Tucker Lake Hemlocks
Location
Potential Research Topics:
Potential research topics include succession studies from older, seral-stage aspen and birch forest succeeding to hemlock/hardwood forest compared to recently managed communities on the same landform; or beaver populations following the return of the timber wolf. Species on the edge of their range are found in this RNA. Studies of these species with respect to climate change could be valuable. A thorough inventory of small mammals, forest bats, birds, vegetation, lichens and invertebrates is needed.
Ecological and Physical Description
The site features a very good example of old-growth eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). Approximately 68 acres of the RNA are old-growth forest. It also includes the intact shore and wetlands surrounding an undeveloped 107-acre (43 ha) Tucker Lake. Tucker Lake supports significant waterfowl use including habitat for the protected osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
The mean annual precipitation is 32 inches (81.3 cm). Average annual snowfall is 41 inches (104.6 cm).
The nearest weather station is in Park Falls, Wisconsin (Station no. 476398), approximately 20 miles (32 km) to the west of the RNA.
Bedrock of the Northern Highland Outwash Plains LTA includes igneous, metamorphic, and volcanic rock and the majority of the LTA has bedrock within 5 feet of the land surface. Topography is rolling. The dominant geomorphologic process was till deposition.
The majority of the soil falls into the Padus series. The Padus series consists of very deep well-drained soils, which are moderately deep to stratified sandy outwash. These soils formed mostly in loamy alluvium and are underlain by stratified sandy outwash on glacial lake plains, outwash plains, stream terraces, and moraines. Permeability is moderate or moderately rapid in the loamy mantle and rapid or very rapid in the sandy outwash. Slopes range from 0 to 45 percent
Tucker Lake is a large, undeveloped drainage lake with medium soft, slightly alkaline, clear water. It has a maximum depth of 32 ft (13m) with a bottom primarily of gravel and muck. The RNA now includes approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of high quality natural shoreline on Round Lake.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer spicatum | Mountain maple | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Corylus cornuta | beaked hazelnut | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Lonicera canadensis | American fly honeysuckle | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Sambucus racemosa | red elderberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Taxus canadensis | Canada yew | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Huperzia lucidula | Shining clubmoss | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Oxalis montana | mountain wood sorrel | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Circaea alpina | dwarf enchanter's nightshade | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Dryopteris intermedia | fancy wood fern | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiascirus hudsonicus | Red squirrel | Common Fauna | ||
| Tamias striatus | eastern chipmunk | Common Fauna | ||
| Erethizon dorsatum | North American porcupine | Common Fauna | ||
| Ondatra zibethicus | muskrat | Common Fauna | ||
| Lontra canadensis | northern river otter | Common Fauna | ||
| Odocoileus virginianus | white-tailed deer | Common Fauna | ||
| Dendroica fusca | Blackburnian warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Dendroica virens | black-throated green warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vireo olivaceous | red-eyed vireo | Common Bird Species | ||
| Seiurus aurocapillus | ovenbird | Common Bird Species | ||
| Certhia americana | brown tree creeper | Common Bird Species | ||
| Haliaetus leucocephalus | American bald eagle | Common Bird Species | ||
| Bonasa umbellus | ruffed grouse | Common Bird Species | ||
| Philohela minor | American woodcock | Common Bird Species | ||
| Actitis macularia | spotted sandpipers | Common Bird Species |