was located immediately edge of this interdunal wetland. north of the start point, in a linear interdunal
Egg Lake Bog
Egg Lake Bog lies in the north-central assortement of bog species such as bog-rosemary portion of the Island approximately two miles (Andromeda glaucophylla), bog-laurel (Kalmia south of Font Lake. It is a well known site and polifolia), bog buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), was targeted for survey to assess it's quality and marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), three to look for English sundew (Drosera Xanglica), square (Dulichium arundinacea), yellow-eyed- a special concern species documented there in grass (Xyris torta), bog sedge (Carex limosa), 1970. The high diversity bog is fairly intact with round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), and a moderate to marginal forest buffer. Scattered pitcher plant (Sarracenea purpurea). The bog black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack (Larix appears little disturbed, with most traffic laricina), and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) evidenced by foot trails on the north side, where are the dominant canopy and understory tree there is an access road. English sundew was not species, while sweet gale (Myrica gale), observed, however further dedicated survey for leatherleaf (Chamydaphne calyculata), and this species is recommended. blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) form the dominant shrub matrix. Interspersed throughout is a rich
Font Lake
This is the second largest inland lake on (Phragmites australis). The American bittern is Beaver Island An American bittern (Botaurus currently listed as a species of special concern lentiginousus) was heard calling during breeding due to habitat loss and resulting population bird surveys at the southeast end of the lake. This declines. It is usually found in Michigan’s bigger lake edge is characterized by bog and marsh marshes, along lake and pond edges where vegetation including tamarack (Larix laracina), cattails, sedges, or bulrushes are plentiful, as bog birch (Betula pumilla), sweet gale (Myrica well as in bogs and wet meadows. gale), sedge (Carex spp), and common reed
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 43 Font Lake Old-Growth
A small remnant of old growth mesic starflower (Trientalis borealis), various hardwoods occurs along the west side of Font clubmosses, and tree seedlings. Numerous paths Lake, where the steep slopes of a back dune crisscross the area and high levels of disturbance complex extends inland from Donnegal Bay on surround the remnant. Due to these factors and the northwest shoreline of Beaver Island. The its small size, this remant is not considered a canopy is dominated by hemlock (Tsuga high quality, functional old growth community canadensis), American beech (Fagus with the ability to harbor significant biodiversity. grandifolius), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), However should adjacent land-use practices and occasional paper birch, with diameters become more compatible with biodiversity reaching 26-30 inches. White pine is rare. The conservation, there is potential for a larger, more understory is dominated by these same species, functional community to be restored. This would with the addition of moosewood (Carpinus require that the second growth mesic forest caroliniana), and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). community covering the remainder of the back Ground cover is sparse consisting primarily of dune complex be allowed to mature, with localized patches of partridge berry (Mitchella minimal disturbance or fragmentation. repens), wild sarsaparilla (Arailia nudicaulis),
Fox Lake
With the exception of a small public access and creeping spearwort (Ranunculus reptans). In site for boat launching, this site is contained addition, approximately one-half of the shoreline within private land. This pothole lake is of the lake was searched for snail shells to relatively shallow, sandy-bottomed, and ringed determine the possible presence of the deepwater with a mostly narrow sandy beach whose width pondsnail (Stagnicola contractus), a species fluctuates markedly with changes in lake level. documented at this site in 1939. Although The entire western and southern shores were surveys of the shoreline failed to detect any snail searched for a known population of water shells whatsoever, this limited inventory is plantain (Littorella uniflora) last observed when inconclusive at best, and further work with the it was collected in 1980. This species was readily appropriate deepwater sampling will be required relocated just south of the public boat access, to ascertain the status of this rare invertebrate. A where the receding sandy shoreline revealed large open bog occurrence contiguous with the locally dense colonies of plants. Associated northeast shore of the lake was not prioritized for plants included those typical of softwater lake survey and thus not covered, although this habitats, such as water-milfoil (Myriophyllum community may be scheduled for assessment in tenellum), rush (Juncus pelocarpus), lance- 1999. One point count for migratory birds was leaved violet (Viola lanceolata), arrowhead conducted along the northern shore of the lake. (Sagittaria sp.), bulrush (Scirpus americanus),
French Bay
Accessed by foot trail, this site consists of a marked, post-glacial ridge. Between this small distinct bay on the lower southwest shore Algonquin-age ridge and the shore, the land of the island. Most of the immediate bay area is slopes downward over a series of successively contained within state forest land, and the site is lower beach ridges, grading from northern well-known locally for its scenic aspect and hardwood forest to mixed hardwood conifer relatively secluded shoreline location. The bay forest and ultimately to a coastal conifer forest forms the leading edge of a former post-glacial consisting of northern white cedar (Thuja embayment. Approximately 0.25 east is a occidentalis), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 44 white spruce (Picea glauca). The cobbly-sandy fairly slipper orchid (Calypso bulbosa) and to beach within the bay is relatively narrow and confirm the identity of beauty sedge (Carex backed abruptly by the coastal forest. Status concinna). The sedge was noted in 1998, information was obtained for previously however the characterisic fruits required for documented populations of Pitcher’s thistle identification were absent at the time of the (Cirsium pitcheri), Lake Huron tansy survey. It was found in 1999 scattered widely (Tanacetum huronense), and dwarf lake iris (Iris throughout the site, occurring in rocky substrate lacustris). Pitcher’s thistle and tansy occurred in where canopy coverage was incomplete. It's modest numbers along the limited habitat on the distribution paralleled that of dwarf lake iris, shore, whereas dwarf lake iris was restricted to which was found in great abundance in a band the shaded, moist coastal conifer forest, where it approximately 10-15 meters side between the occurred in small to moderately-sized patches tree line and rocky beach, as well as inland primarily in close proximity to the shore. between the old beach lines separated by rows of Additional areas beyond those previously known boreal trees. The iris was in peak flower at the were recorded for dwarf lake iris, extending the time of survey, proclaiming the scenic essence of range of the occurrence slightly to the north. One this site. Calypso bulbosa was not relocated, point count for migratory birds was conducted however due to the inherent difficulty of locating near French Bay Road, approximately 0.5 miles this diminuitive and ephemeral orchid, it could east of the immediate shore. well be present. French bay was revisited briefly in 1999 targeting a previously documented occurrence of
Greenes Bay to McFadden Point
This site contains one of the highest quality frequently throughout the open dunes, whereas sand dune systems occurring on Beaver Island, Lake Huron tansy tended to occur along the comprising perhaps the most intact and least foredune and in general closer to the shore. A fragmented example of open dunes. The site previously documented population of fascicled includes large blowout areas, well-developed broom-rape (Orobanche fasciculata) last topography and relatively high dune hills, and observed in 1958 was sought but not relocated, areas that are also densely forested. This site is although this obscure species likely persists in rivaled somewhat by the large dunes associated this large dune complex. with Donegal Bay. However, the latter site is Landward the dunes form a broad, open, highly fragmented with numerous residences and slightly undulating dune field, with many lacks the broad expanse of dune fields and portions having a considerable amount of cobble blowouts that remain in this site. The broadest strewn in the sand. The northern portion of the expanse of open dunes occurs in the middle of dunes near the point are platted for sale by real section 25 just below McFadden Point. The estate companies, and there is local disturbance shoreline is fronted by a relatively high, well- in this area by vehicles straying from the current developed foredune and broad beach strand. The entry road, possibly including off-road-vehicle foredune is dominated by marram grass (Ammo- (ORV) use. This is the most disturbed portion of phila breviligulata), and includes such species as the open dunes, as evidenced by the presence of sea rocket (Cakile edentula), milkweed such exotics as spotted knapweed (Centaurea (Asclepias syriaca), dune willows (Salix cordata, maculosa) and bladder campion (Silene Salix myricoides), agropyron (Agropyron vulgaris). The backdune areas are typified by a dasystachyum), beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus), standard assemblage of dune plants such as little sand cherry (Prunus pumila), and occasional bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), which forms clones of Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum large patches, horizontal juniper (Juniperus huronense). Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) horizontalis), ground juniper (Juniperus was observed on the foredune but also was found communis), wormwood (Artemisia campestris),
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 45 hairy puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense), During animal surveys, a large population of white camas (Zigadenus glaucus), bearberry Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana) (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), jack pine (Pinus was documented on the open dunes near banksiana), northern white cedar (Thuja occi- McFadden Point. Large patches of little bluestem dentalis) and numerous other typical species. were swept for red-legged spittlebug (Prosapia The dune field grades to relatively high dune ignipectus), which was not found, and hills with parabolic blowouts, and the adjoining blacklighting was conducted in this same area in forest forms an abrupt boundary along the an unsuccessful attempt to detect the aweme border. In the southern portion of Greenes Bay borer moth (Papaipema aweme), a very rare in section 36, the dunes narrow markedly to a moth previously documented in dunes on Beaver broad beach strand and foredune, backed by a Island. During late August surveys, merlins limited area of open dunes bordered by forest (Falco columbarius) were observed near and interspersed with seasonal homes. The McFadden Point, although it was not known if intactness of this high quality dune system is they represented nesting birds or merely fall threatened by what appears to be imminent migrants. Greenes Bay is a documented site for development near McFadden Point. As noted the federal and state endangered piping plover above, much of the private portion has been (Charadrius melodus), and although suitable platted for sale and eventual residential devel- habitat appears to exist, the species has not been opment, and this will undoubtedly lead to further observed at this site since 1988. Lastly, three degradation of this dune landscape, both through point counts for migratory birds were conducted the direct effects of habitat modification and in the general vicinity of Greenes Bay, one just indirect effects caused by the further introduction north of McFadden Point and the others in of exotic species. section 36 and the adjoining section 31.
Greene’s Lake - Common moorhen area
This lake is located on the southwestern side and spadderdock (Nuphar variegata) are of the island and is contiguous with the extensive abundant in this area of the lake with patches of Greene’s Lake Bog to the southeast. A common sedge (Carex spp.) and leatherleaf moorhen was heard calling at the north side of (Chamaedaphne calyculata). The common the lake during breeding bird surveys in marsh moorhen is listed as a species of special concern habitat with abundant emergent aquatic due to habitat loss and resulting population vegetation. White pond lily (Nymphaea odorata) declines.
Indian Point
From the north end of Donegal Bay, the There were occasional short stretches of sand shoreline contains locally extensive interdunal dune, that despite their limited extent and wetlands and flats, which are dominated occasionally weedy nature were observed to primarily by herbaceous plants, including several support small colonies of Pitcher’s thistle rush (Juncus) and sedge (Carex, Scirpus) (Cirsium pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy species. The wet sand flats include such species (Tanacetum huronense). Tansy was also as Ohio goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis), grass- observed occasionally growing on cobble shores, leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), sedge which is not atypical. Just south of Indian Point (Carex viridula), three-square (Scirpus there are small openings with Great Lakes americanus), butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), barrens vegetation, with such species as ground and nodding ladies’-tress orchid (Spiranthes juniper (Juniperus communis), bearberry cernua). Further north the shoreline grades into (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), horizontal juniper (J. broad areas of cobble shore with marshy flats. horizontalis), and various conifer species. The
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 46 sandy openings near the Point were also found to the Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis be relatively weedy, with most invaded by huroniana) were unsuccessful in documenting spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). East the species in this area. Further surveys are of the Point, the shoreline becomes very narrow needed to determine whether they occur here. and limited, consisting of a cobbly-sandy shore Two point counts for migratory birds were backed abruptly by forest. Animal surveys for conducted in the vicinity of the point.
Iron Ore Bay
A relatively extensive region of shoreline dune species was present, including wormwood dunes occurs in the vicinity of the mouth of Iron (Artemisia campestris), milkweed (Asclepias Ore Creek, ranging from about 0.5 miles west of syriaca), horizontal juniper (Juniperus the creek mouth to more than one mile east. The horizontalis), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva- gated, private portion in section 20, west of Iron ursi), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), white cedar Ore Bay proper, was not surveyed. The dunes (Thuja occidentalis), white camas (Zigadenus near Iron Ore Creek are of good quality, glaucus), dune willows (Salix cordata, S. consisting of a well-developed, relatively high myricoides), and hairy puccoon (Lithospermum foredune grading back into moderately steep caroliniense). A known population of the rare dune hills, where there is some fragmentation fascicled broom-rape (Orobanche fasciculata), due to the development of private residences on an obscure species last observed at this site in the higher areas. Behind the public beach and 1958, was sought during early and late summer foredune the coastal road runs through the lower field surveys but could not be relocated. portion of the dunes, where it is signed as a However, wormwood, the obligate host plant of Public Beauty Road. The site is scenic but the the parasitic broom-rape, is common in the Iron road clearly fragments the dunes. The foredune is Ore Bay dunes, and thus it is likely that dominated by the pioneering marram grass Orobanche persists within this still intact dune (Ammophila breviligulata), with dune grass community. During animal surveys, a population (Calamovilfa longifolia), as is typical, occurring of Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana) primarily throughout the backdunes. Known was documented in Iron Ore Bay and in section populations of Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum 20 to the east. In addition, point counts for birds huronense) and Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium were conducted in forested habitat along Iron pitcheri) were surveyed to obtain status and Ore Bay Creek and in the open dune community population information; both species were north of Iron Ore Bay. A pair of merlins (Falco scattered through the dunes, with tansy occurring columbarius) were observed perched in pine principally along the foredune areas. Virtually no trees just 100 meters from the shore on two status information was known for these rarities different occasions. prior to our survey. An exemplary assemblage of
Lake Geneserath Hemlock Stand
A small stand of old-growth Eastern and groundlayer. Other common shrub and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was found along ground layer species included balsam fir (Abies the southwest shore of Lake Geneserath. The one balsamea), striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), acre stand is located on gently sloping terrain ground-pine (Lycopodium sp.) and wild sarsapa- with exaggerated pit-and-mound topography. rilla (Aralia nudicaulis). Canada yew (Taxa The forest canopy is dominated by hemlock with canadensis) was found growing well protected lesser amounts of yellow birch (Betula under a large blowdown tangle within the thin alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), band of cedar which separates the hemlock stand and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Sugar from Lake Geneserath. Both Eastern hemlock maple dominates the sub-canopy, shrub layer, and Canada yew are heavily browsed by white-
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 47 tailed deer, which is likely the cause of their was conducted along the south shore of the lake, scarcity in the forest understory. No hemlock in a different habitat dominated by cedar, birch seedlings or saplings were observed within the and maple. This site is notable in that ten stand or elsewhere on the island. Because the site different bird species were recorded during the is privately owned and borders Lake Geneserath, short interval of the point count. it is a prime development site. Within this general area, a point count for migratory birds
Lefts Point
North of the high quality dune complex at maculosa) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) McFadden Point, the foredune constricts to a were common in several areas along this stretch. narrow shoreline band consisting of a mixture of A northern fen occurs on Left’s Point itself, cobble and sand beach with occasional pockets dominated by grass and sedge species such as of northern fen. This mile or so stretch of twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides), sedge (Carex shoreline that extends approximately ½ mile aquatilis), bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis inex- north and south of Left’s Point contains three pansa), hardstem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), and clusters each of Pitcher’s thistle and Lake Huron rushes (Juncus balticus and J. brachycephalus). tansy. For the most part these clusters are rather Illustrative of the diversity of this community sparsely populated, reaching their greatest were the numerous herbaceous species in flower density of 50 or so individuals just south of during the time of survey. These included small Left’s point where the greatest extent of sandy fringed gentian, (Gentianopsis procera), cardinal foredune occurs. Common associates include flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Kalm’s lobelia (L. typical dune species such as marram grass kalmii), ladies’-tress orchids (Spiranthes sp.) and (Ammophila breviligulata), wheat grass grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca). One (Agropyron dasystachyum), and wormwood point count for migratory birds was conducted (Artemisia campestris). Exotic species such as along the road just inland from the point. soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), bluegrass (Poa compressa), spotted knapweed (Centaurea
Little Sand Bay Preserve
A well-known area encompassing a nature several tributaries, about 30% of the population preserve owned and managed by the Little was in full bloom on August 19. Traverse Conservancy, this entire bay was The dune beach is characterised by shallow surveyed to document the status of the numerous foredune backed by several long linear interdunal rare plant populations known there, including, wetlands which are in turn backed by a wide flat most importantly, the sole remaining population dune in the northern half of the bay. It retains a of Michigan monkey flower on the Island. A full complement of native dune species, nicely constructed pathway winds through the including healthy populations of both Pitcher's preserve through a boreal forest-cedar swamp thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy complex into the sandy, dune shoreline at the (Tanacetum huronense), which are found along heart of the Bay. A network of creek tributaries most of the Bay. A flourishing population of converge at the edge of the forest forming a large butterwart (Pingucula vulgaris) consisting of creek of cold flowing water that empties into the hundreds of plants was found to persist in one of Bay. It is in this portion of the creek, at the the linear dune swales. Local clusters of exotic ecotone of forest and open dune that the still species, such as spotted knapweed (Centaurea thriving population of monkey flower occurs. maculosa), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Covering approximately 8 square meters, hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.), and Kentucky scattered along the edges of the main creek and blue-grass (Poa compressa) also occur along the
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 48 entire Bay, but are most frequent near the beach. ORV tracks were also seen along portions preserve where the pathway opens onto the of the dunes.
Lookout Point
Lookout Point comprises a stretch of shore- tum huronense), and Pumpell’s brome grass, in line on the northeast shore harboring a somewhat addition to the open dunes community, were small but locally significant area of open dunes. catalogued as new occurrences for the statewide These dunes, which also include well-developed database. interdunal wetlands, were identified as a To complete the survey of the northeastern significant survey gap and subsequently covered shore of the Island, the island was surveyed from during early as well as late season surveys. East just east of the lighthouse at the easternmost of Lookout Point, the dunes consist of a narrow point of St. James Harbor, around Sucker Point foredune abruptly backed by forest, expanding to and north to Lookout Point. Gull Harbor, a a much broader open dune community with small preserve located east of St. James Bay, interdunal wetlands near the Point. West of the consists primarily of a large calcareous, Point, the foredunes are higher, backed by broad, emergent wetland along a rocky shoreline, flat, sandy-gravelly dune fields and a few backed by boreal forest. Although targeted, no interdunal wetland pockets. In one area the dunes rare sedges, grasses, or orchids were found in the grade up to a modest blowout below the forested Preserve. A road runs along the shoreline from bluff, where Pumpell’s brome grass (Bromus the lighthouse to Sucker Point which has long pumpellianus) was discovered. Dominant and been noted as the Island "car wash" due to the common species include such typical dune plants disappearance of the road into the Lake during as dune grasses (Ammophila breviligulata, times of high water. Homes are scattered along Calamovilfa longifolia), milkweed (Asclepias most of the shoreline fronted by rocky sand syriaca), sea rocket (Cakile edentula), rock-cress beach. Localized colonies of Pitcher's thistle (Arabis lyrata), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva- (Cirsium pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy ursi), beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus), and (Tanacetum huronense) were noted along the horizontal juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), as beach frontage from Sucker Point north to well occasional exotic species such as spotted Lookout Point where they merge into the knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), soapwort extensive populations of the northern shore of (Saponaria officinalis), and bluegrass (Poa the Island, noted in 1998. compressa). Most exotic species did not appear In 1999, despite poor survey conditions, a to be a problem, with the exception of spotted small population of the Lake Huron locust knapweed, which was relatively invasive in the (Trimerotropis huroniana) was found along the sandy-gravelly flats behind and near the Point. narrow sandy shoreline west of Lookout Point. Significant populations of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), Lake Huron tansy (Tanace-
Martin’s Bluff
This mesic northern hardwood forest, followed by fire appears to have occurred. In roughly 60 acres in size, is located on a low ridge this section there were white pine (Pinus strobus) between two large wetlands. Large, old-growth stumps and mature paper birch (Betula trees include American beech (Fagus papyrifera), which established following the fire. grandifolia), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Local island residents, as well as students and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and sugar faculty at CMU know the site. Many of the trees maple (Acer saccharum). Within the old-growth have been marked during student studies. forest there is a small area where cutting
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 49 Point La Par
This forest, with trees from 100 to 150 years (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), northern white-cedar old, consisted of two portions. A low sand ridge (Thuja occidentalis), and trembling aspen supported a forest of red oak and white pine, (Populus tremuloides). A large cedar from this which may have been the result of fire swale was between 150 and 175 years old. This management for agriculture by Native tract is relatively large (approximately 300 acres) Americans. No food storage pits were and should be pursued for acquisition or other encountered to substantiate this type of forms of protection. management. The other portion of the forest is a moister, broad swale that supported green ash
Sand Bay
Sand Bay consists of an approximately three- limited. South of the Jordan River mouth, the mile stretch of shoreline forming a gently dunes grade upward to a few low- sloping dune curving, shallow bay from Conns Point south to rises, where a few open lots were undeveloped. about Point La Par. This area includes the well- Several thousand plants were estimated for known Central Michigan University Biological both Pitcher’s thistle and Lake Huron tansy, Station and a long string of residences, many of indicative in part of the collectively extensive which are fairly large seasonal homes. This site and functional nature of the open dunes was identified for inventory based on a nearly community. As is typical, marram or dune grass complete lack of status information for (Ammophila breviligulata) dominated on the previously documented rare plant populations. foredune, with dune grass (Calamovilfa longifo- As we surveyed this shoreline and tallied lia) occurring landward. Typical species included population numbers for Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus), sea rocket pitcheri) and Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum (Cakile edentula), milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), huronense), we realized the open dunes rock-cress (Arabis lyrata), euphorbia (Euphorbia community was contiguous and intact for a polygonifolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron considerable portion of the shore, thus radicans), starry false Solomon’s seal (Smilacina warranting recognition as a natural community stellata), horizontal juniper (Juniperus occurrence. The dunes were found to consist of a horizontalis), and ground juniper (Juniper relatively broad, well-developed foredune backed communis). Exotics included soapwort by a band of mostly flat backdunes between the (Saponaria officinalis), smooth brome (Bromus foredunes and most homes. Although there is inermis), bluegrass (Poa compressa), and extensive development in this area, artificial spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), with disturbance by landowners in many cases was the latter observed to be somewhat invasive in minimal, with the alteration of dune frontage backdune areas. One point count for migratory consisting of little more than modest paths to the birds was conducted at the south edge of Sand beach. Several had day use areas, but the general Bay near the state forest campground just north level of disturbance in many areas was fairly of Point La Par.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 50 Sandy Point North
This site comprises an approximately one- and Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense) mile portion of shoreline south of Little Sand were documented as extensions to the well- Bay, the latter a well-known area including a documented populations in Little Sand Bay. nature preserve owned and managed by the Little Three point counts for migratory birds were Traverse Conservancy. The shoreline was briefly conducted just to the north at the Little Traverse inventoried from Sandy Point to the southern Conservancy Nature Preserve. Counts were edge of Little Sand Bay, primarily to determine conducted in old field, lowland cedar, and the presence of rare plant species likely to shoreline habitats. It is noteworthy that swarming continue from the north. In this site, the shoreline insects were observed along the beach during the consisted of discontinuous and very limited point counts. Emerging aquatic insects along the stretches of beach and foredune, backed by shoreline may provide migratory birds a abrupt lowland cedar and mixed conifer- significant food resource in the spring when hardwood forest. The dune stretches were terrestrial insects may be scarce. The cedar, interspersed with cobble shore and occasional spruce and tamarack trees as well as various limestone bedrock outcrops and small boulders. shrubs lining the shoreline may provide an Small, low-diversity wetlands were found toward excellent foraging substrate for neotropical the south edge of Little Sand Bay. Modest migratory birds feeding on these insects. numbers of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri)
Southwest Old-Growth
When MNFI botanists conducted distinct from the surrounding matrix forest reconnaissance in late June for potential natural community. The stand is dominated by sugar community occurrences, this interior mesic forest maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch stand was identified as having old-growth (Betula alleghaniensis), and contains several characteristics. Several individual trees were large Eastern hemlocks. One sugar maple observed as rather large in both stature and measured 99 cm in DBH, with several other trees diameter at breast height (DBH), and the forest approaching this size. Additional species contained a significant Eastern hemlock (Tsuga included American beech (Fagus grandifolia), canadensis) component. The occurrence of large paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and several hemlocks is particularly noteworthy, as this examples of large red maple (Acer rubrum). The species was once common throughout northern several large paper birch trees present are Michigan but because of high deer densities indicative of a disturbance regime that results in often fails to regenerate. The site was more canopy gaps due to blowdowns, creating not only thoroughly assessed with MNFI staff ecologists marked canopy gaps but also a structure of pit- during late season surveys, resulting in the and-mound microtopography on the forest floor, identification of an approximately 20-30 acre a typical feature of mesic northern forests. stand of high quality northern mesic forest
St. James Harbor
Within this largely developed bay, some and Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense). open dune habitat occurs from approximately the Typical dune species predominate on the public beach to Harbor Point. Portions with low foredune, including dune grasses (Ammophila foredune and a limited backdune area, mostly breviligulata, Calamovilfa longifolia), beach pea comprising the frontage of residences and (Lathyrus japonicus), starry false Solomon’s seal seasonal homes, still provide habitat for modest (Smilacina stellata), and dune willows (Salix populations of Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) spp.), although owing to human activities and
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 51 artificial disturbance the shoreline is somewhat observed to be extant in 1989 by M. Penskar. weedy in areas, particularly near the public The shoreline hydrology was found to be drasti- beach. Exotic species include soapwort cally modified during the construction of a (Saponaria officinalis), spotted knapweed residential home, and as reported previously (J. (Centaurea maculosa), and smooth brome Paskus, pers. comm.), the colony could not be (Bromus inermis). A well-known population of located. Permission should be obtained to do a the federal and state endangered Michigan more thorough survey of this private parcel, monkey-flower (Mimulus glabratus var. michi- although it does seem likely that one of the 15 ganensis) was sought in the south part of the known global populations of this Michigan harbor. This species occurred in cold, spring-fed endemic has been extirpated. pools at the base of a low hillside, and was
Garden Island sites
Garden Island Harbor
A northern wet meadow occurs inland from thick organic bottom. Between the lake and the Garden Island Harbor in an old, abandoned cedar swamp there is a broad band of wet embayment of Lake Michigan. This bay is now meadow, which supports many plants separated from the lake by a dune ridge. The characteristic of northern fens. edges of the bay support cedar swamp, while the center of the bay contains a small lake with a
Garden Island West Boreal Forest
An extensive, approximately 600-acre tract (Cornus rugosa), and American fly honeysuckle of boreal forest was located along the western (Lonicera canadensis). The understory, sparse shore of Garden Island on shallow organic soil with extensive areas of exposed soil and duff, over limestone cobble (Figure 3). The natural included creeping rattlesnake plaintain (Good- community was characterized by well developed yera repens), Menzies’ rattlesnake plantain (G. pit-and-mound microtopography and single and oblongifolia), twin flower (Linnaea borealis), group tree windthrow; characteristics indicative goldthread (Coptis trifolia), large round-leaved of mature forest with the natural disturbance orchid (Platanthera orbiculata), blue-bead lily regime intact. Overstory species were predomi- (Clintonia borealis), and various species of nantly northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) Violets (Viola sp.) and sedges (Carex sp.). No and white spruce (Picea glauca) with lesser but human disturbance, e.g. timber harvests, stumps, significant amounts of balsam fir (Abies trails, or other clearings, was noted within the balsamea), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and forest. This site is among the largest and highest balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera). The forest quality tracts of boreal forest described in sub-canopy, generally sparse but dense locally, Michigan to date. Further, there is some chance was dominated by balsam fir with lesser amounts that several rare orchids, including ram’s head of white cedar and white ash (Fraxinus lady’s slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) and americana). Shrub layer species included calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa), may occur mountain maple (Acer spicatum), beaked hazel- within this natural community. nut (Corylus cornuta), round-leaved dogwood
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 52 Indian Harbor
A large Great Lakes marsh occurs in the dominant. The northern fen gradually becomes narrow bay at Indian Harbor. Typical of many of drier and changes to open cedar swamp along its the marshes along Beaver, Garden, and Hog inland margin. While no plants of Houghton’s Islands, and of the Mackinac Straits area in goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii) were general, there are typical emergent marsh plants encountered, the habitat seemed appropriate for like threesquare (Scirpus americanus) in the this Great Lakes endemic, and thus the site may deeper portions of the marsh, but along the merit inventories again to seek this rare species. shallower edges, northern fen species are
Jensen Harbor
A large population of butterwort the northern fen, occupying the moist swales. (Pinguicula vulgaris) was found growing in the Butterwort was growing nearby. A large northern fen at Jensen Harbor. While butterwort northern fen occurred along the margin of the often occupies moist, marly habitat, it was bay, with open marsh extending into the shallow growing on the moist sand of the low beach waters of the bay, and the fen extending up to the ridges, along with dried up Nostoc, an algae. It cedar forest, which grew both on low beach appears that the seeds of butterwort were ridges along the shoreline and in shallow swales. deposited on the moist sand when the water There was no sign of past logging of the cedar. levels were high, in 1997 and 1998. None of The cedar were relatively small diameter, these plants were flowering; all appeared to be probably due to periodic wind storms along the juvenile plants. Houghton’s goldenrod (Solidago shoreline. houghtonii) was found locally growing within
Jensen Harbor West
The entire shoreline was traversed southeast strip of sandy beach, the presumed location of from sweat lodge swale to Jensen’s Harbor to earlier records for these species. Several assess the status of previously documented hundred clumps of tansy were found scattered occurrences of Pitcher’s thistle and Lake Huron throughout, but no Pitcher’s thistle plants were tansy, and to determine if other listed shoreline observed. No additional rarities were discovered species may be present. The shoreline is mostly along this sandy strip, however beauty sedge was rocky with a shallow, steep bluff topped with discovered in several pockets northwestward, boreal forest. For the most part it lacks the sandy growing sparsely in crevices of the rocky dune features typical of thistle and tansy habitat. substrate forming the top lakeward edge of the Just west of the harbor, however, lies a narrow bluff.
Monatou Bay to Sturgeon Bay
Surveys were conducted along the shoreline Marsh vegetation with a northern fen component from the east edge of Northcutt bay to Sturgeon dominates, similar to that described in the Bay. Due to the extreme low water year, Northcutt Bay site description above. Occasional significant areas of marly, rocky, sand lake swales occur, often with a marly crust, bottom with little vegetation was exposed along dominated by calciphiles such as twig-rush each of the bays. Occasional islands of (Cladium mariscoides), spike-rush (Eleocharis vegetation are scattered throughout these flats. rostellata), and Buxbaum’s sedge (Carex At the edge of the normal waterline, Great Lakes buxbaumii). Marly pockets with species such as
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 53 grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca), pitcher- (Primula mistassinica), Indian paint brush plant (Sarracenia purpurea), false asphodel (Castelleja coccinia), and (Carex flava) can also (Tofieldia glutinosa), bird’s-eye primrose be found here.
Northcutt Bay
Surveys were conducted along the shoreline the Bay. A population of Pitcher’s thistle from Indian Harbor to Northcutt Bay, targeting a persists here, consisting of 50-100 clumps prevously documented Pitcher’s thistle record scattered sparsely in only a small region of the and any additional shoreline rarities. The inner Bay. The sandy shore backs up shoreline is characterized by a band of Great immediately to boreal forest where sparse Lakes Marsh and northern fen species including amounts of beauty sedge (Carex concinna) were blue joint (Calamagrostis canadensis), tickle found along the forest-dune ecotone. The site grass (Agrostis hyemalis), hardstem bulrush was quite weedy and there was evidence of (Scirpus acutis), spike-rush (Eleocharis human activity such as boat launching, picnic elliptica), arrow-grass (Triglochin maritimum), sites, and hiking. rushes (Juncus balticus, J. brevicaudatus), A northern fen occurs a little further Calamint (Calamintha arkansana), silvery eastward of the sandy portion of the Bay. White cinquefoil (Potentilla anserina), Kalm’s lobelia cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and tamarack (Larix (Lobelia kalmii), and fringed gentian laricina) are scattered throughout a marly, (Gentianopsis procera). Further inland, it hummocky, matrix of shrubby cinquefoil, typically grades into a shrub-graminoid zone (Potentilla fruticosa), twig-rush (Cladium with the addition of shrubby cinquefoil mariscoides), bulrush (Scirpus cespitosus), and (Potentilla fruticosa), red-osier dogwood little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius). (Cornus stolonifera), ninebark (Physocarpus Additional species include grass-of-parnassus opulifolius), and sweet gale (Myrica gale). This, (Parnassia glauca), false asphodel (Tofieldia in turn, is backed by white cedar, white birch, glutinosa), Kalm’s lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), spruce dominated boreal forest. Most of the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), sundew immediate shoreline along this stretch contains a (Drosera linearis), and Pitcher plant (Sarracenia fair number of exotic species including bouncing purpurea). The fen extends inland, forming a bet (Sapponaria officinalis), ox-eye daisy “bouncy” peat-mat surrounding a large pool of (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), spotted open water. knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), and yarrow The state threatened merlin was seen flying (Achillea millefolia). at Northcutt Bay and the state threatened osprey Northcutt Bay was the only region with any was observed at Indian Harbor. No nests were significant sandy shoreline, consisting of a observed although it is likely that they nest on the narrow strip along the inner northwest corner of island.
Red Oak Garden
A forested track of mature red oak (Quercus americana) reaching the canopy. It is likely that rubra) occurs within southern portions of the the native people inhabiting Garden Island in islands interior forest. The site is included here presettlement times regularly burned this area to because of its significance as a possible artifact keep it open for agriculture, berry picking, and of presettlement Native American land use. The hunting. Because of its ability to persist in a General Land Office surveyors of the mid-1800’s shrub-like condition where fires are common, red noted this area as having been “cleared by fire” oak rapidly assumed dominance at this site once and “burned”. Today the site is completely domi- Native American land use patterns changed. nated by large red oaks with few sugar maples However, sugar maple, the dominant species (Acer saccharum) and white ash (Fraxinus throughout the islands’ mesic forests will soon
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 54 regain its place in this sites canopy as it currently this site was surveyed again. No white pine dominates the forest’s understory. Other (Pinus strobus) was found, unlike many other common understory species include ironwood Native American former agricultural sites. (Ostrya virginiana), and hazelnut (Corylus Based on trees cut near the trail, individuals of americana), a fire-adapted shrub. Common red oak were found to be at least 120-125 years groundlayer species include wild sarsaparilla old. (Aralia nudicaulis), sedges (Carex pensylvanica and C. pedunculata), and sugar maple. In 1999,
Sweat Lodge Swale
A small, high quality northern fen occurs pitcheri), constituting a small new occurrence for approximately 30 meters inland from the islands the island. northwest shore. The swale is bordered by an A return trip was made to sweat lodge swale extensive boreal forest to the south and a thin in 1999 to survey for beauty sedge (Carex band of cedar glade separating the northern fen concinna) and ram’s head orchid (Cypripedium from Lake Michigan. The long, narrow fen is arietinum) during their prime. We were unable distinctly different at each end. The marly, to confirm the identity of the small, early fruiting eastern portion of the fen contains a diverse array sedge or early flowering orchid with certainty of calcium loving species including English during our 1998 visit, due to the late date of the sundew (Drosera anglica) and butterwort survey, which targeted other species. In 1999, (Pinguicula vulgaris), both species of special beauty sedge was found flourishing in the rich concern, Ohio goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis) cedar glade bordering Lake Michigan. The Kalm’s lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), grass-of- species was growing in abundance, widely Parnassus (Parnassia glauca), sedges (Carex scattered in crevices in the flat bedrock substrate viridula & C. flava) and false asphodel at the edge of the cobble beach terraces and (Tofieldia glutinosa). In contrast the western boreal forest further inland. It’s most common portion of the fen was dominated by sedge associates included bearberry (Arctostaphylos (principally Carex lasiocarpa) and contained uva-ursi), sedges (Carex pedunculata, Carex little plant species diversity. Within the limestone eburnea), gay wings (Polygala pauciflora), rich cedar glade to the north of the swale several twinflower (Linnaea borealis), and various Native American, traditional sweat lodges have mosses and lichens. Ram’s head orchid was not been erected and although empty, were in good observed, however, a dozen or so yellow lady’s- repair. The sandy and limestone cobble shoreline slipper orchids were found there. bordering the cedar glade contained several dozen, scattered Pitcher’s thistle (Cirsium
Hog Island Sites
Baldimore Bay EA
This state environmental area consists of a that is dominated by northern white cedar (Thuja couple of very narrow embayments that support occidentalis). The marsh is dominated by Great Lakes marsh, northern fen, and at their hardstem bulrush (Scirpus acutus), and includes inland edge, interdunal wetlands. During 1999, such species as rush (Juncus balticus). Common due to the low water levels in the Great Lakes, and dominant plants of the northern fen include these bays were almost completely dry. Kalm’s lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), Arkanasa mint Emergent marsh vegetation dominates the outer (Calamintha arkansana), sedge (Carex viridula), portion of the wetland, while northern fen twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides), and rush vegetation occurs near the swamp forest border (Juncus balticus)
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 55 In addition to the natural community to be defending nests. This was the only place occurrences, common terns (Sterna hirundo) where common terns were encountered, but the were encountered along the narrow embayments previously known nesting site on the point near of Baltimore Bay. Four adult terns were Grape Island was not visited. observed, and were quite aggressive, appearing
Hog Island East Shoreline
The eastern shoreline of Hog Island consists The dune and swale complex present is not of several small dune and swale complexes, well developed, with one large swale and two areas of open dune, cobble beach, and coastal well developed dune ridges. The foredune wetland. There is very little sign of human provided habitat for both Pitcher’s thistle and disturbance along this entire shoreline. Along Lake Huron locust (Trimerotropis huroniana). the southeastern shoreline there is a relatively Lake Huron locust is found along the narrow large stretch of Great Lakes marsh. The foredune of the eastern shoreline in several substrate is generally cobbly, with marl and places. Most of these populations are small, a northern fen plants near the upland edge of the result of the small area of habitat, but one large wetland complex. This section of shoreline has a stretch of beach is over a half mile long and record for Pitcher’s thistle (Cirisum pitcheri), but contains the largest population of the locust, with there was very little sand substrate, so it is likely 38 locusts counted. A dwarf lake iris (Iris that the collections were made from further north lacustris) population occurs on the southern edge along the eastern shoreline. Populations were of this site. This population of dwarf lake iris is ultimately found in the northern portion of this the first occurrence documented from the island. site. The populations of Pitcher’s thistle are The population occupies a small open beach relatively small, located west and north of Tim’s ridge, with many ant mounds interspersed Island. The smaller area of habitat supported throughout. Portions of the beach ridge and approximately 60 plants, while the larger adjacent swale support small northern white northern area had only four plants. The cobbly cedars (Thuja occidentalis), under which nature of much of the shoreline does not provide scattered clumps of sterile dwarf lake iris are opitimal habitat for this plant, although this also found. The northern white cedars within species has been observed to form moderately this complex were not large, but there were no large colonies on cobbly-sandy beaches (Penskar stumps. Storms may cause blowdowns to occur et al. 1997). commonly in these shoreline cedars .
Hog Island North
Both of the natural community occurrences were not harvested during the cutting of adjacent in the northern part of the island are inland sites. upland sites. West of the swamp there was Most of the upland forest has been cut in the almost impassible shrub swamp, with a large past, probably around the turn of the century for beaver pond, also completely dry in 1999 fueling steam ships. The old-growth forest areas An area that is a remnant of Native are probably the result of Native American American occupation occurs on a small ridge. agricultural activities. An old-growth black ash The top of this low sand ridge, probably a beach (Fraxinus nigra) swamp was found east of ridge created several thousand years ago, Fisherman Bay. The black ash trees, which supports a forest of white pine (Pinus strobus) ranged from 26 to 40 cm in diameter, were and red oak (Quercus rubra). This site was highly buttressed, indicating that the water levels referenced as an Indian field in the presettlement were typically high. In 1999 the swamps were surveys. Former MNIF ecologist Gary Reese completely dry; these areas were probably cored trees in 1986, and identified trees that considered to be of poor productivity and thus dated from 1830s to 1840s, which provides
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 56 potential evidence that the area was farmed by can assist in reconstructing the successional and Native Americans using fire as a tool for Native American management history of the site, agriculture. Plot data were compiled during as has been done elsewhere in northern Michigan 1999 surveys of the site and soil samples were (Minc and Albert 1987). collected for future charcoal analyses; these data
Bois Blanc Island sites
No detailed botanical or natural community of white pine (Pinus strobus). Adjacent to and surveys were conducted on Bois Blanc Island, as within mapped old-growth areas, extensive this site has been extensively surveyed for those cutting is occurring, resulting in the removal of elements in much previous work. Other than the numerous red oaks. Although charcoal analyses numerous sampling points for bird surveys, a are beyond the scope of this study, several litter brief late-season survey was conducted to samples were obtained in old-growth areas for examine known old-growth remnants within and possible future analysis; this will assist in around two dedicated state natural areas. Mature reconstructing the successional history of these red oak (Quercus rubra) was found to be an areas and possibly determine the role of Native important component in these mesic northern American occupation and site use. forests, in addition to scattered large individuals
Marquette Island Sites (Les Cheneaux Islands)
Marquette Bay
The shoreline of Marquette Bay was stemmed individuals of paper birch (Betula accessed via kayak. The majority of the papyrifera) occur in disturbance (blowdown) shoreline was accessed and selected interior gaps. areas were inventoried. A narrow cobble and A small, localized but distinct open swale sand beach borders Marquette Bay, which was depression harbors a good quality northern fen somewhat more extensive in 1999 due to the low remnant, around and within which are water levels. The shoreline is backed abruptly by individuals of beauty sedge (Carex concinna). a good quality boreal forest in the northern The fen is small but of good quality; portion of the bay; the forest occurs within a characteristic species in the fen include shrubby small embayment that forms a small dune and cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), northern white swale complex with moderate ridge and swale cedar, creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), topography. Northern white cedar (Thuja bird’s eye primrose (Primula mistassinica), occidentalis) is a dominant component, with sphagnum, round-leaved sundew (Drosera many tall mature individuals ranging up to about rotundifolia), false ashpodel (Tofieldia 14” or more in dbh. Co-dominating are balsam glutinosa), yellow ladyslipper (Cypripedium fir (Abies balsamea) and occasional white calceolus), and arrow-grass (Triglochin spruces (Picea glauca). Relatively large, single- maritimum).
Marquette Southeast Peninsula
On the extreme southeast portion of fringe of boreal forest. Although neither Marquette Island, west of Voight Bay and south community was of sufficient size and extent to of Peck Bay, a relatively small bay with northern constitute an element occurrence, both were of fen was explored. This small cove, which in good quality. A vigorous population of dwarf location straddles the state meridian line, lake iris, part of which is an extension of a contains a complex of northern fen bordered by a previously known occurrence, extends into the
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 57 ‘boreal’ islands of the fen and continues cedar (Thuja occidentalis), balsam fir (Abies eastward at along the ecotonal edge of rocky balsamea), larch (Larix laricina), bearberry shoreline and inland boreal forest. This (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and creeping juniper occurrence appears to be thriving amongst the (Juniperus horizontalis). Beauty sedge (Carex human dwellings and activities that occur there, concinna) was also observed here, scattered and extends for approximately one mile along along a very narrow edge of the ecotone. Several the forested edge of the shoreline and well into clumps were also found eastward around the the forest interior where natural and human made bend of the island. openings are common. Common associates include such typical species as northern white
Peck Bay
Peck Bay consists of an extensive high Islands of small cedar (Thuja occidentalis), quality Great Lakes Marsh with three dominant tamarack (Larix laricina), and black spruce vegetation zones. A narrow band of submergent (Picea mariana) are scattered throughout the fen, marsh occurs at the lake edge and grades into an along with numerous marly pools. A thriving extensive band of emergent marsh, which, in the population of dwarf-lake iris (Iris lacustris) was southeast end, extends all the way across the discovered in the middle of the south side of the Bay. Lying furthest inland, is an extensive Bay, extending for about a quarter mile stretch. northern fen, dominated by calciphiles such as The iris occurs primarily along the ecotonal edge shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), grass- of the fen and boreal forest further inland, of-parnassus (Parnassia glauca), sedge (Carex extending into the forest along openings in the flava), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja cocinnea) canopy. and bird’s-eye primrose (Primula mistassinca).
Voight Bay West
West of Voight Bay proper, where an found along the forest edge along the interdunal extensive and well known, high quality Great wetland. The interdunal wetland, which was not Lakes marsh occurs, lies a section of shoreline of distinguished as a separate natural community high ecological diversity. Immediately west of because of its small extent, was found to be quite Voight Bay, across a thin peninsula, a small diverse, supporting a large assemblage of region of shoreline occurs supporting a narrow wetland species. Locally this is a spectacular but significant strip of open dunes. The dunes region of the island containing a rich diversity of are comprised principally of a single low plant species, including a strikingly abundant foredune backed by a narrow, linear interdunal population of the common pitcher-plant wetland. Because of the paucity of open dunes (Sarracenia purpurea). habitat within the Les Cheneaux islands, this Located amongst the hundreds of purple community was considered to be significant. tinged plants, was a small group of bright lime- Although the dunes were slightly weedy where green specimens that could be spotted from a human use was apparent, they were dominated long distance away. This rare variation of by such typical species as dune grass pitcher-plant, a state threatened taxon known as (Ammophila breviligulata), creeping juniper forma heterophylla, contains no purple pigment (Juniperus horizontalis), bearberry in the flowers or vegetative portions of the plant. (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), narrow-leaved Flowers lacking pigment are critical in order to tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), rock-cress confirm the identity. The discovery of this taxon (Arabis lyrata), white spruce (Picea glauca), and on Marquette Island brings the total known bastard toadflax (Comandra umbellata). A few population clusters in the state to three. This plants of beauty sedge (Carex concinna) were taxon was previously known for many years only
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 58 from a small group of acid bogs in Montmorency cedar (Thuja occidentalis), balsam fir (Abies County in northern Lower Michigan, until this balsamea), larch (Larix laricina), and black year when it was found in a bog near the city of spruce (Picea mariana). Common and dominant Newberry in the Upper Peninsula and species include such bog and fen taxa as simultaneously on Marquette Island during our spikerush (Eleocharis rostellata), twig-rush surveys. (Cladium mariscoides), Labrador tea (Ledum Along the northern portion of this site, a groenlandicum), spikemoss (Selaginella series of high quality, diverse northern fen eclipes), bulrush (Scirpus cespitosa), grass-of- openings were systematically surveyed. The Parnassus (Parnassia glauca), sedges (Carex openings occur immediately adjacent to the livida, C. garberi), and numerous other species. shore, forming a series of more or less circular Sphagnum hummocks were common within the areas, one of which is quite large. These fens. Our surveys were too early to detect the northern fen areas extend for approximately one- presence of Houghton’s goldenrod, which is half mile. The fens are extremely marly, with known from this region of the island. many open pools and small rivulets of running water; within the fens are small islands of white
La Salle Island (Les Cheneaux Islands)
A small portion of La Salle Island was occidentalis) ranging to about 18” dbh, and inventoried, consisting of a brief assessment of white spruce (Picea glauca). Several clumps of the southeast and southern shore; this area was beauty sedge (Carex concinna) were documented selected based on aerial photo interpretation. On adjacent to Bass Cove Lake, where this species the small peninsula adjacent to the narrow extended well inland along a bordering slope into channel by Government Island, a boreal forest the boreal forest. was documented, comprised of a reasonably Along the southern shore of the island, good quality second growth community with ranging around toward Bosely Channel, cobble good structure as evidenced by numerous snags, beach grading into small localized areas of blowdowns, natural gaps, and relatively large northern fen was observed, with a typical trees. Large white pines (Pinus strobus) ranging complement of fen and cedar glade species, to 24” or more in dbh were noted, as well as including Indian paintbrush (Castilleja large, single-stemmed paper birches (Betula coccinea), shrubby St. John’s-wort (Hypericum papyrifera) found in former blowdown gaps. kalmianum), Arkansas mint (Calamintha Co-dominant trees included balsam fir (Abies arkansana), and characteristic sedges of alkaline balsamea), balsam poplar (Populus sites (Carex flava, C. viridula). balsamifera), northern white cedar (Thuja
Drummond Island Sites
Marblehead Cliffs
An extensive, striking series of northeastern shore, owing in part to the difficulty limestone/dolomite cliffs occur along the in surveying this relatively remote, inaccessible periphery of the Marblehead peninsula. terrain. The cliffs, which are primarily along the Drummond Island has been surveyed numerous northern two-thirds of this blunt peninsula, occur times to assess the status and condition of its abruptly behind the narrow cobble shore. These well known, globally rare alvar examples, which cliffs rise approximately 30 meters (ca. 100 ft) or are found over much of its area. However, very more above lake level, stepping back in a series little inventory has been directed toward of two to three major terraces. There is a good assessing the Marblehead cliffs along the deal of woody vegetation within and around the
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 59 cliffs, the overstory dominated by northern white polypody (Polypodium virginianum), and cedar (Thuja occidentalis), trembling aspen maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). (Populus tremuloides), balsam fir (Abies This site is the only known extant Michigan balsamea), and white spruce (Picea glauca). occurrence for the state endangered wall rue Shrubs and vines are also dominant in places, (Asplenium ruta-muraria), and this species was comprised of native honeysuckle (Diervilla present in good numbers. A new occurrence for lonicera), prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati), the state threatened slender cliff brake (Pellaea buffalo-berry (Shepherdia canadensis), and atropurpurea) was discovered during the especially poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), inventory, and a large number of plants were that latter a well known lime-loving species catalogued. extremely abundant throughout the site, which In addition to the survey of the cliffs, the impeded close inspection in many areas. The entire eastern shore from the Marblehead cliffs were traversed to the top terrace, which peninsula south to Bass Cove was examined via was dominated by a thin, dry mesic, mixed forest kayak, including stops to conduct brief surveys with trembling aspen and paper birch (Betula of potentially significant shorelines. No papyrifera). additional significant areas were identified along The east facing, exposed cliff faces support the remainder of the shoreline, which is numerous clumps on ferns in a variety of comprised of relatively narrow cobble beaches, crevices, concavities, and other surfaces where with the exception of one open area in section 24 several species are able to establish. Common that was determined to be unremarkable ferns include fragile fern (Cystopteris fragilis), rusty woodsia (Woodsia ilvensis), common
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 60 Identification of Significant Biodiversity Areas
The following is not intended to be a Lake, Font Lake, Iron Ore Bay, Greene’s Lake, comprehensive summary, which will be St. James Harbor, and open fields near Wilke compiled in a subsequent report, but rather a Airport. simple elaboration of the most notable and Several significant new sites were significant sites and natural features identified identified through further survey of Garden and during 1999 surveys. As in 1998, surveys Hog islands, which are rich in biodiversity resulted in relatively large number of finds. This despite their more modest sizes. These islands, was the result of conducting surveys in several all of which are owned and managed by the State new areas, as well as revisiting sites inventoried of Michigan, occur within the Beaver Islands previously. With regard to the latter, this was Wildlife Research Area, and are collectively very true particularly where there was an emphasis on important biodiversity sites. new targets, such as focusing on early blooming Bois Blanc Island. Bois Blanc is large island versus late-blooming rare plant species, or well known for its many natural features, most of surveying breeding birds in addition to censusing which have been assessed in several previous migratory species. Occurrences also resulted surveys. Migratory and breeding surveys from extending surveys from the periphery of demonstrated the high bird abundance in known sites, when it was recognized that comparison to that recorded for Beaver and additional habitat was present and accessible. Garden islands, which were studied during the Lastly, new data were also obtained via the same year, with relatively high bird richness as addition of selected surveys by MNFI aquatic well. Several listed bird species, including bald ecologists, who focused on an assessment of eagle, American bittern, Caspian tern, and potentially significant aquatic sites on Beaver common tern where observed during 1999 Island. surveys. Overall, Bois Blanc Island is a Beaver, Garden, and Hog islands. On Beaver significant site for avian biodiversity in addition Island, significant new sites identified include to the numerous occurrences of several rare Egg Lake bog, Font Lake old-growth, an plants, including all of Michigan’s Great Lakes additional area near Lookout Point (i.e. Lookout endemics. In addition, the newly listed federal Point extension), Martin’s Bluff, and Point La endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly, Par. The majority of these newly identified areas (Somatochlora hineana), was subsequently comprise natural community occurrences, confirmed on the island in habitat identified including notable interior areas that support during surveys as being suitable. This is one of examples of mesic northern forest (Font Lake the relatively few known sites within the old-growth and Martin’s Bluff) and open bog currently known global range of this species, (Egg Lake bog). Inventory of additional which is largely restricted to the Great Lakes. shoreline areas resulted in several new plant and The island is also the northernmost state site for insect occurrences, including Great Lakes the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus endemics, further demonstrating the importance catenatus catenatus), a species currently under of the shoreline and its richness in biodiversity. consideration for federal listing. Bois Blanc Aquatic reconnaissance of Beaver Island also supports several state dedicated natural concluded that the interior lakes and tributaries areas, including interior sites with mesic northern examined are areas of potentially high forest containing old-growth. The occurrence of biodiversity; these include Barney’s Lake, Fox large red oaks in these old-growth areas is Lake, Font Lake, Lake Geneserath and a suggestive of a Native American cultural history, tributary, and Iron Ore Creek. providing an additional reason to conserve and With regard to bird surveys, Beaver Island study these sites. collectively supports a large number of migratory Les Cheneaux islands. The Les Cheneaux as well as breeding birds, including several state islands have long been identified as a significant listed species that occur at such sites as Barney’s
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 61 biological and cultural region of the northern Drummond Island. Much of Drummond Island, Lake Huron shoreline, as evidenced by the their which is well known for its extensive and high inclusion with The Nature Conservancy’s quality alvar grassland habitat, has undergone Northern Lake Huron Bioreserve. Despite this a intensive surveys. Previous inventories have priori knowledge, it was also known that more focused on core areas of known alvar sites and thorough and detailed field inventory was on systematic inventories of bedrock shorelines. necessary. Portions of two of the largest islands Our somewhat brief but more systematic in the chain were surveyed, resulting in new inventory of the limestone/dolomite outcrop that occurrences for boreal forest, northern fen, open forms the Marblehead cliffs resulted in the dunes, and shoreline plant species on Marquette identification of another rare fern species, the Island and La Salle Island. The most notable state threatened slender cliff brake (Pellaea occurrence was the discovery of the rare yellow atropurpurea), and more importantly, the pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea f. documentation of the cliffs as a significant heterophylla), a state threatened species known natural community type (dry non-acid cliff). previously only in a few local bogs in the The cliffs are extremely difficult to traverse and northern Lower Peninsula north of Lewiston (see inventory completely, they still require further report cover). These initial inventories indicate survey for additional rare plant taxa, and have the need to conduct further survey work for merit for snail surveys and perhaps other plants, natural communities, and selected animal invertebrates as well. species, such as Hine’s emerald dragonfly, for which suitable habitat is likely present.
Projected Island Work for Year 2000
Natural community surveys. Field work for the purpose of providing guidance to future natural communities will be directed toward efforts and proposals. selected, accessible islands within Animal surveys. Bois Blanc Island and Potagannissing Bay near Drummond Island, with Drummond Island are scheduled for both an emphasis on assessment of the largest islands. migratory and breeding bird surveys, and Harbor Island, a public island within the Seney potentially additional follow-up surveys for Refuge management region, is the largest island selected insects and reptiles on Bois Blanc in the bay, and one to two days of field surveys Island. are planned. Access to one or more of the Landowner contact. A comprehensive remaining significant islands, such as Burnt landowner contact and conservation planning Island, Wilson Island, and Macomb Island, will effort for Drummond Island will be delayed until be contingent on obtaining permission from 2001, such that significant inventory work can be private landowners, including at least one family completed in 2000. However, MNFI’s limited partnership (e.g. the Plym Foundation for conservation planning specialist will initiate Burnt, Wilson, Cedar, and associated smaller prepatory work for this effort by analyzing the islands within the group). results of the 1999 Beaver Island workshop. Botanical surveys. Botanical surveys, in This will result in an improved perception of collaboration with the aforementioned natural specific information needs, island stakeholders, community work, are scheduled for one or more and the most meaningful workshop format. of the islands, contingent on the provisions noted above. In addition, the MNFI Botany Program leader will conduct a brief analysis of this island inventory and conservation planning project for
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 62 Acknowledgements
This project was made possible through the Mollusk Division, who was consulted on snail generous funding provided by the EPA Great shell identification. Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) and a Jessie Hadley, Northern Lake Huron CZM grant provided by the Michigan Coastal Bioreserve Director for The Michigan Field Management Program, MDEQ. We thus would Office of The Nature Conservancy, kindly like to thank Mr. Richard Greenwood and Ms. provided housing for field staff and also Karen Rodriguez of GLNPO and Ms. Cathie arranged boat travel to Marquette and La Salle Cunningham of MDEQ for their respective Islands. We appreciate the assistance in field support, assistance, and unflagging interest and surveys on selected Les Cheneaux islands from encouragement. both Jessie and seasonal intern Susan Klimas, MNFI Program Zoologist Mary Rabe and we are especially indebted to Mr. Austin coordinated animal inventory efforts. Animal “Powers” Harrison for carefully transporting us field surveys would not have been possible on his newly inherited boat. without the good skills and knowledge provided Conservation planning workshops were by Jennifer Olson, Jodi Spieles, Mike Petrucha, conducted on Beaver Island with the assistance Kim Grveles, and volunteer Mark Ledebuhr. of Joe VanderMeulen, of the Land Information A gracious thank you goes out to MDNR, Access Association (LIAA). Key participants in Forest Management Division for use of their the Beaver Island conservation planning vehicle on Beaver Island. A number of people workshop included Tom Bailey (Little Traverse kindly helped us in many ways on Beaver Island; Conservancy), Marilyn Damstra, (LTC island first and foremost, we owe special thanks to the steering commission and St. James township faculty and staff of CMU Biological Station, who planning commissioner), E.B. Lang (Beaver provided lodging, meals, vehicles, assisted with Island property owners association), and Bill site leads, and shared their knowledge of the Paladino (planning commissioner for Peaine island. We would especially like to acknowledge township). We must also thank the several five CMU faculty members, professors Jim island residents and other stakeholders who Gillingham, Dan Wujek, Michael Hamas, Dave participated in an interactive island planning Ewert, and Gil Starks, for sharing their expertise workshop, as well as the Beaver Island Property and assistance. We are indebted to Beaver Island Owners Association (BIPOA), who allowed us to resident Dan Higdon of Island Hopper Charters, make a presentation during their annual meeting. Inc., who ably transported us to Garden Island Karen Vigmostad, a doctoral candidate and and Hog Island, provided useful maps, and coordinator of the Great Lakes Islands Project in looked out for our well being as we explored, the Department of Resource Development, camped, and conducted our work. We would Michigan State University, continues to provide like to thank Theresa and Larry Larain of Larain encouragement as well as inspiration for this Lodge, Beaver Island, for providing excellent work, and deserves special acknowledgement. lodging to a diverse group of field biologists, and We tender special thanks and appreciation also for assisting us in making contacts that to MNFI Coordinator Judy Soule, who authored greatly helped us in inventories. a seminal guiding document, Biodiversity of Special thanks go to Betsy Hoffman and Michigan’s Great Lakes Islands (1993), and Allen Hoffman, who provided comfortable remains highly committed to this important lodging and local knowledge of Bois Blanc work. Clair Dorr, former MNFI Grants Island. In addition, we would like to thank Administrator, provided considerable budget Marjorie Williams for facilitating helpful contact assistance. with island residents and for providing guidance Marshall Strong, GIS and mapping on selecting survey sites. specialist with MDNR Wildlife Division, We also thank Dr. Jack Burch, Curator, provided superb last-minute guidance in University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, producing island maps. And last, but by no
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 63 means least, we thank Sue Ridge and Laraine provided help in the countless ways we are so Reynolds, MNFI Director of Administration and accustomed to that aid immeasurably in Administrative Assistant, respectively, who conducting and completing our work.
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Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 65 Management Program. MNFI. Lansing, MI. Hussel, D.J.T., M. Mather, and P. Sinclair. 1992. 159 pp. Trends in numbers of tropical and temperate Comer, P. J., W. A. MacKinnon, M. L. Rabe, D. landbirds in migration at Long Point Ontario, L. Cuthrell, M. R. Penskar and D. A. Albert. 1961-1988. Pages 101-114 in J.M. Hagan III 1995a. A Survey of Lakeplain Prairie in and D.W. Johnston, editors. Ecology and Michigan. Report to Michigan Department conservation of Neotropical migrant of Natural Resources, Land and Water landbirds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Management Division, Coastal Zone Washington, D. C. Management Program. MNFI. Lansing, MI. Judziewicz, E. J. In prep. Flora and Vegetation 234 pp. of the Grand Traverse Islands (Lake Comer, P. J. et al. 1995b. Michigan’s Michigan), Wisconsin and Michigan. Presettlement Vegetation, as Interpreted from Kennedy, P.L. and D.W. Stahlecker. 1993. the General Land Office Surveys 1816-1856. Responsiveness of nesting Northern A report funded by USEPA, Water Division; Goshawks to takped broadcasts of conspecific Michigan Department of Natural Resources, calls. J. of Wildlife Mgmt. 57:249-257 Wildlife Division; MDNR, Saginaw Bay Lee, Y., L. J. Scrimger, D. A. Albert, M. R. Watershed Initiative; MDNR Land and Water Penskar, P. J. Comer, & D. L. Cuthrell. Mgmt. Division, Coastal Zone Program; 1998. Alvars of Michigan. Report for The Hiawatha National Forest and Michigan International Alvar conservation Initiative. Department of Military Affairs. MNFI. 30 pp. Lansing, MI. 17 pp. Mahan, H. D. 1969. The birds of Beaver Island. Drew, L. C. and C. J. Phillips. 1964. Unpublished Manuscript. 3 pp. Observations concerning the birds of Beaver Michigan Natural Features Inventory. 1989. Island, Charlevoix County, Michigan. The Draft Descriptions of Michigan Natural Jack-Pine Warbler. 42:234-238. Community Types. Lansing, MI. 34 pp. Forzley, K. C., T. A. Grudzien, & J. R. Wells. Moore, F. R. and T. R. Simons. 1992. Habitat 1993. Comparative floristics of seven islands suitability and stopover ecology of in northwestern Lake Michigan. Michigan Neotropical landbird migrants. Pages 345- Bot. 32: 3-21. 355 in Ecology and Conservation of Fuller, A. M. 1927. A botanist afield on Neotropical Migrant Landbirds (J.M. Hagan Washington Island. Milwaukee Public Mus. III, and D.W. Johnston, eds.). Smithsonian Year Book 6: 66-78. Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 609 pp. Gleason, H. A., & A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Moore, S. 1930. Lepidoptera of the Beaver Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States Islands. Occ. Pap. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. and Adjacent Canada. Second edition. The 214:1-28. New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, New Olson, J.A. & J.D. Soule. 1998. Cumulative York. lxxv + 910 pp. Impacts of Great Lakes Shoreline Grudzien, T. A. 1979. The birds of Beaver Development on Natural Features. Report to Island. Unpublished Manuscript. 8 pp. Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Hatt, R. T., J. Van Tyne, L. C. Stuart, C. H. Land & Water Mgt. Div., Michigan Coastal Pope, and A. B. Grobman. 1948. Island life: Management Program. 47 pp. + appendices. study of land vertebrates of the islands of Penskar, M.R. & J.P. Ludwig. 1981. A Summer eastern Lake Michigan. Bull. 27. Cranbrook Survey of 35 BLM Islands in the St. Mary's Press, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 179 pp. River and Lake Huron for Rare, Threatened, Holmgren, N.H. 1998. Illustrated Companion to and Endangered Plants and Animals. Gleason and Cronquist’s Manual. Illustrations Ecological Research Services, Iron River, of the vascular plants of Northeastern United Michigan. 88 pp. States and adjacent Canada. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY. 937 pp.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 66 Penskar, M. R., T. R. Leibfreid, and L. J. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-149, Pacific Scrimger. 1993. A Survey of the Lake Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA. Michigan Coastal Zone for Great Lakes Reese, G. A., D. A. Albert, S. R. Crispin, L. A. Endemic Plant Species. Report to the Wilsmann, and S. J. Ouwinga. 1986. Final Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Report on a Natural Areas Inventory of Land and Water Management Division, Michigan's Designated Sand Dune Areas. Michigan Coastal Management Program. Report to the Michigan Department of MNFI. Lansing, MI. 38 pp. + appendices. Natural Resources, Land Resource Programs Penskar, Michael R, Phyllis J. Higman, Judith D. Division. 67 pp. Soule and Lyn J. Scrimger. 1997. A Survey Scharf, W. C. 1973. Birds and land vertebrates of of the Lake Huron and Lake Michigan South Manitou Island. Jack Pine Warbler. Coastal Zones for Great Lakes Endemic Plant 51: 3-19. Species. Report to Michigan Dept. of Scharf, W.C. 1996. The importance of Great Environmental Quality, Land and Water Lakes islands to nearctic-neotropical migrant Management, Coastal Mgmt. Program. birds. Pages 42-46 in State of the Great Lakes MNFI. Lansing, MI. 80 pp. + append. Islands Report (K.E. Vigmostad ed.). Penskar, M.R., P.J. Higman, D.A. Hyde, D.L. Proceedings from the August 18-22, 1996 Cuthrell, R.A. Corner, M.A. Kost, and E.J. workshop. Roscommon, MI. 124 pp. Judziewicz. 1999. Biological Inventory for Soule, J.D. 1993. Biodiversity of Michigan’s Conservation of Great Lakes Islands: 1998 Great Lakes Islands: Knowledge, Threats and Progress Report. Report to Michigan Dept. Protection. Report to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Land and Water of Natural Resources, Land and Water Mgt. Div., Coastal Mgt. Program. MNFI Management Division, Coastal Zone Report # 1999-01. 38 pp. Management Program. Lansing, MI. MNFI. Perkins, J. P. 1964. A ship’s officer finds 17 Lansing, MI. 150 pp. flyways over the Great Lakes. Audubon 66: Steffans, W.P. 1999. 1999 Hine’s Emerald Status 294-299. Surveys in Michigan and Ontario Summary Pinkowski, B. 1991. Wood Thrush (Hylocichla Report. Report to Chicago Area Field Office, mustelina) Pages 356-357 in: R. Brewer, G. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Barrington, McPeek, and R. Adams editors. The Atlas of Illinois. 8 pp. the Breeding Birds of Michigan. Michigan U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1999. Draft State Univeristy Press, East Lansing, Recovery Plan for Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly Michigan. 594 pp. (Somatochlora hineana). Prepared by D. Profant, D. 1991. An annotated checklist of the Zercher and The Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly Lepidoptera of the Beaver Island achipelago, Recovery Team for Region 3, U.S. Fish and Lake Michigan. Great Lakes Entomologist. Wildlife Service. Fort Snelling, Minnesota. 24 (2) 85-97. vii +114 pp. Ralph, C. J., G.R. Geupel., P. Pyle., T. E. Vigmostad, K.E., editor. 1999. Status of the Martin., and D.F. DeSante. 1993. Handbook Great Lakes Islands Report. Proceedings of field methods for monitoring landbirds. from the 1996 U.S.-Canada Great Lakes U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Gen. Tech. Rep. Islands workshop. U.S.-Canada Great Lakes PSW-GTR-144, Pacific Southwest Islands Project, Dept. Res. Dev., Mich. State Experiment Station, Albany, CA. Univ. East Lansing, MI. 124 pp. Ralph, C. J., J.R. Sauer, and S. Droege. 1995. Voss, E.G. 1996. Michigan Flora. Part III. Managing and monitoring birds using point Dicots (Pyrolaceae-Compositae). Bull. counts: standards and applications. Pages Cranbrook Inst. Sci. 61 & Univ. of Michigan 161-168 in C. J. Ralph, J.R. Sauer, and S. Herbarium. xix + 622 pp. Droege editors. Monitoring bird populations by point counts. U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 67 Voss, E. G. 1985. Michigan Flora. Part II. Voss, E. G. 1972. Michigan Flora. Part I. Dicots (Saururaceae-Cornaceae). Bull. Gymnosperms and Monocots. Bull. Cranbrook Cranbrook Inst. Sci. 59 and Univ. of Michigan Inst. Sci. 55 and Univ. of Michigan Herbarium. Herbarium. xix + 724 pp. xv + 488 pp.
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 68 APPENDIX A PowerPoint Presentation Given to Beaver Island Conservation Planning Workshop
Great Lakes Islands 1999 – page 69 Agenda The Natural Heritage Network
• A network of agencies • Who is the Michigan Natural Features whose charge is to collect Inventory? sound scientific • Significance of Great Lakes shoreline and information Islands • 85 primary data centers; – all states • Results of biological – 6 Canadian provinces surveys – 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries
Public-Private Partnership Information Flow
• MNFI was cooperatively formed between The • Gather Nature Conservancy and the state of Michigan. •Track • Analyze • Disseminate ……..information on endangered, threatened and special concern species, rare or exemplary natural communities, and other unique natural features.
Significance of Great Lakes Tracking Data Shorelines
• Over 600 species of plants, animals, • and invertebrates • Over 100 natural communities • Over 11,000 element occurrences
1 Biodiversity Significance Unique Natural Communities
• Stopover points for migratory waterfowl • Nesting sites for Colonial waterbirds • Stopover sites for Neotropical migrants, and raptors • Important fish spawning habitat • Harbor a large number of rare species • Many of Michigan’s most unique natural communities are only found on shoreline
Unique Natural Communities Significance of Islands
Nowhere else in the world does the combination of vast interconnected bodies of freshwater and such a number and variety of Islands occur.
Close-up of St. Mary’s River Beaver Island Archipelago Area
• Nearly 600 islands within Michigan’s borders • Harbor Approximately 10% of states total known E.O.’s
2 Natural Community Surveys Plant Surveys
• Open Dunes • Great Lakes – no occurrences in Shoreline database • Great Lakes • Old growth Forest endemics – large tracts of forest – update old information in southern portion of – provide more detail the Island – explore unsurveyed areas
Animal Surveys Results of Surveys
• Migratory Birds – Evaluate importance • Significant Areas Include: as a stopover site • Breeding birds – Entire Great Lakes Shoreline – Which birds are – Inland Lakes nesting and where – Pockets of Old Growth Forest • Insects – Rare species in Open dunes
Great Lakes Shoreline Great Lakes Shoreline
• Open Dunes • Plants – 5 new occurrences documented – 21 occurrences updated – 7 new occurrences – primarily along – 1 species listed as Federally and State southern and Endangered western shorelines – 3 species listed as Federally and State Threatened
3 e e
e e
n n
n n
i i
i i
l l l • Pitcher’s thistle l
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o o – Great Lakes o • Lake Huron Tansy
h h
h h endemic – State Threatened
S S
S S
– State Threatened – Open dunes s s
s s
e e e – Federally e – Limited distribution
k k k Threatened k – Found all along
a a a – Open dunes a
L L
L L shoreline
t t t – found all along t
a a a shoreline a
e e
e e
r r
r r
G G
G G
e e
e e
n n
n n
i i
i i
l l
l l
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o
o o
h h
h h
S S
S S
s s s • Houghton’s goldenrod s
e e e e • Dwarf Lake Iris
k k k – State Threatened k – Great Lakes
a a a – Federally Threatened a
L L endemic
L L
t t t – Great Lakes endemic t – State Threatened
a a a – interdunal wetlands a – Federal
e e
e e
r r r – Limited distribution r Threatened
G G G – 1 known site on Beaver G – Found in two sites
e e e e • Michigan Monkey n n
n n
i i
i i
l l l l Flower
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o
o o
h h – State Endangered h h
S S S S – Federally
s s Endangered
s s
e e e Fascicled broom rape e – Harbor site
k k k k extirpated
a a
a – State Threatened a
L L L – Previously found L – LTC site harbors
t t t t one of only 13 – Not found during recent surveys
a a a a populations in
e e e – parasitic plant of wormwood (common on e
r r world r dunes) r
G G
G G
4 e e
e e
n n
n n
i i
i i
l l l l • Lake Huron Locust
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o o • Pompelly’s o
h h – State Threatened h bromegrass h
S S S S – 8 new sites documented
– State Threatened
s s s s – Open Dunes
e e e – Open dunes e
k k k – Very limited k
a a
a a
L distribution L
L L
t t t – one site on Island t
a a
a a
e e
e e
r r
r r
G G
G G
e e
e e
n n n Bird Highlights n
i i Birds i i
l l
l l
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o
o o
h h h • Migratory Shorebirds (gulls, cormorant, terns, h
S S
S S
plovers, rails)
s s s • Neotropical Migratory songbirds s
e e e e • Piping Plover
k k k • Merlin - southern shoreline (state threatened) k
a a
a a – Federally Endangered
L L L • American bittern - Font Lake (state special L – Historically nested along Western shoreline
t t t concern t – No successful nests since 1991 (Donnegal Bay)
a a
a a
e e e • Loons - Inland Lakes (state threatened) e – Pair observed in 1998 - McCauley Pt.
r r
r r • Common moorhen Greenes’ Lake (state special • Flushed by local dog
G G G concern) G
e e
e e
n n n Neotropical Migrants n Migratory Birds i Neotropical Migrants i Migratory Birds i i
l l
l l
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o o • Breed in N. America o • Total # of Birds 1999 = 106
h h h • Winter in tropics h • Total # of migrants 1999 (spring) = 65
S S
S S
• Long distance • Total # of migrants 1999 (summer) = 78
s s s migration s
e e
e e
k k k • Serious decline due k • Beaver Island is an important stopover
a a a to habitat loss a
L L L L and breeding site for long and short
t • Stopover sites are t t t distance migrants
a a a very important a
e e
e e
r r
r r • Black throated blue warbler is a species
G G G G observed that is experiencing a serious decline
5 e e
e e
n n n Neotropical Migrants n Neotropical Migrants i Neotropical Migrants i Neotropical Migrants i i
l l
l l
e e
e e
r r
r r
o o o • Other notable neotropical migratory o
h h h songbirds found on Beaver Island include: h • Hotspots on Beaver Island for migratory
S S
S S
songbirds include:
s s
s s
e e e e – Southern and eastern Lake Michigan shorelines
k k k k with protected bays and coniferous vegetation.
a a a a – Little Sand Bay
L L
L L
t t t t – French Bay
a a a a – Along Mrs. Redding’s Trail
e e
e e
r r r r – Inland Lakes such as Barney’s Lake
G G
G G
Inland Lakes Old Growth Forest
• Neotropical migratory • Although mesic songbirds northern hardwoods is a common natural – protection from wind community, very little – good food source exists in a mature, • Loons old growth condition. – Historically documented on all lakes • Three sites were • Deepwater pondsnail documented, all in – (state listed threatened) southern portion of – only 4 known sites in MI Island – 2 historical sites on Beaver
Most Significant Sites
Lookout Pt. McCauley’s Pt.
Barney’s Lake Little Sand Bay
Greenes’ Bay
French Bay Cable’s Bay SW Old growth Iron Ore Bay
6 APPENDIX B Interactive Workshop: Beaver Island
Great Lakes Islands 1999 - page 76