Brunsweiler River and Mineral Lake
Location
Potential Research Topics
Potential research topics could focus on the rare plants found in the RNA, old northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) growing on protected cliff faces, unique geologic features, or stream ecology. Surveys of taxa not yet recorded include amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, bats, and other mammals.
Ecological and Physical Description
Brunsweiler River and Mineral Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) occurs on a dramatic bedrock dominated landscape with high quality aquatic resources, old growth upland forest remnants, and rare plant and animal occurrences. It is large in size and connected to other protected areas with a similar lack of recent disturbance. This unique area contains a stretch of the Brunsweiler River, designated as a Wild River by the state of Wisconsin since 2009. Primary features include a large block of northern mesic forest, northern hardwood swamp, northern sedge meadow, shaded and open cliffs, and a scenic gorge carved by the Brunsweiler River. The site harbors rare plants and animals with conifers growing on undisturbed cliffs that may represent an ancient forest.
Annual precipitation averages 33.4 inches (84.7 cm), 63.8% of which falls between April and September. Average seasonal snowfall is 102.2 inches (2,591 cm).
The Mellen 4 NE weather station is 8 miles east of the RNA.
The majority of the RNA has bedrock between 50 feet and 5 feet below the land surface. Geomorphologic processes include till deposition and water erosion. Most of the RNA contains hilly to steep well drained soils that correspond to the Gogebic-Michigamme-Rock outcrop complex. Areas of moderately well drained soils are found intermingled with well drained soils. Prominent bedrock outcrops are common. The soils are typically characterized by fine sand or very fine sandy loam surface over bedrock. An estimate of 2-10 percent of the surface area is bedrock outcrops.
The 225-acre (91 ha) Mineral Lake is a soft water drainage lake. Draining the west central section of the county, the Brunsweiler River has several natural glacial lakes along its course and feeders. Its principal water tributaries are Spider Creek, Hell Hole Creek, Camp Six Creek, and several other unnamed feeder streams.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonicera canadensis | American fly honeysuckle | Common Shrub Species | the dominant shrub |
|
| Dirca palustris | Leatherwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Taxus canadensis | Canada yew | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Cornus alternifolia) | alternate-leaved dogwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Lycopodium, Huperzia spp. | club-moss | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Uvularia sessilifolia | sessile-leaved bellwort | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Trillium grandiflorum | large-flowered trillium | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Streptopus lanceolatus | rosy twisted stalk | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Dicentra cucullaria | dutchman’s breeches | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Actaea sp | baneberry species | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aralia species | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Oxalis montana | mountain wood sorrel | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Coptis trifolia | three-leaved goldthread | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Common Fish Species: | |||
| musky | Common Fish Species: | |||
| smallmouth bass | Common Fish Species: | |||
| largemouth bass | Common Fish Species | |||
| white sucker | Common Fish Species | |||
| bluegill | Common Fish Species | |||
| black crappie | Common Fish Species | |||
| yellow perch | Common Fish Species | |||
| rock bass | Common Fish Species | |||
| Iowa Darter | Common Fish Species | |||
| Johnny Darter | Common Fish Species |