Little Waiska Basin
Location
Potential Research Topics:
Little Waiska Basin RNA provides opportunity to study red maple. This cover type, atypical of the original forest composition, is a remnant of 19th century logging practices. In addition, the RNA lends itself to forest succession studies.
Ecological and Physical Description
This RNA represents a high-quality example of mesic northern forest dominated by red maple and a rich conifer swamp dominated by Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and other lowland conifers. The soils are composed primarily of clay and loam, which is unusual in the eastern Upper Peninsula; Little Waiska Basin is one of the few large, forested areas on moderately well drained clay soils. The Little Waiska Basin is a prime example of northern mesic forest transitioning to rich conifer swamp, encompassed by steep clay ravines, warm headwater stream systems, and flat clay lake plains interspersed with steeper topographic features. Small stream systems traverse the RNA and a small lake is located along its southern boundary.
Annual rainfall averages 34.6inches (877.6cm). Average seasonal snowfall is 108.4inches (2753.4cm).
is Sault Ste. Marie Sanderson Field (station no.207364, latitude 46°29’N, -84°24’W longitude). The station is about 16miles due northeast of the RNA.
Bedrock of the area includes Black River, Trenton, and Prairie du Chein groupswith surficial geology of lacustrine sand and gravel, lacustrine clay and silt, and glacial outwash sand and gravel.
The majority of Little Waiska Basin RNA soils are grouped into Gaastra silt loam and Biscuit very fine sandy loam complexes. The Gaastra silt loam is very deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soil on broadplains and in depressions. Permeability is moderately slow, and water capacity is high. Surface runoff is slow, and the seasonal highwater table is at a depth of 1 to 2 feet from late fall to late spring. The Biscuit very fine sandy loam is very deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soil on low plains and knolls. Permeability is moderate in the loamy upper part and very slow in the clayey lower part. Water capacity is moderateand surface runoff is slow. Soil has a perched seasonal highwater table at a depth of 0.5 feet to 1.5 feet from late fall to late spring.
Little Waiska Basin contains headwater stream systems with warm waters. These stream systems occur over clay and loam substrates and are important to aquatic systems in the surrounding area. Designation of Little Waiska Basin as an RNA will help to protect the waters of the area and ensure the health and vitality of wildlife and plant communities.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Maple | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| northern white cedar | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| mixed conifer swamp | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| eastern hemlock | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| red maple | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| quaking aspen | MI Natural Community Types | |||
| Matteuccia struthiopteris | ostrich fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Caltah palustirs | marsh marigold | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Adenocaulon bicolor | trail-plant | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Coptis trifolia | goldthread | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Clintonia borealis | bluebead lily | Common Herbaceous Species |