Laurentian Upland South Handbook (PDF)

FORESTRY HANDBOOK For Laurentian Upland South Biophysical Region Itasca County, Minnesota June 2006

I. Background

The purpose of this “Forestry Handbook” is to provide managers and foresters with a ready reference that contains detailed information about the environment of each biophysical region and opportunities for producing quality consumptive and non consumptive products. That information is based on objective and verifiable biophysical data that was integrated at each plot and all plots were located in forestland administered by Itasca County Land Department. Contents of this handbook are intended for integrating with proven silviculture principles and practices during the preparation of prescriptions for strategic and project activities. Users of this reference can analyze and evaluate a specific area of forestland and determine its capacity for supporting a proposed use. The reference can also be used for screening large areas of forestland for its capacity for supporting individual uses or combination of uses. Managers and foresters can then make decisions and prepare prescriptions that will have highly predictable results for producing sustainable products, maintaining site quality and substantially reducing risk of any adverse impacts.

Each handbook is comprised of description of the biophysical region, description of each biophysical landscape ecological unit (BLEU), an analysis of biophysical information and presentation of opportunities for managing forestland.

II. Laurentian Upland South Biophysical Region

This biophysical region occupies 158,939 gross acres in the southeast portion of Itasca County and is immediately south of the Mesabi Range. Within this region the population is concentrated in small cities and towns along State Highways 65 and 169 and several paved and gravel county roads. Nashwauk, Marble, Bovey, and Coleraine are small towns in or near this region. There is a significant population of citizens in rural areas along state and county highways. Those citizens work in the mining industry or support businesses, forest industry and support businesses, tourism and support businesses, and a multitude of smaller businesses There are numerous all season roads in this region which provide access to forest operations and the numerous private residences and small farms scattered throughout the region. Farming consists primarily of hobby operations involved in raising livestock and hay and small grain production.

Climate

Annual precipitation averages 28 inches with 15 inches occurring May through August. Annual temperature averages 38 degrees and the average for May through August is 61. Those averages are based on data from the Aurora, Babbitt, and Virginia weather stations located in the major portion of this region in an adjoining county to the east. Reported average growing degree days is 3296. This region is slightly drier and warmer than the regions immediately north. Local climate conditions are believed to be the cause of contrasting plant communities from some of those in Laurentian Upland North. 1

Glacial Geology

Glacial drift is comprised of a mixture of Rainey lobe, Des Moines lobe, and selected areas of Superior lobe deposits. This region represents a contact area between those lobes. There is a mixture of materials ranging from sand, gravel, silt, and clay. Isolated areas have thin glacial drift over bedrock. Superior lobe drift is comprised of reddish brown outwash, till, and lake deposited materials. Rainey drift is yellowish brown which contrasts with the red and brown of the Superior drift. Des Moines deposits tend to be grayish and frequently have a higher content of silt and clay. Thickness of the drift ranges from a couple of feet to more than a hundred feet. Much of the sand is in former glacial river channels, glacial outwash water deposits, and shallow glacial lakes.

Terrain

A major portion of the Laurentian Upland South region is nearly level which reflects the influence of the glacial melt water associated with river channels, outwash melt water, and glacial lakes. The smooth rounded hills are also sandy which contrast with the local broken and irregular slopes associated with the shallow glacial drift over bedrock. The sandy plains and hills have a low content of rock fragments and only scattered boulders, but in the thin drift areas which are mainly in the northeast portion of the region a high level of rock fragments and boulders are quite common. A local portion of a moraine in the east central part of this region is thick drift with a high level of boulders that are highly visible on the land.

Vegetation

Trembling aspen, paper birch, red maple, sugar maple, balsam fir, red oak and basswood are common trees in LUS. Black ash is dominant in certain lowlands. Black spruce is common in the bogs and some upland. Tamarack and white cedar are found in some bogs and selected upland sites. There is a sharp contrast between the vegetation in the farm fields and the adjoining forests. There are numerous abandoned fields which are in various stages of succession from grass to shrubs to trees and mixtures of all three. Current plant communities frequently have mature trees and are the result of past wood harvest and natural causes.

Structure in plant communities varies widely throughout the Laurentian Upland South region. In the thin drift in the northeast portion of the region there are many plant communities with an elevated over story, a low density shrub layer and a high density layer of forbs and mosses. Mature communities in the sandy plain in the central portion of the region has a moderate to high density shrub layer and a low to moderate density forb layer. In the more fertile uplands and moist valleys the density of the shrubs and forbs tends to increase substantially. Throughout the LUS a majority of plant community have distinct structure comprised of forbs, shrubs and trees. Black spruce dominated communities in the bogs typically have short shrubs and a dense layer of mosses.

Variation in species and structure throughout the region is the result of wood harvesting, farming, mining, and significant differences in natural fertility. Some balsam communities have been altered substantially by insects and presently have mixtures of fir reproduction, dense raspberry, and other shrubs. Forest plant communities tend to reflect the influence of a boreal forest 2

environment

The following is a list of all species recorded from 32 plots and 305 1/50th fixed radius sample points randomly located throughout Laurentian South Biophysical Region. For additional information for vegetation and quality of land, see the BLEU descriptions in the respective section.

USDA SCIENTIFIC COMMON M N H L NAME NAME

ABBA ABIES BALSAMEA BALSAM FIR 4 2 1 2 ACMI2 ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM YARROW OR MILFOIL 3 3 3 5 ACPA ACTAEA PACHYPODA WHITE BANEBERRY 3 4 2 1 ACRU ACER RUBRUM RED MAPLE 2 2 3 3 ACRU2 ACTAEA RUBRA RED BANEBERRY 3 3 2 1 ACSA3 ACER SACCHARUM SUGAR MAPLE 3 5 3 1 ACSP2 ACER SPICATUM MOUNTAIN MAPLE 3 2 2 1 ADPE ADIANTUM PEDATUM MAIDENHAIR FERN 2 5 4 1 AGGR2 AGRIMONIA LARGE LEAVED GRYPOSEPALA AGRIMONY 2 3 4 2 ALCR6 ALNUS CRISPA GREEN ALDER 2 1 1 4 ALRU3 ALNUS RUGOSA SPECKLED ALDER 5 2 1 4 AMBR4 AMPHICARPA BRAC- TEATA COMMON HOG PEANUT 3 2 4 3 AMELA AMELANCHIER SPP SERVICEBERRY 3 2 2 4 AMHU AMELA NCHIER COMMON HUMILIS JUNEBERRY 2 3 3 3 AMINC AMELANCHIER COMPLEX INTERMEDIA JUNEBERRY AMLA AMELANCHIER SMOOTH LAEVIS JUNEBERRY 3 3 4 3 AMSA AMELANCHIER RED TWIG SANGUINEA JUNEBERRY 2 2 2 4 AMSAC AMELANCHIER SANGUINEA COMPLEX JUNEBERRY AMSPC AMELANCHIER SPICATA COMPLEX JUNEBERRY ANCA8 ANEMONE CAN- ADENSIS CANADA ANEMONE 3 2 2 4 ANGL ANDROMEDA GLAUCO- PHYLLA BOG ROSEMARY 5 1 1 5 ANMA ANYAPHALIS MARGARIT- ACEA PEARLY EVERLASTING 1 2 2 5 ANNEA ANTENNARIA NEGLECTA var. ATTENDUATA FIELD PUSSY TOES 2 4 3 4 ANQU ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA WOOD ANEMONE 4 3 3 4 APAM APIOS AMERICANA GROUNDNUT APAN2 APOCYNUM ANDROSAE- SPREADING 3

MIFOLIUM DOGBANE 1 2 3 5 AQCA AQUILEGIA CANADENSIS SCARLET COLUMBINE 1 3 3 4 ARIAT ARISAEMA ATRORUBENS JACK IN THE PULPIT 3 5 4 1 ARNU2 ARALIA NUDICAULIS WILD SARSAPARILLA 2 2 2 3 ARRA ARALIA RACEMOSA SPIKENARD 3 5 4 1 ARTR ARISAEMA TRIPHYLLUM SMALL JACK IN THE PULPIT 4 5 3 2 ASCA ASARUM CANADENSE WILD GINGER 4 5 3 1 ASCI ASTER CILIOLATUS FRINGED BLUE ASTER 2 2 2 4 ASCO4 ASTER CORDIFOLIUS COMMON BLUE HEART LEAVED ASTER ASCR2 ASTRAGALUS CRASSICARPUS PRAIRIE-PLUM MILK VETCH 2 3 4 5 ASLA6 ASTER LATERIFLORUS NECKLACE ASTER 2 2 3 4 ASLO9 ASTER LOWRIENUS LOWRY'S ASTER ASMA2 ASTER MACROPHYLLUS LARGE LEAF ASTER 2 2 2 3 ASNO ASTER NOVAE ANGLIAENEW ENGLAND ASTER 3 2 3 4 ASPU5 ASTER PUNICEUS SWAMP BLUE ASTER 4 2 2 4 ASSA ASTER SAGITTIFOLIUS ARROW LEAVED ASTER 2 2 2 4 ASSI2 ASTER SIMPLEX WHITE PANICLED ASTER 3 2 3 4 ASSY ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA DOWNY MILKWEED 2 2 4 5 ASTER ASTER SPP ASTER UNKNOWN SPECIES ASUM ASTER UMBELLATUS FLAT TOP WHITE ASTER 2 2 3 4 ASUN ASTER UNDULATUS L WAVY-LEAVED ASTER ATFI ATHYRIUM FILIX-FEMINA LADY FERN 3 3 2 1 BEAL2 BETULA ALLEGHANIENSIS YELLOW BIRCH 4 5 2 2 BEGL2 BETULA GLANDULIFERA BOG BIRCH BEPA BETULA PAPYRIFERA PAPER BIRCH 3 2 2 5 BEPU4 BETULA PUMILA DWARF BIRCH 5 1 1 5 BICO5 BIDENS CONNATA PURPLESTREAM BEGGARTICKS BIFR BIDENS FRONDOSA DEVILS BEGGERTICK BOVI BOTRYCHIUM VIRGINIANUM RATTLESNAKE FERN 4 4 3 1 CAPA CALLA PALUSTRIS WILD CALLA 5 2 1 5 CAPA5 CALTHA PALUSTRIS MARSH MARIGOLD 5 2 2 4 CAPE6 CAREX PENSYLVANICA PENNSYLVANIA SEDGE 1 2 3 4 CAREX CAREX SPP UNKNOWN SEDGE CARO2 CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA HAREBELL 2 2 3 4 CATH2 CAULOPHYLLUM THALIC- TROIDES BLUE COHOSH 3 5 4 1 CEVU CERASTIUM VULGATUM MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED CHCA2 CHAMAEDAPHNE CALYCU- LATA LEATHERLEAF 5 1 1 5 CHLE7 CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCAN- THEMUM OX EYE DAISY 3 3 3 5 4

CIAL CIRCAEA ALPINA NORTHERN ENCHAN- TERS NIGHTSHADE 4 3 2 1 CIAL2 CIRSIUM ALTISSIMUM TALL THISTLE 3 1 4 4 CIAR4 CIRSIUM ARVENSE CANADA THISTLE 2 2 3 5 CIMA2 CICUTA MACULATA SPOTTED WATER HEMLOCK 4 2 3 4 CIQU CIRCAEA QUADRISULCATA ENCHANTERS NIGHTSHADE 4 5 4 1 CIVU CIRSIUM VULGARE BULL THISTLE CLBO3 CLINTONIA BOREALIS CLINTON LILY 3 2 1 2 CLVE CLEMATIS VERTICULLARIS PURPLE VIRGINS BOWER 3 4 3 4 COAL2 CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA ALTERNATE LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 5 4 1 COAM3 CORYLUS AMERICANA AMERICAN HAZEL 1 2 3 5 COAR4 CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS FIELD BINDWEED 2 2 2 5 COCA13 CORNUS CANADENSIS BUNCHBERRY 3 2 1 2 COCA4 COLLINSONIA CANADENSIS HORSEBALM 3 4 5 2 COCO6 CORYLUS CORNUTA BEAKED HAZEL 2 1 2 3 COGR COPTIS GROENLANDICA GOLDTHREAD 4 2 1 1 CORU CORNUS RUGOSA ROUND LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 3 3 2 COSE CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM HEDGE BINDWEED 3 3 4 4 COST4 CORNUS STOLONIFERA RED OSIER DOGWOOD 4 2 2 3 CRCA9 CRYPTOTAENIA CANA- NORTHERN DENSIS HONEWORT 3 5 5 2 CYAC3 CYPRIPEDIUM ACAULE MOCCASIN FLOWER 3 2 2 3 CYCA3 CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS LARGE YELLOW LADYS SLIPPER 3 3 3 3 CYRE6 CYPRIPEDIUM REGINAE SHOWY LADYS SLIPPER 4 3 3 2 DILO DIERVILLA LONICERA BUSH HONEYSUCKLE 1 2 2 3 DIPA9 DIRCA PALUSTRIS LEATHERWOOD 3 5 4 1 DRCR4 DRYOPTERIS CRISTATA CRESTED SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 3 DRDI DRYOPTERIS DISJUNCTA OAK FERN 4 3 1 1 DRPH DRYOPTERIS PHEGOPTERIS BEACH FERN 4 3 1 1 DRRO DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA ROUND LEAVED SUNDEW 5 2 1 5 DRSP4 DRYOPTERIS SPINULOSA COMMON SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 1 EPAN2 EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FIREWEED 3 2 2 5 EPGL2 EPILOBIUM GLANDULOSUM COMMON WILLOW HERB 3 2 1 5 EQAR EQUISETUM ARVENSE FIELD HORSETAIL 4 2 1 1 EQFL EQUISETUM FLUVIATILE WATER HORSETAIL 5 2 2 5 EQPA EQUISETUM PALUSTRE MARSH HORSETAIL 4 2 1 5 EQPR EQUISETUM PRATENSE MEADOW HORSETAIL 1 2 2 5 EQSC EQUISETUM SCIRPOIDES DWARF SCOURING RUSH 4 2 1 2 EQSY EQUISETUM SYLVATICUM FOREST HORSETAIL 3 2 1 3 EQVA EQUISETUM VARIEGATUM VARIEGATED SCOURING RUSH ERAN6 ERIOPHORUM ANGUSTI- 5

FOLIUM TALL COTTONGRASS 5 1 1 5 ERCA ERIGERON CANADENSIS HORSEWEED 2 3 3 5 ERPH ERIGERON PHILADELPLICUS DAISY FLEABANE 4 4 3 3 ERSP8 ERIOPHORUM SPISSUM TUFTED BOG COTTON 5 1 1 5 EUMA6 EUPATORIUM MACULATUM JOE PYE WEED 4 4 3 3 FMOSS FEATHER MOSS UNKNOWN SPECIES FRNI FRAXINUS NIGRA BLACK ASH 4 3 3 2 FRPE FRAXINUS PENNSYLVANICA GREEN ASH 3 5 4 4 FRVE FRAGARIA VESCA var UPLAND AMERICAN STRAWBERRY 3 3 2 4 FRVI FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA MEADOW STRAWBERRY 2 2 2 4 GAAP2 GALIUM APARINE CLEAVERS 3 4 3 2 GAAS2 GALIUM ASPRELLUM ROUGH BEDSTRAW 5 3 2 1 GABO2 GALIUM BOREALE NORTHERN BED- STRAW 1 2 2 5 GAHI2 GAULTHERIA HISPIDULA CREEPING SNOW- BERRY 5 1 1 3 GAPA GALIUM PALUSTRE MARSH BEDSTRAW GAPR2 GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS WINTERGREEN 1 1 2 5 GATE2 GALEOPSIS TETRAHIT COMMON HEMP NETTLE 3 2 2 5 GATI GALIUM TINCTORIUM TINT BEDSTRAW 2 5 1 2 GATR2 GALIUM TRIFIDUM THREE PARTED BEDSTRAW 5 2 2 4 GATR3 GALIUM TRIFOLORUM SWEET BEDSTRAW 3 2 2 1 GEAL3 GEUM ALLEPICUM var. STRUCTUM COMMON AVENS 4 2 3 4 GEBI2 GERANIUM BICKNELLII COMMON GERANIUM 2 3 2 4 GELA GEUM LACINATUM ROUGH AVENS GELI2 GEOCAULON LIVIDUM GEOCAULON 3 2 2 4 GEMA GERANIUM MACULATUM WILD GERANIUM 3 3 4 3 GEMA4 GEUM MACROPHYLLUM LARGE LEAVED AVENS 3 3 2 3 GRASS POACEAE SPP GRASS UNKNOWN SPECIES GYDR GYMNOCARPIUM DRYOP- TERIS OAK FERN 3 5 3 3 HEAM5 HEPATICA AMERICANA ROUND LOBED HEPATICA 1 3 3 2 HICA3 HIERACIUM CANADENSE CANADIAN HAWKWEED 1 2 3 4 HIER HEIRACUM SPP HAWKWEED UNKNOWN SPECIES HIVU HIERACIUM VULGATUM COMMON HAWKWEED HYCA7 HYPERICUM CANADENSE CANADA ST JOHNSWORT 3 2 3 4 ILVE ILEX VERTICILLATA WINTERBERRY 4 2 3 4 IMCA IMPATIENS CAPENSIS SPOTTED JEWELWEED 4 5 4 1 IRVE2 IRIS VERSICOLOR WILD IRIS 5 2 2 5 JUNCUS JUNCUS SPP RUSH UNKNOWN SPECIES KAPO KALMIA POLIFOLIA PALE LAUREL 5 1 1 5 6

LABI LACTUCA BIENNIS TALL WILD LETTUCE 3 3 2 4 LACA LACTUCA CANADENSIS COMMON WILD LETTUCE 2 3 3 4 LACA3 LAPORTEA CANADENSIS WOOD NETTLE 4 5 5 1 LALA LARIX LARICINA TAMARACK 5 1 1 5 LAOC2 LATHYRUS OCHROLEUCUS WHITE PEAVINE 1 2 3 5 LAPAL LATHYRUS PALUSTRIS MARSH VETCHLING LAVE LATHYRUS VENOSUS WILD SWEET PEA 1 2 2 5 LEGR LEDUM GROENLANDICUM LABRADOR TEA 5 1 1 5 LEVI3 LEPIDUM VIRGINICUM PEPPERWEED LIBO3 LINNAEA BOREALIS TWIN FLOWER 3 2 1 3 LICHEN LICHEN SPP LICHEN UNKNOWN SPECIES LICO6 LISTERA CORDATA HEART LEAF TWAYBLADE 4 2 1 2 LOCA7 LONICERA CANADENSIS AMERICAN FLYHONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 1 LOHI LONICERA HIRSUTA HAIRY HONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 3 LOOB LONICERA OBLONGIFOLIA SWAMP FLY HONEYSUCKLE 4 2 2 3 LUAC LUZULA ACUMINATA COMMON WOODRUSH 2 2 2 4 LYAL LYCHNIS ALBA WHITE CAMPION 3 3 4 2 LYAM LYCOPUS AMERICANUS WATER HOREHOUND 4 2 4 5 LYAN2 LYCOPODIUM ANNOTINUM STIFF CLUBMOSS 4 2 1 1 LYCI LYSIMACHIA CILIATA FRINGED LOOSESTRIFE 3 3 2 4 LYCL LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM RUNNING CLUBMOSS 3 1 2 1 LYCO3 LYCOPODIUM COMPLANA- FLAT-STEM TUM GROUNDPINE 2 2 2 3 LYJU LYGODESMIA JUNCEA SKELETON-WEED 2 2 5 5 LYOB LYCOPODIUM OBSCURUM GROUND PINE 2 3 1 2 LYTH2 LYSIMACHIA THYRIFLORA TUFTED LOOSESTRIFE 4 2 1 5 LYUN LYCOPUS UNIFLORUS COMMON WATER HOREHOUND 4 3 3 2 MACA4 MAIANTHEMUM LILY OF THE VALLEY 1 2 2 4 MAMA11 MATRICARIA MATRICIOIDES PINEAPPLE-WEED MAST MATTEUCCIA STRUTHI- OPTERIS var. PENSY OSTRICH FERN 3 5 4 1 MAUN MALAXIS UNIFOLIA GREEN ADDERS MEAR4 MENTHA ARVENSIS SWEET MINT 3 3 2 4 METR3 MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA BUCKBEAN 5 2 1 4 MIDI3 MITELLA DIPHYLLA BISHOPS CAP OR MITERWORT 3 4 3 2 MINU3 MITELLA NUDA NAKED MITERWORT 4 2 1 1 MIRI MIMULUS RINGENS COMMON MONKEY FLOWER 4 2 3 5 ONSE ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS SENSITIVE FERN 4 4 3 3 OSCI OSMUNDA CINNAMOMEA CINNAMON FERN 4 2 1 1 OSCL OSMORHIZA CLAYTONI SWEET CICELY 3 5 3 1 OSCL2 OSMUNDA CLAYTONIANA INTERRUPTED FERN 2 5 5 2 7

OSVI OSTRYA VIRGINIANA EASTERN HOPHORNBEAM 2 5 4 1 OXST OXALIS STRICTA COMMON YELLOW WOOD SORREL PAQU2 PARTHENOCISSUS QUINQUEFOLIA VIRGINIA CREEPER 3 3 4 3 PEPA31 PETASITES PALMATUS EARLY SWEET COLTSFOOT 4 2 1 3 PIGL PICEA GLAUCA WHITE SPRUCE 3 2 1 2 PIMA PICEA MARIANA BLACK SPRUCE 4 1 1 3 PIRE PINUS RESINOSA RED PINE 1 2 2 4 PIST PINUS STROBUS EASTERN WHITE PINE 2 2 2 3 PLHY2 PLATANTHERA NORTHERN GREEN HYPERBOREA L ORCHID PLMA2 PLANTAGO MAJOR COMMON PLANTAIN 2 3 3 5 POARP POLYGONUM ARIFOLIUM HALBERD-LEAVED var. PUBESCENS TEARTHUMB 4 3 3 5 POBA2 POPULUS BALSAMIFERA BALSAM POPLAR 4 3 2 3 POBI2 POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM SMOOTH SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 POCI POLYGONUM CILINODE FRINGED BINDWEED 2 3 3 3 POCO POA COMPRESSA CANADIAN BLUEGRASS 2 2 3 4 POCO10 POLYGONUM CONVOLVULUS BLACK BINDWEED 2 3 3 5 POER2 POLYGONUM ERECTUM L ERECT KNOTWEED POGR4 POPULUS GRANDIDENTATA BIGTOOTH ASPEN 1 3 3 3 POHY2 POLYGONUM MILD WATER HYDROPIPEROIDES PEPPER 5 2 3 5 PONO3 POTENTILLA NORVEGICA ROUGH CINQUEFOIL 2 3 2 4 POPA14 POTENTILLA PALUSTRIS MARSH CINQUEFOIL 5 1 1 5 POPA5 POLYGALA PAUCIFOLIA FRINGED MILKWORT 3 3 3 3 POPU4 POLYGONATUM PUBESCENS HAIRY SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 POSA5 POLYGONUM SAGITTATUM ARROW LEAVED TEARTHUMB 4 2 3 5 POSC3 POLYGONUM SCANDENS CLIMBING FALSE BUCKWHEAT 3 2 4 3 POTR5 POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN 2 2 2 4 PRAL PRENANTHES ALBA WHITE LETTUCE 2 3 1 3 PRPE2 PRUNUS PENSYLVANICA PIN or FIRE CHERRY 1 2 3 5 PRVI PRUNUS VIRGINIANA CHOKECCHERRY 2 3 3 4 PRVU PRUNELLA VULGARIS SELF HEAL 2 3 4 3 PTAQ PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM COMMON BRACKEN 1 2 2 4 PYAS PYROLA ASARIFOLIA PINK PYROLA OR BOG WINTERGREEN 3 4 2 2 PYEL PYROLA ELLIPTICA SHINLEAF 2 2 3 3 PYRO PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA ROUND LEAVED PYROLA 2 2 2 3 QUMA2 QUERCUS MACROCARPA BUR OAK 1 3 4 3 QURU QUERCUS RUBRA NORTHERN RED OAK 1 4 3 3 RAAB RANUNCULUS ABORTIVUS LITTLELEAF BUTTERCUP RARE2 RANUNCULUS RECURVATUS HOOKED CROWFOOT 2 3 3 3 8

RHAL RHAMNUS ALNIFOLIA ALDER LEAVED BUCKTHORN 5 1 2 4 RHRA RHUS RADICANS POISON IVY 1 3 3 4 RIAM2 RIBES AMERICANUM WILD BLACK CURRANT 3 5 3 2 RICY RIBES CYNOSBATI PRICKLY GOOSEBERRY 3 4 4 2 RIGL RIBES GLANDULOSUM SKUNK CURRANT 4 2 1 2 RIHI RIBES HIRTELLUM SMOOTH GOOSEBERRY 4 2 2 3 RILA RIBES LACUSTRE BRISTLY BLACK CURRENT 4 2 2 2 RIMI RIBES MISSOURIENSE MISSOURI GOOSEBERRY 2 3 4 3 RIOX RIBES OXYACANTHOIDES NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY 3 2 1 4 RITR RIBES TRISTE SWAMP RED CURRANT 4 3 1 2 ROBL ROSA BLANDA SMOOTH ROSE 1 2 2 5 ROCA4 ROSA CAROLINA L PASTURE ROSE RORU ROSA RUGOSA RUGOSA ROSE ROSA ROSA SPP ROSE UNKNOWN SPECIES RUAC RUBUS ACAULIS ARCTIC RASPBERRY 4 2 1 2 RUAL RUBUS ALLEGHENIENSIS COMMON BLACKBERRY 3 2 2 5 RUCR RUMEX CRISPUS CURLED DUCK 2 3 3 5 RUFL RUBUS FLAGELLARIS DEWBERRY 1 3 4 4 RUHI RUBUS HISPIDUS SWAMP DEWBERRY 3 3 4 4 RUID RUBUS IDAEUS WILD RED var. STRIGOSUS RASPBERRY 3 2 2 4 RUPU RUBUS PUBESCENS DWARF RASPBERRY 4 2 1 1 SAAM2 SALIX AMYGDALOIDES PEACH LEAF WILLOW 4 2 3 4 SABE2 SALIX BEBBIANA BEAKED WILLOW 2 2 3 4 SACA12 SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS COMMON ELDER 2 5 4 1 SACA13 SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS BLOODROOT 2 3 4 1 SAGR SALIX GRACILIS SLENDER WILLOW 4 3 2 5 SAMA2 SANICULA MARILANDICA BLACK SNAKEROOT 2 3 3 3 SAPE2 SALIX PEDICELLARIS BOG WILLOW 5 1 1 5 SAPU4 SARRACENIA PURPUREA PITCHER PLANT 5 2 1 5 SCEP SCUTELLARIA EPILOBIFOLIA MARSH SKULLCAP 3 3 3 3 SCLA SCROPHULARIA LANCEOLATA LANCELEAF FIGWORT SCLA2 SCUTELLARIA MAD DOG LATERIFLORA SKULLCAP 4 3 3 4 SIAN2 SILENE ANTRIRRHINA SLEEPY CATCHFLY 1 2 4 5 SMHE SMILAX HERBACEA CARRION FLOWER 2 5 4 2 SMOSS SPHAGNUM SPP SPAGNUM SMRA SMILACINA RACEMOSA FALSE SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 1 SMST SMILACINA STELLATA STAR FLOWERED SOLOMONS SEAL 2 5 4 3 SMTR SMILACINA TRIFOLIA THREE LEAVED 9

SOLOMONS SEAL 4 2 2 4 SOCAS5 SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS CANADA var. SCABRA GOLDENROD SOFL2 SOLIDAGO FLEXICAULIS WIDE LEAVED GOLDENROD 3 5 3 1 SOGI SOLIDAGO GIGANTEA GREATER GOLDENROD 4 3 3 4 SOHI SOLIDAGO HISPIDA UPLAND GOLDENROD 2 2 3 4 SORU2 SOLIDAGO RUGOSA ROUGH STEMMED GOLDENROD 3 3 3 3 SPAL2 SPIRAEA ALBA NARROW LEAVED MEADOWSWEET 4 3 3 3 SPCE SPIRANTHES CERNUA RICH NODDING LADIESTRESSES STME2 STELLARIA MEDIA L. COMMON CHICKWEED STPA STACHYS PALUSTRIS MARSH HEDGE NETTLE 4 3 2 4 STRO4 STREPTOPUS ROSEUS ROSE TWISTEDSTALK 2 3 3 1 SYAL SYMPHORICARPOS ALBUS SNOWBERRY 1 2 3 5 SYOF SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE L COMMON COMFREY TAOF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE COMMON DANDELION 2 2 3 5 TARA TARAXICUM SPP DANDYLION TAVU TAXACETUM VULGARE COMMON TANSY THDI THALICTRUM DIOICUM EARLY MEADOW RUE 2 3 3 3 THOC2 THUJA OCCIDENTALIS NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR 4 2 1 1 THPA THELYPTERIS PALUSTERIS EASTERN MARSH FERN THPH THELYPTERIS PHEGOPTERIS LONG BEACH FERN TIAM TILIA AMERICANA AMERICAN BASSWOOD 2 5 4 1 TRBO2 TRIENTALIS BOREALIS STARFLOWER 4 2 1 1 TRCE TRILLIUM CERNUUM NODDING TRILLIUM 3 5 3 1 TRGR4 TRILLIUM GRANDIFLORUM LARGE FLOWERED TRILLIUM 3 5 4 2 TRHY TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM ALSIKE CLOVER 2 3 3 5 TRPR2 TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE RED CLOVER 2 3 3 5 TRRE3 TRIFOLIUM REPENS WHITE CLOVER 2 3 4 4 TUFA TUSSILAGO FARFARA COLTSFOOT TYLA TYPHA LATIFOLIA COMMON CATTAIL 5 3 3 5 ULAM ULMUS AMERICANA AMERICAN ELM 3 5 4 2 UVGR UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA LARGE FLOWERED BELLWORT 2 5 4 1 UVSE UVULARIA SESSILIFOLIA SESSILE LEAVED BELWORT 2 4 3 1 VAAN VACCINIUM EARLY LOW ANGUSTIFOLIUM BLUEBERRY 1 1 1 5 VAMA VACCINIUM MACROCARPON CRANBERRY VAMY VACCINIUM MYRTILLOIDES VELVETLEAF BLUEBERRY 2 1 1 4 VAOX VACCINIUM OXYCOCCOS SMALL CRANBERRY 5 1 1 5 VAUL VACCINIUM ULIGINOSUM BOG BLUEBERRY VEAR VERONICA ARVENSIS CORN SPEEDWELL 10

VETH VERBASCUM THAPSUS COMMON MULLEIN 2 3 3 4 VIAM VICIA AMERICANA AMERICAN VETCH 3 3 4 3 VIAN VICIA ANGUSTIFOLIUM NARROW LEAVED VETCH VICA2 VICIA CARALINANA CARALINA VETCH VICO2 VIOLA CONSPERSA DOG VIOLET 3 5 4 1 VICR VICIA CRACCA COW VETCH 2 3 3 5 VIIN VIOLA INCOGNITA LGE LEAVED WHITE VIOLET 3 2 2 3 VIPA8 VIOLA PALLENS NORTHERN WHITE VIOLET 4 3 2 3 VIPU3 VIOLA PUBESCENS DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET 2 2 2 3 VIPUP2 VIOLA PUBESCENS SMOOTH YELLOW var. PUBESCENS VIOLET VIRA VIBURNUM RAFINESQUIANUM DOWNY ARROWWOOD 2 3 3 3 VIRE2 VIOLA RENIFOLIA KIDNEY LEAVED VIOLET 3 3 2 2 VISO VIOLA SORORIA WOOLLY BLUE VIOLET 3 3 3 2

Water

Lakes are few and scattered unevenly in this region and tend to have dark water. Most lakes range in depth from five to about thirty feet. Swan River has its headwaters in this region and is the major river in the region. Rock fragments dominate stream bottoms at several locations in this region.

Bogs ranging from less than five acres to more than a hundred acres are found in this region. Several of the bogs have developed in depressions in glacial outwash and lake plains or former shallow lake basins. Black spruce with mosses is typical vegetation in the bogs. Most of the larger bogs have a defined outlet, but the small bogs in distinct depressions do not and most water is believed lost to evapotranspiration or leachate into the substratum.

Watersheds in this region have substantial water storage capacities and influence stream flow and levels of lakes. Levels of stream flow and levels in lakes from spring to fall are strongly influenced by the deep glacial drift. During normal weather conditions, the variation of seasonal flow and water levels are not great. Aquifers in this region have large storage capacities and adequate supply of ground water above the bedrock for municipal and domestic uses.

Official reports for water in the area indicate an adequate supply of suitable water for domestic and industrial uses. Most wells are in glacial debris. Selected wells are into bedrock and have reported low flow rates. There is little available water in the clay; subsequently, wells in clayey areas penetrate to the permeable sandy and gravel lying beneath the clay where adequate supplies are common. Most ground water is reported to be hard, but is otherwise acceptable for home and business uses. According to USGS reports, pumping rates of 45 to 1200 gallons per minute have been recorded. Levels of iron range from 0.07 to 6.8 milligrams per liter according to official records. Those same records show calcium carbonate ranging from 144 to 360 milligrams per liter and magnesium 0.01 to 1.1 mg/l. Accompanying those levels is a pH range of 7.0 to 8.3.

Management Analysis

Facilities necessary for supporting human developments and similar developments can be provided in most of this region with the use of standard designs. The deep sand and loamy plains and smooth rolling hills make construction and maintenance of those facilities quite reasonable. However, construction and maintenance of facilities in the large bogs and other wet areas will cost substantially more potable ground water sources are common in the region. In a majority of the region standard sewage disposal systems can be used. In that portion of the region dominated by the sand plains having shallow ground water, a special effort would be necessary to protect water quality from sewage effluent.

The combination of numerous favorable building sites, distance to local employment opportunities, and an adequate all season road system has resulted in a large number of rural private residents and scattered lake shore homes. Seasonal and all season resorts are located on the larger lakes. There are cross country ski trails, bicycle paths, and snowmobile trails. Hunting of upland birds and big game is a popular activity in this region.

Wildlife in the Laurentian Upland South is representative of the southern portion of the boreal forest. Grouse, beaver, moose, deer, black bear and timber wolves are common in this region. Populations are relatively stable in response to the variety of habitat conditions. Those conditions included managed forests, small farms with hay and limited small grain, abandoned farms with grass brush fields and scattered streams and lakes. Mature forest plant communities have a low to medium amount of food for wildlife with the highest in the uplands and the lowest in the large acid bogs. In the uplands the closed mature tree canopy is accompanied with a medium to high shrub density and few to medium grasses and forbs. In the bogs a mature tree canopy is typically black spruce with a few shrubs and a dense moss ground cover. Bogs without trees consistently are dominated by medium to tall shrubs, lowland forbs, and mosses. Eagles are rather uncommon in this region, however the ospreys are not very common. Duck populations are generally low and there are limited migratory flocks on the larger lakes.

Road construction and maintenance are quite favorable in the extensive dry outwash sands and gravel ridges in this region. There is a substantial amount of suitable gravel. The bogs require very costly road construction and maintenance methods. Presently, selected all season roads through the larger bogs are being replaced with roads through the more favorable uplands. There are a few bedrock and stony ridges in this region and road construction and maintenance will be more costly than in the sand and gravel deposits. In the outwash and gravelly ridges surface drainage from road prisms can be readily accomplished with standard ditch designs. Roads in the bogs should be limited to winter and temporary access.

Quality wood products can be produced in the dry uplands and plains Pulpwood, bolts, and sawtimber can be produced in adequate volumes in most upland sites. Bogs can be expected to grow adequate supplies of pulpwood. Yields will be low to high and are related to the significant variation in water holding capacity and availability of nutrients in contrasting root zones. Most dry upland sites have adequate fertility for commercial production of wood products. Low levels of nutrients and low moisture holding capacity in the dry, sandy sites seriously limit forest crop yields. Excessive amounts of water in the bogs also limited tree yields. A majority of the duff layers in the dry uplands range from one to two inches thick in the dry uplands. Fire has been a common disturbance in this region and there are no reported areas of a thick duff. Charcoal is a 12

common feature at the contact of the duff and the underlying soil in the uplands.

From an economic standpoint, it would be appropriate to consider this region as a major supplier of pulpwood, bolts, and sawtimber. Return on investments for prescriptive forest projects should be positive throughout the more productive uplands and selected lowlands where natural regeneration of black spruce is feasible. Extensive dry uplands provide a substantial area with favorable conditions for equipment operations associated with harvesting of forest products. Considerable acreage would be suitable for growing hybrid stock. Shortened rotations associated with fast growing hybrids would require an evaluation of the nutrient budget for each site.

In total, this region can be considered as a long term source of wood products. Prescriptive forest land management will secure that source of wood products. Forest management organizations utilizing a prescriptive process based on objective localized information will maximize favorable results from management activities. That process also includes the development on the part of forest land managers an understanding of the capacity of the land to support forest management projects that they prescribe. Isolated impacts will be associated with borrow pits, new roads and similar developments that obligate the land to long term access for general use by all citizens and land managers.

III Biophysical Landscape Ecological Units (BLEUs)

This section for biophysical landscape ecological units includes a key and description for each of fourteen BLEUs that are common in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region. The key depicts multiple properties for each BLEU that distinguish each unit and shows contrasting properties. Climate perimeters and general source of native earthen materials are based on region properties and thus are common for all BLEUs within the region. Each BLEU is a unique combination of biophysical properties derived from the total data set for the region. That combination includes structure of plant communities, representative species, moisture relationships, earthen materials comprising the root zone, landforms and inherent fertility. Each description depicts those properties as they pertain to the uniqueness of a BLEU. A section for management analysis presents information pertaining to the inherent capacity of the land represented by each BLEU for uses common in the management of forestland.

BIOPHYSICAL KEY FOR LAURENTIAN UPLAND SOUTH (LUS) BIOPHYSICAL REGION

A Forestland includes end moraine with moist or wet shallow depressions (less than 10 feet deep) depressions, tree canopy has density of 40 to 100 percent and rocks on ground surface may be present. Species listed are representative of the plant community.

A1. Mixed stands of northern hard woods, (aspen, or birch can be pure stands of each); shrubs greater those 6 feet tall with 40 to 100 percent canopy comprised of hazel, mountain maple; intermediate and short shrubs typically have canopy density of less than 40 percent canopy comprised of sugar maple, mountain maple, dogwoods; short forb canopy density is typically greater than 40 percent canopy include sarsaparilla, dew berry, clintonia, bedstraws, strawberry, and hepatica. DRY clayey root zone with rocks that increases with depth LUS 1 WINTER: Shrubs with red, gray or brown opposite branches mixed with shrubs having brown alternate branches.

A2. Mixed stands of northern hard woods, (aspen, or birch can be pure stands of each); shrubs greater that 6 feet tall with 40 to 100 percent canopy comprised of sugar maple, mountain maple, and hazel; intermediate shrubs are typically less than 40 percent canopy comprised of dogwoods, sugar maple, hazel and ash; short shrubs canopy can be up to 70 percent dominated by sugar maple; short forb canopy typically greater than 40 percent canopy include sweet cicely, snake root, lady fern, false Solomon’s seal and (carex) DRY loamy cap up to 20 inches thick underlain by clayey root zone LUS 2 Rock fragments in the root zone increase with depth WINTER: Shrubs with red, green or brown opposite branches mixed with shrubs having brown alternate branches.

A4. Mixed stands of northern hard woods, including some aspen and birch; shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with 10 to 40 percent canopy comprised of sugar maple, iron wood, elm; intermediate shrubs usually have less than 70 percent canopy and include ash, mountain maple, leatherwood, hazel and elm; short shrubs are greater than 40 percent canopy include sugar maple, hazel, dogwoods; forbs greater than 40 percent canopy include trillium, lady fern, ginger, bloodroot rattlesnake fern and blue cohosh. DRY/MOIST Silty or loamy underlain by bands of clay and sand LUS 7 Rock fragments in the root zone variable, but usually increase with depth. WINTER: Shrubs with red, green or brown opposite branches mixed with shrubs having brown or gray alternate branches.

A5. Mixed stands of hardwoods; dominant shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with greater than 40% canopy density and comprised of hazel, red maple, mountain maple, ash; intermediate shrubs are usually less than 70 percent canopy and include hazel, mountain maple, alder; short shrubs greater than 40 percent canopy include sugar maple and rubus species; forbs greater than 40 percent canopy include twisted stalk, clintonia, bunchberry and interrupted fern. MOIST loamy or sandy cap up to 30 inches thick underlain by clayey root zone Rock fragments in root zone common and usually increase with depth LUS 8 WINTER: Shrubs with brown, gray and red opposite branches mixed with shrubs with brown alternate branches.

A6 Mixed stands of hardwoods and conifers or nearly pure stands of each; dominant shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with greater than 40 percent canopy density and comprised of fir, red maple, speckled alder; intermediate and short shrubs less than 40 percent canopy include hazel, fir, ash, dogwoods; forbs greater than 40 percent canopy include shield fern, horsetail, cinnamon fern and jewelweed and sensitive fern (carex). WET loamy or sandy cap up to 30 inches thick underlain by clayey root zone LUS 9 Rock fragments in root zone common and usually increases with depth WINTER: Shrubs with gray and red opposite branches mixed with shrubs with brown alternate branches.

AA. Forestland includes end moraine with dry or sometimes moist shallow (less than 10 feet deep) depressions, tree canopy has density of 40 to 100 percent and rocks on ground surface may be present.

AA1 Mixed stands of hardwoods and conifers or nearly pure stands of each; dominant shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with 20 to greater than 70 percent canopy comprised of hazel, mountain maple, fir; intermediate and short shrubs less than 40 percent canopy includes bush honeysuckle, balsam fir, hazel, mountain maple and blueberries; forbs less than 40 percent canopy sarsaparilla, star flower, ground pine, and bracken fern and lily-of-the-valley. DRY sandy root zone with rock fragments increasing with depth LUS 3 WINTER: Shrubs with brown alternate branches.

AA3. Mixed stands of northern hardwoods including aspen and birch; dominant shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with greater than 40% canopy density and comprised of sugar maple, iron wood, dogwood; intermediate shrubs are typically less than 40 percent canopy comprised of sugar maple, leather wood, alternate dogwood and hazel; short shrubs canopy can be up to 70 percent dominated by sugar maple; forb canopy typically less than 40 percent canopy interrupted fern, Solomon’s seal, spikenard, bellwort and violets. DRY silt 40 inches deep underlain by sand and gravel. LUS 4/6 WINTER: Shrubs with red, green or brown opposite branches mixed with shrubs having brown alternate branches.

AA2. Mixed stands of hardwoods and conifers or nearly pure stands of each; dominant Shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with 10 to 40 percent canopy comprised of hazel, sugar maple, red maple; intermediate shrubs less than 40 percent include mountain maple, hazel; short shrubs less than 70 percent canopy include bush honeysuckle and sugar maple; forbs greater than 40 percent canopy anemone, carex, clintonia, bracken fern, twisted stalk and bunchberry. DRY loamy cap up to 20 inches thick underlain by a sandy root zone LUS 5 Rock fragments in root zone increase with depth. WINTER: Shrubs with brown and red opposite branches mixed with shrubs with brown alternate branches

AA3. Mixed stands of northern hardwoods including aspen and birch; shrubs greater that 6 feet tall with greater than 40 percent canopy comprised of sugar maple, hazel, iron wood; intermediate shrubs less than 40 percent canopy hazel, sugar maple round dogwood; short shrubs up to 70 percent canopy dominated by sugar maple; forbs greater than 40 percent canopy include lady fern, galliums, sweet cicely, hepatica, bellworts and wild pea. DRY loamy root zone 40 inches thick underlain by sand. LUS 6/4 Rock fragments in the root zone increase with depth WINTER: Shrubs with red, green or brown opposite branches mixed with shrubs having brown alternate branches.

AAA. Forestland associated with peat bogs. Water saturated organic material more than 40 inches deep. Slope gradient is less than three percent.

AAA1. Lowland conifers or mixed lowland hardwood and lowland conifer; dominant shrubs greater than 6 feet tall with 20 to 70 percent canopy density, and comprised of alder, cedar, spruce, tamarack, Labrador tea; forbs grater than 40 percent canopy include raspberries, crested shield fern and marsh marigold WET bog moderately well decomposed organic material LUS 10 WINTER: Shrubs with gray and red opposite branches mixed with shrubs with brown alternate branches

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT 1

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 1 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest 15

products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 41 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 50 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 50 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 1 occurs in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 1 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Estimated growing degree days (40’ F base) are 3296. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 1 with the areas of highest elevation being deep accumulation of earthen material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 1 occurs. Clayey materials with variable content of rock were deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest. There may be small inclusions of Rainy lobe glacial material that moved in from the north and northeast. Post- glacial erosion and glacial streams created the well defined stream channels with current streams flowing generally into the Mississippi River. Stream channels typically expose fine sand, silt and clay and in scattered localized locations have high content of large rocks.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 1 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with local steep rolling hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Moist and scattered wet shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are commonplace in this forestland. Slope gradients of 10 percent or less with rounded and concaved slopes are common in BLEU 1. Reported slope gradients greater than 10 % were also reported in 50 percent of samples.

Water: BLEU 1 sheds water to surrounding depressions and low areas that contribute water to streams and limited amount to ground water. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge and periods of above normal summer rain. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average rain during the summer can produce limited contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of very slow infiltration and very slow permeability of the clayey material. Evapotranspiration typically exceeds normal rain but will not cause excessive droughty conditions in the root zone, because there can be capillary moisture from lower portion of the root zone do to the fine pores associated with loamy and clayey materials. Moisture available in the loamy and clayey root zone will suffice for most plant growth throughout a growing season and will have high potential productivity. Water stored in the slowly permeable substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes. With peat, silt and clay being more common in stream channels the water level in those channels is not believed to reflect water levels in adjoining clayey BLEU 1.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be high in the clayey materials common in BLEU1. This BLEU has a dry nutrient-rich root zone that can support high yields of plants adapted to highly fertile dry clayey root zone. Short duration moistness in the root zone during spring and fall moisture recharge will have little impact on plant growth.

Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 1402 42571 9965 302 5.9

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood and pine becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 1 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature Plant Communities – Osd 3-4, Osb 0-3, Sht 3-4, Shi 1-2, Shs 1-2, Fot 1-3 and Fos 3-4. Hardwoods or conifers can dominate the tree canopy. Distance to lower portion of hardwood canopy can be small creating a nearly continuous matrix of woody plants. In contrast, fir and spruce canopies will be nearer the ground surface resulting in lower shrub canopy density beneath them and contrasting high density shrub canopies beyond conifer canopy. Trees in this community are prone to wind tipping during spring and fall moisture recharge due to elevated level on moisture in the root zone. Wind tipping, fire, diseases and insects are major natural disturbances.

Representative Species –hazel, sugar maple, mountain maple, dogwoods, sarsaparilla, dew berry, clintonia, bedstraws, strawberry, and hepatica.

Root Zone: Moisture – DRY

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------10” 10”------60” Loamy & clayey clayey

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is highly variable and typically increases with depth, and rocks on ground surface may be present.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 1 typically has clayey materials throughout the root zone, and there are some loamy materials within 10 inches.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 1 has potential for producing sustained large supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range and adapted to high fertility dry clayey root zone. Trees adapted to that root zone

will yield high quality sawlogs. Trembling aspen, paper birch, jack pine, white pine, black ash, spruce, balsam fir, cedar and tamarack can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass would necessitate an evaluation of nutrient conservation strategy for the purpose of assuring sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a high level of resilience that is associated with the high inherent fertility in a dry root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 1 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen or dry (July or August) but not during spring and fall moisture recharges and prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the root zone is very unstable and equipment traffic will cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of long-term duration. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction normally does not extend beyond the immediately impacted area. The ground surface is typically dry during representative summer weather and operating logging equipment with low pounds per square inch pressure and using woody debris beneath tracks or wheels would minimize potential adverse impacts on the root zone. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning.

Earthen material in BLEU 1 can be considered for use as binder in gravel and crushed rock but it has limited use for driving surfaces due to high level of silt and clay. Driving surfaces constructed of that material will be extremely slick when wet and extremely dusty when dry.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require control of hardwood suckers and sprouts and brush. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. High quality planting stock will be necessary to ensure adequate stocking. Two releases should be considered for conversions and one can suffice for selected trees. High moisture holding capacity in root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts. Frost heaving of seedlings and frost damage in late spring must be considered for BLEU 1. Mortality generally does not result from frost damage to buds, but it does significantly reduce height growth. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts should have adequate survival due to the high moisture holding capacity and highly fertile root zone

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich peat is high and is moderate to high in the remainder of the root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

To ensure sustained site quality, it is extremely important to prevent rutting and compaction in BLEU 1 with clayey root zone.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities requiring site development will have to be designed in accordance with the high silt and clay earthen material in BLEU 1. Varied plant communities associated with those materials can produce contrasting combinations of plants depending on kind

and timing of disturbances. Earthen materials in BLEU 1 will result in muddy and dusty low standard roads and hiking trails. Roads and trails built in BLEU 1 will require prism of porous earthen material for maintaining dry driving and walking surface. Side ditches will be necessary to assure effective removal of water that will be especially problematic during moisture recharge in spring and fall and during above normal rain in summer. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a moderate to high density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow, orange and red mixed with green of conifers.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 1 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities dominated by tall shrubs, grass and forbs adapted to rich dry root zone. Fruiting plants are abundant in natural communities and can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Blueberries, ribes, elder, raspberries and dogwood can be grown successfully in BLEU 1. Nut bearing plants are common in BLEU 1 and can be increased with silviculture prescriptions. Managed food plots of native species will provide significant amounts of biomass for wildlife. Introducing non-native would require tillage sufficient for establishing plants and controlling completion. Tillage operations would be done during dry period of growing season.. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 1 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include preventing erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of silt and clay and slow to very slow rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 1 contributes a significant amount of water to surrounding lowland and contributes substantial amounts of water to surface runoff and especially during moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There can be substantial surface runoff in BLEU 1 during frost-free period and above normal summer rain. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain, but will not adversely impact plant growth because of the high moisture holding capacity root zone.

Plots/Points: 478-10 479-1,4,5 483-3 486-3 498-5 519-4,7,8 520-9

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 2

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 2 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected

locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 35 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 30 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 60 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 2 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 2 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 2 with the areas of highest elevation being thick glacial material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of geologic, glacial and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 2 occurs. Loamy and clayey materials with variable content of rock in the root zone were deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest. Post-glacial erosion created the well defined stream channels with current streams flowing generally south and southwest. Stream channels typically expose fine sand, silt and clay and in scattered localized locations have high content of large rocks.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 2 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with locally steep hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Moist and scattered wet shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are commonplace in this forestland. Peat bogs often adjoin streams that consistently have low gradients and low to high content of large rocks. Slope gradients of 10 percent or less are prevalent with rounded and concaved slopes are common in BLEU 2. Reported slope gradients greater than 10 % were reported in 35 percent of samples.

Water: BLEU 2 sheds water to surrounding depressions and low areas that contribute water to streams and limited amount to ground water. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge and periods of above normal summer rain. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average rain during the summer can produce limited contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of very slow infiltration and very slow permeability of the clayey material. Evapotranspiration typically exceeds normal rain but will not cause dry conditions. There can be capillary moisture from lower portion of the root zone do to the fine pores associated with loamy and clayey materials. Moisture available in the loamy and clayey root zone will suffice for most plant growth throughout a growing season and will have high potential productivity. Water stored in the slowly permeable substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes. With peat, silt and clay being more common in stream channels the water level in those channels is not believed to reflect water levels in adjoining clayey BLEU 2.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be high in the loamy and clayey materials common in BLEU 2. This BLEU has a dry nutrient-rich root zone that can support high yields of plants adapted to highly fertile dry clayey root zone. Short duration moistness in the root zone during spring and fall moisture recharge will have little impact on plant growth.

Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 1251 19558 5317 698 5.7

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood and pine becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 2 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature Plant Communities – Osd 3-4, Osb 0-4, Sht 2-4, Shi 1-3, Shs 2-3, Fot 1-3 and Fos 3-4. Hardwoods or conifers can dominate the tree canopy. Distance to lower portion of hardwood canopy can be small creating a nearly continuous matrix of woody plants. In contrast, fir and spruce canopies will be nearer the ground surface resulting in lower shrub canopy density beneath them and contrasting high density shrub canopies beyond conifer canopy. Trees in this community are prone to wind tipping during spring and fall moisture recharge due to temporary saturation of the root zone. Wind tipping, diseases and insects are major natural disturbances. Fire is less important and occurs mainly only during prolonged droughts because of permanently moist condition in community.

Representative Species – sugar maple, mountain maple, dogwoods, ash, sweet cicely, snake root, lady fern, false Solomon’s seal (carex)

Root Zone: Moisture – DRY

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------20” 20”------60” Loamy Clayey

Rock Content – – Percent of root zone occupied by rock fragments is highly variable and typically increases with depth, and rocks on ground surface may be present.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 2 typically has a loamy 20” cap underlain with clayey materials having a high percent of silt and clay.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 2 has potential for producing sustained large supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range and adapted to high fertility dry root zone. Trees adapted to that root zone will

yield high quality sawlogs. Trembling aspen, paper birch, jack pine, red, pine, white pine, black ash, spruce, balsam fir, cedar and tamarack can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass would necessitate an evaluation of nutrient conservation strategy for the purpose of assuring sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a high level of resilience that is associated with the high inherent fertility in a dry root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 2 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen or dry (July or August) but not during spring and fall moisture recharges or prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the root zone is very unstable and equipment traffic will cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of long-term duration. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction normally does not extend beyond the immediately impacted area. The ground surface is typically dry during representative summer weather and operating logging equipment with low pounds per square inch pressure and using woody debris beneath tracks or wheels would minimize potential adverse impacts on the root zone. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning.

Earthen material in BLEU 2 can be considered for use as binder in gravel and crushed rock but it has limited use for driving surfaces due to high level of silt and clay. Driving surfaces constructed of that material will be extremely slick when wet and extremely dusty when dry.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require control of hardwood suckers and sprouts and brush. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. High quality planting stock will be necessary to ensure adequate stocking. Two releases should be considered for conversions and one can suffice for selected trees. High moisture holding capacity in root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts. Frost heaving of seedlings and frost damage in late spring must be considered for BLEU 2. Mortality generally does not result from frost damage to buds, but it does significantly reduce height growth. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts should have adequate survival due to the high moisture holding capacity and highly fertile root zone

To ensure sustained site quality, it is extremely important to prevent rutting and compaction in BLEU 2 with loamy-clayey root zone.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities are somewhat limited in BLEU 2 because of the loamy and clayey materials. Varied plant communities associated with those materials can produce contrasting combinations of plants depending on kind and timing of disturbances. Inherent

properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 2 are not suited for supporting facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials will result in muddy and dusty low standard roads and hiking trails. Roads and trails built in BLEU 2 will require prism of porous earthen material for maintaining dry driving and walking surface. Side ditches will be necessary to assure effective removal of water that will be especially problematic during moisture recharge in spring and fall and during above normal rain in summer. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a moderate to high density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow, orange and red mixed with green of conifers.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 2 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities dominated by tall shrubs, grass and forbs adapted to rich dry root zone. Fruiting plants are abundant in natural communities and can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Blueberries, ribes, elder, raspberries, dogwood and high bush cranberry can be grown successfully in BLEU 2. Nut bearing plants are common in BLEU 2 and can be increased with silviculture prescriptions. Managed food plots of native species will provide significant amounts of biomass for wildlife Introducing non-native would be very difficult because of limitations on use of tillage equipment. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 2 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include preventing erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of silt and clay and slow to very slow rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 2 contributes a significant amount of water to surrounding lowland and contributes substantial amounts of water to surface runoff and especially during moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There can be substantial surface runoff in BLEU 2 during frost-free period and above normal summer rain. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain, but will not adversely impact plant growth because of the high moisture holding capacity of the root zone.

Plots/Points: 474-1 476-1 477-7 479-7,9,10 480-5 481-9 486-8,9 487-5 493-5 494-5 518-1,2,3 519-3 520-2,7,10

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 3

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 3 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual 23

families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 61 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 30 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 90 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 3 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 3 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 3 with the areas of highest elevation being thick glacial material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 3 occurs. Sandy glacial material with gravel is common in the root zone along with cobbles, deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 3 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with locally steep hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Dry shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are commonplace in this forestland. Slope gradients greater than 10 percent are common in BLEU 3. Reported slope gradients greater than 10 percent were reported in 70 percent of samples.

Water BLEU 3 is dry and will contribute insignificant amounts to surface runoff during spring and fall recharge. Surface runoff is uncommon and occurs primarily on frozen ground during spring thaw. There can be limited surface runoff during high intensity summer rain. This BLEU contributes significant amounts of moisture through the pervious earthen material to local water tables during recharge in spring and fall. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average rain during the summer will result in no or little contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of estimated evapotranspiration equaling or exceeding normal rain. There will be no or limited capillary moisture from depth due to the porous earthen material. Moisture available in the sandy root zone is insufficient to support vigorous plant growth resulting in low yield Seasonal and prolonged droughts will have short and long term adverse impacts on the health of native trees. Water stored in the pervious substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be low through the root zone. Root zones in Des Moines lobe are believed to be more fertile than those in Rainy lobe. Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 590 3785 849 669 5.4

becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect the low level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to the ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light that eliminates plants beneath them in this BLEU. In BLEU 3 regenerating hardwood stands can have a few indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts.

Mature Plant Communities -Over story canopy density 3-4, subdominant canopy 0-4, shrubs 6 to 25 feet tall 2-4, shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall 1-2, shrubs less than 3 feet tall 2-3, forbs taller than 18 inches tall 1-2 and forbs less than 18 inches tall 3-4. Shrubs in mature plant communities in BLEU 3 will have an estimated peak height of 6 feet or less. There will be a distinct open space below tree canopy in those communities. Shrubs are light and heat sensitive and will have moderate increase in density and slight increase in height with removal of tree canopy.

Indicator Species – Beaked hazel, bush honeysuckle, blueberry, sarsaparilla, star flower, ground pine, bracken fern and lily-of-the-valley. Balsam fir is common in the shrub layers on mature plant communities.

Root Zone: Moisture –DRY.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------60” Sandy

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupies by rocks is highly variable and increases with depth.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 3 is medium and coarse sand more than five feet thick.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 3 has potential for producing sustained low to moderate level supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range. Jack pine, red pine and white pine will yield higher quality sawlogs than will most hardwoods. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current level of stocking and rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Estimated level of nutrients in the root zone and nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices require nutrient conservation measures and slash must remain scattered throughout area from which wood products have been harvested. Trembling aspen has reported high level of nutrients and nutrient conservation is especially important for stands growing in BLEU 3. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass will necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by

diseases and insects will have a low level of resilience that is associated with the low inherent fertility in the root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 3 can be conducted any time the root zone is dry or frozen and delayed during spring and fall moisture recharges and uncommon prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the surface 5 to 15 inches of the root zone can become unstable and equipment traffic can cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of intermediate duration. Short term reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts and compacted portions of the root zone. That reduction will not extend beyond the impacted area. The ground surface will dry rapidly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of equipment operations would be appropriate. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning

Earthen materials in BLEU 3 can be considered for construction of low speed and low volume traffic. Binder will have to be added to earthen material used for road and trail prisms. Road and trail constructed from native material in BLEU 3 will normally not be slick when wet and can be somewhat dusty when dry. Crowning road and trail surface coupled with adequate ditching will result in satisfactory surface for vehicular traffic.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers can be accomplished with minimum weed control because of competition resulting from low inherent fertility. Proper site preparation timed for maximum impact of woody plants can minimize or eliminate need for release. Quality planting stock and quality planting will readily ensure adequate stocking One release should be considered for conversions. Low moisture holding capacity in root zone will not buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts and extensive mortality can be expected. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts must be inventoried before the next planting season so that advantage of site preparation can be taken if survival is below standard.

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich forest duff is high and is low in the remainder of the root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Because of its importance to site quality, forest duff should be left intact or incorporated into the root zone. That is especially important for BLEU 3, which has sandy root zone. Within a BLEU 3 root zone, the surface organic layer has the highest level of nutrients, the highest water holding capacity, the highest chemical exchange capacity, enhances infiltration of water, reduces impact of frost heaving and reduces extremes in surface soil temperatures in clearings. The forest duff substantially reduces the risk of erosion, sedimentation and can reduce impact of compaction. Micro organism and macro organism populations are typically highest in the forest duff. Decomposition of the organic material also releases nutrients that can be utilized by plants.

techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a medium to low density shrub layer typically 3 to 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow and fading green mixed with green of conifers and scattered red.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 3 will have multiple layers of shrubs generally less than 6 feet tall and forbs. There will be tens of feet separating shrub canopy and mature tree canopy. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non-disturbed areas. Openings can develop into intermediate and tall hazel dominated shrub communities with forbs generally less than eighteen inches tall. Fruiting plants are not common in natural communities but can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Hazel is a common nut bearing plant. Managed food plots will provide low amounts of biomass using native or introduced plants. Clovers selected will have to be adapted too low fertility, acid root zone and low moisture capacity. Other species adapted to those properties can provide some food for selected wildlife species. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 3 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation, compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of sand and rock and low content of silt and clay in the root zone and rapid to moderate rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 3 contributes substantial amounts of water to underground systems during frost-free periods associated with moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There will be minimum surface runoff in BLEU 3 during frost-free period. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain and substantially decrease water stored in the root zone to short term droughty conditions.

Plots/Points: 473-8,10 474-7,8 476-2,5,10 478-2 480-6 491-8,9 492-1 493-1,2 510-1,5

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 4

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 4 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 70 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 16 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 95 percent of samples and snags were reported in 64 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 4 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region. 27

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 4 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 4 with the areas of highest elevation being thick glacial material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 4 occurs. Silty glacial material is common in the root zone, deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 4 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with locally steep hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Dry or moist shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are commonplace in this forestland. Slope gradients less than 10 percent are common in BLEU 4, and were reported in 78 percent of samples.

Moisture: BLEU 4 is dry and contributes significant amounts to surface runoff to streams, lakes and adjoining marshes and bogs during recharges in spring and fall and contributes to ground water during portions of frost-free seasons. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average summer rain will result in little or no runoff due to evapotranspiration exceeding rain and a significant portion of stored water in root zone is taken up by plants that result in dry root zone. That dry root zone is adequate for supporting moderate to high level of plant growth and yield. Long duration summer rain can add limited surface runoff to streams and lakes. Wet areas on ridges reflect the shallow depth to underlying silt and clay materials.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be high through the root zone. Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 920 8887 1532 518 5.5

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed northern hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect the high level of nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to the ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light that eliminates plants beneath them in this BLEU. In BLEU 4 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts.

Mature Plant Communities -Overstory canopy density 3-4, subdominant canopy 0-3, shrubs 6 to 25 feet tall 3-4, shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall 1-2, shrubs less than 3 feet tall 2-3, forbs taller than 18 inches tall 0-2 and forbs less than 18 inches tall 2-3. This community will have blending of different layers of woody plants but distinct separation of layers is characteristic of mature plant communities. Those layers of vegetation reflect inherent moderate to high fertility in the root zone.

Representative Species – sugar maple, iron wood, dogwood, leather wood, lady fern, Solomon’s seal, spikenard, sweet cicely, bellwort

Root Zone: Moisture –DRY.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------40” 40”------60” Silt loam sandy & loamy

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is consistently less than 10 percent and ranges to an estimated 50 percent (rare).

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 4 typically has at least 40”of silt loam material underlain by sandy and sometimes loamy material.

Management Analysis

Information presented in management analysis will provide a base for managing forestland within its capacity for supporting sustained supply of quality wood products, high quality water, high quality recreation opportunities and mixture of natural wildlife species Biophysical information will be integrated with other forestland information for prescriptive management projects and for long-term forestland management planning BLEU 4 has a fertile loamy cap that can be subjected to adverse impacts resulting from improperly timed equipment operations. Spring and fall recharges are critical periods of BLEU 4.

Timber Management: BLEU 4 has potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and saw logs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide identification of micro sites, site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass will necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a moderate level of resilience that is associated with the moderate inherent fertility in the root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 4 can be conducted any time the root zone is dry (July or August) or frozen and delayed during spring and fall moisture recharges and prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the loamy cap of the root zone is very unstable and equipment traffic will cause rutting and compaction and that will result in adverse impacts of intermediate and long term duration. Reduction of plant growth will occur in the ruts and compacted portions of the root zone. That reduction will not extend beyond the impacted area. The ground surface will dry slowly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of logging operations would be appropriate. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning

Borrow materials in BLEU 4 can be considered for construction of low speed and low volume 29

traffic. The material in the surface 20 inches has an estimated percent of clay that appears suitable for binder. That binder can be considered for incorporating into crushed stone. Road and trail constructed from native material in BLEU 4 can be slick when wet and will quite dusty when dry. Crowning road and trail surface coupled with adequate ditching is imperative when using those materials and will substantially improve conditions

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require control of hardwood suckers and sprouts and brush. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. Quality planting stock will readily ensure adequate stocking. One to two releases should be considered for conversions. Moderate moisture holding capacity in root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts and extensive mortality should not occur. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts ought to be inventoried before the next planting season so that advantage of site preparation can be taken if survival is below standard

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich forest duff is high and is low to moderate in the remainder of the root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards; weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Because of its importance to site quality, forest duff should be left intact or incorporated into the root zone. The forest duff substantially reduces the risk of erosion, sedimentation and can reduce impact of compaction. Microorganism and macro organism populations are typically highest in the forest duff. Those organisms decompose the organic material and add to the fertility of the underlying loamy portion of a root zone. Decomposition of the organic material also releases nutrients that can be utilized by plants.

Recreation: Somewhat varied plant communities, terrain dominated by rolling hills, bogs, marshes and streams are natural properties to consider for recreation opportunities in a forest environment. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 4 can support a variety of facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials can be used for low volume traffic trails and hiking trails. The loamy earthen materials when used for trails and low traffic trails will be slick and muddy during periods of extended summer rain and during recharges in spring and fall. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a low shrub layer typically less than three feet tall. Autumn colors will consist of distinct layers of yellow, red and orange mixed with green of conifers. In selected instances, those layers can blend together creating a mosaic of rich distinct colors.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 4 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities of intermediate and tall shrubs comprised of mountain maple, hazel, sugar maple, dogwoods, and elder. Fruiting plants are rather common in natural communities and can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Hazel is a common nut bearing plant. Red oak has been observed in selected communities in BLEU 4. Managed food plots will provide significant amounts of biomass using native or introduced plants. Clovers are recommended for use in management food plots.

Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 4 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information; silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation, compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of silt and clay in the root zone and moderate rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 4 contributes water to underground systems during frost-free periods associated with moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There will be minimum surface runoff in BLEU 4 during frost-free period. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain and substantially decrease water stored in the root zone and short-term droughty condition is typically not a problem due to the moderate water holding capacity of the loamy material.

Plots/points 481-5,7 482-1,4,5,6,8 487-8 489-1,5,6,7,9,10 491-3,5 498-4 543-7.

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 5

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 5 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 40 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 20 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 90 percent of samples and snags were reported in 40 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 5 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 5 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 5 with the areas of highest elevation being thick glacial material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 5 occurs. Loamy capped sandy glacial material with gravel is common in the root zone along with cobbles, deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 5 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with locally steep hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Dry shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are commonplace in this forestland. Slope gradients greater than 10 percent are common in BLEU 5. Reported slope gradients greater than 10 percent were reported in 43 percent of samples.

Water: BLEU 5 is dry and will contribute insignificant amounts to surface runoff during spring and fall recharge. Surface runoff is uncommon and occurs primarily on frozen ground during spring thaw. There can be limited surface runoff during high intensity summer rain. This BLEU contributes significant amounts of moisture through the pervious earthen material to local water tables during recharge in spring and fall. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average rain during the summer will result in no or little contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of estimated evapotranspiration equaling or exceeding normal rain. There will be no or limited capillary moisture from depth due to the porous earthen material. A limited amount of moisture will be available in the loamy portion of the root zone; however the sandy and gravely subsoil will drain moisture rapidly. Seasonal and prolonged droughts will have short and long term adverse impacts on the health of native trees. Water stored in the pervious substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be moderate in the loamy portion of the root zone and lower in the sandy subsoil Root zones in Des Moines lobe are believed to be more fertile than those in Rainy lobe.

Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 835 5637 469 721 6.0

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and pine stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood and pine becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect the low level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to the ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light that eliminates plants beneath them in this BLEU. In BLEU 5 regenerating hardwood stands can have a few indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts.

Mature Plant Communities -Overstory canopy density 2-4, subdominant canopy 0-3, shrubs 6 to 25 feet tall 1-2, shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall 1-2, shrubs less than 3 feet tall 1-2, forbs taller than 18 inches tall 1-2 and forbs less than 18 inches tall 2-3. Shrubs in mature plant communities in BLEU 5 will have an estimated peak height of 6 feet. There will be a distinct open space below tree canopy in those communities. Shrubs are light and heat sensitive and will have moderate increase in density and slight increase in height with removal of tree canopy.

Representative Species : hazel, sugar maple, mountain maple, anemone, carex, clintonia, bracken fern, twisted stalk, bunch berry

Root Zone: Moisture –DRY.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------20” 20”------60” Loamy sandy

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupies by rocks is highly variable and increases with depth.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 5 has up to 20 inches of loamy material underlain by sand and gravel.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 5 has potential for producing sustained low to moderate level supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range. Jack pine, red pine and white pine will yield higher quality sawlogs than will most hardwoods. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current level of stocking and rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Estimated level of nutrients in the root zone and nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices require nutrient conservation measures and slash must remain scattered throughout area from which wood products have been harvested. Trembling aspen has reported high level of nutrients and nutrient conservation is especially important for stands growing in BLEU 5. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass will necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a low level of resilience that is associated with the low inherent fertility in the root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 5 can be conducted any time the root zone is dry or frozen and delayed during spring and fall moisture recharges and uncommon prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the surface 5 to 15 inches of the root zone can become unstable and equipment traffic can cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of intermediate duration. Short term reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts and compacted portions of the root zone. That reduction will not extend beyond the impacted area. The ground surface will dry rapidly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of equipment operations would be appropriate. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning

Earthen materials in BLEU 5 can be considered for construction of low speed and low volume traffic. Binder will have to be added to earthen material used for road and trail prisms. Road and

trail constructed from native material in BLEU 5 will normally not be slick when wet and can be somewhat dusty when dry. Crowning road and trail surface coupled with adequate ditching will result in satisfactory surface for vehicular traffic.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers can be accomplished with minimum weed control because of competition resulting from low inherent fertility. Proper site preparation timed for maximum impact of woody plants can minimize or eliminate need for release. Quality planting stock and quality planting will readily ensure adequate stocking. One release should be considered for conversions. Moisture holding capacity in the upper portion of the root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal drought can be expected. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts must be inventoried before the next planting season so that advantage of site preparation can be taken if survival is below standard.

Because of its importance to site quality, forest duff should be left intact or incorporated into the root zone. That is especially important for BLEU 5, which has sandy root zone. Within a BLEU 5 root zone, the upper twenty inches loamy cap has the highest level of nutrients, the highest water holding capacity, the highest chemical exchange capacity, enhances infiltration of water, reduces impact of frost heaving and reduces extremes in surface soil temperatures in clearings. The forest duff substantially reduces the risk of erosion, sedimentation and can reduce impact of compaction. Micro organism and macro organism populations are typically highest in the forest duff. Decomposition of the organic material also releases nutrients that can be utilized by plants.

Recreation: Somewhat varied plant communities, dry low rolling hills, bogs, marshes and streams are natural properties to consider for recreation opportunities in a forest environment. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 5 can support a variety of facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials can be used for low volume traffic trails and hiking trails. The materials at the ground surface when used for trails and low traffic trails normally will not create a muddy problem except during periods of above normal summer rain and moisture recharge in spring and fall. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a medium to low density shrub layer typically 3 to 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow and fading green mixed with green of conifers and scattered red.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 5 will have multiple layers of shrubs generally less than 6 feet tall and forbs. There will be tens of feet separating shrub canopy and mature tree canopy. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non-disturbed areas. Openings can develop into intermediate and tall hazel dominated shrub communities with forbs generally less than eighteen inches tall. Fruiting plants are not common in natural communities but can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Hazel is a common nut bearing plant. Managed food plots will provide low amounts of biomass using native or introduced plants. Clovers selected will have to be adapted too low fertility, acid root zone and low moisture capacity. Other species adapted to those properties can provide some food

for selected wildlife species. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 5 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation, compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of sand and rock and low content of silt and clay in the root zone and rapid to moderate rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 5 contributes substantial amounts of water to underground systems during frost-free periods associated with moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There will be minimum surface runoff in BLEU 5 during frost-free period. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain and substantially decrease water stored in the root zone to short term droughty conditions.

Plots/Points: 473-1,2 474-8,9 481-6 485-2,5,7,10 492-4,5,7,10 495-9 510-6,7 518-8 549-2

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 6

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 6 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence for fire was reported in 65 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 16 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 45 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 6 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 6 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 6 with the areas of highest elevation being thick glacial material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 6 occurs. Loamy glacial material is common in the root zone, deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 6 is characteristically a valley and ridge complex with locally steep hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Dry or moist

shallow depressions and well-defined stream channels are common place in this forestland. Slope gradients greater than 10 percent are common in BLEU 6. Reported slope gradients greater than 10 percent were reported in 55 percent of samples.

Water: BLEU 6 is dry and contributes significant amounts to surface runoff to streams, lakes and adjoining marshes and bogs during recharges in spring and fall and contributes to ground water during portions of frost-free seasons. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average summer rain will result in little or no runoff due to evapotranspiration exceeding rain and a significant portion of stored water in root zone is taken up by plants that result in dry root zone. That dry root zone is adequate for supporting moderate level of plant growth and yield. Long duration summer rain can add limited surface runoff to streams and lakes. Most glacial drift is estimated to be more than twenty feet thick creating potentially deep thick ground water systems. Wet areas on ridges reflect the shallow depth to underlying silt and clay materials.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be medium in the loamy root zone typical for BLEU 6.

Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 1025 6549 1769 707 5.4

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 6 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature plant community will have over story canopy with density of 3 to 4; co-dominant canopy with density of 2; tall shrub canopy with density of 3; intermediate shrub canopy with density of 2 to 3; short shrub canopy with density of 1 to 2; tall forb canopy with density of 1 and short forb canopy with density of 3 to 4. Maximum species richness will occur for several years following disturbances that remove the dominant tree canopy and expose complex of growing sites.

Representative Species – sugar maple, hazel, dogwoods, iron wood, bracken & interrupted ferns, hepatica, galliums, sweet cicely, wild pea

Root Zone: Moisture – DRY.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------40” 40”------60” Loamy sandy

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is consistently less than 10 percent and ranges to an estimated 35 percent. Rocks range in size from less than 3 inches in diameter to more than 18”.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 6 typically has at least 40” of loamy material underlain by

sand.

Management Analysis

Information presented in management analysis will provide a base for managing forestland within its capacity for supporting sustained supply of quality wood products, high quality water, high quality recreation opportunities and mixture of natural wildlife species Biophysical information will be integrated with other forestland information for prescriptive management projects and for long-term forestland management planning BLEU 6 has a medium fertile loamy root zone that can be subjected to adverse impacts resulting from improperly timed equipment operations. Spring and fall recharges are critical periods of BLEU 6.

Timber Management: BLEU 6 has potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide identification of micro sites, site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass will necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a moderate level of resilience that is associated with the moderate inherent fertility in the root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 6 can be conducted any time the root zone is dry (July or August) or frozen and delayed during spring and fall moisture recharges and prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the root zone is very unstable and equipment traffic will cause rutting and compaction and that will result in adverse impacts of intermediate and long term duration. Reduction of plant growth will occur in the ruts and compacted portions of the root zone. That reduction will not extend beyond the impacted area. The ground surface will dry slowly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of logging operations would be appropriate. Concentrating skid trails will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning.

Borrow materials in BLEU 6 can be considered for construction of low speed and low volume traffic. The material in the surface 20 inches has an estimated percent of clay that appears suitable for binder. That binder can be considered for incorporating into crushed stone. Road and trail constructed from native material in BLEU 6 can be slick when wet and will quite dusty when dry. Crowning road and trail surface coupled with adequate ditching is imperative when using those materials and will substantially improve conditions

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require control of hardwood suckers and sprouts and brush. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. Quality planting stock will readily ensure adequate stocking. One to two releases should be considered for conversions Moderate moisture holding capacity in root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts and extensive mortality should not occur. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts ought to be inventoried before the next planting season so that advantage of site preparation can be taken if survival is below 37

standard

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich forest duff is high and is low to moderate in the remainder of the root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Because of its importance to site quality, forest duff should be left intact or incorporated into the root zone. Within a BLEU 6 root zone, it has the highest level of nutrients, the highest water holding capacity, the highest chemical exchange capacity, enhances infiltration of water, reduces impact of frost heaving and reduces extremes in surface soil temperatures in clearings. The forest duff substantially reduces the risk of erosion, sedimentation and can reduce impact of compaction. Micro organism and macro organism populations are typically highest in the forest duff. Those organisms decompose the organic material and add to the fertility of the underlying loamy portion of a root zone. Decomposition of the organic material also releases nutrients that can be utilized by plants.

Recreation: Somewhat varied plant communities, terrain dominated by plain and scattered dry low rolling hills, bogs, marshes and streams are natural properties to consider for recreation opportunities in a forest environment. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 6 can support a variety of facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials can be used for low volume traffic trails and hiking trails. The loamy earthen materials when used for trails and low traffic trails will be slick and muddy during periods of extended summer rain and during recharges in spring and fall. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a medium to high-density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow, red and orange mixed with green of conifers. In selected instances, those layers can blend together creating a mosaic of rich distinct colors.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 6 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities of intermediate and tall mountain shrubs comprised of maple, hazel, sugar maple, dogwoods, hazel and elder. Such communities with have forbs exceeding eighteen inches tall. Fruiting plants are rather common in natural communities and can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Hazel is a common nut bearing plant. Red oak has been observed in selected communities in BLEU 6. Managed food plots will provide significant amounts of biomass using native or introduced plants. Clovers are recommended for use in management food plots. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 6 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation, compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of sand and rock and low content of silt and clay in the root zone and rapid to moderate rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 6 contributes water to underground systems during frost-free periods associated with moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is

frozen. There will be minimum surface runoff in BLEU 6 during frost-free period. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain and substantially decrease water stored in the root zone and short-term droughty condition is typically not a problem due to the moderate water holding capacity of the loamy material.

Plots/Points: 459-4,5,6,7 473-9 474-1,4,6,9 476-4 479-2 481-1,2,3 485-1,8,9 487- 2,3,7 491-1 492-6,8 493-6 495-3,8 498-2,8 518-10 519-2

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 7

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 7 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Land near isolated small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence of fire was reported in 21 percent of samples. Earthworms or their activities were reported in 42 percent of samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 53 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 7 occurs in Laurentian Uplands South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 7 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. There were cycles of cooling and warming and current conditions are considered continental and reported information is based on data from certified weather stations. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 7 with the areas of highest elevation being deep accumulation of earthen material. End moraine deposits in a forest landscape that shows results of glacial deposition and post-glacier erosion is representative of land where BLEU 7 occurs. Silty and clayey materials with variable content of rock were deposited by Des Moines glacial lobe that moved into the area from the north and northwest. There may be small inclusions of Rainy lobe glacial material that moved in from the north and northeast. Post-glacial erosion and glacial streams created the well defined stream channels with current streams flowing generally southeast and east into the Mississippi River watershed. Stream channels typically expose fine sand, silt and clay and in scattered localized locations have high content of large rocks.

TERRAIN: Forestland with BLEU 7 is characteristically distinct plain with local low rolling hills formed by combination of glacial deposition and post glacial erosion. Moist and wet shallow depressions are commonplace in this forestland. Peat bogs often adjoin streams that consistently have low gradients and low to high content of large rocks. Slope gradients of 5 percent or less with prevailing concaved slopes typify BLEU 7.

Water: BLEU 7 collects water from surrounding sloping drier land and contributes water to streams and limited amount to ground water. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge and periods of above normal summer rain. During winter with early deep snow cover, there can be limited amount of subsurface runoff. Average rain during the summer can produce limited contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of very slow infiltration and very slow permeability of the clayey material. Evapotranspiration typically exceeds normal rain but will not cause dry conditions in the BLEU 7 due to a natural moist root zone. There can be capillary moisture from lower portion of the root zone do to the fine pores associated with loamy and clayey materials. Moisture available in the loamy and clayey root zone will suffice for most plant growth throughout a growing season and will have moderate potential productivity for plants adapted to moist loamy and clayey root zone. Water stored in the slowly permeable substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be medium to high in the loamy and clayey materials common in BLEU 7. This BLEU has a moist nutrient-rich root zone that collects a significant amount of water and nutrients from the surrounding BLEUs at slightly higher positions in the landscape That combined with high moisture holding capacity and moist condition in the root zone results in medium to high natural fertility moist root zone. Short duration wetness in the root zone can reduce potential productivity for plants with low tolerant to cool moist condition in root zone. Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 813 10840 2091 661 5.8

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed northern hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 7 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature Plant Communities – Osd 3-4, Osb 2-3, Sht 1-2, Shi 1-2, Shs 3-4, Fot 1-3 and Fos 3-4. Northern hardwoods dominate the tree canopy. Tall shrubs tend to be lacking creating an open park like feeling beneath the main canopy. Trees in this community are prone to wind tipping during spring and fall moisture recharge due to the possible temporary saturation of the root zone and shall root system. Wind tipping, diseases and insects are major natural disturbances. Fire is less important and occurs mainly only during prolonged droughts.

Representative Species – sugar maple, hazel, iron wood, elm, ash, mountain maple, leatherwood, trillium, lady fern, ginger, blood root, rattle snake fern, blue cohosh, sweet cicely.

Root Zone: Moisture – DRY / MOIST

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------40” 40”------60” Silt Loam or loamy and fine sandy loam fine sand and clayey

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is highly variable and typically increases with depth, and rocks on ground surface may be present

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 7 typically has silt loam and clayey materials throughout the upper 40 inches of the root zone, and below that is fine sand and loam.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 7 has potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood and bolts and limited amount of sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range and adapted to moderate to high fertility moist root zone. Trees adapted to that root zone will yield high quality sawlogs. Trembling aspen, black ash, basswood, and paper birch can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass may necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a moderate level of resilience that is associated with the low to moderate inherent fertility in a moist root zone.

Logging operations in BLEU 7 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen and not during spring and fall moisture recharges and prolonged wet periods during growing season. During moisture recharge, the root zone is very unstable and equipment traffic will cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of long-term duration. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction can extend beyond the immediately impacted area. The ground surface is permanently moist and operating logging equipment with low pounds per square inch pressure and using woody debris beneath tracks or wheels may be acceptable. Concentrating skid trails outside BLEU 7 in drier land will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning.

Earthen material in BLEU 7 can be considered for use as binder in gravel and crushed rock but it has limited use for driving surfaces due to high level of silt and clay. Driving surfaces constructed of that material will be extremely slick when wet and extremely dusty when dry.

seasonal droughts. Frost heaving of seedlings and frost damage in late spring must be considered for BLEU 7, which occurs, in shallow depressions and drains. Mortality generally does not result from frost damage to buds, but it does significantly reduce height growth. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts should have adequate survival due to the high moisture holding capacity and moist root zone.

To ensure sustained site quality, it is extremely important to prevent rutting and compaction in BLEU 7 with its moist loamy-clayey root zone.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities are somewhat limited in BLEU 7 because of the moist loamy and clayey materials. Varied plant communities associated with those materials can produce contrasting combinations of plants depending on kind and timing of disturbances. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 7 are not suited for supporting facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials will result in muddy and dusty low standard roads and hiking trails. Roads and trails built in BLEU 7 will require prism of porous earthen material for maintaining dry driving and walking surface. Side ditches will be necessary to assure effective removal of water that will be especially problematic during moisture recharge in spring and fall and during above normal rain in summer. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a low to medium density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow, orange and red mixed with green of conifers.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 7 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities dominated by tall shrubs, grass and forbs adapted to rich moist root zone. Fruiting plants are not abundant in natural communities but can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Ribes, elder, raspberries, dogwood and high bush cranberry can be grown successfully in BLEU 7. Nut bearing plants are common in BLEU 7. Managed food plots of native species will provide significant amounts of biomass for wildlife. Introducing non-native would be very difficult because of limitations on use of tillage equipment. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 7 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include preventing erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect dry moist root zone, the high content of silt and clay and slow to very slow rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU7 collects a significant amount of water from surrounding upland and contributes substantial amounts of water to surface runoff and especially during moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There can be substantial surface runoff in BLEU 7 during frost-free period and above normal summer rain.

Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain, but will not adversely impact plant growth because of the high moisture holding capacity and the moist root zone.

Plots/Points: 478-6,7,9 480-7 484-3,4,7,10 522-1,2,9,10 524-8 543-2,4,5,10

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 8

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 8 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. There was evidence of fire reported in 32 percent of biophysical sample points. Earthworms or evidence of their activities were reported in 40 percent of biophysical samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 65 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 8 occurs in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 8 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 8. End moraine with low local relief dominates that forestland. Silty and clayey material deposited by Des Moines lobe glacier that moved into the area from the north and northwest. Post-glacial erosion is distinct in low gradient, frequently meandering stream channels that frequently have silty and clayey banks and bottoms.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 8 is characteristically low gradient plain with shallow depressions. Slope gradients are less than 10 percent or less with concaved and smooth features prevailing in this forestland.

Water: BLEU 8 collects water from surrounding sloping drier land and contributes water to streams and ground water. Moistness in this BLEU results from surface water infiltrating and percolating to depths of 20 to 40 inches in the slowly and very slowly permeable clayey root zone. Typically, the clayey root zone becomes drier with increasing depth below 40 inches. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge and periods of above normal summer rain. Late snow cover coupled with early fall frozen soil can result in substantial subsurface runoff during spring thaw. Average rain during the summer will result in limited contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of evapotranspiration exceeding normal rain. There can be capillary moisture from lower portion of the root zone do to the fine pores associated with loamy and clayey materials. Moisture available in the loamy and clayey root zone will suffice for most plant growth throughout a growing season

and will have moderate to high potential productivity for plants adapted to moist loamy and clayey root zone. Water stored in the slowly permeable substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute water to springs, streams and lakes. With peat, silt and clay being more common in stream channels, the water level in those channels is not believed to reflect water levels in adjoining uplands with BLEU 8.

Nutrients: Inherent natural level of nutrients in a representative BLEU 8 root zone is estimated to be high and is rich in calcium. That combined with high moisture holding capacity creates a nutrient-rich fertile moist root zone. Seasonal temporary water saturated root zone reduces availability of nutrients. Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 829 17077 5470 295 5.5

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 8 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature Plant Communities –Respective density of canopy of tree, shrub and forb layers is: Osd 2- 4, Osb 0-3, Sht 3-4, Shi 2-3, Shs 2-3, Fot 2-4 and Fos 2-4. This is a community with structure consisting of numerous distinct layers of trees, tree saplings, tree seedlings, shrubs and forbs. Space between layers can be short and one layer can blend into another. Mature hardwoods, conifers or a mixture of both that are adapted to moist fertile root zone will prevail in BLEU 8 for many decades.

Representative Species – hazel, sugar maple, honeysuckles, ash, mountain. maple, twisted stalk, clintonia, bunch berry, interrupted fern, sensitive fern,

Root Zone: Moisture – moist.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------30” 30”------60” Loamy or sandy clayey

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is highly variable and typically increases with depth, and rocks on ground surface are common.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 8 typically has 30 inches of loam underlain by clayey till.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 8 is rich in nutrients, is moist and has high potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood, bolts and of sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range and adapted to moist fertile root zone. Black ash, spruce, balsam fir, cedar and tamarack can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Those prescriptions will guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass could necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a moderate to high level of resilience that is associated with the moist fertile root zone. Seedlings and saplings of intolerant trees may persist for 2 or 4 decades due to the moist rich root zone. For example, a trembling aspen community may not naturally thin seedlings and saplings until after 3 or 4 decades. In such a community, for maximizing fiber yield it would be highly advisable to thin the stand from below. All equipment operations in BLEU 8 must be done within prescription and associated standards to ensure sustained production of forest products and to prevent adverse impacts in this very productive moist, rich fertile site.

Logging operations in BLEU 8 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen. Such operations are possible during summer with equipment with very low pounds per square pressure and using woody debris beneath track or wheels. Operations during moisture recharge in spring and fall is not recommended due to the very unstable root zone. Equipment traffic during that recharge will cause rutting and compaction that will result in adverse impacts of long-term duration. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction will extend beyond the immediately impacted area. The ground surface will dry slowly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of logging operations would be necessary to prevent long-term adverse impacts. Concentrating skid trails outside BLEU 8 in drier land will significantly reduce potential adverse impacts and it is advisable to locate them during harvest project planning.

Earthen material in BLEU 8 can be considered for use as binder in gravel and crushed rock but it has limited use for driving surfaces due to high level of silt and clay. Driving surfaces constructed of that material will be extremely slick when wet and extremely dusty when dry.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require control of hardwood suckers, sprouts, brush and grass. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. High quality planting stock will be necessary to ensure adequate stocking. Two releases should be considered for conversions and one can suffice for selected trees. High moisture holding capacity in root zone will buffer planted seedlings from seasonal droughts. Frost heaving of seedlings caused by freezing of moist clayey materials and frost damage in late spring due to accumulation of cold air in moist depressions must be considered for BLEU 8. Mortality generally does not result from frost damage to buds, but it does significantly reduce height growth. Seedlings planted during seasonal droughts will have adequate survival due to the high moisture holding capacity and moist condition in root zone.

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich forest duff is high and is low to moderate 45

and is substantially limited by water saturation of root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Because of its importance to site quality, forest duff should be left intact or incorporated into the root zone. That is especially important for BLEU 8, which has high levels of silt and clay. Decomposing organic matter will improve the structure and tilth of the silt and clay combination. The forest duff substantially reduces the risk of erosion, sedimentation and can reduce impact of compaction. Micro organism and macro organism populations are typically highest in the forest duff. Those organisms decompose the organic material and add to the fertility and physical properties of the underlying portion of a root zone. Decomposition of the organic material also releases nutrients that can be utilized by plants.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities are somewhat limited in BLEU 8 because of the moist loamy and clayey materials. Varied plant communities associated with those materials can produce can have contrasting combinations of plants depending on kind and timing of disturbances. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 8 are not suited for supporting facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials will result in muddy and dusty low standard roads and hiking trails. Roads and trails built in BLEU 8 will require prism of porous earthen material for maintaining dry driving and walking surface. Side ditches will be necessary to assure effective removal of water that will be especially problematic during moisture recharge in spring and fall and during above normal rain in summer. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a medium to high density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow, orange and red mixed with green of conifers. Silviculture techniques provide numerous opportunities for enhancing autumn colors and can produce blended multiple color layers or distinct single color layers.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 8 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Shrub density, species mix and height can be altered with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non- disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities dominated by tall shrubs, grass and forbs adapted to rich moist conditions. Fruiting plants are not abundant in natural communities but can be significantly increased with silviculture alterations. Ribes, elder, raspberries, dogwood and high bush cranberry can be grown successfully in BLEU 8. Nut bearing plants are uncommon in BLEU 8 and would be difficult to introduce. Managed food plots will provide significant amounts of biomass using native or introduced plants. Clovers are recommended for use in management food plots because of rich moist high fertility root zone. Species adapted to those properties can provide considerable food for selected wildlife species. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging conifers.

Water: Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 8 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of silt and clay and slow to very slow rates of infiltration and percolation. Moistness in this BLEU is caused by surface water percolating to depth of 20 to 40 inches in a very slowly permeable clayey root zone. Moistness in root zone does not result from a regional water table 46

that fluctuates up into the root zone. Typically, the root zone becomes drier with increasing depth below forest floor. BLEU 8 contributes substantial amounts of water to surface runoff and especially during moisture recharges in spring and fall and surface runoff while ground is frozen. There can be substantial surface runoff in BLEU 8 during frost-free period and above normal summer rain. Evapotranspiration can exceed summer rain, but will not adversely impact plant growth because of the high moisture holding capacity and high moisture level in the root zone.

Plots/points: 459-8 479-8 480-9 482-4 483-8 487-4,5,10 494-7 510-2 520-6 486-4 495-3,5,7

BIOPHYSICAL LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 9

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 9 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for nearly three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and service buildings and for buildings in major cities initiated extensive logging in this forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Such clearing removed several thousands of acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the result of natural evolution, historical removal of forest products and farming. There was evidence of fire reported in 23 percent of biophysical sample points. Earthworms or evidence of their activities were reported in 23 percent of biophysical samples. Dead logs were reported in 100 percent of samples and snags were reported in 55 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 9 occurs in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region.

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 9 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F. Airflow through the low gradient plain landscape where BLEU 9 is common creates numerous sites for trapping cold air resulting in frost pockets with prolonged duration.

Geology: Glacial landforms prevail in forestland with BLEU 9. End moraine with low local relief dominates that forestland. Local low rolling hills with contrasting biophysical units having loamy and sandy glacial earthen materials occur in selected portions of that forestland. Extensive wet and moist depressions are characteristic of BLEU 9. Silty and clayey materials material and with no or very low content of rock were deposited by Des Moines lobe glacier that moved into the area from the north and northwest. Post-glacial erosion is distinct in low gradient, frequently meandering stream channels that frequently have silty and clayey banks and bottoms

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 9 is characteristically low gradient plain with extensive wet shallow depressions. Slope gradients are less than 5 percent or less with concaved and smooth features prevailing in this forestland. BLEU 9 occurs in forestland with numerous moist and wet shallow depressions that may or may not be connected to natural drains that connect to stream channels.

Water: BLEU 9 collects water from surrounding sloping drier land and contributes large volume

of water to streams and very little to ground water. Wetness of BLEU 9 dominated forestland results from surface accumulating on the forest floor and water saturated portion of root zone is caused by water percolating through the clayey earthen material that has a very slow infiltration and permeability rate Clayey material becomes drier with increasing depth in the root zone. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge and periods of above normal summer rain. Late snow cover coupled with early fall frozen soil can result in substantial subsurface runoff during spring thaw. Average rain during the summer will result in limited contribution of water to streams and lakes as a result of evapotranspiration exceeding normal rain. High intensity prolonged summer rain will contribute substantial volumes of surface runoff to lowlands and streams. There can be capillary moisture from lower portion of the root zone do to the fine pores associated with loamy and clayey materials. Water saturated loamy and clayey root zones can adversely impact plant growth throughout a growing season and resulting in low to moderate potential productivity for plants adapted to wet condition in the upper portion of loamy and clayey root zone. Water stored in the slowly permeable substratum from spring and fall recharge can contribute limited amount of water to springs, streams and lakes. Water on ground surface is surface runoff and not water from a rising water table beneath the forest floor and does not reflect water levels in adjoining uplands with pervious dry sandy or loamy earthen materials with BLEU 9.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone is estimated to be high clayey materials but availability to plants is limited by prolonged water saturated upper portion of the root zone common in BLEU 9. That combined with high moisture holding capacity in the root zone results in medium to low fertility. Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone K Ca Mg P pH 779 13611 3620 398 5.3

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for mixed hardwood stands and does not include stands dominated by balsam fir or spruce. Shrub and forb densities will respond to heat and light increased at ground surface as the canopy of hardwood becomes higher and open beneath. That response will reflect level of moisture and nutrients in the root zone. Balsam fir and spruce canopies remain close to ground surface and effectively intercept heat and light. In BLEU 9 regenerating hardwood stands will have indicator shrub species mixed with tree suckers and sprouts

Mature Plant Communities –Respective density of canopy of tree, shrub and forb layers is: Osd 2- 3, Osb 0-2, Sht 3-4, Shi 1-2, Shs 1-2, Fot 2-4 and Fos 2-4. A typical plant community has structure consisting of several distinct layers beneath the tree canopy comprised of saplings, tree seedlings, shrubs and forbs. Space between layers can be substantial and there can be considerable space between dominant tree canopy and tall shrubs. Mature hardwoods, conifers or a mixture of both are prone to wind tipping and gaps in forest types are common in BLEU 9.

Representative Species – Black ash, speckled alder, dogwoods, shield fern, horsetail, cinnamon fern and jewelweed (carex).

Root Zone: Moisture – WET.

Soil Texture by depth - 0”------30” 30”------60” Loamy or sandy clayey 48

Rock Content – Percent of root zone occupied by rocks is highly variable and typically increases with depth, and rocks on ground surface are not common.

Uniformity – A root zone in BLEU 9 typically has 30 inches of loam underlain by clayey till.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 9 is rich in nutrients, is wet and has moderate potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood and bolts but limited sawlogs from native trees grown within their respective commercial botanical range and adapted to wet fertile root zone. Wind tipping is a common problem and can cause extensive damage to stands of trees. Black ash, spruce, balsam fir, cedar and tamarack can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Many of stands are under stocked as result of past land use, gaps caused by wind tipping and mortality from diseases and insects. There is acreage of BLEU 9 that is dominated by lowland shrubs, forbs and grasses that could be brought into production of wood products with prescriptive management that integrates biophysical information with silviculture systems. That management would guide site preparation, assure proper stocking and spacing, guide weed control and initiate commercial thinning. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass could necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity. Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a moderate level of resilience that is associated with the wet root zone. All equipment operations in BLEU 9 must be done within prescription and associated standards to ensure sustained production of forest products and to prevent adverse impacts in this very productive wet, rich fertile site.

Logging operations in BLEU 9 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen. Such operations are possible during dry periods in the summer with equipment having low pounds per square pressure and using woody debris beneath track or wheels. Operations during moisture recharge in spring and fall is not recommended due to the very unstable root zone. Equipment traffic during that recharge and frost free period will cause rutting and compaction that will result in long-term adverse impacts. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction will extend beyond the immediately impacted area The ground surface will dry slowly after summer rains and adjustments in timing of logging operations would be necessary to prevent long-term adverse impacts

Earthen material in BLEU 9 can be considered for use as binder in gravel and crushed rock but it has limited use for driving surfaces due to high level of silt and clay. Driving surfaces constructed of that material will be extremely slick when wet and extremely dusty when dry.

Conversion of hardwoods to conifers will require a combination of mechanical and chemical treatments for control of hardwood suckers, sprouts, brush and grass. Site preparation timed to provide maximum impact on the competition would provide effective control of competing plants. High quality planting stock will be necessary to ensure adequate stocking. Two releases should be considered for conversions and one can suffice for selected trees. Freezing of the wet clayey materials will cause substantial heaving of planted seedlings. Site preparation and planting should be directed to minimize that heaving. Frost damage in late spring due to accumulation of cold air in depressions is common in BLEU 9 and the residual forest following harvest should be designed to minimize blockage of movement of air. Mortality generally does not result from frost damage to buds, but it does significantly reduce height growth.

Chemical exchange capacity of the surface organic-rich forest duff is high and is low to moderate and is substantially limited by water saturation of portion of the root zone. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities are limited in BLEU 9 because of the wet clayey earthen materials. Varied plant communities associated with those materials can produce limited combinations contrasting plants depending on kind and timing of disturbances. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 9 are not suited for supporting facilities associated with recreation activities. Natural earthen materials will result in muddy unstable low standard roads and hiking trails. Roads and trails built in BLEU 9 will require prism of porous earthen material for maintaining dry driving and walking surface. Side ditches will be necessary to assure effective removal of water that will be especially problematic during moisture recharge in spring and fall and during above normal rain in summer. Vegetation can be altered with silviculture techniques for enhancement of autumn colors, erosion control, air movement and natural screening. Natural mature plant communities with a closed tree canopy will have a medium to high density shrub layer typically more than 6 tall. Autumn colors will consist of multiple layers of yellow and limited red mixed with green of conifers. Silviculture techniques provide numerous opportunities for enhancing autumn colors and can produce blended multiple color layers or distinct single color layers.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 9 will have multiple layers of shrubs and forbs. Those communities tend to have significant distance between tall shrubs and tree canopy. Shrub density, species mix and height can be successfully altered by integrating biophysical information with silviculture techniques. Openings in recently disturbed areas tend to have higher species richness than non-disturbed areas. Openings can develop into communities dominated by tall shrubs, grass and forbs adapted to wet conditions. Fruiting plants are not abundant in natural communities but can be increased with silviculture alterations. Ribes, raspberries and dogwood can be grown successfully in BLEU 9. Nut bearing plants are not common in BLEU 9 and would be difficult to introduce. Managed food plots can provide additional biomass using native or introduced plants. Thermal cover can be readily produced with customized silviculture alterations for encouraging lowland conifers.

Water: Wetness in BLEU 9 is caused by accumulation of surface runoff and not by shallow depth to regional water table. The clayey earthen material has very slow infiltration and permeability causing frequent flooding and water saturation of the upper foot of the root zone. Excavations in BLEU 9 will fill with water from surface runoff and lateral flowage in the upper portion of the root zone. Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 9 guided by 50

prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the high content of silt and clay and slow to very slow rates of infiltration and percolation. BLEU 9 contributes large amounts of water to surface runoff and especially during spring and fall moisture recharges and during prolonged high intensity summer rain.

Plots/Points: 476-6 477-3 478-9 479-3 480-8 486-2,10 494-1,10 495-6 520-6 524-3 549-8

BIOPHYSICAL LANDCAPE ECOLOGICAL UNIT (BLEU) 10

Environment

Cultural: This Biophysical Landscape Ecological Unit (BLEU) 10 occurs in forestland that has evolved for thousands of years and has included cycles of cooling and warming. In response to changes in climate, tundra gave way to boreal forest that has evolved into mixed hardwood and conifer forest. European culture has influenced the land for three centuries. Lumber required by local settlers for homes and services buildings and for building major cities initiated extensive logging in the forestland. Farming was necessary for support of individual families and local communities. Consequently, land near small communities was cleared for cropping and grazing livestock. Such clearing removed several thousand acres of forestland in selected locations. Current forests are thus the results of natural processes, historical removal of forest products and farming. Evidence of fire was not reported in any samples. Earthworms or evidence of their presence was absent in all samples. Dead logs were present in many samples and snags in 45 percent of samples. Biophysical landscape ecological unit 10 occurs in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region

Climate: Climate in forestland dominated by BLEU 10 since the last glacier retreated has been constantly changing. Annual mean precipitation is 28 inches with May through August being 15 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 38’F and May through August mean temperature is 61’F. BLEU 10 occurs in bogs and accumulation of cold air is common and moderation of microclimate is direct effect of the cold air and permanently water saturated organic matter.

Geology: Glacial till in low lying elevation that is capped with thick accumulation of organic matter prevail in forestland with BLEU 10. Rocks are typically absence on and below the ground surface. The earthen materials below the organic matter were deposited by the Des Moines glacial lobe and melt water from the lobe, which moved in to the area from Canada and followed a south southeast path. Post glacial erosion of the earthen material is masked by the thick accumulation of organic matter.

Terrain: Forestland with BLEU 10 is characteristically a low gradient plain that has developed into a peat bog during post glacial time. Slope gradient of five percent or less with smooth features prevail in this forestland. Contrasting dry, moist and wet sandy, loamy and silty BLEUs adjoin BLEU 10 are common occurrences that typify the terrain of this forestland.

Water: BLEU 10 collects water from surrounding sloping dry and moist land, and contributes water to streams and ground water. Surface runoff will contribute significant amounts to lower landscape units during spring and fall recharge during which time the bog is full of water. Frost

ion the organic matter can extend in to early May and prevent percolation of spring melt water and rain causing flooding in the bog. Moisture available in the organic root zones exceeds the requirements of native plants and inhibits growth. Surface water is typically very acid.

Nutrients: Natural level of nutrients in a representative root zone of BLEU 10 is moderate to high, but not all nutrients are available to plants because of permanently water saturated root zone. That combination results in a root zone with low to moderate fertility. Drainage of the organic matter would substantially increase availability of nutrients.

Vegetation Density and Structure: The canopy density is for lowland conifer stands and stands of mixed lowland conifers and lowland hardwoods. Shrub and forb densities will vigorously respond to heat and light at the ground surface. That response will reflect the inherent natural fertility in the root zone. Forest plant communities can include black spruce, tamarack, northern white cedar, black ash, and limited amounts of aspen, paper birch, and balm.

Mature Plant Communities: Over story canopy density 1 to 3, subdominant 0 to 2, shrubs 6 to 25 feet tall 1 to3, shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall 1 to 2, shrubs less than 3 feet 1 to 3, forbs greater than 18 inches 0 to 1 and forbs less than 18 inches 2 to 4. Wind tipping is a problem due to saturated root zone. Maximum species richness will occur for several years immediately following disturbance that remove the tree canopy and create complex seedbed conditions.

Representative Species: alder, cedar, spruce, tamarack, willow, Labrador tea, raspberries, iris, cranberry, pale laurel, leather leaf

Root Zone: moisture- WET

Soil Texture by Depth: 0” through 60” = moderate and well decomposed organic matter

Rock Content: Rock fragments were not reported in any samples.

Uniformity: A root zone in BLEU 10 typically has about 60 inches of moderate and well decomposed organic matter.

Management Analysis

Timber Management: BLEU 10 has an estimated low to medium level of nutrients, is wet and has moderate to high potential for producing sustained supply of quality pulpwood and bolts. Wind tipping is a common problem and can cause extensive damage to stands of trees. Black spruce, white cedar, balsam fir, and tamarack can produce quality wood products. That supply can be further assured with integration of biophysical information with silvicultural prescriptions. Current rotations for selected trees should be evaluated for practical adjustment that could increase yield. Nutrient displacement with current and anticipated harvest practices is considered 52

to be in balance with nutrient capital in root zone and its capacity for replacing nutrients. Shorten rotations and increased removal of biomass could necessitate replacement of nutrients to assure sustained site quality and productivity Trees stressed by diseases and insects will have a low to moderate level of resilience that is associated with the wet root zone. All equipment operations in BLEU 10 must be done within prescription and associated standards to ensure sustained production of forest products and to prevent adverse impacts.

Logging operations in BLEU 10 can be conducted any time the root zone is frozen. Operations during moisture recharge in spring and fall is not recommended due to the very unstable root zone. Reduction in plant growth will occur in the ruts, compacted portions of the root zone and adjoining land. That reduction will extend beyond the immediately impacted area

Chemical exchange capacity of the accumulated organic matter is high, and is substantially limited by water saturation. Chemicals applied to control weeds and in accordance with that chemical capacity, label standards, weather conditions and soil properties will sustain quality of forestland.

Recreation: Recreation opportunities are limited in BLEU 10 because of the wet organic matter. Winter recreation activities are generally compatible with inherent capacity of BLEU 10. Plant communities unique to BLEU 10 offer opportunity to citizens interested in botany and plant ecology. Inherent properties of forestland dominated by BLEU 10 are not suited for supporting facilities associated with intensive recreation activities. BLEU 10 should be avoided for trails and roads intended for vehicular traffic.

Wildlife: A mature plant community with closed tree canopy in BLEU 10 will offer effective thermal and concealment for wildlife. There is potential for increasing wildlife food in plant communities in BLEU 10. Wildlife food plots can be successfully developed in cultivated openings. Nut bearing plants are not common in BLEU 10 and would be difficult to introduce.

Water: Wetness in BLEU 10 is caused by shallow depth to water table within bog. Excavations in BLEU 10 will fill with water from surface runoff and lateral flowage in the upper portion of the root zone. Routine forestland management activities in BLEU 10 guided by prescriptions that incorporate biophysical information, silviculture principles and water quality standards will continue to sustain natural quality water. Those prescriptions include prevention of erosion, sedimentation and especially compaction and rutting. Such prescriptions will reflect the accumulation of organic matter and slow of infiltration and percolation.

Plot and points: 459-9 465-1 473-4,5,6,7 477-9,10 478-3 483-4,5,6,7 498-10 503-7 509-1,2,10 519-6 520-3 524-1,2,9 549-4,5,6,7

III. Trembling Aspen in Laurentian Upland South Biophysical Region

Background: The focus of this section is trembling aspen and the other common trees will be discussed in the same format in separate sections. This section for trembling aspen and other trees is based on 32 biophysical plots and 305 1/50th sample points that were stratified and randomly located and from which objective verifiable biophysical data were collected throughout the Laurentian Upland South biophysical region that represents 158, 939 gross acres in northern Itasca County. County forestland occupies 22,980 acres and of that 10, 520 acres are trembling aspen type. The region extends into adjoining counties to the east. Each 10 acre plot has ten 53

1/50th acres fixed radius sample points and is oriented across topographic lines to maximize the characterization of the natural biophysical variability of the forestland. At each sample point complete forestry data (in accordance with FIA system) was recorded, all plants were identified and the root zone was characterized to depth of 60 inches. Soil samples in root zone were collected at intervals of 10 inches. The structure of each plant community was separated into 7 distinct layers and dominant plant species and shading of leaf surface were recorded. Data collection began in 2003 and was completed in 2003 and majority of data was collected in June, July and August. All plots and points have GPS coordinates and each point is marked with a wire flag and metal washer. All plots and points are electronically stored and displayed on based map in Land Department’s GIS.

Trembling aspen communities were separated into 4 separate communities based on the dominant tall shrub that included beaked hazel, red maple, sugar maple and mountain maple. All associated biophysical properties are characterized for each of the 4 communities This report will be amended as future data is collected from permanent plots which are part of the total biophysical system designed by Land Department.

Analysis of Biophysical Data

This group of 32 biophysical plots and 305 1/50th sample points reflect the total subset of biophysical data for all trembling aspen plant communities. The plots were scattered throughout the Laurentian Upland South biophysical region. A majority of biophysical data was collected during peak growing conditions. Glacial earthen materials deposited an estimated 10,000 years before present by Des Moines lobe and minor deposits of the Rainy Lobe in the forestland sampled. Those earthen materials consist of gray, brown and yellow brown loamy and sandy are common with gray clayey materials occurring typically below 3 feet in selected locations.

Disturbances

Present trembling aspen communities being harvested originated from logging, fire, wind damage and impacts from diseases and insects. A majority of currently regenerated aspen communities are the result of harvesting wood products. A majority of mature stands and regenerating aspen communities have had repeated infestations of tent caterpillar causing complete defoliation and significant reduction in yield. Of the 305 sample points, 37 percent had evidence of recent fire. Thirty five percent of points had evidence of earthworms and there was no evidence of an adverse impact on the plant communities. Evidence of wind damage included broken stems, broken canopies and locally an abundance of cradles and knolls.

Biological Properties

Earthworms or evidence of their present were reported in 35 percent of 305 biophysical sample points. Earthworms were most common in dry root zones with high content of loamy and clayey earthen materials dominating the root zone and were significantly less common in root zones dominated by sandy earthen materials. Earthworms tended to be more common in plant communities with red maple dominating the tall shrubs.

Dead logs on or near the ground surface were reported in 100 percent of sample points. A majority of sample points had more than one dead log on or near the ground surface Stage of decay ranges from recently fallen trees with readily identifiable features to well decomposed 54

wood providing a favorable micro root zone for growing plants Vertical snags were reported in 53 percent of biophysical sample points.

In this discussion of plant communities, the species listed represent those dominating communities and a complete list is available for interested parties. Trembling aspen prevails as the dominant canopy in all plant communities and 10 percent or greater canopy closure occurred in 91 percent of sample points. A sub dominant canopy of 10 to 70 percent canopy closures was recorded in 54 percent of samples. The dominant species was red maple followed in descending order by sugar maple and paper birch.

Shrubs 6 to 25 feet tall were reported in 100 percent of biophysical sample points. Canopy closure was greater than 10 percent and 59 percent of canopies had closure of greater than 40 percent. This shrub layer adds significantly to the structure of plant communities and the higher closures combined with species directly correlate with site quality. Beaked hazel was the most frequently recorded species followed in descending order by red maple, sugar maple, and mountain maple. Species in this shrub layer provide base for predicting dynamics of tree canopy as the community matures.

Shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall were reported in 98 percent of biophysical sample points and dominant canopy closure was 10 to 40 percent. This shrub layer adds to the structure of the plant community and contains shrubs not present in taller shrub layer and shrubs that respond vigorously to full sunlight. Prevailing species in descending order are beaked hazel, sugar maple, mountain maple and American hazel.

Shrubs less than 3 feet tall occurred in 100 percent of samples and consistently had canopy density of 20 to 70 percent and species in descending order included bush honeysuckle, sugar maple, beaked hazel and red maple.

Forbs greater than 18 inches tall were present in 100 percent of samples with canopy density commonly greater than 10 percent. Bracken fern was the most frequently recorded species followed in descending order by sarsaparilla and cinnamon fern.

Forbs less than 18 inches tall had densities of 10 to 100 percent and 42 percent of biophysical sample points had densities greater than 70 percent. Large-leaf aster was the most common followed in descending order by sarsaparilla, clintonia and Lily-of-the-valley.

Lichens and a variety of mosses were also reported for many of the biophysical sample points. They occurred on decaying logs, snags, stumps and exposed rocks.

Root Zones

Root zones in trembling aspen community range from wet to dry, loamy and sandy earthen materials were common in the upper 30 inches of root zones and loamy and clay materials with low to medium content of coarse fragments were common below 30 inches. Wet and moist root zones were more frequently reported at lower elevation. Smaller areas of wet and moist root zones were reported in shallow depressions in dry uplands with clayey root zones. Dry root zones occur in plains and low rolling hills and include gray clayey, gray and brown loamy and brown and yellow sandy earthen materials that are consistently more than 5 feet thick. Moderate to high fertility is characteristic of the moist and dry loamy and clayey root zones. Moderate 55

fertility is characteristic of the mixed loamy, sandy and clayey root zones. Low to moderate fertility is characteristic of the sandy root zones that include very fine, medium and coarse sands. Wetness limits the fertility in the otherwise nutrient-rich wet clayey and wet loamy root zones. The following is a 10-inch characterization of representative root zones for trembling aspen community.

Depth Texture (inches) clayey(%) loamy(%) sandy(%) organic(%)

0 to 10 2 72 13 13

11 to 20 7 59 21 13

21 to 30 21 43 23 13

31 to 40 37 26 28 9

41 to 50 38 20 33 9

51 to 60 43 18 34 5

A majority of root zones lacked evidence of wetness within 60 inches of the ground surface. In clayey root zones moistness is correlated with surface water infiltrating and percolating through the very slowly permeable earthen material. In contrast, moistness in loamy and sandy root zones in more frequently caused by a ground water that rises to different seasonal levels in the root zone. During spring and fall moisture recharge the normally dry loamy and sandy root zones can be saturated with water for short periods due to absence of evapotranspiration and abundance of water infiltrating and percolating through the root zone. Prolonged high intensity summer rain can also temporarily saturate the loamy and sandy root zones due to the volume of water on the ground surface exceeding the capacity of the earthen material to absorb it. Ten-inch interval characterization of moisture in the root zone is:

Depth to Water Saturation Percent of Samples (inches)

0 to 10 4

11 to 20 4

21 to 30 4

31 to 40 2

>40 86

Moisture also affects the temperature in the root zone with wet earthen materials warming more slowly in the spring that dry materials. In the fall, the earthen material in wet root zones cools more slowly than materials in dry root zones. At each biophysical sample point temperatures are recorded at 4.5 feet above the ground surface, 1/8th inch above ground surface, at the contact of 56

the duff layer and underlying mineral earthen material and at a depth of 20 inches into the earthen material. Temperatures will be lower in those depressions that collect cool air moving near the ground surface. Temperatures will generally be cooler on north facing slopes than opposite south facing slopes and the difference tends to increase with corresponding increase in slope gradient and increase in sand. North facing slope will have less frequent cycles of heating and cooling, freezing and thawing and wetness and dryness and the opposite if true for south facing slopes. Moist and wet root zones tend to warm more slowly in the spring and cool more slowly in the autumn. Selected organic root zones have had detectable frost in mid May and early June. The following is summary of three of temperatures collected at time biophysical data are collected from each point.

T1 T2 T3 T4 Month 4.5 Feet 1/8th Inch Contact of Duff 20 Inches Above ground Above ground and mineral below T3

June 68* 68 54 49 88 106 70 64 49 48 32 32 9 10 6 5 143 143 143 143

July 77 77 62 57 93 118 70 65 55 56 50 47 9 11 4 4 58 58 58 57

August 70 71 63 59 79 102 71 72 63 62 59 57 4 11 3 1 17 17 17 17

October 43 44 46 49 63 60 52 54 30 28 36 44 8 8 4 2 38 38 38 38

November 43 42 38 41 48 52 44 47 35 37 35 38 4 5 3 3 10 10 10 10

The greater variation in temperatures above the ground and near the surface results in fewer properties in the forest to buffer temperature changes. The highest temperatures found will be in bare dry sand on south facing slopes. In contrast, the temperature at 20 inches into the earthen 57

material is effectively buffer by structure in plant community, duff layer and features of the earthen material.

Analysis of Biophysical Data for Trembling Aspen and Dominant Tall Shrub

Trembling Aspen & Mountain Maple Community

A total of 7 biophysical sample points were used for this section and the combination of trembling aspen with dominant tall shrub layer is less common than other combinations This combination represents medium to high quality land that is some of the most productive in Itasca County. Logging and wind were the most frequently reported disturbances that influenced present plant communities. Earthen materials were deposited primarily by Des Monies lobe and a minor portion was deposited by the Rainy lobe. Moraines and plains (till and outwash) were the dominant glacial landforms. Smooth rounded simple slope prevailed in the areas sampled. Slope gradients of 5% or less were recorded in 29%, slope gradients 6 to 10 percent were recorded in 29% and gradients greater than 10 percent were recorded in 42 of samples. No rocks were reported on the ground surface.

Charcoal was reported in 29% of samples and earthworms were reported in 14 percent of samples. Water saturated condition in root zone was consistently below 40 inches (86% of samples). Dead logs on the forest floor were reported in 100% of samples. Snags were reported in 43% of samples.

Dominant tree canopy densities included density 1-0%, 2-14%, 3-29% and 4-57%. Sub dominant canopy had densities of 0-29%, 1-14%, 2-29% and 3-29% and major species in that canopy were red maple, paper birch, aspen and basswood.

Shrubs 6 feet or taller had canopy densities of 1-0%, 2-0%, 3-43% and 4-57% and dominant shrub was mountain maple. Shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall had canopy densities of 1-29%, 2-43%, 3-29% and 4-0%. The most common species were mountain maple-43%, beaked hazel-29%, balsam fir 14% and aspen 14%. Shrubs less than 3 feet tall had canopy densities of 1-14%, 2-43%, 3-43% and 4-0% and prevailing species were mountain maple and raspberry. Forbs greater than 18 inches had canopy densities of 1-43%, 2-29% 3-14% and 4-14 and dominant species were sarsaparilla, cinnamon fern, and bracken fern. Forbs less than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 1-29%, 2-14%, 3-29% and 4-29% and prevailing species were sarsaparilla, aster, clintonia and lily-of-the-valley. A list of 68 species identified in 1/50th-acre sample points appears in the following table. Grasses, mosses, willows and sedges (not include in the list) were present but not identified to species.

TYPE USDA SCIENTIFIC COMMON M N H L

1 ABBA ABIES BALSAMEA BALSAM FIR 4 2 1 2 1 ACRU ACER RUBRUM RED MAPLE 2 2 3 3 1 ACSA3 ACER SACCHARUM SUGAR MAPLE 3 5 3 1 2 ACSP2 ACER SPICATUM MOUNTAIN MAPLE 3 2 2 1 2 ALRU3 ALNUS RUGOSA SPECKLED ALDER 5 2 1 4 4 ANQU ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA WOOD ANEMONE 4 3 3 4 4 APAM APIOS AMERICANA GROUNDNUT 4 ARNU2 ARALIA NUDICAULIS WILD SARSAPARILLA 2 2 2 3

4 ASCA ASARUM CANADENSE WILD GINGER 4 5 3 1 4 ASMA2 ASTER MACROPHYLLUS LARGE LEAF ASTER 2 2 2 3 4 ASNO ASTER NOVAE ANGLIAENEW ENGLAND ASTER 3 2 3 4 4 ASSA ASTER SAGITTIFOLIUS ARROW LEAVED ASTER 2 2 2 4 8 ATFI ATHYRIUM FILIX-FEMINALADY FERN 3 3 2 1 1 BEPA BETULA PAPYRIFERA PAPER BIRCH 3 2 2 5 5 CAPE6 CAREX PENSYLVANICA PENNSYLVANIA SEDGE 1 2 3 4 5 CAREX CAREX SPP UNKNOWN SEDGE 4 CARO2 CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA HAREBELL 2 2 3 4 4 CLBO3 CLINTONIA BOREALIS CLINTON LILY 3 2 1 2 2 COAL2 CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA ALTERNATE LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 5 4 1 4 COCA13 CORNUS CANADENSIS BUNCHBERRY 3 2 1 2 2 COCO6 CORYLUS CORNUTA BEAKED HAZEL 2 1 2 3 4 COGR COPTIS GROENLANDICA GOLDTHREAD 4 2 1 1 4 CORU CORNUS RUGOSA ROUND-LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 3 3 2 2 DILO DIERVILLA LONICERA BUSH HONEYSUCKLE 1 2 2 3 8 DRSP4 DRYOPTERIS SPINULOSA COMMON SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 1 6 FMOSS FEATHER MOSS UNKNOWN SPECIES 1 FRNI FRAXINUS NIGRA BLACK ASH 4 3 3 2 4 FRVI FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA MEADOW STRAWBERRY 2 2 2 4 4 GAAS2 GALIUM ASPRELLUM ROUGH BEDSTRAW 5 3 2 1 4 GAPA GALIUM PALUSTRE MARSH BEDSTRAW 4 GATR3 GALIUM TRIFOLORUM SWEET BEDSTRAW 3 2 2 1 5 GRASS POACEAE SPP GRASS UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 HEAM5 HEPATICA AMERICANA ROUND LOBED HEPATICA 1 3 3 2 4 LAVE LATHYRUS VENOSUS WILD SWEET PEA 1 2 2 5 3 LEGR LEDUM GROENLANDICUM LABRADOR TEA 5 1 1 5 6 LICHEN LICHEN SPP LICHEN UNKNOWN SPECIES 9 LYOB LYCOPODIUM OBSCURUM GROUND PINE 2 3 1 2 4 MACA4 MAIANTHEMUM LILY OF THE VALLEY 1 2 2 4 4 MIDI3 MITELLA DIPHYLLA BISHOPS CAP OR MITERWORT 3 4 3 2 59

4 OSCL OSMORHIZA CLAYTONI SWEET CICELY 3 5 3 1 8 OSCL2 OSMUNDA CLAYTONIANA INTERRUPTED FERN 2 5 5 2 1 POBA2 POPULUS BALSAMIFERA BALSAM POPLAR 4 3 2 3 4 POPA14 POTENTILLA PALUSTRIS MARSH CINQUEFOIL 5 1 1 5 1 POTR5 POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN 2 2 2 4 2 PRVI PRUNUS VIRGINIANA CHOKECCHERRY 2 3 3 4 8 PTAQ PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM COMMON BRACKEN 1 2 2 4 4 PYEL PYROLA ELLIPTICA SHINLEAF 2 2 3 3 1 QUMA2 QUERCUS MACROCARPA BUR OAK 1 3 4 3 1 QURU QUERCUS RUBRA NORTHERN RED OAK 1 4 3 3 2 RICY RIBES CYNOSBATI PRICKLY GOOSEBERRY 3 4 4 2 3 RUPU RUBUS PUBESCENS DWARF RASPBERRY 4 2 1 1 4 SAMA2 SANICULA MARILANDICA BLACK SNAKEROOT 2 3 3 3 4 SCLA SCROPHULARIA LANCEOLATA LANCELEAF FIGWORT 6 SMOSS SPHAGNUM SPP SPAGNUM 4 STRO4 STREPTOPUS ROSEUS ROSE TWISTEDSTALK 2 3 3 1 1 TIAM TILIA AMERICANA AMERICAN BASSWOOD 2 5 4 1 4 TRBO2 TRIENTALIS BOREALIS STARFLOWER 4 2 1 1 4 UVGR UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA LARGE FLOWERED BELLWORT 2 5 4 1 4 UVSE UVULARIA SESSILIFOLIA SESSILE LEAVED BELWORT 2 4 3 1 3 VAAN VACCINIUM EARLY LOW ANGUSTIFOLIUM BLUEBERRY 1 1 1 5 3 VAMY VACCINIUM MYRTILLOIDES VELVETLEAF BLUEBERRY 2 1 1 4 4 VIPA8 VIOLA PALLENS NORTHERN WHITE VIOLET 4 3 2 3 4 VIPU3 VIOLA PUBESCENS DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET 2 2 2 3 2 VIRA VIBURNUM RAFINESQUIANUM DOWNY ARROWWOOD 2 3 3 3 4 VIRE2 VIOLA RENIFOLIA KIDNEY LEAVED VIOLET 3 3 2 2

Loamy and sandy earthen materials consistently dominated the upper thirty inches of root zones 60

and clayey material frequently increased with depth in root zones. Ten-inch interval characterization of earthen materials showed the following: 1 to 10 inches-clayey-0%, loamy- 82% and sandy-14%; 11 to 20 inches-clayey-0%, loamy-71% and sandy-29%; 21 to 30 inches- clayey-0%, loamy-71% and sandy-29%; 31 to 40 inches-clayey-43%, loamy-0% and sandy-57%; 41 to 50 inches-clayey-29%, loamy-0% and sandy-71%; 51 to 60 inches-clayey- 0%, loamy- 0 % and sandy-100%. A majority of root zones did not have water saturated zones within 60 inches.

Trembling Aspen & Beaked Hazel Community

A total of 14 biophysical sample points support this section. Logging and wind were the most frequently recorded disturbances. Earthen materials were deposited mainly by the Des Moines lobe and limited amounts of Rainy deposits. Common landforms were till plain and moraines. Slopes were consistently smooth, rounded and local irregular landscape. Slope gradients of 5% or less occupied 50 percent of the landscape and 43 percent had greater than 10 percent gradient. Fifty percent of the land had no rocks on the ground surface. Dead logs on the ground occurred in 100 percent of samples. Dead snags were reported in 36 percent of samples.

Charcoal was reported in 21 percent of samples. Earthworms or evidence for their presence were reported in 36 percent of samples. Water saturation of root zones was absence within depth 20 inches, 21 to 30 inches-7% and greater than 30 inches 93%.

Dominant tree canopy densities were 1-7%, 2-14%, 3-21% and 4-57%. Subdominant tree canopy densities were 0-64%, 1-21%, 2-7%, 3-7% and 4-0%. Subdominant trees included red maple and sugar maple. Dominant tall shrub canopy densities were 1-7%, 2-14%, 3-50% and 4-29%. Beaked hazel is the prevailing shrub. Shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall had canopy densities of 1-43%, 2- 50%, 3-7% and 4-0%. Common species included beaked hazel, sugar maple, leatherwood and raspberries. Shrubs less that 3 feet tall had canopy densities of 1-43%, 2-29%, 3-29% and 4-0%. Species included beaked hazel, raspberries, bush honeysuckle, red maple and sugar maple. Forbs more than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 1-29%, 2-20%, 3-38% and 4-13%. Species included bracken fern and sarsaparilla. Forbs less than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 1- 29%, 2-21%, 3-38% and 4-14%. Species included bracken fern and sarsaparilla The following list of 92 species is based on records from 14 1/50th –acre sample points. Mosses, sedges, lichens and willows were present but not identified to species.

TYPE USDA SCIENTIFIC COMMON M N H L

1 ABBA ABIES BALSAMEA BALSAM FIR 4 2 1 2 1 ACRU ACER RUBRUM RED MAPLE 2 2 3 3 1 ACSA3 ACER SACCHARUM SUGAR MAPLE 3 5 3 1 2 ACSP2 ACER SPICATUM MOUNTAIN MAPLE 3 2 2 1 2 AMELA AMELANCHIER SPP SERVICEBERRY 3 2 2 4 2 AMSA AMELANCHIER RED TWIG SANGUINEA JUNEBERRY 2 2 2 4 4 AMSPC AMELANCHIER SPICATA COMPLEX JUNEBERRY 4 ANQU ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA WOOD ANEMONE 4 3 3 4 4 APAN2 APOCYNUM ANDROSAE- SPREADING MIFOLIUM DOGBANE 1 2 3 5 4 ARNU2 ARALIA NUDICAULIS WILD SARSAPARILLA 2 2 2 3 4 ASMA2 ASTER MACROPHYLLUS 61

LARGE LEAF ASTER 2 2 2 3 4 ASSA ASTER SAGITTIFOLIUS ARROW LEAVED ASTER 2 2 2 4 4 ASTER ASTER SPP ASTER UNKNOWN SPECIES 8 ATFI ATHYRIUM FILIX-FEMINA LADY FERN 3 3 2 1 1 BEPA BETULA PAPYRIFERA PAPER BIRCH 3 2 2 5 5 CAREX CAREX SPP UNKNOWN SEDGE 4 CATH2 CAULOPHYLLUM THALIC- TROIDES BLUE COHOSH 3 5 4 1 4 CIAL CIRCAEA ALPINA NORTHERN ENCHAN- TERS NIGHTSHADE 4 3 2 1

4 CIAR4 CIRSIUM ARVENSE CANADA THISTLE 2 2 3 5 4 CLBO3 CLINTONIA BOREALIS CLINTON LILY 3 2 1 2 2 COAL2 CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA ALTERNATE LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 5 4 1 2 COAM3 CORYLUS AMERICANA AMERICAN HAZEL 1 2 3 5 4 COCA13 CORNUS CANADENSIS BUNCHBERRY 3 2 1 2 4 COCA4 COLLINSONIA CANADENSIS HORSEBALM 3 4 5 2 2 COCO6 CORYLUS CORNUTA BEAKED HAZEL 2 1 2 3 4 COSE CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM HEDGE BINDWEED 3 3 4 4 2 CRSU5 CRATAEGUS SUCCULENTA MELLOW FRUITED 4 DEGL5 DESMODIUM GLUTINOSUM POINT LEAVEDTICK 2 DILO DIERVILLA LONICERA BUSH HONEYSUCKLE 1 2 2 3 2 DIPA9 DIRCA PALUSTRIS LEATHERWOOD 3 5 4 1 8 DRCR4 DRYOPTERIS CRISTATA CRESTED SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 3 8 DRSP4 DRYOPTERIS SPINULOSA COMMON SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 1 4 EPAN2 EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FIREWEED 3 2 2 5 9 EQSY EQUISETUM SYLVATICUM FOREST HORSETAIL 3 2 1 3 6 FMOSS FEATHER MOSS UNKNOWN SPECIES 1 FRNI FRAXINUS NIGRA BLACK ASH 4 3 3 2 4 FRVI FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA MEADOW STRAWBERRY 2 2 2 4 4 GAAP2 GALIUM APARINE CLEAVERS 3 4 3 2 4 GAAS2 GALIUM ASPRELLUM ROUGH BEDSTRAW 5 3 2 1 3 GAPR2 GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS WINTERGREEN 1 1 2 5 4 GATR3 GALIUM TRIFOLORUM SWEET BEDSTRAW 3 2 2 1 5 GRASS POACEAE SPP GRASS UNKNOWN SPECIES 62

4 HEAM5 HEPATICA AMERICANA ROUND LOBED HEPATICA 1 3 3 2 4 IMCA IMPATIENS CAPENSIS SPOTTED JEWELWEED 4 5 4 1 5 JUNCUS JUNCUS SPP RUSH UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 LACA LACTUCA CANADENSIS COMMON WILD LETTUCE 2 3 3 4 4 LAVE LATHYRUS VENOSUS WILD SWEET PEA 1 2 2 5 4 LIBO3 LINNAEA BOREALIS TWIN FLOWER 3 2 1 3 6 LICHEN LICHEN SPP LICHEN UNKNOWN SPECIES 2 LOCA7 LONICERA CANADENSIS AMERICAN FLYHONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 1 2 LOHI LONICERA HIRSUTA HAIRY HONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 3 4 LYAM LYCOPUS AMERICANUS WATER HOREHOUND 4 2 4 5 9 LYOB LYCOPODIUM OBSCURUM GROUND PINE 2 3 1 2 4 MACA4 MAIANTHEMUM LILY OF THE VALLEY 1 2 2 4 8 ONSE ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS SENSITIVE FERN 4 4 3 3 8 OSCI OSMUNDA CINNAMOMEA CINNAMON FERN 4 2 1 1 4 OSCL OSMORHIZA CLAYTONI SWEET CICELY 3 5 3 1 8 OSCL2 OSMUNDA CLAYTONIANA INTERRUPTED FERN 2 5 5 2 14 POBI2 POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM SMOOTH SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 7 POCI POLYGONUM CILINODE FRINGED BINDWEED 2 3 3 3 4 POPA5 POLYGALA PAUCIFOLIA FRINGED MILKWORT 3 3 3 3 4 POPU4 POLYGONATUM PUBESCENS HAIRY SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 7 POSC3 POLYGONUM SCANDENS CLIMBING FALSE BUCKWHEAT 3 2 4 3 1 POTR5 POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN 2 2 2 4 4 PRAL PRENANTHES ALBA WHITE LETTUCE 2 3 1 3 2 PRVI PRUNUS VIRGINIANA CHOKECCHERRY 2 3 3 4 8 PTAQ PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM COMMON BRACKEN 1 2 2 4 1 QURU QUERCUS RUBRA NORTHERN RED OAK 1 4 3 3 2 RICY RIBES CYNOSBATI PRICKLY GOOSEBERRY 3 4 4 2 2 RIGL RIBES GLANDULOSUM SKUNK CURRANT 4 2 1 2 2 RIOX RIBES OXYACANTHOIDES NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY 3 2 1 4 3 RUAL RUBUS ALLEGHENIENSIS COMMON BLACKBERRY 3 2 2 5 63

3 RUID RUBUS IDAEUS WILD RED var STRIGOSUS RASPBERRY 3 2 2 4 3 RUPU RUBUS PUBESCENS DWARF RASPBERRY 4 2 1 1 4 SACA13 SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS BLOODROOT 2 3 4 1 2 SAGR SALIX GRACILIS SLENDER WILLOW 4 3 2 5 4 SAMA2 SANICULA MARILANDICA BLACK SNAKEROOT 2 3 3 3 4 SMRA SMILACINA RACEMOSA FALSE SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 1 4 SMTR SMILACINA TRIFOLIA THREE LEAVED SOLOMONS SEAL 4 2 2 4 4 STRO4 STREPTOPUS ROSEUS ROSE TWISTEDSTALK 2 3 3 1 4 TAOF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE COMMON DANDELION 2 2 3 5 1 TIAM TILIA AMERICANA AMERICAN BASSWOOD 2 5 4 1 4 TRBO2 TRIENTALIS BOREALIS STARFLOWER 4 2 1 1 4 TUFA TUSSILAGO FARFARA COLTSFOOT 4 UVGR UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA LARGE FLOWERED BELLWORT 2 5 4 1 4 UVSE UVULARIA SESSILIFOLIA SESSILE LEAVED BELWORT 2 4 3 1 3 VAAN VACCINIUM EARLY LOW ANGUSTIFOLIUM BLUEBERRY 1 1 1 5 4 VIAM VICIA AMERICANA AMERICAN VETCH 3 3 4 3 4 VICO2 VIOLA CONSPERSA DOG VIOLET 3 5 4 1 4 VICR VICIA CRACCA COW VETCH 2 3 3 5 4 VIPA8 VIOLA PALLENS NORTHERN WHITE VIOLET 4 3 2 3 4 VIPU3 VIOLA PUBESCENS DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET 2 2 2 3 2 VIRA VIBURNUM RAFINESQUIANUM DOWNY ARROWWOOD 2 3 3 3

Gray and brownish yellow glacial earthen materials were common and 10-inch interval samples showed: 1 to 10 inches-clayey-0%, loamy-100% and sandy-0%; 11 to 20 inches-clayey-7%, loamy-64% and sandy-29%; 21 to 30 inches-clayey-14%, loamy-50% and sandy-36%; 31 to 40 inches-clayey-50%, loamy-25 and sandy-25%; 41 to 50 inches-clayey-50%, loamy-25% and sandy-25%; and 51 to 60 inches-clayey-75%, loamy-05% and sandy-25%.

Trembling Aspen & Red Maple (Tall Shrubs) Community

A total of 10 biophysical sample points support this section. Logging, fire and wind were the most frequently recorded disturbances. Earthen materials were deposited mainly by the Des Moines lobe and limited amounts of Rainy deposits. Common landforms were glacial moraines. Slopes were consistently smooth, rounded and local irregular landscape. Slope gradients of 5% or less occupied 60 percent of the landscape and 40 percent had greater than 10 percent gradient. 64

Sixty percent of the land had no rocks on the ground surface. Dead logs on the ground occurred in 100 percent of samples. Dead snags were reported in 60 percent of samples.

Charcoal was reported in 50 percent of samples. Earthworms or evidence for their presence were reported in 60 percent of samples. Water saturation of root zones was less than 10 inch depth - 0%, 11 to 20 inches-20%; 21 to 40 inches-10%; and greater 40 inches-70%.

Dominant tree canopy densities were 1-0%, 2-20%, 3-0% and 4-80%. Subdominant tree canopy densities were 0-30%, 1-20%, 2-20%, 3-20% and 4-10%. Subdominant trees included red maple, balsam fire and paper birch. Dominant tall shrub canopy densities were 1-30%, 2-40%, 3-30% and 4-0%. Red maple seedlings are the prevailing shrub. Shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-30%, 2-60%, 3-0% and 4-10%. Common species included beaked hazel, sugar maple, aspen sugar maple, serviceberry, black ash and arrowwood. Shrubs less that 3 feet tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-20%, 2-40%, 3-30% and 4-10%. Species included beaked bush honeysuckle, sugar maple, mountain maple, American hazel and black ash. Forbs more than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-40%, 2-20%, 3-10% and 4-30%. Species included bracken fern, sarsaparilla, lady fern and bellwort. Forbs less than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-0%, 2-40%, 3-10% and 4-50%. Species included aster, sarsaparilla, lady fern and grasses. The following list of 100 species is based on records from 14 1/50th –acre sample points. Mosses, sedges, lichens and willows were present but not identified to species.

TYPE USDA SCIENTIFIC COMMON M N H L

1 ABBA ABIES BALSAMEA BALSAM FIR 4 2 1 2 1 ACRU ACER RUBRUM RED MAPLE 2 2 3 3 4 ACRU2 ACTAEA RUBRA RED BANEBERRY 3 3 2 1 1 ACSA3 ACER SACCHARUM SUGAR MAPLE 3 5 3 1 2 ACSP2 ACER SPICATUM MOUNTAIN MAPLE 3 2 2 1 4 AMSPC AMELANCHIER SPICATA COMPLEX JUNEBERRY 4 ANQU ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA WOOD ANEMONE 4 3 3 4 4 APAN2 APOCYNUM ANDROSAE- SPREADING MIFOLIUM DOGBANE 1 2 3 5 4 ARNU2 ARALIA NUDICAULIS WILD SARSAPARILLA 2 2 2 3 4 ASCA ASARUM CANADENSE WILD GINGER 4 5 3 1 4 ASMA2 ASTER MACROPHYLLUS LARGE LEAF ASTER 2 2 2 3 4 ASSA ASTER SAGITTIFOLIUS ARROW LEAVED ASTER 2 2 2 4 4 ASTER ASTER SPP ASTER UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 ASUM ASTER UMBELLATUS FLAT TOP WHITE ASTER 2 2 3 4 8 ATFI ATHYRIUM FILIX-FEMINA LADY FERN 3 3 2 1 1 BEPA BETULA PAPYRIFERA PAPER BIRCH 3 2 2 5 4 BIFR BIDENS FRONDOSA DEVILS BEGGERTICK 8 BOVI BOTRYCHIUM VIRGINIANUM RATTLESNAKE FERN 4 4 3 1 65

5 CAPE6 CAREX PENSYLVANICA PENNSYLVANIA SEDGE 1 2 3 4 5 CAREX CAREX SPP UNKNOWN SEDGE 4 CIAL CIRCAEA ALPINA NORTHERN ENCHAN- TERS NIGHTSHADE 4 3 2 1 4 CLBO3 CLINTONIA BOREALIS CLINTON LILY 3 2 1 2 2 COAL2 CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA ALTERNATE LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 5 4 1 2 COAM3 CORYLUS AMERICANA AMERICAN HAZEL 1 2 3 5 4 COCA13 CORNUS CANADENSIS BUNCHBERRY 3 2 1 2 2 COCO6 CORYLUS CORNUTA BEAKED HAZEL 2 1 2 3 2 CORU CORNUS RUGOSA ROUND LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 3 3 2 4 COSE CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM HEDGE BINDWEED 3 3 4 4 2 DILO DIERVILLA LONICERA BUSH HONEYSUCKLE 1 2 2 3 2 DIPA9 DIRCA PALUSTRIS LEATHERWOOD 3 5 4 1 8 DRCR4 DRYOPTERIS CRISTATA CRESTED SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 3 9 EQAR EQUISETUM ARVENSE FIELD HORSETAIL 4 2 1 1 6 FMOSS FEATHER MOSS UNKNOWN SPECIES 1 FRNI FRAXINUS NIGRA BLACK ASH 4 3 3 2 1 FRPE FRAXINUS PENNSYLVANICA GREEN ASH 3 5 4 4 4 FRVI FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA MEADOW STRAWBERRY 2 2 2 4 4 GAAS2 GALIUM ASPRELLUM ROUGH BEDSTRAW 5 3 2 1 4 GABO2 GALIUM BOREALE NORTHERN BED- STRAW 1 2 2 5 3 GAPR2 GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS WINTERGREEN 1 1 2 5 4 GATR3 GALIUM TRIFOLORUM SWEET BEDSTRAW 3 2 2 1 5 GRASS POACEAE SPP GRASS UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 HEAM5 HEPATICA AMERICANA ROUND LOBED HEPATICA 1 3 3 2 2 ILVE ILEX VERTICILLATA WINTERBERRY 4 2 3 4 4 IMCA IMPATIENS CAPENSIS SPOTTED JEWELWEED 4 5 4 1 5 JUNCUS JUNCUS SPP RUSH UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 LAOC2 LATHYRUS OCHROLEUCUS WHITE PEAVINE 1 2 3 5 4 LAPAL LATHYRUS PALUSTRIS MARSH VETCHLING 66

4 LAVE LATHYRUS VENOSUS WILD SWEET PEA 1 2 2 5 6 LICHEN LICHEN SPP LICHEN UNKNOWN SPECIES 2 LOCA7 LONICERA CANADENSIS AMERICAN FLYHONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 1 4 LYCI LYSIMACHIA CILIATA FRINGED LOOSESTRIFE 3 3 2 4 9 LYCL LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM RUNNING CLUBMOSS 3 1 2 1 9 LYLU LYCOPODIUM LUCIDULUM SHINY CLUBMOSS 4 2 2 2 9 LYOB LYCOPODIUM OBSCURUM GROUND PINE 2 3 1 2 4 LYUN LYCOPUS UNIFLORUS COMMON WATER HOREHOUND 4 3 3 2 4 MACA4 MAIANTHEMUM LILY OF THE VALLEY 1 2 2 4 4 MIDI3 MITELLA DIPHYLLA BISHOPS CAP OR MITERWORT 3 4 3 2 4 MINU3 MITELLA NUDA NAKED MITERWORT 4 2 1 1 8 ONSE ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS SENSITIVE FERN 4 4 3 3 4 OSCL OSMORHIZA CLAYTONI SWEET CICELY 3 5 3 1 8 OSCL2 OSMUNDA CLAYTONIANA INTERRUPTED FERN 2 5 5 2 4 PEPA31 PETASITES PALMATUS EARLY SWEET COLTSFOOT 4 2 1 3

4 PLMA2 PLANTAGO MAJOR COMMON PLANTAIN 2 3 3 5 1 POBA2 POPULUS BALSAMIFERA BALSAM POPLAR 4 3 2 3 4 POBI2 POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM SMOOTH SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 1 POGR4 POPULUS GRANDIDENTATA BIGTOOTH ASPEN 1 3 3 3 4 POHY2 POLYGONUM MILD WATER HYDROPIPEROIDES PEPPER 5 2 3 5 4 POPU4 POLYGONATUM PUBESCENS HAIRY SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 1 POTR5 POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN 2 2 2 4 2 PRVI PRUNUS VIRGINIANA CHOKECCHERRY 2 3 3 4 8 PTAQ PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM COMMON BRACKEN 1 2 2 4 4 PYEL PYROLA ELLIPTICA SHINLEAF 2 2 3 3 4 PYRO PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA ROUND LEAVED PYROLA 2 2 2 3 1 QUMA2 QUERCUS MACROCARPA BUR OAK 1 3 4 3 67

1 QURU QUERCUS RUBRA NORTHERN RED OAK 1 4 3 3 2 RIOX RIBES OXYACANTHOIDES NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY 3 2 1 4 2 ROBL ROSA BLANDA SMOOTH ROSE 1 2 2 5 4 ROCA4 ROSA CAROLINA L PASTURE ROSE 2 ROSA ROSA SPP ROSE UNKNOWN SPECIES 3 RUID RUBUS IDAEUS WILD RED var STRIGOSUS RASPBERRY 3 2 2 4 3 RUPU RUBUS PUBESCENS DWARF RASPBERRY 4 2 1 1 4 SAMA2 SANICULA MARILANDICA BLACK SNAKEROOT 2 3 3 3 4 SMRA SMILACINA RACEMOSA FALSE SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 1 4 SMST SMILACINA STELLATA STAR FLOWERED SOLOMONS SEAL 2 5 4 3 4 STRO4 STREPTOPUS ROSEUS ROSE TWISTEDSTALK 2 3 3 1 4 TAOF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE COMMON DANDELION 2 2 3 5 4 THDI THALICTRUM DIOICUM MEADOW RUE 2 3 3 3 4 TRBO2 TRIENTALIS BOREALIS STARFLOWER 4 2 1 1 4 TUFA TUSSILAGO FARFARA COLTSFOOT 1 ULAM ULMUS AMERICANA AMERICAN ELM 3 5 4 2 4 UVGR UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA LARGE FLOWERED BELLWORT 2 5 4 1 4 UVSE UVULARIA SESSILIFOLIA SESSILE LEAVED BELLWORT 2 4 3 1 3 VAAN VACCINIUM EARLY LOW ANGUSTIFOLIUM BLUEBERRY 1 1 1 5 3 VAMY VACCINIUM MYRTILLOIDES VELVETLEAF BLUEBERRY 2 1 1 4 4 VIPA8 VIOLA PALLENS NORTHERN WHITE VIOLET 4 3 2 3 4 VIPU3 VIOLA PUBESCENS DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET 2 2 2 3 2 VIRA VIBURNUM RAFINESQUIANUM DOWNY ARROWWOOD 2 3 3 3

Gray and brownish earthen materials are common in the root zones. Characterization of root zones to depth of 60 inches is shown in the following table.

Depth Clayey Loamy Sandy (inches) (%) (%) (%)

10 0 80 20

11-20 0 70 30 21-30 0 40 60 31-40 40 20 40 41-50 60 20 20 51-60 60 20 20

Seventy percent of root zones had no water saturation within depth of 40 inches. There were no root zones saturated within 10 inches of the ground surface. Thirty percent of root zones had saturation within a depth of 20 to 40 inches. All water saturation was intermittent and the longest duration would be in shallow depressions in the landscape with clayey or loamy materials within a depth of 40 inches. Root zones tend to be combination of contrasting materials to depth of 60 inches.

Trembling Aspen & Sugar Maple (Tall Shrubs) Community

A total of 9 biophysical sample points support this section. Logging was the most frequently recorded disturbance. Earthen materials were deposited mainly by the Des Moines lobe. Common landforms were glacial moraines. Slopes were consistently smooth, rounded and local irregular landscape. Slope gradients of 5% or less occupied 66 percent of the landscape and 33 percent had greater than 6 percent gradient. Sixty seven percent of the land had no rocks on the ground surface. Dead logs on the ground occurred in 100 percent of samples. Dead snags were reported in 78 percent of samples.

Charcoal was reported in 44 percent of samples. Earthworms or evidence for their presence were reported in 11 percent of samples. No water saturation of root zones was recorded within 50 inches of the ground surface.

Dominant tree canopy densities were 1-11%, 2-11%, 3-11% and 4-67%. Subdominant tree canopy densities were 0-22%, 1-0%, 2-33%, 3-22% and 4-22%. Subdominant trees included sugar maple, paper birch, ironwood, red oak and basswood. Dominant tall shrub canopy densities were 0-0%, 1-0%, 2-33%, 3-33% and 4-33%. Sugar maple seedlings are the prevailing shrub. Shrubs 3 to 6 feet tall had canopy densities of 0-11%, 1-22%, 2-67%, 3-0% and 4-0%. Common species included sugar maple and beaked hazel. Shrubs less that 3 feet tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-11%, 2-67%, 3-0% and 4-22%. Species included sugar maple and beaked hazel. Forbs more than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 0-22%, 1-56%, 2-22%, 3-0% and 4-0%. Species included sarsaparilla, cinnamon fern and interrupted fern. Forbs less than 18 inches tall had canopy densities of 0-0%, 1-22%, 2-44%, 3-22% and 4-11%. Species included aster, sarsaparilla, sedges, lily-of-the-valley and bellwort. The following list of 63 plants is based on data for 6 plots and 9 1/50th acre sample points.

TYPE USDA SCIENTIFIC COMMON M N H L

4 ANCA8 ANEMONE CAN- ADENSIS CANADA ANEMONE 3 2 2 4 4 ANQU ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA WOOD ANEMONE 4 3 3 4 4 ARNU2 ARALIA NUDICAULIS WILD SARSAPARILLA 2 2 2 3 4 ASMA2 ASTER MACROPHYLLUS LARGE LEAF ASTER 2 2 2 3 8 ATFI ATHYRIUM FILIX-FEMINA LADY FERN 3 3 2 1 1 BEPA BETULA PAPYRIFERA PAPER BIRCH 3 2 2 5 5 CAPE6 CAREX PENSYLVANICA PENNSYLVANIA SEDGE 1 2 3 4 5 CAREX CAREX SPP UNKNOWN SEDGE 4 CLBO3 CLINTONIA BOREALIS CLINTON LILY 3 2 1 2 2 COAL2 CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA ALTERNATE LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 5 4 1 2 COCO6 CORYLUS CORNUTA BEAKED HAZEL 2 1 2 3 2 CORU CORNUS RUGOSA ROUND LEAVED DOGWOOD 2 3 3 2 2 DILO DIERVILLA LONICERA BUSH HONEYSUCKLE 1 2 2 3 2 DIPA9 DIRCA PALUSTRIS LEATHERWOOD 3 5 4 1 8 DRSP4 DRYOPTERIS SPINULOSA COMMON SHIELD FERN 4 2 1 1 6 FMOSS FEATHER MOSS UNKNOWN SPECIES 1 FRNI FRAXINUS NIGRA BLACK ASH 4 3 3 2 4 FRVI FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA MEADOW STRAWBERRY 2 2 2 4 5 GRASS POACEAE SPP GRASS UNKNOWN SPECIES 4 HEAM5 HEPATICA AMERICANA ROUND LOBED HEPATICA 1 3 3 2 2 ILVE ILEX VERTICILLATA WINTERBERRY 4 2 3 4 4 LAVE LATHYRUS VENOSUS WILD SWEET PEA 1 2 2 5 6 LICHEN LICHEN SPP LICHEN UNKNOWN SPECIES 2 LOCA7 LONICERA CANADENSIS AMERICAN FLYHONEYSUCKLE 3 2 2 1 4 LUAC LUZULA ACUMINATA COMMON WOODRUSH 2 2 2 4 9 LYLU LYCOPODIUM LUCIDULUM SHINY CLUBMOSS 4 2 2 2 9 LYOB LYCOPODIUM OBSCURUM GROUND PINE 2 3 1 2 4 LYQU2 LYSIMACHIA QUADRIFOLIA WHORLED 4 MACA4 MAIANTHEMUM LILY OF THE VALLEY 1 2 2 4 4 OSCL OSMORHIZA CLAYTONI SWEET CICELY 3 5 3 1 8 OSCL2 OSMUNDA CLAYTONIANA 70

INTERRUPTED FERN 2 5 5 2 1 OSVI OSTRYA VIRGINIANA EASTERN HOPHORNBEAM 2 5 4 1 1 POGR4 POPULUS GRANDIDENTATA BIGTOOTH ASPEN 1 3 3 3 4 POPU4 POLYGONATUM PUBESCENS HAIRY SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 2 1 POTR5 POPULUS TREMULOIDES QUAKING ASPEN 2 2 2 4 2 PRVI PRUNUS VIRGINIANA CHOKECCHERRY 2 3 3 4 8 PTAQ PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM COMMON BRACKEN 1 2 2 4 1 QURU QUERCUS RUBRA NORTHERN RED OAK 1 4 3 3 2 RICY RIBES CYNOSBATI PRICKLY GOOSEBERRY 3 4 4 2 2 RIGL RIBES GLANDULOSUM SKUNK CURRANT 4 2 1 2 3 RUPU RUBUS PUBESCENS DWARF RASPBERRY 4 2 1 1 4 SAMA2 SANICULA MARILANDICA BLACK SNAKEROOT 2 3 3 3 4 SMRA SMILACINA RACEMOSA FALSE SOLOMONS SEAL 3 5 4 1 4 SOFL2 SOLIDAGO FLEXICAULIS WIDE LEAVED GOLDENROD 3 5 3 1 4 STRO4 STREPTOPUS ROSEUS ROSE TWISTEDSTALK 2 3 3 1 4 THDI THALICTRUM DIOICUM EARLY MEADOW RUE 2 3 3 3 1 TIAM TILIA AMERICANA AMERICAN BASSWOOD 2 5 4 1 4 TRBO2 TRIENTALIS BOREALIS STARFLOWER 4 2 1 1 4 TRCE TRILLIUM CERNUUM NODDING TRILLIUM 3 5 3 1 4 UVGR UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA LARGE FLOWERED BELLWORT 2 5 4 1 4 UVSE UVULARIA SESSILIFOLIA SESSILE LEAVED BELWORT 2 4 3 1 4 VICA2 VICIA CARALINANA CARALINA VETCH 4 VIIN VIOLA INCOGNITA LGE LEAVED WHITE VIOLET 3 2 2 3 4 VIPU3 VIOLA PUBESCENS DOWNY YELLOW VIOLET 2 2 2 3 4 VIRE2 VIOLA RENIFOLIA KIDNEY LEAVED VIOLET 3 3 2 2

Gray and brownish earthen materials are common in the root zones. Characterization of root zones to depth of 60 inches is shown in the following table.

Depth Clayey Loamy Sandy (inches) (%) (%) (%)

10 0 100 0 11-20 0 67 33 21-30 0 33 67 31-40 33 0 67 41-50 67 0 33 51-60 67 0 33

One hundred percent of root zones had no water saturation within depth of 40 inches. Root zones tend to be combination of contrasting materials to depth of 60 inches.

IV. Silviculture Integrated with Biophysical Information

This section presents an integration of silviculture principles and practices with biophysical information applicable to managing trees commonly found in the Laurentian Upland South biophysical region. Additional integrated information each tree includes botanical, physiological and fertility requirements. Information in this section will support growing each tree in pure stands, in mixed stands, for producing high quality wood, for supporting diversity of wildlife habitat and for scenic quality within view sheds.

Trembling Aspen

Trembling aspen is intolerant to shade, is considered a pioneer tree and reproduces by seed and suckers. This aspen grows in the Great Lake States, Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and southern portion of the Boreal Forest in Canada. North central Minnesota, that includes Laurentian Upland South biophysical region, has been suggested as being near the botanical center for trembling aspen and that in combination with nutrient-rich root zones results in vigorous growth and high quality of tree extending beyond a hundred years of age in selected sites and selected clones. Trembling aspen consumes large amounts of nutrients in comparison to pines and spruces. For example, North Central Forest Experiment Station reported that the concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in aspen exceeded respective concentration of nutrients in jack pine by 5.6 times, 2.2, 2.2 and 2.6. Thus, substantially greater amounts of nutrients would be displaced with removal of aspen wood products verse jack pine.

Regeneration

Trembling aspen requires full sunlight for successful regeneration. Regeneration can be accomplished with suckers in sites with little disturbance of forest floor. In sites with major exposure of mineral earthen material, aspen often regenerates by seeds and suckers. Suckers of varying quality will regenerate in partially shaded sites. Genetic makeup of parent trees plays a significant role in determining the quality of suckers and seedlings. Forestland managers will find it beneficial to identify the different aspen clones in a specific stand and favor the expansion of the high quality clones in regeneration prescriptions. That expansion begins with design of harvest area, trees selected for harvest and method of cutting.

Regeneration is most vigorous with potentially high quality suckers and seedlings in dry and moist nutrient-rich root zones. In LUS, that would include BLEUs 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Potentially low vigor suckers and seedlings will occur on the droughty and wet sites that include BLEUs 3 72

and 5. All aspen regeneration should be evaluated for quality, spacing and stocking every five years for assuring maximum yields of quality wood. Aspen stands with low quality stocking or low density stocking are candidates for conversion to more productive trees.

Harvest

Harvest must be scheduled for maximum stocking of new aspen stands with high quality and adequately spaced suckers and seedlings. Potential for dry summer harvest include BLEUs 3, 4, 5 and 6. Actual operations need to be evaluated based on rain events during the summer and appropriate action taken for assurance of maintaining the quality of the site. BLEUs 7, 8, 9 and 10 must be scheduled for harvest during frozen and snow covered ground. For quality and quantity of suckers and seedlings, harvest of aspen would be scheduled outside the moisture recharge periods in the fall and spring for BLEUs 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8. In the fall this period is generally between leaf-drop and onset of frozen and snow covered ground and in the spring this period is between snow melt and full leaf-out of forbs, shrubs and trees. Improper equipment operations outside of prescriptive management will cause long term adverse impacts that can last a duration of several decades. Rutting and compaction of the clayey earthen materials have been observed to remain a problem after two decades.

Nutrient conservation

Prescriptive management integrating biophysical nutrient budget with nutrient conservation measures for managing repeated crops of aspen is appropriate for crops of aspen on BLEUs 3, 4 and 5. Such management includes scattering tops on land from which aspen wood is harvested. In selected instances the availability of nutrient-rich waste products from sewage disposal systems and wood processing plants can be applied to those BLEUs as part of a nutrient conservation strategy. Drainage of moist and wet BLEUs will release nutrients for plant uptake that otherwise are unavailable due to root zone being saturated with water for prolonged periods. Conversion of trembling aspen to jack pine or red pine would result in production of increased volume and higher quality wood products with fewer uptakes of nutrients. Quality pine sawlogs would become a new wood product for those BLEUs also.

Nutrient Dynamics

Nutrient dynamics in forestland are the culmination of the results of climate, geological processes, biological processes, natural weathering processes of earthen materials, specific events including outbreaks of plant diseases, insect infestations, fire and human activities. Selected amounts of nutrients are leached deep into root zones beyond feeding roots and are a net loss to the immediate population of organisms and plants. Human activities do not make or destroy nutrients but rather they displace nutrients from one location to another. An example is wood burned to heat a home displaces nutrients from the forest and converts them to aerosol in smoke and dry in ash.

Changes in climate directly influence the weathering of minerals and subsequent release of nutrient inherent to their composition. Moist warm climates accelerate the weathering process and sedimentary rock (limestone and sandstone for example) and earthen materials derived from them will weather rather rapidly under such condition and yield high levels of nutrients important for plant growth and reproduction and give rise to rich fertile soils. Granite and other igneous rocks will weather more slowly and yield low to moderate levels of nutrients and resulting soils 73

will have low to medium fertility. Those conditions are characteristic of Itasca County In contrast, a dry warm climate will foster slow weathering of rocks in general and desert conditions with low fertility soils are common.

Abrasive action of glacial motion physically grinds rocks to smaller particles and soft limestone and sandstone will be readily reduced to fines and pebbles. Igneous rocks are much harder and that abrasive action will result in larger sand particles, gravel and boulders. As the rocks are ground to smaller particles, the chemical weathering processes are accelerated due to the significant increase in exposed surface. Melting glaciers produce enormous volumes of water, which move and sort particles of earthen materials in accordance with the changing volume and velocity of the water. Fast flowing water will deposit large rocks and as the velocity decrease smaller and smaller particles will be sorted and deposited and finally in lakes the fine sand, silt and clay will be deposited. Those materials will then be subjected to post glacial erosion and deposition.

Micro and macro organisms play a significant role in extracting nutrients from decaying organic material and particles of earthen materials. Nutrients assimilates by organisms are released as they decompose and become available for other organisms and plants. Plant roots and leaves extract nutrients from the soil and air and deposit a portion of them with decaying leaves, buds and other plant parts. Decaying roots release nutrients that can be taken up by organisms and other plant roots Managing organic matter in forestland is one of the most important aspects of sustaining inherent fertility.

Cycles of wetting and drying, heating and cooling and freezing and thawing contribute to the weathering of organic matter and earthen materials and subsequent release of nutrients for organisms and plants. Those cycles will be more intense on south facing slopes and micro sites and moderate on north facing slopes and micro sites and the difference will be profound. Earthen materials of limestone origin will weather quite rapidly as a result of those cycles.

Natural events of outbreaks of diseases and insects can concentrate and accelerate the weathering of and transformation of nutrients. Plant mortality from diseases can in a brief period of time change uptake of nutrients by living plants to release of nutrients by dead and decaying plants. The thousands of tons of dead balsam fir from spruce budworm outbreak are an example where hundreds of pounds of nutrients are released as fir decays. The repeated outbreak of forest tent caterpillar cycles hundreds of pounds of nutrients from preferred plants and returns those nutrients to the forest litter as they die and decompose. Birds and animals that consume a portion of the caterpillars can translocate a portion of those nutrients to other part of the forestland. Plants defoliated by the caterpillars must take up significant amounts of additional nutrients from the root zone to replace foliage. Consequently, the intensity of nutrient cycling in the forestland is increased considerably are result of the outbreak of insects.

Fires can have little or no effect on nutrients in the forestland or fires can have a major impact on supply of nutrients available to organisms and plants. Fast moving ground fires consuming only fine fuels have little effect on the dynamics of nutrients in the impacted area. In contrast, a fire burning in heavy fuels during a drought can convert hundreds of pounds of nutrients to aerosol compounds that are lost from the forestland in addition to tons of nutrient-rich ash lost by wind and water erosion. Under those conditions, the fire typically consumes the entire forest floor and the form of nutrients is changed. Selected nutrients become more readily available for feeding organisms and plants and other nutrients can be in slow release forms such as those contained in 74

ash and charcoal. Accelerated loss of nutrients from the forestland is also associated with such a fire. Nutrients can also be made unavailable to plants and organisms as a result of such a fire due to the coating of soil particles with compounds that tend to seal the particles from water and biological activity for a prolonged period of time. That coating is especially acute as the percent of sand increase in the matrix of earthen materials.

Activities of humans can have varied effects of the dynamic of nutrients in land. In Itasca County displacement of nutrients began with the removal trees for fuel, building houses, railroads, city buildings, fences and bridges. The use of earthen materials for buildings, bridges, trails and roads displaces nutrients from the forestland Farming the land was a common land use once the forestland was cleared of trees Presently, hundreds of acres of that farmland converted to forestland comprised of native plants following cessation of farming. In Itasca County general farming was common and small grain and hay were major crops. A substantial amount of the farming had an inadequate fertility program and level of nutrients in the root zone decreased over time. It was very uncommon for example to add fertilize to hay fields. Consequently, with removal of each hay crop the root zone was further depleted of nutrients. Repeated haying also created compacted layers within the surface foot of root zone. That layer was firm and effective in restricting root growth that in turn reduced the amount of nutrients available to a given crop. Such compaction was common in loamy and clayey root zones. Root zones inherently low in lime became more acid with the repeated removal of crops and no application of lime. In selected locations, farming included draining of moist and wet land That drainage initially increased the availability of nutrients for plants, but with the common practice of not fertilizing the land following removal of annual and seasonal crops, the amount of nutrients available for plants was reduced. In the drained land, native trees that became established in prior farm fields benefited from the dryer root zone and will continue to benefit as long as the integrity of the drainage is maintained.

Present day dynamic of nutrients in forestland is primarily associated with management activities and natural processes. Management activities include preparing sites for reforestation, weeding stands of trees of undesirable plants and removal of wood products. Natural processes include leaching of nutrients by surface and subsurface water, weathering of earthen materials and release of nutrients, atmospheric deposition (both wet and dry) of nutrients, concentration of nutrients by outbreak of insect population, cycling of nutrients with feeding roots and annual leaf fall, differential uptake of nutrients by different plants and cycling of nutrients by feeding animals. Microbial decomposition of organic matter releases nutrients to the environment. Earthworms ingest organic and earthen materials and cycle nutrients in the process. Burrowing animals bring nutrients from below the root zone to the surface of the forest floor and place nutrients within reach of feeding roots.

Selected managers of forestland are specifically interested in the nutrient composition of trees and the amount of nutrients in root zones. Table 1 shows nutrient values for 4 tree species with associated shrubs and forbs that are based on a combination of USFS data and are common in Itasca County.

Table 1 Nutrient Composition of Plants (Pounds per Acre) Species Leaves & Branches Bole Roots & Stump

P* K Ca Mg P K Ca Mg P K Ca Mg

T. Aspen 18 79 225 16 23 177 541 35 18 71 193 1 Forbs 0.2 2 1 0.2 Shrubs 1 6 19 4 (Totals: P 60 K 335 Ca 979 Mg 71)

R. Pine 24 82 97 21 14 79 172 32 7 28 41 13 Forbs 0.1 0.6 0.3 0.1 Shrubs 3 12 39 4 (Total: P 48 K 202 Ca 349 Mg 70)

J. Pine 14 41 64 14 9 47 117 20 4 21 38 7 Forbs 0.1 0.8 0.4 0.1 Shrubs 2 7 24 2 (Total: P 29 K 117 Ca 243 Mg 43)

W. Spruce 40 82 429 24 12 58 79 12 6 23 83 5 Forbs 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.1 Shrubs 0.1 0.4 1 0.2 (Total: P 58 K 164 Ca 592 Mg 41)

*P=Phosphorus, K=Potassium, Ca=Calcium and Mg=Magnesium.

All values in Table 1 are based on fully stocked stands dominated by the selected tree species and associated species of forbs and shrubs. For plant communities comprised of a mixture of the trees cited, nutrient values can be calculated from the base data and results would be considered best estimates.

Repeated cropping of forestland by single tree dominated crop will likely change the dynamics and amounts of individual nutrients in trees, shrubs, forbs and root zones as result of unique uptake of nutrients by the tree. Selected tree have been reported to recycle large amounts of nutrients associated with either an increase or decrease of the acidity of the forest floor and upper portion of the earthen material. In certain locations, a hardwood species was reported to recycle considerable amounts of potassium to the forest floor in leaves, buds and twigs. It has also been reported that increasing richness of plant species can increase the variety of nutrients recycled within a community.

A seasonal difference of nutrient concentration in trees has been frequently reported and is important to the consideration given to calculating nutrient displacement with the harvest of wood from forestland. Using total tree harvest during the growing season would remove more nutrients that harvest during the dormant season when a significant portion of nutrients are stored in the roots. Seasonal nutrient dynamics within a tree also affects the potential vegetative reproduction. For instance, multi defoliation within a single growing season of trembling aspen on forestland with low to moderate level of nutrients in root zone had a profound impact on the number and vigor of suckers. Such defoliation also substantially reduced the vigor and growth of aspen. In selected instances with low nutrients, vegetative reproduction of aspen might not occur. Should conversion from hardwood to softwood be prescribed for a given parcel of forestland, then harvest of wood products during the peak of the growing season would be advisable to reduce 76

reproduction of hardwood. Mechanical treatment during the peak of the growing season will also reduce the reproduction of many shrub and hardwood species as result of a major disruption in the translocation and uptake of nutrients.

Nutrient conservation based on biophysical information and integrated into prescriptive management reveals calculated amounts of selected major nutrients, dynamics of nutrients and highly predictable results of prescribed activity. Such nutrient conservation clearly depicts the capacity of forestland for supporting future crops of forest products and likewise the need for any replacement of nutrients associated with displacement in wood products removed from forestland. An analysis and evaluation of laboratory analyses of samples from the root zones common in Laurentian Upland South biophysical region has a few BLEUs with nutrient-rich root zones. Those root zones have developed in earthen material derived from the nutrient-rich glacial deposits with large amounts of silt and clay that were derived from limestone.

Management Analyses

Selected managers of forestland are keen on continuing to increase their knowledge about the environment in which they prescribe activities. A significant part of that knowledge is determining the different levels of quality of forestland and the respective capacity of each level for supporting specific prescribed uses. Identifying the amount, dynamics and sustainability of nutrients is a key element in determining the quality of land. The characterization for each biophysical landscape ecological unit (BLEU) contains that key element and it is based on objective verifiable geographic-specific data. By knowing that about nutrients, an interested manager can prescribe appropriate and effective activities that have a prime element of conservation of nutrients included. For example, should a manager prescribe increasing the yield of wood products with increased entries to minimize biological loss and reduce the amount of decaying wood on the forest floor, then an evaluation of the increase in nutrient displacement is in order and appropriate action would be prescribed. A BLEU with nutrient-rich root zone could support increase yields without decreasing site quality. Another example is a major conversion on a site with low fertility from current tree species that consume large amounts of nutrients but produce crops of low quality wood to a tree that uses fewer nutrients and produces a quality wood product. The efficient use of nutrients by the latter tree will reduce the displacement of nutrients with removal of wood products and result in maintaining the quality of the site while producing a higher quality wood product. An example of species conversion for a low quality site would be trembling aspen to jack pine.

Nutrient and Role in Plant Growth

This discussion focuses on forestland that receives all nutrients from natural sources that include atmosphere, weathering rock fragments, weathering soil particles, soil liquids, decomposing animals, decomposing plants, macro soil organisms and micro soil organisms Atmospheric sources include dust, lightening, snow and rain. Rock fragments from limestone weather readily releasing significant amounts of calcium. Volcanic rocks (granite and gabbro for example) weather slowly and release varying amounts of the major nutrients that are consistently less than from limestone. Weathering soil particles yield nutrients and the amount depends on the mineralogy of the particles. Soil liquids pickup nutrients from all weathering and decomposing materials and in non-saturated earthen material those nutrients can be readily available to plants. Decaying animals contribute nutrients to very localized site and bones contribute a significant amount of calcium to the site. Decaying plants contribute substantial amounts of nutrients over 77

large portions of forestland and the amount contributed depends on species and nutrient status of the local root zone. Macro organisms (earthworms and insects for example) process earthen materials and plant parts through respective digestive systems and that combined with their decay contribute nutrients to the root zone.

Factors that affect the availability of nutrients to growing plants and ease of uptake by roots include temperature in root zone, magnitude of short term changes in temperatures, moisture content of root zone, magnitude of short and long term changes in the moisture content in root zone, the stage of development of individual plants and availability and amount of total composition of all nutrients in root zone. Within a temperature climatic zone, extremely low or high temperatures in the root zone will inhibit the uptake of nutrients by plants. Extremely dry root zones will have insufficient moisture for many plants to take up nutrients even though there might be a large amount of nutrients present. Saturated root zone of long duration will reduce the availability and uptake of nutrients that can result from insufficient oxygen and nutrients in unavailable forms for plant uptake.

Nitrogen forms most commonly assimilated by plants are nitrates and ammonium and to a lesser extent urea. Nitrogen is generally associated with proteins and functional rather than structural role in plants. Many of the proteins are enzymes and selected forms are found in chromosomes. Proteins serve as directors and catalysts for metabolism and are important for proper utilization of carbohydrates. An insufficient amount proteins can result in thicken leaves caused by accumulation of carbohydrates, stunted yellowish older leaves and in severe cases leaves will cease too function and turn brown. An excess of proteins can cause enlarged weak cells resulting in structural damage to plant parts. Nitrogen in an integral part of chlorophyll molecules and sufficient amounts are associated with rich green healthy plants.

Common forms of phosphorous absorbed by plants are primary orthophosphate and a smaller amount is secondary orthophosphate. Phosphorus is made availability by weathering of minerals in the root zone and the decomposition of animal parts, macro and microorganisms and plant parts. Absorption of phosphorous is strongly influenced by pH and deficiency can occur at low pH because of influence of aluminum and iron and at high pH by calcium. Phosphorous is important for juvenile plant growth, reproductive processes, formation of fruit and seed and development of balanced root system. Inadequate phosphorous during the juvenile stage of plant growth can adversely impact plant growth and seed production. A low level of phosphorous reduces photosynthesis and selected metabolic processes. Insufficient phosphorous can cause purple color in plant parts and often in leaves.

Potassium is used in large amounts by selected plants and is probably second in uptake to only nitrogen. An increase in amount of water in the root zone can release additional potassium for uptake by plants. It is absorbed by plants in the ion form and is important for carbohydrate metabolism, synthesis of proteins, regulator of other nutrients and water-plant relations. Potassium is very important for developing strong cell walls. Low level of potassium in plants can reduce plant health and resistance to diseases and increase susceptibility to injury from insects. Large amounts of nitrogen coupled with low potassium results in large weak cells that coupled with insufficient moisture can cause severe damage to plant parts. Those large weak cells will also be subject to substantial damage from freezing. Sufficient potassium is essential for effective level of photosynthesis and selected metabolism. Inadequate potassium can reduce the rate of photosynthesis while increasing the rate of transpiration causing severe plant stress, reduced growth and reduced vigor. An indication of inadequate potassium often appears as 78

yellow and brown wrinkled leaf margins and interior of leaf.

Calcium in significant to numerous plant functions and is used in relative large amounts by selected plants. It is important for cell growth, cell structure and uptake of other nutrients. Plants absorb calcium in the ion form out of solutions in the root zone. The largest source of calcium is limestone and lesser amounts are contained in calcite, apatite, feldspars and amphiboles. Calcium is readily transported within the root zone by percolating water and moves rapidly through sandy earthen material. In LUS biophysical region there is a large supply of native calcium and plants growing in dry root zones reflect the positive influence of that supply

Magnesium is taken up by plants in ion form and is significant to the uptake of other nutrients, enhances the uptake of calcium and contributes to the general vigor of plants. A major native source is dolomitic limestone and other smaller sources are biotite, chlorite, serpentine and olivine. Magnesium is readily transported through the root zone and is leached rapidly through sandy earthen materials.

Biophysical Landscape Ecological Units, Nutrient Status and Wood Products

Referring to the data in Table 1, trembling aspen has the highest concentration of all nutrients reported. For phosphorus the concentrations are trembling aspen > white spruce > red pine > jack pine. For potassium trembling aspen > red pine > white spruce > jack pine. For calcium trembling aspen > white spruce > red pine > jack pine For magnesium trembling aspen > red pine > jack pine > white spruce. A comparison of full tree harvest of aspen verse jack pine is shown in table 2 and reveals that aspen would displace significantly more nutrients for the same volume of wood that would jack pine. Thus, trembling aspen removes 1.8 times the amount of phosphorus compared to jack pine, 6.7 times the amount of potassium, 4.2 times the amount of calcium and 1.5 times the amount of magnesium. Knowing this relationship, an interested manager of forestland could make a more informed decision for best management of land for sustaining site quality and producing quality wood products.

Table 2 Nutrient Displacement Comparison (pounds per acre)

Tree P K Ca Mg

Trembling Aspen 41 256 766 51

Jack Pine 23 38 181 34

Combining that information in table 1 with the nutrient data in Table 3 and established rotation for each tree, an annual and final crop uptake and partitioning of nutrients can be calculated. Nutrient displacement with harvest of crop can also be determined Table 3 is based on combination of USFS and Itasca County Land Department data

Table 3 Nutrient for Each BLEU (Pounds per acre 60 inch root zone)

BLEU K Ca Mg P pH BLEU K Ca Mg P pH

1 1402 42571 9965 302 5.9 2 1251 19558 5317 698 5.7

3 590 3785 849 669 5.4 4 920 8887 1532 518 5.5

5 835 5637 469 721 6.0 6 1025 6549 1769 707 5.4

7 813 10840 2091 661 5.8 8 829 17077 5470 295 5.5

9 779 13611 3620 398 5.3 10 No Data

Reviewing the data in Table 3, BLEU 1 has the largest amount of potassium followed descending order by BLEUs 2, 6, 4, 5, 8, 7, 9 and 3 For calcium BLEU 1 has the largest amount followed in descending order by BLEUs 2, 8, 9, 7, 4, 6, 5 and 3. For magnesium BLEU 1 has the largest amount followed in descending order by BLEUs 8, 2, 9, 7, 6, 4, 3 and 5. For phosphorus BLEU 5 has the largest amount followed in descending order by BLEUs 6, 2, 3, 7, 4, 9, 1 and 8. The BLEUs that comprise the forestland in the Laurentian Upland South biophysical region reveal a majority of nutrient–rich root zones and several compare favorably with root zones in the corn belt of southern Minnesota. Representing those root zones are BLEUs 1, 2 8, 9 and 10. That information further supports the premise that growth and yield of trees in LUS biophysical region are generally limited climate and not by inherent fertility of root zones. Furthermore, using the data in the above tables and using current published information and current rotations, the only BLEUs indicating an evaluation for nutrient conservation measures would be 3 and 5.

BLEUs in LUS predominately occur in moraines and lesser occurrence in outwash and till plains. Typically the earthen materials are stratified and BLEUs 1 and 2 are loamy over clayey, BLEUs 4, 5 and 6 are loamy over sandy and gravelly, BLEU 7 is silty and loamy over clayey and sandy and BLEUs 8 and 9 are loamy and silty over clayey BLEU 10 has a thick wet organic root zone. Tree species botanically adapted to the area have the potential for producing moderate to high volume high and high quality crops of trees. BLEUs 7 and 8 have nutrient-rich somewhat moist root zones and high fertility and have the potential for producing medium to high volume and high quality crops of trees adapted to moist root zones. BLEU 9 has nutrient-rich wet clayey root zone and has the potential for producing medium volumes of high quality crops of trees that are adapted to wet loamy and clayey root zone

BLEUs 3 and 5 has dry loamy and sandy root zone with low to moderate inherent fertility and associated potential for producing medium volume of quality crops of trees that are adapted to root zones with high content of sand. Both BLEUs are subject to seasonal droughts associated with the low moisture holding capacity of the sandy materials.

In summary, LUS biophysical region is generally has moderate to high fertility in root zones where plant growth is typically limited by moisture and frost free period. The silty and clayey earthen materials in LUS have the highest level of nutrients followed in descending order by loamy and sandy materials. Portions of the nutrient rich material are too wet for maximum plant growth and full utilization of nutrients by plants is not realized. Drainage of those areas would 80

significantly increase growth and yields.

Rotations

Rotation schedules for trembling aspen can be determined by objectives for production of quality wood, wildlife food and cover, scenic corridor values and diversity in the forest. For the production of quality wood, rotations would be closely aligned with site quality and subsequent response by trembling aspen. Wildlife food value of regenerating aspen for browsing animals is estimated to be 3 to 5 years and for birds feeding on buds that value extends beyond fifty years. Black bear have been reported to browse on new foliage of any sapling that they can bend sufficiently to reach the canopy. Multiple shades of green in the spring and multiple shades of yellow in autumn renders aspen an important component for scenic value. Trembling aspen constitutes a significant element of diversity in the forest when mixed with other hardwoods and contrasting conifers.

Rotations of trembling aspen have to be determined by the quality of forestland, genetic makeup and impacts from wind, snow, diseases and insects. In selected instances, it could be necessary to harvest before normal biological rotation because of incident requiring immediate action for salvage of quality wood products. For calculating rotations and associated volume of quality wood products, an evaluation of events adversely impacting a crop of trembling aspen would be necessary to accurately determine volume and quality of the next crop. For example, it has be reported that repeated defoliation by insects can reduce radial growth by more than 50 percent Repeated attacks by defoliating insects has resulted in aspen that has low resistance to diseases that can result in mortality of a majority of a stand. In selected situations, the combination of repeated insect infestations coupled with epidemic of diseases destroyed entire stands of aspen.

Rotations scheduled according to site quality determined by biophysical data will result in proceeding toward maximum yield of quality wood products for trembling aspen. The following table depicts appropriate rotations for aspen in LUS.

Table 1 Rotation Guide of Trembling Aspen in Laurentian Upland South Biophysical Region

BLEU ROTATION PRESCRIPTIVE CONSIDERATIONS (years)

3, 4 & 5 35 to 50 Pulpwood, emphasize nutrient conservation* leave maximum amount of debris on-site, deer browse for 3 to 5 years, conversion to jack or red pine for maximum of quality wood products and minimum displacement of nutrients with removal of wood products, autumn colors dominated by yellow, opportunities for managing blueberry patches

8 35 to 55 Pulpwood, deer browse 3 to 5 years, conversion to lowland conifers for increasing yield of pulpwood and some bolts, autumn colors combination of yellow and green of conifers

9 & 10 35 to 50 Pulpwood, conversion to lowland hardwoods or conifers, land can be flooded for prolonged periods during spring and fall recharge, limited browse available for 3 to 5 years, autumn colors mainly yellow, scattered red and green of conifers

7 35 to 65+ Quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs, maintain type or conversion species adapted to periodic moist root zone scenic or diversity, browse available for more than 3 years and is associated with abundance of shrubs in understory, autumn colors include yellow, orange, red and green, rotation can be extended beyond 65 for specific purposes

1,2, & 6 35 to 65+ Quality pulpwood, bolts and sawlogs, maintain type or conversion for diversity, scenic or wildlife, land will support growth of quality hardwoods and conifers adapted to dry forestland in region, browse available for more than 3 years and is associated with abundance of shrubs in under story, autumn colors include yellow, red and green, rotation can be extended beyond 65 for specific purposes

*Reports by USFS showed nutrient levels vary throughout the growing season in foliage, bark, branches and wood. Nitrogen in foliage decreases throughout the growing season In bark, nitrogen decreases from April through August and peaks in October and November. In branches, nitrogen peaks in April and May and decreases during June through September and has a second peak in October. Nitrogen in the wood has a peak in April, decreases June through August and has a second peak in October and November.

Phosphorus in foliage decreased throughout the growing season. In bark and branches phosphorus decreased through June and then increased to a maximum in October. In the wood, phosphorus decreased slightly in the spring and remained nearly uniform through October.

Potassium in the foliage decreases sharply April through October. In bark and branches, potassium decrease slightly April to June and levels off until it peaks in October (April and October peaks are nearly equal). Potassium in the wood increases May to June and then decreases to its lowest level in October.

Calcium in the foliage increase steadily throughout the growing season. In the bark and branches, calcium decreases from a peak in April to a low in June and then has a secondary peak in October.

Wildlife

Trembling aspen provides food for browsing animals, buds for birds and small mammals, preferred branches for beaver, snags for selected birds and dead wood provides food for numerous micro and macro organisms. Nutrient information presented in Nutrient Conservation showed that aspen is rich in nutrients and that is a significant reason it is a 82

preferred food for many wildlife species. That high level of nutrients contribute to the rapid decomposition of aspen wood on the ground by providing bacteria, fungi and other microbes with nutrient-rich material. That rapid decomposition releases nutrients that support the growth of other plants that provide important source of food for wildlife.

Trembling aspen regeneration typically provides browsers with significant amount of food for 3 or more years. Biophysical landscape ecological units with low level of nutrients (examples are BLEUs 3, 4 and 5) in root zone support slower growing aspen suckers and seedlings that extends the useful period for browsing animals. Associated with those BLEUs is less plant species in a community that add to the supply of food for wildlife. Food plots containing native and domestic plants could enlarge somewhat the amount of food available in a given area. In this group of BLEUs, an effort ought to be made to develop diversity in plant communities that increases the insect population, fruiting plants and browse.

In sharp contrast, BLEUs 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 have higher level of fertility and greater number of other plant species that increase the amount of food available for wildlife. The faster growth of aspen regeneration moves many suckers and seedlings beyond reach of many browsers within less than 5 years. As those suckers and seedlings grow out of reach of browsers, other species such as mountain maple, hazel, dogwoods and hardwood seedlings become more common and important for a source of browse, fruit and nuts for wildlife. Food plots comprised of native and domestic plants would substantially enlarge the amount of food available for a wide variety of wildlife species. Robust growth of native and domestic plants in openings and in seeded trails can provide substantial food comprise of plant materials and insects for a variety of wildlife species. Those areas can provide favorable conditions for productive walk hunting trails. Diversity of plant communities as result of routine prescriptive silviculture practices will significantly increase the population of insects, amount of fruit, nuts and buds and browse. Erosion control measures using various plants can function also as food plots for wildlife.

Scenic Quality

Prescriptive management of forestland based on an integration of biophysical information, silviculture practices and visual quality guidelines can produce strikingly attractive and predictive results. Those results utilize natural biological processes and native plants blended with landscape features and thus reflect the natural capacity of an environment for providing long term results. Prescriptive management can convert a corridor of tunneled monotype scenery to a mosaic of a multitude of spring and autumn colors, large trees, medium size trees and seedlings. Selected plant communities growing in high fertility land will have a multitude of layers of vegetation and significant species richness. And in such land there is a wide range of viable alternatives for increasing attractiveness of forestland within view sheds, for example, because of the variety species of forbs, shrubs and trees. For autumn colors, those species can produce yellow, orange and red colors ground level to twenty five feet in height beneath a yellow tree canopy. Or those forbs and shrubs can be produced beneath orange or red colors. In contrast to those combinations, pine or spruce can be prescribed in the over-story. Another combination would be a pine and hardwood canopy.

Abandoned farm fields can be converted to any of the previously mentioned combinations or managed as grass or grass-shrub openings.

Water

Prescriptive management that integrates biophysical information with silviculture practices will assure the continued yield of high quality water and natural volume of runoff that is mainly determined by weather events. Harvesting of aspen will reduce transpiration for a period of about five years, after which it will return to normal. Reduced transpiration will produce an increase in soil moisture and ground water. There quality of water according to USFS reports will not be altered. In clayey earthen materials, there can be a slight increase in accumulation of surface water and in pervious sandy materials there will be an increase in ground water. Surface runoff will increase for a short period in land dominated by clayey and silty earthen materials. In contrasting sandy earthen materials, there will be an increase in water available for infiltration and percolation into the root zone. Harvesting of aspen will have considerably less effect on surface, clayey and silty earthen materials, and subsurface runoff, sandy materials, than adjoining farmland that will greatly increase both. There will be substantially more scouring of stream channels in clayey and silty materials in farm land than adjoining forestland.

Conclusion

Laurentian Upland South biophysical region (LUS) has a combination of very nutrient-rich clayey and silty root zones, medium nutrient-rich loamy root zones and low nutrient sandy root zones. Those root zones vary from dry sand and gravel to clayey and silty. Associated with that contrasting range in root zones is high degree of natural biophysical diversity that includes highly contrasting adjoining plant communities. That diversity can be altering with predicable results with prescriptive management that routinely integrates biophysical information and silviculture practices.

This LUS has capacity for producing large volumes of quality aspen, hardwoods and conifers pulp, bolts and saw logs. That capacity is supported with a portion of the region having nutrient- rich root zones. Rotations will be guided by the inherent quality of land and will be designed to maximize utilization of quality wood and significantly reduce loss resulting from biological mortality and damage from diseases, insects, fire and weather. Rotations and selection of species for the next crop of quality wood products will be prescribed in accordance with nutrient conservation necessary for maintaining quality of forestland. Rotations can be extended for support of a specific objective for non consumptive uses of the forestland with examples being wildlife, scenic, diversity of forest composition guided by considerations for minimizing damage by diseases, insects and fire. Selected aspen stands can be converted to conifers for increasing yield of quality wood and reducing displacement of nutrients with removable of wood products. Selected areas can be converted to wildlife food and cover plant communities. Blueberry patches can be successfully managed for recreational harvesting.

This region has the capacity for supporting a wide range of consumptive and non consumptive uses of natural resources. Those uses guided by prescriptions based on integration of biophysical information and silviculture practices will assure sustained quality of the forestland.

See also Appendix 1 Reference Literature and Suggested Reading List.

Appendix 1 Reference Literature and Suggested Reading List

Barnes, Burton V. 1969. Natural variation and delineation of clones of Populus tremuloides and P. grandidentata in northern Lower Michigan. Silvae Genetica 18:130-142.

Brinkman, Kenneth A. and Eugene I. Roe. 1975. Quaking aspen: silvics and management in the Lake States. U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 486. 52p.

Ek, Alan R. and J. D. Brodie. 1975. A preliminary analysis of short-rotation aspen management Can. J. For. Res. 5:245-258.

Fralish, J. S., and O. L. Loucks. 1975. Site quality evaluation models for aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) in Wisconsin. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 5: 523-528

Ostry, M. E. and et. Al. 1989. A Guide to Insect, Disease, and Animal Pests of Poplars. USDA For. Serv. Res. Agric. Handbook 677.

Perala, D A. 1974. Prescribed burning in an aspen-mixed hardwood forest. Can. J. For. Res 4:222-228.

Perala, D A. 1979. Regeneration and productivity of aspen grown on repeated short rotations USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. NC-176, 7 p. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv., North Cent For. Exp. Stn., St. Paul, MN.

Schlaegel, Bryce E. 1971. Growth and yield of quaking aspen in north-central Minnesota. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. NC-58, 11 p. North Cent. For. Exp. Stn., St. Paul, Minnesota

Stoeckeler, Joseph H. 1960. Soil factors affecting the growth of quaking aspen forest in Lake States. Univ. Minnesota Agric. Exp. Stn., Tech. Bull. 233, 48 p.

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1972. Aspen: Symposium Proceedings. USDA. For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-1, 154 p. North Cent. For. Exp. Stn., St. Paul, Minnesota

Verry, Elon S. 1976. Estimating water yield differences between hardwood and pine forests: an application of net precipitation data. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. NC-128, 12 p North Cent. For. Exp. Stn., St. Paul, Minnesota.