Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
| Authors: | Peggy Burkman, Stephen Handler, Julie Van Stappen, Sarah E. Johnson, Eric Epstein, Ryan O’Connor, Gregor W. Schuurman, Alexia Prosperi, Laura J. Briley, Dave Cooper, Matthew J. Cooper, Rob Croll, Ulf Gafvert, Louis Iverson, Bob Krumenaker, Brent M. Lofgren, Nisogaabo Ikwe Melonee Montano, Hannah Panci, Damon Panek, Linda R. Parker, Matthew Peters, Kristen M. Schmitt, Chris Swanston, Naomi Tillison |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Type: | Proceedings - Paper |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-P-211-paper54 |
| Source: | In: Kern, Christel C.; Dickinson, Yvette L., eds. Proceedings of the first biennial Northern Hardwood Conference 2021: Bridging science and management for the future. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-211. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 250-257. |
Abstract
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) is one of the few archipelagos in Lake Superior, the largest freshwater body in the world. Sandstones deposited about 600 million years ago form the foundation for several rare features such as clay bluffs, rock ledges, coastal wetlands, and sandscapes (sandspits, cuspate forelands, tombolos). A double tombolo on Stockton Island supports a globally critically imperiled Great Lakes Barrens feature. Rare communities include boreal, krummholz, and old growth forests that support eastern hemlock, yellow birch, northern white-cedar, and Canada yew, a species nearly extirpated on the mainland. Numerous state endangered (5), threatened (13), and special concern (26) plant species are also present. These numerous features and species are character-defining for the park and, as such, are highly significant.