Disturbance and Successional Dynamics in an Old-Growth WhitePine-Mixed Hardwood Forest in the Great Lakes Region of Minnesota

Authors

Grant P. Elliott, University of MinnesotaFollow
Evan R. Larson, University of Minnesota

Abstract

Concern exists regarding the decline of Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) in the pine-mixed hardwood forests of the Great Lakes region. Using dendroecological techniques, we reconstructed the disturbance history and successional dynamics of an isolated old-growth white pine-mixed hardwood forest in northeastern Minnesota. The oldest trees in the stand were white pine, but a transition to late-successional species began in the mid-1800s prior to extensive anthropogenic influences in the region. This was facilitated by a change in the dominant disturbance type from fire to a combination of wind throw and white-tailed deer browsing. This transition appears to have occurred under natural conditions and will continue to favor both the establishment and continued dominance of late-successional species. This study highlights the importance of studying the natural range of variability of white pine forests in the Great Lakes region of Minnesota.

Recommended Citation

Elliott, Grant P. and Larson, Evan R. (2009) "Disturbance and Successional Dynamics in an Old-Growth WhitePine-Mixed Hardwood Forest in the Great Lakes Region of Minnesota," The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 50: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol50/iss1/2