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Home , Interdunal wetland, Lake Erie, Vaccinium macrocarpon

Great CommunityGreat Lakes Abstract Marsh, Page 1

Community Range

Photo by Ted Cline

Prevalent or likely prevalent Infrequent or likely infrequent Absent or likely absent

Overview: marsh is an herbaceous forms of human management, including conversion to community restricted to the shoreline of the industrial, residential, or recreational uses, wetland fill, Great Lakes and their major connecting rivers. modification of near-shore currents, chemical , sedimentation, and nutrient loading from agriculture or Global and State Rank: G2/S3. A finer classification sewage . of Great Lakes has been developed on the basis of a combination of physical and floristic Landscape and Abiotic Context: Surficial Bedrock: descriptors (Minc 1997c, Minc and Albert 1998). The physical and chemical characteristics of different In this classification, some subtypes have a G1/S1 surficial bedrock types affect both wetland location and status. The physical factors and floristic differences of composition (Minc 1997c, Minc and Albert several subtypes are described below (See Vegetation 1998). The major bedrock distinction in the Great Descriptions below). Lakes Basin is between Precambrian igneous and metamorphic bedrock (including granite, basalt, and Range: Great Lakes marshes occur along all of the rhyolite) and younger Paleozoic sedimentary bedrock Great Lakes, including Erie, Huron, , (including sandstone, shale, , and dolomite). , St. Clair, and Superior, and along the Igneous and metamorphic bedrocks form the north connecting rivers, including , Niagara, St. Clair, shore of and , and line St. Lawrence, and St. Marys (Kost et al. 2007). Only much of the St. Lawrence River; they are locally present Michigan’s Great Lakes marshes are shown on the map. along the southern shore of western Lake Superior as well, where they co-occur with younger sedimentary Rank Justification: Great Lakes are rock, primarily sandstone. In contrast, the softer, restricted to shorelines of the Great Lakes and sedimentary bedrock types underlie Lakes Michigan, connecting rivers. The ranking of marshes is based Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario, as well as the large on comprehensive field surveys conducted along the rivers connecting the Great Lakes. entire U.S. shoreline of the Great Lakes (Albert et al. 1987, Albert et al. 1988, Albert et al. 1989, Minc The physical structure of each bedrock type determines 1997a, Minc 1997c, Minc and Albert 1998). Coastal the distribution of coastal wetlands at a regional scale. wetlands have been degraded as the result of numerous Along the rugged Lake Superior shoreline of sandstone,

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 2

Ecoregional map of Michigan (Albert 1995) depicting distribution of Great Lakes marsh (Albert et al. 2008)

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 3 igneous, and metamorphic rocks; coastal wetlands exist mouth. The portion of the tributary controlled by only behind protective barrier beaches or locally at fluctuations in lake level have been calledfreshwater stream mouths. In contrast, the horizontally-deposited or buried river mouths. Here, there is a marine and near-shore sedimentary rocks underlying zone of transition from stream to lake within which Lakes Michigan, Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario, water level, sedimentation, erosion, and biological provide broad zones of shallow water and fine-textured processes are controlled by fluctuations in lake level. substrates for marsh development. Glacial Landform: Glacial landforms, in combination Where bedrock is at or near the surface, bedrock with recent longshore transport processes, create the chemistry affects wetland species composition. Soils prevalent physiographic features along much of the derived from much of the Precambrian crystalline Great Lakes shoreline. Their characteristic differences bedrock are generally acid and favor the development of in substrate, soils, slope, and drainage conditions poor or communities. In contrast, soils derived largely determine both natural shoreline configuration from marine deposits, including shale and marine and sediment composition. These, in turn, generate limestone, dolomite, and evaporites, are typically more distinctive contexts for wetland development that vary calcareous (less acid); where these bedrock types are at in their exposure and resilience to lake processes, and in or near the surface, their alkalinity creates the preferred their floristic composition. habitat for calciphilic aquatic species. The major morphometric types are presented below. Aquatic System: Major aquatic systems, defined largely Several morphometric types can co-occur, while others on water flow characteristics and residence time (Sly are gradational. Many of these geomorphic features and Busch 1992), are applicable to the Great Lakes are unique to the Great Lakes coasts and are typically Basin; each has a different influence on associated overlooked in national schemes coastal wetlands. (Herdendorf et al. 1981). Since the floristic diversity of a wetland is dependent on the diversity of wetland Lacustrine systems are controlled directly by waters habitats, the variety of morphometric types represented of the Great Lakes, and involve wetlands of the is significant for understanding the vegetational Great Lakes shoreline strongly affected by littoral characteristics of a site. (longshore) currents and storm-driven wave action. Lacustrine habitats generally experience the greatest Morphometric Types of Great Lakes Coastal exposure to wind and wave action and to ice scour, Wetlands the primary agents responsible for shore erosion and redeposition of sediments. Ia. Lacustrine - Open embayment. Embayment open to the lake, but shallow water depth reduces wave Connecting channels refer to the major rivers height and energy. Wetlands are limited to a narrow linking the Great Lakes, including the St. Marys, fringe of emergent vegetation. Detroit, St. Clair, Niagara, and St. Lawrence rivers. Ib. Lacustrine – Protected embayment. Deep Connecting channels are characterized by a large flow, indentation or embayment in upland shoreline provides but seasonally stable hydrology; their shallowness protection from wind and wave energy, allowing and current result in earlier spring warming and extensive emergent wetland development. better oxygenation than in other aquatic systems. Ic. Lacustrine – Barrier-beach lagoon. Sand and All the connecting channels have been modified to gravel deposition create a barrier bar across the mouth accommodate shipping, resulting in changes in water of an embayment resulting in the formation of a shallow level and increased shoreline erosion. or lagoon. Extensive shallow water emergent vegetation; composition reflects degree of connectivity Riverine aquatic systems refer to smaller rivers with Great Lakes. tributary to the Great Lakes whose water quality, flow Id. Lacustrine – Sand-spit embayment and Sand-spit rate, and sediment load are controlled in large part . Sand spits projecting along the coast create and by their individual drainages. But these rivers are protect shallow embayments on their landward side; also strongly influenced by the Great Lakes near their large compound sand spits also enclose small swales.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 4

Sheltered embayments allow for sediment accumulation While most aquatic macrophytes are widely distributed, and wetland development. species with known southern or northern affinities Ie. Lacustrine – and swale complex. Low also occur. Lake Erie wetlands, for example, are rich sand or beach ridges alternate with swales, often in southern marsh species at the northern edge of forming large wetland complexes. Swales adjacent their range; a southern wet- floristic element to lake may contain herbaceous wetlands and/or open is present as well (Keddy and Reznicek 1985, 1986; water. Further inland the wetlands are typically treed. Stuckey 1989). Both of these southern floras differ If. Lacustrine – Tombolo. An island connected significantly from the complex of boreal, subarctic, and to the mainland by a beach ridge or series of beach arctic species found in the northern portions of Lakes ridges. Enclosed lagoons can contain dense growth of Huron, Michigan, and Superior. Other species common aquatic vegetation, and there is occasionally a fringe of to many Great Lakes coastal wetlands reveal regional emergent vegetation outside of the tombolo. concentrations corresponding to a north-south gradient IIa. Connecting Channel – Channel-side wetland. (Minc 1997c). Stream-side wetland along of river is exposed to current and wave action. Vegetation is Natural Processes: Fluctuations in water levels are frequently limited to a thin fringe paralleling the shore. one of the most important influences on Great Lakes IIb. Connecting Channel – Channel embayment. wetlands. These fluctuations occur over three temporal Embayment along the connecting river channel scales: (1) short-term fluctuations () in water provides protection from erosion. Extensive wetland level caused by persistent winds and/or differences development can occur. in barometric pressure; (2) seasonal fluctuations IIIa. Riverine – Delta. Stream sediments are reflecting the annual hydrologic cycle in the Great deposited at the mouth of a river, creating multiple Lakes basin; and (3) interannual fluctuations in channels, low islands, and abandoned meanders. lake level as a result of variable precipitation and Deltas associated with both large connecting channels evaporation within their drainage basins (Minc 1997b, and smaller tributaries. Extensive, diverse wetlands Minc and Albert 1998). typically develop. IIIb. Riverine – Lacustrine (Drowned river All of these scales contribute to the dynamic character mouth). Drowned river mouths occur at the mouth of coastal wetlands, although interannual fluctuations of tributary streams where water levels are under the result in the greatest wetland variability. These extreme influence of the Great Lakes. Drowned river mouths lake-level fluctuations can range from 3.5 to 6.5 feet can be completely open to the lake or separated from (1.3-2.5 m), and occur with no regular periodicity. the lake by a sand bar (Barred estuary), but most are In general, as water levels rise and fall, vegetation currently maintained open by navigation channels. The communities shift landward during high-water years portion of the stream affected by the Great Lakes water and lakeward during low-water years. However, level can extend several upstream, thus producing fluctuating lake levels effect not only a change in extensive, fertile wetland habitat. water depth, but a broad range of associated stresses to which plants must respond, including changes in Climate: Regional patterns of climatic variability water current, wave action, turbidity (clarity or light within the are largely determined by penetration), nutrient content or availability, alkalinity, latitude, with the modifying influence of the lakes (i.e. and temperature, as well as ice scour and sediment lake effect) operating at a more local level (Derecki displacement. Since individual species display different 1976; Eichenlaub et al. 1990). The strong latitudinal tolerance limits along one or more of these dimensions, gradient from southern Lake Erie to northern Lake species composition can also change dramatically Superior creates marked differences in length of within a zone. growing season. These differences are reflected in the regional distributions of a number of species common Coastal wetland systems are adapted to and require to Great Lakes wetlands. periodic inundation. Water-level regulation has significantly reduced the occurrence of extreme high and low water levels on and to a lesser degree on Lake Superior. This disruption of the natural

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 5 cycle favors species intolerant of water-depth change, (leatherleaf), Andromeda glaucophylla (bog rosemary), excludes species requiring periodic exposure of fertile Myrica gale (sweet gale), macrocarpon substrates, and potentially leads to a reduction of (large ) and V. oxycoccus (small cranberry). species diversity. The dominance of cat-tails in many Continuity in species composition for northern poor Lake Ontario marshes suggests a trend toward reduced fen is strong across a considerable range of lake levels species diversity following a reduction in the amplitude (Minc 1997b). of natural water-level fluctuations (Wilcox et al. 1993). The emergent zone, typically only a narrow fringe, Vegetation Description: This classification is based on contains species associated with clear, well-aerated field surveys conducted along the entire U.S. shoreline waters, including a low-density mix of Eleocharis of the Great Lakes (Albert et al. 1987, Albert et al. smallii (spike-rush), Sparganium fluctuans (bur-reed), 1988, Albert et al. 1989, Minc 1997a, Minc 1997c, Schoenoplectus subterminalis (bulrush), Nuphar Minc and Albert 1998). The preceding abiotic variables variegata (yellow pond-lily), Brasenia schreberi (water (including aquatic system, water level fluctuations, shield), Megalodonta beckii (water-marigold), and surficial bedrock, glacial landform, and climate) Potamageton gramineus (pondweed). combine to determine the distribution, as well as the morphology, species composition, and floristic quality (2) Northern Rich Fen. This group is concentrated of Great Lakes coastal wetlands. The final, synthetic near the and located on marly classification of Great Lakes coastal wetlands (based substrates. In Ontario, many of the wetlands found on on both abiotic and vegetation analyses) identified nine Cockburn and Manitoulin Islands, as well as the Bruce groups, each with distinctive floristic characteristics and Peninsula can also be classed as rich . Most of a restricted geographic distribution (Minc 1997c, Minc these sites occupy sandy embayments where limestone and Albert 1998). Vegetation zonation and key species bedrock or cobble is at or near the surface. These are discussed below. sites have calcareous soils (with a pH as high as 8.2), resulting either from calcareous substrates, water flow (1) Lake Superior Poor Fen. This group contains off adjacent limestone bedrock or limestone-rich till, or most of the wetlands sampled along the Lake Superior algal precipitation of calcium carbonate in the relatively shoreline (Albert et al. 1987, Minc 1997a, Minc 1997c). warm, carbonate saturated waters. The result is the Since marshes cannot develop along unprotected formation of distinctive “marly flats” and an associated stretches of Lake Superior’s harsh shoreline, these complex of calciphile plant species. wetlands occupy sheltered sites, including barrier- beach lagoons, estuaries, and tributary river deltas. The calciphiles Chara sp. (muskgrass) and Eleocharis These sites are characterized by fairly acidic, sandy rostellata (spike-rush) frequently dominate the soils and an extreme northern climate. As a result, emergent zones, along with Schoenoplectus acutus organic decomposition is retarded and deep organic (hardstem bulrush). Overall species diversity is low. soils develop. Most of the marshes found along the The herbaceous zone — the most distinctive and Canadian shoreline of Lake Superior and on the granitic diagnostic zone — is consistently a northern rich bedrock of the and Georgian Bay also fen. Calamagrostis canadensis (blue-joint grass) can fall into this class. dominate, but the calciphiles Carex viridula (sedge) and Lobelia kalmii (Kalm’s lobelia) are key species for this Characteristic vegetation includes northern poor fen in group. Other fen species include Cladium mariscoides the herbaceous zone grading into poor fen at the (twig-rush), Potentilla anserina (silverweed), Panicum inland wetland periphery. The poor fen is typically the lindheimeri (panic grass), Triglochin maritimum most extensive zone within Lake Superior wetlands. (common bog arrow-grass), and Hypericum kalmianum Species showing strong preferences for this habitat (Kalm’s St. John’s-wort). Common woody species include Sphagnum spp., the forbs Sarracenia purpurea include Myrica gale, Potentilla fruticosa (shrubby (pitcher-plant), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), cinquefoil), and Larix laricina (larch). This Rhynchospora alba (beak-rush), Triadenum fraseri characteristic suite of calciphiles make the Northern (marsh St. John’s-wort), Pogonia ophioglossoides (rose Rich Fen type readily recognizable across a range of pogonia), and the Chamaedaphne calyculata lake-level fluctuations (Minc 1997b).

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 6

(3) Northern Great Lakes Marsh. This group sedges Carex stricta and C. lacustris; key forbs include includes all marshes along the St. Marys River, as well Campanula aparinoides (marsh bell-) and as circumneutral sites of Lake Superior and northern Potentilla palustris (marsh cinquefoil). A narrow band and ; it is the largest group of shrubs includes Spiraea alba (meadowsweet), Salix of Great Lakes wetlands sampled (Albert et al. 1987, petiolaris (meadow willow), Alnus rugosa (speckled Albert et al. 1989, Minc 1997a). Marshes of this type alder), and Myrica gale. occur on a diversity of glacial landforms and substrates, including clay lakeplain, sand lakeplain, and sandy (4) Green Bay Disturbed Marsh. This Lake Michigan ground moraine. Sites vary: Lake Superior northern group contains a small number of relatively well- marshes typically inhabit open water and stream protected sites, including deltaic channels, estuarine margins, often within a larger poor fen complex, while channels, and sheltered sand-spit embayments, those of northern Lakes Michigan and Lake Huron primarily within Green Bay, WI. These sites are located are typically found in relatively protected coastal near the tension zone and display both northern and embayments. The largest group of sites, however, is southern vegetation characteristics. These sites share the channel-side wetlands and embayments along the a highly disturbed habitat. The adjacent flat, poorly St. Marys River. For Ontario, this type is expected to drained clay lakeplain has been intensively farmed be common on the Canadian portion of the St. Marys with row crops, and waters of Green Bay are generally River, including the eastern side of St. Joseph Island. characterized as quite turbid, owing both to erosion from agricultural activities and to industrial and urban pollution.

Emergent zone dominants are species associated with quiet, nutrient-rich waters, and typically more abundant in the southern Great Lakes. Key species include Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail), Elodea canadensis (common waterweed), Lemna minor (small duckweed), Spirodela polyrhiza (great duckweed), Nymphaea odorata (sweet-scented waterlily), and Sagittaria latifolia (common arrowhead). The herbaceous zone is a of Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex stricta, and C. lacustris. Wet meadow species more characteristic of the south include Impatiens capensis (spotted touch-me-not) and Typha angustifolia (narrow-leaved cat-tail), as well as the exotics Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Phragmites australis (giant bulrush), and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass). A distinct shrub zone was seldom encountered in sampling transects (Minc 1997a) due to heavy Photo by Dennis A. Albert disturbance in the uplands. Northern Great Lakes Marsh type Owing to the relatively flat topography, fluctuations The open emergent zone features Schoenoplectus in Lake Michigan’s water level considerably alter the acutus (hardstem bulrush), Eleocharis smallii (spike- size of these coastal wetlands as well as their species rush), Schoenoplectus subterminalis, Equisetum composition (Harris et al. 1977). Receding high waters fluviatile (water horsetail), Najas flexilis (slender naiad), expose substantial portions of sandy beach and open and Sparganium eurycarpum (common bur-reed), mud flats, which are quickly colonized by dense stands along with the submergent pondweeds Potamageton of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (softstem bulrush), gramineus and P. natans. The herbaceous zone is Bidens cernuus (nodding bur-marigold), and one or consistently a northern wet meadow dominated by more species of Polygonum (smartweed). Over a period Calamagrostis canadensis (blue-joint grass), and the of several years, these colonizing species decline and

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 7 are replaced by a sedge meadow consisting primarily of (6) Lakeplain Marsh. This group Carex spp. and Calamagrostis canadensis (Harris et al. contains most sites from Saginaw Bay. Formed by 1981). a flat glacial lakeplain that slopes gently into Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay is very shallow with a thin veneer (5) Lake Michigan Lacustrine Estuaries (Buried of sand over clay. Wetland morphological types range River Mouth). This group consists of barred lacustrine from protected sand-spit embayments to open coastal estuaries of western Lower Michigan, generally south embayments. of the tension zone. All of the major rivers along this stretch have lacustrine estuaries at their mouths (Albert Wetlands in this group contain a mix of northern and et al. 1988, Albert et al. 1989, Minc 1997c, Minc and southern species; this dual affinity may reflect the Albert 1998). Most are partially to largely barred by location of the climatic tension zone across Saginaw longshore sand transport, and many have artificially Bay. In addition, most sites contain ample floristic maintained channels to Lake Michigan. These estuarine evidence of surrounding intensive agricultural land- systems can extend for a considerable distance inland, use. This vegetation assemblage may not be found on where the rivers occupy linear floodplains cut into Ontario’s Great Lakes shoreline, as the equivalent, surrounding glacial moraines and sand lakeplain. Sites large, protected embayment does not occur along the of this group are well protected from wind and wave Canadian G. L. shoreline this far south. action, owing to their long, narrow configuration and partial separation from Lake Michigan. This Along more open stretches of the bay, Schoenoplectus protection results in deep accumulations of organic pungens (three-square bulrush) typically forms a dense deposits (mucks and peats) throughout the emergent and fringe of emergent marsh, apparently due to its greater herbaceous vegetation zones. Open stream channels are tolerance of extreme wave action. In more protected generally shallow and nutrient rich, owing to the input sites, the emergent zone contains Schoenoplectus of fine sediments and the presence of deep underlying acutus and Eleocharis smallii, although not in great organic substrates. While the site type (barred densities. Excessive sedimentation and turbidity appear lacustrine estuary) occurs on Ontario portions of Lakes to exclude many submergent species typically found Ontario and Erie, the characteristic assemblage of plants within northern emergent marshs, including most may not occur. pondweeds. Schoenoplectus pungens, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Typha angustifolia, and Najas flexilis In the emergent zone, Nuphar advena (yellow pond- are frequently present. lily) and Peltandra virginica (arrow-arum) are characteristic of these muck soils, while the large cover The southern wet meadow has a high percentage of values for the floating speciesCeratophyllum demersum early successional and disturbance species, including and the duckweeds Spirodela polyrhiza, Lemna trisulca, Bidens cernuus, Impatiens capensis, Rorippa palustris, and L. minor reflect relatively protected waters with Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, and Polygonum a high nutrient content. Nymphaea odorata can form lapathifolium. Common exotics include Lythrum particularly dense beds in these sites. salicaria, Phragmites australis, Phalaris arundinacea, and Polygonum persicaria (lady’s thumb). The absence The herbaceous zone conforms to the southern wet of a distinct shrub zone for this group may meadow type. Calamagrostis canadensis is a frequent reflect the intensity of land-use in this area, in which dominant, but key southern species include Impatiens fertile lacustrine soils are farmed as close to G. L. capensis, Rorippa palustris (yellow cress), Polygonum coastal wetlands as possible. lapathifolium (nodding smartweed), and Leersia oryzoides (cut grass). The shrub zone includes Alnus (7) Lake Erie-St. Clair Lakeplain Marsh. This group rugosa, Cornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood), along includes all sites from the glacial lakeplain of western with Fraxinus pennsylvanica (red ash) and Osmunda Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Although the lakeplain regalis (royal fern). formerly supported extensive marsh and wet prairie communities, the predominant remaining wetlands are the lacustrine estuaries formed at the mouths of rivers drowned by the postglacial rise in lake level.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 8

The St. Clair is a unique site in the Great Three distinct shoreline areas contain barrier-beach Lakes, and its vegetation differs significantly from lagoons. Along the north shore on Prince Edward and sites of Saginaw Bay to the north and Lake Erie to the Wolfe islands in Ontario, NE-SW oriented drumlins south. The St. Clair River delta has higher submergent are protected by low barrier beaches, as are the N-S plant diversity than most sites on either Saginaw Bay or oriented drumlins along the southern shore of Lake Lake Erie. All remaining marshes reflect high levels of Ontario. The shallow lagoons on the south shore agricultural disturbance characteristic of the fertile, flat include East Bay, Black Creek, and Sterling Creek. lakeplain soils, along with heavy manipulation of the Along eastern Lake Ontario, sand accumulation has shoreline through diking and rip-rap. The Long Point, created a low shoreline of bays with barrier beaches Ontario and Presque Isle, sandspits share and sand dunes rising up to 30 m above the lake. The many habitats and species. barrier beaches create a string of shallow lagoons and wetlands, including Deer Creek, Cranberry Pond, South All of the wetlands occupy fairly protected sites Colwell Pond, and Lakeview Pond. (estuaries, barrier-beach lagoons, or sand-spit embayments); in addition, the Lake Erie sites enjoy the The emergent zones support submergent species such most moderate climate of the . As as Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis, a result, the emergent marshes and wet meadows of Spirodela polyrhiza, Lemna trisulca, Nuphar advena, both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair feature a relatively Nymphaea odorata, and Potamogeton zosteriformis southern flora with a high proportion of disturbance (flat-stemmed pondweed). All of these reflect the well- species. protected and nutrient-rich waters of the lagoons.

Common species of the emergent zone include the The herbaceous zone is a broad wet meadow of Typha floating duckweeds Lemna( minor and Spirodela angustifolia, along with Calamagrostis canadensis and polyrhiza), Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea Thelypteris palustris (marsh fern). Cat-tail’s dominance canadensis, and Nuphar advena (Albert et al. 1988, in Lake Ontario corresponds historically to the recent Minc 1997a, Minc 1997c, Minc and Albert 1998). period of lake-level regulation. In contrast, species Sagittaria latifolia, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, adapted to the cyclical exposure of shoreline mud flats Typha angustifolia, and T. x glauca (hybrid cat-tail) are are poorly represented in these sites. common edge species. Nelumbo lutea (American lotus) attains very high densities at selected Lake Erie sites. The shrub zones divide into two distinct types. The more common type was buttonbush thicket with The southern wet meadow zone is dominated by Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush), Decodon Calamagrostis canadensis, Phalaris arundinacea, verticillata (swamp loosestrife), and Alnus rugosa. Typha angustifolia, and Polygonum lapathifolium. The These wetlands typically contained Thelypteris palustris standard suite of early successional species (Bidens and Peltandra virginica in mucky openings. The cernuus, Impatiens capensis, Rorippa palustris) and other type, poor shrub fen was encountered in areas common exotics (Lythrum salicaria and Phragmites of low water flow behind barriers, typically distant australis) are present as well. As in the case for from the active stream channel. Here, poor fen shrubs Saginaw Bay, fertile lacustrine soils are farmed as close (Chamaedaphne calyculata, Myrica gale, Vaccinium to coastal wetlands as possible, resulting in the absence macrocarpon, and Andromeda glaucophylla) dominate, of a distinct . while Sphagnum spp. and Sarracenia purpurea attain high cover values in the groundcover. (8) Lake Ontario Lagoon Marshes. U.S. wetlands along eastern and southeastern Lake Ontario are (9) St. Lawrence River Estuaries (Buried River primarily barrier-beach lagoons (Minc 1997a, Minc Mouth). These sites occur only along the upper reaches 1997c, Minc and Albert 1998). In Ontario, exposed of the St. Lawrence River where the river is strongly Prince Edward Island and Wolfe Island sites share influenced by Lake Ontario. This stretch features both similar vegetation. These sites share protected granitic islands and bedrock knobs on the adjacent conditions and dampening of natural lake-level mainland. fluctuations.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 9

Small streams or rivers occupy preglacial valleys cut cyaneus (northern harrier, state special concern), through the rounded bedrock knobs and ridges which Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (yellow-headed have been partially filled in by outwash and alluvial blackbird, state special concern), Falco columbarius deposits to form fairly broad, flat basins. Extensive (merlin, state threatened), Pantherophis spiloides wetlands (up to 1 km wide) line the lower reaches of the (gray ratsnake, state special concern), Emydoidea streams for several kilometers inland. Crooked Creek blandingii (Blanding’s turtle, state special concern), and is one of the best examples of this wetland community Somatochlora hineana (Hine’s emerald dragonfly, state along this stretch of the St. Lawrence River (Herdendorf endangered). et al. 1981), while those of nearby Chippewa and Cranberry creeks are also of considerable importance Conservation/Management: Great Lakes coastal to fish and wildlife (Geis and Kee 1977). It is expected wetlands provide important habitat for insects, fish, that the wetlands on the nearby Canadian islands and waterfowl, water birds, and mammals. Over 50 mainland are similar. species of fish were documented to utilize the coastal wetlands of northern Lake Huron (Gathman and Keas The emergent zone is characterized by high densities of 1999), including several game fish. Fish utilize coastal floating species, includingUtricularia vulgaris (great wetlands in all parts of their life cycle, including egg, bladderwort), Lemna trisulca, Spirodela polyrhiza, larval, immature, and adult stages. A broad range of Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis, invertebrates occupy this habitat, providing food for Potamogeton zosteriformis, P. friesii (Fries’s fish and birds (Gathman and Keas 1999). Coastal pondweed), and Zizania aquatica (wild rice) (Minc wetlands have long been recognized as critical habitat 1997a, Minc 1997c, Minc and Albert 1998). The exotic for the migration, feeding, and nesting of waterfowl. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (frog’s bit) is abundant. The Great Lakes and connecting rivers are parts of The herbaceous zone is a broad wet meadow zone with several major flightways. Many other shore birds also deep organic soils (often > 4 m), featuring a broad feed, nest, and migrate in and through these wetlands. band of Typha angustifolia, with a narrow band of During spring migration, when few alternative sources Calamagrostis canadensis, Thelypteris palustris, and of nutrients are available, terrestrial migratory songbirds Impatiens capensis near shore. Dominance of cat-tail feed on midges from the G.L. marshes (Ewert and reflects the reduction of natural lake-level fluctuations. Hamas 1995). Mammals utilizing coastal wetlands include Castor canadensis (beaver), Ondatra zibethicus Michigan Indicator Species: Schoenoplectis acutus, (muskrat), Lutra canadensis (river otter), and Mustela Schoenoplectis pungens, Eleocharis palustris (E. vison (mink). smallii). A large number of other species could be treated as indicators for the several geographically or Both urban and agricultural development have resulted geomorphically distinct marsh types found along the in severe degradation and loss of coastal marshes Great Lakes (see vegetation description). through pollution, land management, and ecosystem alteration: Other Noteworthy Species: Rare plants include Sagittaria montevidensis (arrowhead, state threatened), Urban development has impacted coastal wetlands in Nelumbo lutea (American lotus, state threatened), the following ways: Hibiscus laevis (smooth rose-mallow, presumed • Armoring of the shoreline and dredging of channels extirpated from Michigan), and Zizania aquatica var. to create harbors has resulted in marsh elimination. aquatica (wild rice, state threatened). Rare animals • Dumping of waste materials such as include Chlidonias niger (black tern, state special sawdust and sewage, and a wide variety concern), Rallus elegans (king rail, state endangered), of chemicals has mechanically and Sterna forsteri (Forster’s tern, state threatened), chemically altered the shallow-water marsh Cistothorus palustris (marsh wren, state special environment, increasing turbidity, reducing concern), Nycticorax nycticorax (black-crowned oxygen concentrations, and altering the pH. night-heron, state special concern), Ixobrychus exilis • Shipping traffic has mechanically eroded (least bittern, state threatened), Botaurus lentiginosus shoreline vegetation. (American bittern, state special concern), Circus

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 10

• Water-level control of the Great Lakes being investigated as potential indicators of wetland and connecting rivers has altered natural quality. The effect of exotics on community dynamics wetland dynamics. and ecological processes also needs investigation, as does the effect of global warming. Further research on Agriculture has had the following impacts on coastal hydrological restoration is needed for degraded systems. wetlands: • Drainage has eliminated large areas of Similar Communities: Submergent marsh, emergent marshes and coastal wetlands. marsh, northern wet meadow, southern wet meadow, • Sedimentation has greatly increased interdunal wetland, lakeplain wet prairie, lakeplain turbidity, eliminating submergent species wet-mesic prairie, northern fen, coastal fen, poor fen, requiring clear water. northern shrub thicket, southern shrub-, wooded • Nutrient loading has locally reduced dune and swale complex. oxygen levels, prompted algal blooms, and led to the dominance of high-nutrient Other Classifications: tolerant species such as cat-tails. • Heavy agricultural sedimentation has Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) led to the deposition of rich organic Presettlement Vegetation: mud in the wet meadows and along the 6222 (Great Lakes Marsh) shoreline, favoring the dominance of early successional species. Michigan Department of Natural Resources • Introduction of exotic plants has altered (MDNR): macrophyte species composition. N (marsh), Z (water)

Several exotic plants and animals pose a threat to the Michigan Resource Information Systems (MIRIS): integrity of coastal wetlands. Exotics often outcompete 621 (Aquatic bed wetland), 622 (Emergent native organisms, as well as altering their habitat (Hart wetland), 624 (Deep marsh) et al. 2000). Significant exotic plants includeLythrum salicaria, Phragmites australis, Phalaris arundinacea, The Nature Conservancy (Code, Alliance, (Eurasian milfoil), Common Name): Potamogeton crispus (curly-leaf pondweed), and many less aggressive species. Hydrocharis moris-ranae, an V.C.2.N.a; Potamogeton gramineus – aggressive floating-leaved plant, is expanding westward Potamogeton natans Northern Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario into Shore Herbaceous Vegetation; Grassy Lake Erie and the , and has recently been Pondweed- Floating Pondweed Northern Great documented in Michigan. Lakes Shore Herbaceous Vegetation.

Exotic animals include Dreissena polymorpha (zebra V.C.2.N.a; Potamogeton zosteriformis – mussel), Cyprinus carpio (), Neogobius Ceratophyllum demersum – Elodea canadensis spp. (gobies), and Bythotrephes cederstroemi (spiny Southern Great Lakes Shore Herbaceous water flea), to name but a few. Many exotics arrive in Vegetation; Flat-stem Pondweed – Coontail – shipping ballast and many others were purposefully Canadian Waterweed Southern Great Lakes Shore introduced. Herbaceous Vegetation.

Research Needs: An important research need is the V.C.2.N.a; Schoenoplectus acutus – comparison of the biota of inland wetlands to Great Schoenoplectus subterminalis – Eleocharis Lakes coastal wetlands. There is ongoing research palustris – (Schoenoplectus americanus) to document the faunal diversity of coastal wetlands, Northern Great Lakes Shore Herbaceous with research concentrated on invertebrates and fish Vegetation; Hardstem Bulrush – Water Bulrush (Minns et al. 1994, Brazner and Beals 1997, Burton et – Marsh Spikerush – (Chairmaker’s Bulrush) al. 1999, Gathman et al. 1999). Both faunal groups are Northern Great Lakes shore Herbaceous Vegetation. Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 11

V.C.2.N.a; Typha spp. – Schoenoplectus Brazner, C.J. and E.W. Beals. 1997. Patterns in tabernaemontani – Mixed Herbs Southern fish assemblages from coastal wetland and Great Lakes Shore Herbaceous Vegetation; beach habitats in Green Bay, Lake Michigan: A Cattail Species – Softstem Bulrush – Mixed multivariate analysis of abiotic and biotic forcing Herbs Southern Great Lakes Shore Herbaceous factors. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Vegetation. Science 54:1743-1761. Burton, T.M., D.G. Uzarski, J.P. Gathman, J.A. Genet, Related Abstracts: Coastal fen, interdunal wetland, B.E. Keas, and C.A. Stricker. 1999. Development lakeplain wet prairie, lakeplain wet-mesic prairie, of a preliminary invertebrate index of biotic northern shrub thicket, northern wet meadow, poor integrity for Lake Huron coastal wetlands. Wetlands fen, southern wet meadow, wooded dune and swale 19:869-882. complex, wild rice, gray ratsnake, Blanding’s turtle, Hines emerald, Forster’s tern, black tern, northern Derecki, J.A. 1976. Hydrometeorology: Climate and harrier, and king rail. Hydrology of the Great Lakes. In Great Lakes Basin Framework Study, Appendix 4: Limnology of Selected References: Lakes and Embayments. pp. 71-104. Great Lakes Basin Commission, Ann Arbor, MI. Albert, D.A. 1995. Regional landscape ecosystems of Eichenlaub, V.L., J.R. Harman, F.V. Nurnberger, and Michigan, , and : A working H.J. Stolle. 1990. The Climatic Atlas of Michigan. map and classification. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-178. University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN. St. Paul, MN: USDA, Forest Service, North Central 165 pp. Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul, MN. http://nrs. Ewert, D.N., and M.J. Hamas. 1995. Ecology of fs.fed.us/pubs/242 (Version 03JUN1998). 250 pp. terrestrial migratory birds during migration in the Albert, D.A., J.G. Cohen, M.A. Kost, B.S. Slaughter, Midwest. Pages 200-208 in F.R. Thompson, III, and H.D. Enander. 2008. Distribution ed. Management of Midwestern landscapes for the maps of Michigan’s Natural Communities. Michi- conservation of Neotropical migratory birds. U.S. gan Natural Features Inventory, Report No. Forest Service, Gen. Tech. Rep. NC—187. North 2008-01, Lansing, MI. 174 pp. Central For. Exp. Sta., St. Paul, MN. Albert, D.A., G. Reese, S. Crispin, L.A. Wilsmann, Gathman, J.P, and B. Keas. 1999. Les Cheneaux and S.J. Ouwinga. 1987. A Survey of Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Project: A Synthesis. Unpublished Marshes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. MNFI report to Michigan Coastal Management Program. report for Land and Water Management Division 61 pp. of Michigan DNR, Coastal Zone Management Gathman, J.P., T.M. Burton, and B.J. Armitage. 1999. Program (CZM Contract 9C-10). 73 pp. Distribution of invertebrate communities in Albert, D.A., G. Reese, S.R. Crispin, M.R. Penskar, response to environmental variation, p. 949-1013. L.A. Wilsmann, and S.J. Ouwinga. 1988. A Survey In D.P. Batzer, R.B. Rader, and S.A. Wissinger of Great Lakes Marshes in the Southern Half of (eds.) Invertebrates in Freshwater Wetlands of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. MNFI report for : Ecology and Management. John Land and Water Management Division of Michigan Wiley & Sons, Inc., . DNR, Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM Geis, J.W. and J.L. Kee. 1977. Coastal wetlands Contract 10C-3). 116 pp. along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in Albert, D.A., G. Reese, M.R. Penskar, L.A. Wilsmann, Jefferson County, New York. SUNY College of and S.J. Ouwinga. 1989. A Survey of Great Environmental Science and Forestry. Syracuse, NY. Lakes Marshes in the Northern Half of Michigan’s 130 pp. Lower Peninsula and Throughout Michigan’s Harris, H.J., T.R. Bosley, and F.D. Rosnik. 1977. Upper Peninsula. MNFI report for Land and Water Green Bay’s coastal wetlands: A picture of dynamic Management Division of Michigan DNR, Coastal change. In Wetlands, Ecology, Values, and Impacts: Zone Management Program (CZM Contract 10C- Proceedings of the Waubesa Conference on 3). 124 pp. Wetlands, edited by C.B. DeWitt and E. Soloway, pp. 337-358. Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 12

Harris, H.J., G. Fewless, M. Milligan, and W. Minc, L.D. 1997b. Vegetative Response in Michigan’s Jownson. 1981. Recovery processes and habitat Great Lakes Marshes to Great Lakes Water-Level quality in a freshwater coastal marsh following a Fluctuations. A Report Submitted to Michigan natural disturbance. In Selected Proceedings of Natural Features Inventory, April, 1997. Funded the Midwest Conference on Wetland Values and by EPA Great Lakes National Program Office Management, edited by B. Richardson, pp. 363-379. (Federal Grant GL9 95810-02), through The Nature Minnesota Water Planning Board, St. Paul, MN. Conservancy’s Great Lakes Program Office. 135 Hart, S., M. Klepinger, H. Wandell, D. Garling, and L. pp. Wolfson. 2000. Integrated Pest Management for Minc, L.D. 1997c. Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands: Nuisance Exotics in Michigan Inland Lakes. Water An Overview of Abiotic Factors Affecting their Quality Series: WQ-56. Michigan Department of Distribution, Form, and Species Composition. A Environmental Quality. 28 pp. Report in 3 Parts Submitted to Michigan Natural Herdendorf, C.E., S.M. Hartley, and M.D. Barnes Features Inventory, December, 1997. Funded (Eds.). 1981. Fish and wildlife resources of the by EPA Great Lakes National Program Office Great Lakes coastal wetlands within the United (Federal Grant GL9 95810-02), through The Nature States, Vol. 1: Overview. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservancy’s Great Lakes Program Office. 307 Service, FWS/OBS-81/02-v1. pp. Keddy, P.A. and A.A. Reznicek. 1985. Vegetation Minc, L.D. and D.A. Albert. 1998. Great Lakes dynamics, buried seeds, and water-level fluctuations Coastal Wetlands: Abiotic and Floristic on the shoreline of the Great Lakes. In Coastal Characterization. Michigan Natural Features Wetlands, edited by H.H. Prince and F.M. D’Itri, Inventory. 36 pp. pp. 33-58. Lewis Publishers, Inc., Chelsea, MI. Minns, C. K., V. W. Cairns, R. G. Randall, and J. E. Keddy, P.A. and A.A. Reznicek. 1986. Great Lakes Moore. 1994. An index of biotic integrity (IBI) for vegetation dynamics: The role of fluctuating water fish assemblages in the littoral zone of Great Lakes levels and buried seeds. Journal of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Canadian Journal of Fisheries Research 12:25-36. and Aquatic Sciences 51:1804-1822. Keough J.R., T.A. Thompson, G.R. Guntenspergen, Sly, P.G. and W.-D.N. Busch. 1992. Introduction to and D.A. Wilcox. 1999. Hydrogeomorphic factors the process, procedure, and concepts used in the and ecosystem responses in coastal wetlands of the development of an aquatic habitat classification Great Lakes. Wetlands 19:821-834. system for lakes. In The Development of an Kost, M.A., D.A. Albert, J.G. Cohen, B.S. Slaughter, Aquatic Habitat Classification System for Lakes, R.K. Schillo, C.R. Weber, and K.A. Chapman. edited by W.-D.N. Busch and P.G. Sly, pp. 1-13. 2007. Natural Communities of Michigan: Classifi- CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. cation and Description. Michigan Natural Features Stuckey, R.L. 1989. Western Lake Erie aquatic and Inventory, Report Number 2007-21, Lansing, MI. wetland flora: Its origin and change. 314 pp. In Lake Erie Estuarine Systems: Issues, Resources, Krieger, K.A. (Editor). 1989. Lake Erie Estuarine Status, and Management, pp. 205-256. NOAA Systems: Issues, Resources, Status, and Estuary-of-the-Month Seminar Series No. 14. U.S. Management. NOAA Estuary of the Month Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Seminar Series No. 14. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Estuarine National Oceanic and Admospheric Administration, Programs Office. Washington, D.C. NOAA Estuarine Program Office. Washington, Wilcox, D.A., J.E. Meeker, and J. Elias. 1993. Impacts D.C. of Water-Level Regulation on Wetlands of the Great Minc, L.D. 1997a. Vegetation of the Great Lakes Lakes. Phase 2 Report to Working Committee 2, Coastal Marshes and Wetlands of MN, WI, OH, PA, International Joint Commission, Great Lakes Water and NY. A Data Summary Submitted to Michigan Level Reference Study, Natural Resources Task Natural Features Inventory, January, 1997. Funded Group. by EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (Federal Grant GL9 95810-02), through The Nature Conservancy’s Great Lakes Program Office. 60 pp.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Great Lakes Marsh, Page 13

Abstract citation:

Albert, D. A. 2001. Natural community abstract for Great Lakes marsh. Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Lansing, MI. 13 pp.

Updated June 2010.

Copyright 2004 Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Michigan State University Extension is an affirmative- action, equal-opportunity organization. Funding for abstract provided by Michigan Department of Natural Resources-Forest Management Division and Photo by Joshua G. Cohen Wildlife Division. Great Lakes marsh in Grand Traverse County

Great Lakes marsh on Drummond Island. Photo by Bradford S. Slaughter.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552