Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F093BY008MI
Fragic Loamy Uplands
Last updated: 9/27/2023
Accessed: 11/13/2024
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): 093B–Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills
The Wisconsin portion of this MLRA is a mixture of high-relief moraines and flat till plains with interspersed glacial meltwater deposits. It is bordered on the north by glaciolacustrine deposits of Glacial Lake Duluth and on the south by extensive pitted and unpitted outwash plains. The approximate land area is just under 600,000 acres (935 sq miles).
The Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range runs through the middle of the Wisconsin portion of this MLRA and into Michigian. The range is a hilly, bedrock-controlled moraine. The bedrock outcropping is composed of igneous and metamorphic materials and was created by inland folding and faulting of the ancient Superior continent when it collided with the Marshfield continent about 1.8 billion years ago (Dott & Attig, 2004). Volcanic and intrusive bedrock occurs in some places. This bedrock is overlain by a thin layer of glacial till deposited by the Chippewa Lobe.
To the north of the range is a former spillway for Glacial Lake Ontonagon. The flowing meltwater cut deep channels into the morainal systems. Glaciofluvial landforms here include old beaches and dunes. South of the range, along the southern edge of this MLRA, are rolling collapsed end moraines, pushed to their extent by the Chippewa and Ontonagon Lobes. The landscape is dotted with abundant kettle lakes and swamps, especially in the eastern portion. Ice-walled lake plains and eskers are also found along these collapsed moraines.
The climate is influenced by Lake Superior in areas near the lake, resulting in cooler summers, warmer winters, and greater precipitation – especially snowfall – compared to more inland locations. Historically, mixtures of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), and red pine (Pinus resinosa) covered the area. In wetter pockets (such as the swamps that dot the moraines to the south) white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), black spruce (Picea mariana), and tamarack (Larix laricina) were common (Finley, R., 1976).
Classification relationships
Relationship to Established Frameworks and Classification Systems:
Habitat Types of N. Wisconsin (Kotar, 2002): Two sites key out to Acer saccharum – Tsuga canadensis/ Dryopteris spinulosa (ATD), two sites key to Acer saccharum – Tsuga canadensis/ Maianthemum canadense (ATM), and two sites key to Acer saccharum / Vaccinium angustifolium – Viburnum acerifolium (AVVb).
Biophysical Setting (Landfire, 2014): This ES is mapped as Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine(-Oak) Forest, Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest – Hemlock, and Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest; though, it is likely best represented by the latter.
WDNR Natural Communities (WDNR (2015): This ES is most similar to the Northern Mesic Forest.
Hierarchical Framework Relationships:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Superior Stoney and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Eastern Part (93B)
USFS Subregions: Winegar Moraines (212Jc)
Small sections occur in the Gogebic-Penokee Iron Range (212Jb) subregion
Wisconsin DNR Ecological Landscapes: North Central Forest
Ecological site concept
The Fragic Loamy Uplands ecological site is a dominant site in MLRA 93B, located on moraines, hills, and till plains. These sites are characterized by moderately deep to very deep, moderately well to well drained soils that formed in sandy and loam till, eolian, and glaciofluvial deposits, and residuum. Soils have a fragipan (a dense, reversibly-cemented layer) or fragic properties that perch water and restrict rooting depth. Precipitation and runoff from adjacent uplands are the primary sources of water. Soils range from ultra acid to moderately acid.
Fragic Loamy Uplands differ from all other sites by the presence of a fragipan or fragic properties, which limit rooting depth and may cause windthrow. Other upland sites have sandy materials. Loamy materials have a higher pH and available water capacity than sandy materials, which may promote more vegetative growth.
Associated sites
F093BY004MI |
Wet Lowlands Wet Lowlands occur on depressions and drainageways and form in loamy till or loamy alluvium underlain by dense sandy till or sandy and gravelly outwash. These sites are poorly drained and occur lower on the drainage sequence than Fragic Loamy Uplands. |
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F093BY005MI |
Moist Lowlands Moist Lowlands occur on footslope positions across the landscape. They are not subject to flooding nor ponding. Soils form in till, lacustrine deposits, or outwash deposits and may be loamy to sandy. These sites are somewhat poorly drained and occur slightly lower on the drainage sequence than Fragic Loamy Uplands. |
Similar sites
F093BY009MI |
Alfic Loamy Uplands Alfic Loamy Uplands occur on upland sites in loamy glaciofluvial deposits where an argillic horizon is either forming or present. Like Fragic Loamy Uplands, they are moderately well to well drained. They lack a Fragic layer that restricts rooting depth and perches the water table. Generally, Alfic Loamy Uplands support species with a slightly higher nutrient status than Fragic Loamy Uplands. |
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F093BY010MI |
Loamy Uplands Loamy Uplands occur on upland sites in loamy till, sometimes with a mantle of loess. These soils lack significant clay accumulation or a Fragic layer. Like Fragic Loamy Uplands, they are moderately well to well drained. Generally, Loamy Uplands support species with a slightly higher nutrient status than Fragic Loamy Uplands. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
(1) Acer saccharum |
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Shrub |
(1) Acer saccharum |
Herbaceous |
(1) Maianthemum canadense |
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
T1A | - | Major stand replacing disturbance e.g. blow-down and fire, or clear-cutting, followed by fire |
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T1B | - | Clearing of site; agricultural production |
R2A | - | Time and natural succession |
T2A | - | Elimination of forest cover, application of agricultural practices |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1.A | - | Natural mortality in the oldest age classes, sporadic small-scale blow-downs and ice storms, create openings for entry of mid-tolerant species, such as red oak and maple. |
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1.2.A | - | Time and natural succession |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1.A | - | Red oak and red maple regenerate under aspen-paper birch canopy |
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2.2.A | - | Time and natural succession |