McCaslin Mountain
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
The RNA is an excellent example of a quartzite hill and knoll complex. Such shallow-to-bedrock features are uncommon on the Nicolet National Forest. The RNA supports a hardwood-dominated forest, which includes northern red oak (Quercus rubra), American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) species. The combined effects of macroclimate, physiography, bedrock and glacial geology, soil, and vegetation within the RNA make it a distinctive natural feature. The cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea), a state threatened species, has been observed in the area.
The average annual precipitation is 32 inches (81 cm), and the average annual snowfall is 46 inches (117 cm).
The nearest NOAA stations are located at of the towns of Wabeno, 10 miles (17 km) to the northwest, and at Townsend, 8 miles (13 km) to the southwest.
The site includes unique shallow-to-bedrock outcroppings. Glacial material on either side of the mountain differ significantly. Material on the north side was deposited by the Langlade Lobe and on the south side by the Green Bay Lobe. Soils where development occurred shallow-to-bedrock are Michigamme Rock Outcrop Complex. Sarona soils comprise the southern deposits, and Padus the northern.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamamelis virginiana | Witch hazel | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Corylus cornuta | beaked hazel-nut | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Lonicera canadensis | fly honeysuckle | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Diervilla lonicera | bush honeysuckle | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Cornus rugosa | round-leaved dogwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Viburnum acerifolium | arrow-wood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi | bearberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Carex pennsylvanica | Sedge | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aster macrophyllus | big-leaved aster | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aralia nudicaulis | wild sarsaparilla | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Pedicularis canadensis | forest lousewort | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Athyrium filix-femina | lady fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Osmunda claytoniana | interrupted fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Epifagus virginiana | beech-drops | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Conopholis americana | squaw-root | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Corallorhiza maculata | spotted coral root | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Monotropa uniflora | Indian pipe | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Monotropa hypopithys | pinesap | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Corydalis sempervirens | tall corydalis | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Selaginella rupestris | rock spikemoss | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odocoileus virginianus | White-tailed deer | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Ursus americanus | black bear | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Sciurus carolinensis | gray squirrel | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Erethizon dorsatum | north American porcupine | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Tamias striatus | eastern chipmunk | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Martes pennanti | fisher | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Dendroica cerulea | Cerulean warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Hylocichla mustelina) | wood thrush | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vireo flavifrons | yellow-throated vireo | Common Bird Species | ||
| Empidonaxminimus | least flycatcher | Common Bird Species | ||
| Contopus virens | eastern wood peewee | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vireo olivaceous | red-eyed vireo | Common Bird Species | ||
| Seiurus aurocapillus | ovenbird | Common Bird Species | ||
| Piranga olivacea | scarlet tanager | Common Bird Species | ||
| Cathartes aura | turkey vultures | Common Bird Species | ||
| Meleagris gallopavo | wild turkeys | Common Bird Species |