Lac La Croix
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
Upland boreal forests occupy most of the RNA. The distinguishing feature is the old-growth eatern white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (Pinus resinosa); one of the few remaining, largely unmodified tracts of high quality virgin pine in the Lake States.
Average annual precipitation is 27.5 inches (69.9 cm), with 11.4 inches (28.9 cm) falling in summer. Average annual snowfall is 43.7 inches (110.9 cm).
Winton Power Plant is located 24 miles (38.4 km) south-southeast of the RNA.
The topography is rugged, with a number of tall granite cliffs. The soil is variable, ranging from shallow sandy loams to fairly deep glacial deposits of sand.
Nearly ¼ of the site is covered by water. Boulder River transverses the site, and Lake Agnes and Boulder Bay border the site.
Flora and Fauna
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alces alces | Moose | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Ursus americanus | black bear | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Odocoileus virginianus | white-tailed deer | Common Mammal Species |
Publications
- Tuomas Aakala, Shawn Fraver, Brian J. J. Palik, Anthony W. D'Amato. 2012. Spatially random mortality in old-growth red pine forests of northern Minnesota
- Shawn Fraver, Brian J. J. Palik. 2012. Stand and cohort structures of old-growth Pinus resinosa-dominated forests of northern Minnesota, USA