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Ecological site F088XY011MN

Moist Sandy Mixed Forest

Last updated: 8/12/2024
Accessed: 09/27/2024

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General information

Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 088X–Northern Minnesota Glacial Lake Basins

MLRA 88 consists of the lake beds of glacial Lakes Agassiz, Upham, and Aitkin. These vast glacial lake beds were formed by meltwaters associated with the last glaciation of the Wisconsin age. The large, flat, wet landscapes are filled with lacustrine lake sediments, wave-washed glacial till, and vast expanses of organic soils. This area is entirely in Minnesota and makes up about 11,590 square miles (30,019 square kilometers).

The western boundary of MLRA 88 with MLRA 56B is gradual. MLRA 56B is a portion of the Red River Valley that was formed by glacial Lake Agassiz and is dominantly prairie. The southern boundary of MLRA 88 with MLRA 57 consists of distinct moraines that formed from the glacial drift sediments of Late Wisconsin age. The eastern and southeastern boundaries are with portions of MLRAs 90A and 93A. These MLRAs are in a distinct glaciated region of sediments of the Rainy and Superior Lobes, and much of MLRA 93A is bedrock controlled (USDA-Ag Handbook 296, 2022).

Ecological site concept

This site is a conifer-dominated woodland of jack pine, black spruce, and red pine with a mix of hardwoods including paper birch and quaking aspen. Soils are coarse textured, very deep, and somewhat poorly drained.

Associated sites

F088XY013MN	Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest The Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest ecological site is located on uplands with soils that are course textured and moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity ranges from 2-5 inches.

F088XY013MN

Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest

The Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest ecological site is located on uplands with soils that are course textured and moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity ranges from 2-5 inches.

Similar sites

F088XY013MN	Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest The Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest ecological site is located on uplands with soils that are course textured and moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity ranges from 2-5 inches.

F088XY013MN

Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus banksiana (2) Picea mariana
Shrub	(1) Amelanchier (2) Vaccinium angustifolium
Herbaceous	(1) Maianthemum canadense (2) Cornus canadensis

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Physiographic features

This site is often situated on flats, dunes, and pitted outwash plains. No ponding or flooding occurs, but the site does have a seasonal high water table. Runoff class is low to medium and slopes are less than 3%.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Slope shape across	(1) Linear
Slope shape up-down	(1) Linear
Landforms	(1) Flat (2) Dune (3) Pitted outwash terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to very low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	590 – 2,030 ft
Slope	3%
Ponding depth	Not specified
Water table depth	12 – 28 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The average annual precipitation is 25 to 28 inches (635 to 711 millimeters). Most of the rainfall comes from convective thunderstorms during the growing season. Snowfall generally occurs from October through April. The average annual temperature is 43 to 46 degrees F (6 to 8 degrees C). The mean frost free period ranges from 83 to 110 days, with the mean freeze-free period ranging from 117 to 135 days.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	83-110 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	117-135 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	25-28 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	75-112 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	114-141 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	24-28 in
Frost-free period (average)	97 days
Freeze-free period (average)	128 days
Precipitation total (average)	26 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) INTL FALLS INTL AP [USW00014918], International Falls, MN
(2) LITTLEFORK 10 SW [USC00214809], Big Falls, MN
(3) BIG FALLS [USC00210746], Big Falls, MN
(4) WASKISH 4NE [USC00218700], Big Falls, MN
(5) BAUDETTE INTL AP [USW00094961], Baudette, MN
(6) CAMP NORRIS DNR [USC00211250], Beltrami Isl State for, MN
(7) WARROAD [USC00218679], Warroad, MN
(8) EVELETH WWTP [USC00212645], Eveleth, MN
(9) HIBBING CHISHOLM HIBBING AP [USW00094931], Hibbing, MN
(10) FLOODWOOD 3 NE [USC00212842], Floodwood, MN
(11) SANDY LAKE DAM LIBBY [USC00217460], McGregor, MN
(12) GRAND RPDS FOREST LAB [USC00213303], Grand Rapids, MN
(13) POKEGAMA DAM [USC00216612], Cohasset, MN
(14) LEECH LAKE [USC00214652], Bena, MN

Soil features

Soils in this site are coarse textured, ranging from loamy find sands to very fine sandy loams. These soils developed from glaciolacustrine, outwash, and eolian sand parent material.

Soils in the Moist Sandy Mixed Forest fall within the Alfisol, Entisol, Inceptisol, and Mollisol orders. These soils can be further classified as Oxyaquic Hapludalfs, Aquic Udipsamments, Aeric Endoaquepts, and Aeric Calciaquolls. Soil series within this site include: Meehan, Redby, Barber, Cowhorn, Soderville, and Ulen.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Glaciolacustrine deposits (2) Outwash (3) Eolian sands
Surface texture	(1) Loamy fine sand (2) Loamy sand (3) Very fine sandy loam (4) Fine sandy loam
Drainage class	Somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Rapid
Depth to restrictive layer	80 in
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.9 – 4 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4.5 – 7.3
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-80in)	2%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-80in)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

This site is a mixed woodland composed of jack pine, black spruce, and red pine with a mix of paper birch and quaking aspen. Historically, fire was a disturbance factor and served to promote pine regeneration.

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Disturbed State

T1A	-	Disturbance of site
R2A	-	Management activities ; restore to the reference site

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Mature Mixed Forest Community

1.2. Early Successional Forest

1.3. Mid Successional Forest

1.1A	-	Disturbances; partial canopy removal
1.2A	-	Natural succession
1.3A	-	Natural succession absent severe disturbances
1.3B	-	Site disturbance

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Logged Community

2.2. Invaded Community

2.1A	-	Introduction of invasive plant species
2.2A	-	Non-native plant eradication

State 1
Reference State

The reference state is a coniferous woodland composed of pine and spruce with a mix of hardwood species such as aspen and paper birch. Canopy cover is variable and ranges from patchy to continuous. Dominant canopy species include jack pine, black spruce, red pine, and in some cases, white pine.

Dominant plant species

jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
black spruce (Picea mariana), tree
red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree
serviceberry (Amelanchier), shrub
lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), shrub
northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), shrub
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous
bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis), other herbaceous
twinflower (Linnaea borealis), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Mature Mixed Forest Community

This is a mature (95+ years) mixed-canopy woodland. Black spruce is dominant mixed with jack pine, paper birch, white pine, and balsam fir. (MN DNR, 2005).

Dominant plant species

jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera), tree
eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
balsam fir (Abies balsamea var. balsamea), tree

Community 1.2
Early Successional Forest

This community (0-55 years) is characterized by a young woodland dominated by jack pine. Hardwoods, such as quaking aspen and paper birch, are common. (MN DNR, 2005).

Dominant plant species

jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree

Community 1.3
Mid Successional Forest

This mixed canopy transitional community (55-95 years) is noted for an increase in red pine and paper birch and a decline in jack pine and quaking aspen. (MN DNR, 2005)

Dominant plant species

red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera), tree

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Disturbance from fire, windthrow, or other factors that removes the canopy layer.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.3

Time and natural succession will transition the 1.2 community to the 1.3 community in the absence of any large disturbances.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

In the absence of large disturbances, time and natural succession will transition the community to a mature woodland.

Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2

A large disturbance will transition the community back to an earlier successional stage.

State 2
Disturbed State

This is a woodland state characterized by anthropogenic disturbances such as logging. Human activities are often a conduit for the introduction and spread of invasive species. The type, severity, and duration of the disturbance will perpetuate variability in the early successional plant community. Seed sources and management activities will also influence plant regeneration. Future field study is needed to develop a more detailed and diagnostic list of plant species for this state.

Dominant plant species

quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree
jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
serviceberry (Amelanchier), shrub

Community 2.1
Logged Community

Removal of canopy trees for timber harvest results a highly disturbed understory. Shrubs often initially dominate post-logging. The type and severity of disturbance, available seed sources, and any associated management inputs will determine the plant community on site.

Dominant plant species

serviceberry (Amelanchier), shrub

Community 2.2
Invaded Community

This community is characterized by the presence of non-native plant species. Numerous tree, shrub and ground layer invasive species are possible. Human activities (logging, development, recreation) can introduce seeds to a site. Without management intervention, these species can alter the natural composition of the plant community.

Dominant plant species

common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), shrub
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), other herbaceous

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Activities such as logging may introduce invasive plant species.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Management inputs to successfully eradicate invasive plants on site.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Disturbance of site through anthropogenic activities such as road building, dam construction, and logging.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Restoration of each site will require a plan unique to the current site conditions. Timber stand improvement activities and/or invasive species eradication may be needed.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

This is a provisional ecological site, and as such no field plots were inventoried for this project. A review of the scientific literature and expert opinion was used to develop the plant communities and ecological dynamics contained within the state and transition model. Future field verification is needed to refine the plant communities and ecological dynamics described in this ecological site description.

Other references

Cleland, D.T.; Avers, P.E.; McNab, W.H.; Jensen, M.E.; Bailey, R.G., King, T.; Russell, W.E. 1997. National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units. Published in, Boyce, M. S.; Haney, A., ed. 1997. Ecosystem Management Applications for Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Resources. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. pp. 181-200.

Eggers, S.D. and Reed, D.M. 2013. Wetland plants and plant communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Version 3.1.

Faber-Langendoen, D., editor. 2001. Plant communities of the Midwest: Classification in an ecological context. Association for Biodiversity Information, Arlington, VA. 61 pp. + appendix
(705 pp.).

Flaccus, E. and L.F. Ohmann. 1964. Old-growth Northern Hardwood Forests in Northeastern Minnesota. Ecology 45:3, 448-459.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2005. Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program. St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mitsch, WJ. and J.G. Gosselink. 2007. Wetlands, fourth ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

Ojakangas, R.W. and C.L. Matsch. 1982. Minnesota’s Geology. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2022. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the
Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.

Contributors

Anita Arends, ESI Specialist, Springfield IL
Mike Rokus, SSOL, Duluth, MN
Kade Anderson, NRCS Ecologist, Duluth, MN
Landon Wolter, Rangeland Management Specialist for North Central Region

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 8/12/2024

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	08/14/2024
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability: