Chequamegon Hardwoods
Location
Potential Research Topics
Camp Nine Pines RNA contains an ecosystem that was historically maintained by fire. Researchers could investigate local fire history and effects of fire in a rare barrens ecosystem adjacent to a dry-mesic forest. Surveys of taxa not yet recorded include amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, bats, and other mammals.
Ecological and Physical Description
This site was recommended for RNA status because it is an example of a relatively intact mesic northern hardwood forest with an undisturbed understory. The site was selectively logged for hardwood saw logs in the 1930’s, but retains patches of old-growth hardwoods and mature, big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata). The herbaceous layer, having never been grazed, is diverse with over 80 plant species present. A small population of Braun’s Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii) is present within the RNA.
The climate is characterized by long, snowy, often severely cold, winters and relatively short summers with warm days and cool nights. The mean annual average precipitation is 33.9 inches (84.8 cm), of which 85 inches (212.5 cm) is snowfall.
The nearest weather station is in Mellen, Wisconsin, approximately 7 miles (11.2 km) to the east.
The site is underlain by Precambian granite bedrock and gabbro bedrock. The site is situated on glacial deposits from the Woodfordian substage of the Wisconsin ice age. The site contains several gabbro bedrock exposures, some up to 50 feet high (15.3 m). Soils are Gogebic and Rib Series.
A small stream bisects the tract north to south and supports an aquatic invertebrate fauna, as well as a population of Fontinalis, an aquatic moss.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirca palustris | Leatherwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Cornus alternifolia | pagoda-dogwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Acer spicatum | mountain maple | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Corlyus cornuta | beaked hazel | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Aralia racemosa | Spikenard | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Malaxis unifolia | green adder’s mouth | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Trillium cernuum | nodding trillium | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Adiantum pedatum | northern maidenhair fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Sanguinaria canadensis | bloodroot | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Habenaria psycodes | purple fringed orchid | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Corallorhiza maculata | spotted coral root | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Corallorhiza trifida | northern coral-root | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contopus virens | Eastern wood pewee | Common Bird Species | ||
| Dendroicavirens | black-throated green warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Seiurus aurocapillus | ovenbird | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vireo olivaceus) | red-eyed vireo | Common Bird Species | ||
| Pheucticus ludovicianus | rose-breasted grosbeck | Common Bird Species | ||
| Turdusmigratorius | American robin | Common Bird Species | ||
| Zonotrichia albicollis | white-throated sparrow | Common Bird Species |