McCarthy Lake and Cedars
Location
Potential Research Topics
Any research topic requiring a large complex of relatively undisturbed lowland bogs, conifer swamps and wild lake shores is encouraged. The area needs a complete flora, fauna, bryophytes, and lichens inventory. Research investigating the prolific eastern hemlock regeneration capacity comparing associated mammalian herbivory and its effect on hemlock regeneration could be of interest. Also, study of the biology of Northern water snakes, common in Wabasso lake, could be of interest.
Ecological and Physical Description
This RNA site contains a 42 acre shallow, softwater drainage lake, essentially undisturbed, as well as a large northern white cedar old growth (Thuja occidentalis) swamp, which is the largest of its type known in the Chequamegon National Forest. Two slow, softwater streams and the headwater portion of a third such stream are also present. A large ericade bog, a good quality northern sedge meadow, and a five acre stand of old-growth eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) are also present. Animal diversity within the site is high and includes the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Federally Threatened and State Endangered; the red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), State Threatened; and the black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), State Special Concern.
The mean annual precipitation is 33.9 inches (84.8 cm). Average snowfall is 85 inches (212.5 cm).
The nearest weather station is in Mellen, Wisconsin, located approximately 8 miles (12.8 km) to the northeast.
Precambian granite bedrock underlies this area. The landscape is young in geologic age and characterized by a deranged type of drainage pattern. The Soil is Tawas and Padus series.
Aquatic features include a 42 acre shallow, softwater drainage lake; two warm, slow softwater streams (3 acres), and headwaters of a third stream. The two softwater streams flow into McCarthy Lake. The lake’s outlet flows through a field of large boulders and is, to some extent, subterranean.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alnus rugosa | Speckled alder | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Acer spicatum | Mountain maple | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Potamogetonaceae sp. | pondweed | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Ceratophyllum demersum | coontail | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Nuphar variegatum | yellow water lily | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Maianthemum canadense | Canada mayflower | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Clintonia borealis | bead-lily | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Coptis trifolia var. groenlandica | goldthread | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Cornus canadensis | bunchberry | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branta canadensis | Canada goose | Common Bird Species | ||
| Anas rubripes | north American black duck | Common Bird Species | ||
| Anas discors | blue-winged teal | Common Bird Species | ||
| Aix sponsa | wood duck | Common Bird Species | ||
| Haliaeetus leucocephalus | American bald eagle | Common Bird Species | ||
| Accipiter striatus | Sharp-shinned hawk | Common Bird Species | ||
| Buteo lineatus | red-shouldered hawk | Common Bird Species | ||
| Picoides arcticus | black-backed woodpecker | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vermivora ruficapilla), | Nashville warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Catharus guttatus | hermit thrush | Common Bird Species | ||
| Mniotilta varia | black-and-white warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Parula americana | parula warbler | Common Bird Species |