National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Natural Resource Program Center

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

Natural Resource Report NPS/GLKN/NRR—2010/199
ON THE COVER

Mosaic of fieldwork and various scenes at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Photographs by: Kevin Hop
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

Natural Resource Report NPS/GLKN/NRR—2010/199

Kevin Hop, Sara Lubinski, and Jennifer Dieck

U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

2630 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

Shannon Menard, Ph.D. and Jim Drake

NatureServe

P.O. Box 9354

St. Paul, Minnesota 55109

May 2010

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Natural Resource Program Center

Fort Collins, Colorado
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Preface ii

The National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center publishes a range of reports that 

address natural resource topics of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National 

Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and 

environmental constituencies, and the public. 

The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate high-priority, current natural resource 

management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse 

audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management 

applicability.

All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the 

information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended 

audience, and designed and published in a professional manner. This report received formal peer 

review by subject-matter experts whose background and expertise put them on par technically 

and scientifically with the authors of the information. The peer review was conducted using the 

Fundamental Science Practices of the U.S. Geological Survey. 

Views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and data in this report do not 

necessarily reflect views and policies of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the 

Interior. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or 

recommendation for use by the U.S. Government. 

This report is available from the Natural Resource Publications Management website 

(http://www.nature.nps.gov/publications/NRPM/).

Please cite this publication as:

Hop, K., S. Menard, J. Drake, S. Lubinski, and J. Dieck. 2010. National Park Service Vegetation 

Inventory Program: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin. Natural Resource Report 

NPS/GLKN/NRR—2010/199. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 

NPS 633/102524, May 2010
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Preface iii

Contents

Figures............................................................................................................................................. v

Tables............................................................................................................................................. vi

Executive Summary...................................................................................................................... vii

Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... ix

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project ............................................. 1

The National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program......................................................... 2

Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program................................................................ 2

Vegetation Inventory Program Standards................................................................................... 2

The National Vegetation Classification Standard ................................................................... 3

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata.................................................................. 4

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore............................................................................................ 4

Location and Brief History...................................................................................................... 4

Landscape Setting.................................................................................................................... 5

Project Overview ............................................................................................................................ 9

General Process........................................................................................................................... 9

Scoping Meeting ......................................................................................................................... 9

Project Boundary Extent ........................................................................................................... 10

Aerial Photography ................................................................................................................... 11

Minimum Mapping Units.......................................................................................................... 12

Classification Organization....................................................................................................... 13

Vegetation Classification.............................................................................................................. 15

Methods..................................................................................................................................... 15

Preliminary Classification ..................................................................................................... 15

Data Collection Preparation................................................................................................... 15

Field Sampling....................................................................................................................... 16

Data Analyses and Results........................................................................................................ 18

Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 22

Vegetation Mapping...................................................................................................................... 25

Methods..................................................................................................................................... 25

Preliminary Map Classification............................................................................................. 25

Field Reconnaissance ............................................................................................................ 25

Map Classification................................................................................................................. 26

Photointerpretation ................................................................................................................ 28

Digital Map Automation and Database Development........................................................... 29

Results....................................................................................................................................... 30

Map Classes........................................................................................................................... 30

Map Classes in the NVCS ..................................................................................................... 30

Map Classes Not in the NVCS .............................................................................................. 31

Map Classification Link to Types in the NVCS.................................................................... 31

Map Classification Descriptions............................................................................................ 38
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Preface iv

Summary Report of the Map Layer ....................................................................................... 38

Brief Analysis and Discussion .................................................................................................. 44

Map Layer Presentation ......................................................................................................... 45

Accuracy Assessment ................................................................................................................... 47

Methods ..................................................................................................................................... 47

Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 47

Sampling Design.................................................................................................................... 47

Field Data Collection ............................................................................................................. 48

Data Analyses ........................................................................................................................ 49

Results ....................................................................................................................................... 51

References ..................................................................................................................................... 53

List of Appendices

Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form 

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types 

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types

Appendix D: List of Plant Species

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes

Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form 

Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table 
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Preface v

Figures

Figure 1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin (courtesy nps.gov). ............................ 5

Figure 2. Northern hardwood forest with diverse understory floristics......................................... 6

Figure 3. White-cedar and hardwood forest with minimally diverse understory floristics. .......... 6

Figure 4. Relic eastern hemlock forest with little tree regeneration. ............................................. 6

Figure 5. White pine mixed forest near lighthouse on Michigan Island........................................ 6

Figure 6. Sandscape of beach/dune and lagoon on western tip of Michigan Island...................... 7

Figure 7. Tombolo on Stockton Island with sand dunes and interdunal wetlands......................... 7

Figure 8. Peatland basin with leatherleaf and short black spruce and tamarack trees. .................. 7

Figure 9. Beaver meadow complex, making for a dynamic landscape.......................................... 7

Figure 10. Sea caves of Devils Island, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore................................. 8

Figure 11. Project boundary for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping 

project. .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Figure 12. Centers of color-infrared aerial photographs (1:12,000-scale) obtained in October 

2004 for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project............................ 12

Figure 13. Example of a vegetation plot for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation

mapping project. ........................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 14. Locations of the 153 vegetation plots sampled for the Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ........................................................................................ 18

Figure 15. General vegetation groups as defined by cluster and ordination analyses for the 

vegetation classification of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. .......................................... 19

Figure 16. Unique community of jack pine and northern pin oak on Long Island, Apostle Islands 

National Lakeshore. ...................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 17. Field reconnaissance to correlate aerial photo signatures to ground vegetation for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project................................................. 26

Figure 18. Vegetation of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and environs, presented at the 

natural/semi-natural group and the cultural class levels of the National Vegetation Classification 

Standard (Version 2)..................................................................................................................... 46

Figure 19. Locations of accuracy assessment sites used to validate the vegetation map layer for 

the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. ...................................................................................... 50
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Preface vi 

Tables 

Table 1. Timeline of the vegetation mapping initiative for the Great Lakes Network. ................. 1

Table 2. Hierarchy for natural/semi-natural vegetation (with examples) in the National 

Vegetation Classification Standard (Version 2). ............................................................................ 3

Table 3. Hierarchy for cultural vegetation (with examples) in the National Vegetation 

Classification Standard (Version 2). ............................................................................................... 4

Table 4. Aerial photography sets for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping 

project. .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Table 5. Plot sizes used for vegetation plot sampling for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 

vegetation mapping project. .......................................................................................................... 16

Table 6. Cover classes and vegetation strata used during vegetation plot sampling for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ................................................ 17

Table 7. List of vegetation communities of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with number of 

field observations. ......................................................................................................................... 20

Table 8. Physiognomic modifiers assigned to polygons during photointerpretation for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ................................................ 28

Table 9. Map class distribution within the National Vegetation Classification Standard for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ................................................ 30

Table 10. Map classification with crosswalk to the National Vegetation Classification Standard 

(Version 2) for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ................. 32

Table 11. Frequencies and areas of map classes (organized via the National Vegetation 

Classification Standard) represented in the vegetation map layer for the Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ........................................................................................ 39

Table 12. Frequencies and areas of map classes (compiled at the group level in the National 

Vegetation Classification Standard) represented in the vegetation map layer for the Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project. ............................................................. 42
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Preface vii

Executive Summary

The National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP) is an effort to classify, 

describe, and map existing vegetation of national park units for the NPS Natural Resource 

Inventory and Monitoring Program. The NPS VIP is managed by the NPS Biological Resources 

Management Division and provides baseline vegetation information to the NPS Natural 

Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Vegetation 

Characterization Program lends a cooperative role in the NPS VIP. The USGS Upper Midwest 

Environmental Sciences Center, NatureServe, NPS Great Lakes Network, and NPS Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore have completed vegetation classification and mapping of Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) and surroundings.

Photointerpreters, ecologists, and botanists collaborated to identify and describe vegetation types 

within the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) and to determine how best to 

map them by using aerial photographs. The team collected 153 vegetation sampling plots within 

the APIS project extent. Furthermore, data from 687 accuracy assessment (AA) sites were 

collected (of which 673 were used to test the accuracy of the vegetation map layer). These data 

sets led to the identification of 48 vegetation associations in the NVCS at the APIS. Additional 

vegetation types are recognized at the group level in the NVCS.

A total of 63 map classes were developed to map the vegetation and general land cover of APIS

and environs, including the following: 58 map classes representing natural/semi-natural

vegetation types at various levels in the NVCS, one map class representing cultural vegetation

(e.g., developed) in the NVCS, and four map classes representing non-vegetated units (e.g., open 

water bodies). Features were interpreted by using high-quality stereoscopes over light tables and 

1:12,000-scale, color-infrared aerial photographs dated October 2004 (during fall leaf change). 

Polygon units were mapped mostly to a 0.5-ha minimum mapping unit. An ancillary set of 

1:24,000-scale, true-color aerial photos dated April 2005 (during leaf-off conditions) covering 

the entire APIS lands were used for additional reference during mapping. The interpreted data 

were digitally and spatially referenced, making the spatial database layers usable in a geographic 

information system.

A geodatabase containing various feature class layers and tables show the locations of vegetation 

types and general land cover (vegetation map), vegetation plot samples, AA sites, project 

boundary extent, and aerial photographic centers. The feature class layer for the APIS vegetation 

map provides 4,862 polygons of detailed attribute data covering 28,971.9 ha, with an average 

polygon size of 6.0 ha. Of the area mapped, 4,732 polygons (97.4%) represent natural/seminatural types in the NVCS, encompassing 17,600.9 ha (60.8%) of the total map extent.

Summary reports generated from the vegetation map layer indicate that forest types dominate the 

vegetation landscape (types from the NVCS), populating 88.9% of polygons and covering 96.6% 

of area, and are largely dominated by the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

community. A thematic AA was conducted of map classes representing floristic types in the

NVCS. Results present an overall accuracy of 87.7% (kappa index of 87.2%) based on data from 

673 of the 687 AA site data. Most individual map-class themes exceed the NPS VIP standard of 

80%, with a 90% confidence interval.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Preface viii

The APIS vegetation mapping project delivers many geospatial and vegetation data products in 

hardcopy and digital formats. These products consist of an in-depth project report discussing 

methods and results, which include descriptions and a dichotomous key to vegetation types, map 

classification and map-class descriptions, and a contingency table showing AA results. They also 

include ground photos of vegetation types; a database of vegetation plots and AA sites; field data 

sheets; aerial photographic prints and images; hardcopy maps; and a geodatabase of vegetation 

types (map layer), fieldwork locations (vegetation plots and AA sites), aerial photographic 

indexes, and project boundary. All geospatial products are projected in Universal Transverse 

Mercator, Zone 15, using the North American Datum of 1983. More NPS VIP information and 

products of completed park mapping projects are on the Internet at 

<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/>. 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Preface ix

Acknowledgments

The success of this complex project was dependent on the collaborative efforts of several 

individuals from various organizations. The dedicated folks who worked on this project 

collectively have a wide array of skill and expertise, essential in moving the National Park 

Service (NPS) Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) vegetation mapping project to its 

completion. We wish to acknowledge those individuals who have been essential in making this 

project a success.

We respectfully thank the NPS Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP) and the U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS) Vegetation Characterization Program (VCP) staff for entrusting this project to 

us, including Karl Brown (NPS VIP Coordinator) for funding the APIS vegetation mapping 

project, Mike Mulligan (USGS VCP Coordinator) for providing additional funding support for 

the vegetation mapping effort, and Chris Lea and Tammy Cook (NPS VIP) for giving us 

guidance when we needed it.

We also thank Bill Route and Ulf Gafvert of the NPS Great Lakes Network (GLKN) for 

supporting and coordinating a cluster approach to classify and map the remaining six national 

park units within the network. Further thanks are given to Ulf for managing the acquisition of 

fall, color-infrared aerial photography for the project, for providing an additional set of spring,

leaf-off, true-color aerial photographs (which greatly assisted us in our mapping), and also for 

assisting us with some accuracy-assessment data collection on the mainland. In addition, we 

much appreciate Ted Gostomski (GLKN) for his devotion and expertise with boat transportation, 

getting us safely to and from islands.

Thanks are also in order to the NPS APIS staff—particularly Julie Van Stappen and Peggy 

Burkman—for hosting this project with its series of meetings, training sessions, and field efforts. 

They provided the project with valuable local knowledge of the APIS landscape and insight into 

local management and research needs.

We also acknowledge and thank our field teams who spent many hours collecting the data that 

formed the basis of so much of this project. We bestow thanks to Eric Epstein who provided us 

vast knowledge and expertise of plant communities at the APIS and the classification thereof. 

We give recognition to our lead ecologists for the vegetation-plot collection, including the 

following: Eric Epstein, Janet Marr, and Carol Reschke. They were assisted by Christina 

Isenring, Matt Smith, and Matt Volenec. We also give recognition to our lead ecologists for the 

accuracy assessment (AA) site collection, including Chris Groebner and Janet Marr. They were 

assisted by Bob Dunlap, Ken Hiser, and Neal Murphy. In addition, we are grateful to the

following NPS staff for assisting in AA collection toward the end of the field season—we would 

not have made it without your help: A. Derix, A. Kirshbaum, U. Gafvert, T. Gostomski, and J. 

Grochowski.

We finally thank our colleagues from within our own offices—the USGS Upper Midwest 

Environmental Sciences Center and NatureServe. Of the USGS, we acknowledge Eric Seeger for 

assisting with field work and quality control of the photointerpretation mapping, as well as his 

role in the analysis for AA; Janis Ruhser for orthorectification and map automation; and JC 

Nelson and the student geographic information system lab for quality control of map automation, 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Preface x

as well as JC’s assistance with random site selection for AA, building the geodatabase, and 

writing the metadata. Of NatureServe, we acknowledge Mary Russo for getting classification 

data into and out of the central database with such ease and speed; and Don Faber-Langendoen 

for consulting with us on the vegetation classification.

This project required the cooperation and assistance of many individuals. Their diligence in 

working on this multifarious project is highly regarded and appreciated because their labors went 

toward so many aspects of this project—from developing the vegetation classification to creating 

the spatial geodatabase.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Introduction 1

Introduction

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) vegetation mapping project is an initiative of the 

National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP), with cooperative support 

from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Vegetation Characterization Program (VCP), to 

classify and map plant communities of APIS. The goals of the project are to adequately describe 

and map plant communities of APIS and immediate surroundings and provide the NPS Natural 

Resource Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program, resource managers, and biological 

researchers with useful baseline vegetation information.

The APIS vegetation mapping project is also part of a cluster approach to classify and map plant 

communities of the remaining park units within the Great Lakes Network (GLKN) of the I&M 

Program. A cluster approach provided an avenue for advancing consistency of the vegetation 

classification throughout the network as well as the mapping thereof. With Voyageurs National 

Park and Isle Royale National Park already completed (mid-1990s), six GLKN park units 

needing vegetation inventory remained, including Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand 

Portage National Monument, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National 

Lakeshore, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

With this cluster of six park units, an approach was taken to classify and map the vegetation of 

these park units in a somewhat staggered timeline (Table 1), providing some opportunity to share 

results and experiences from park units of the same regional locale.

Table 1. Timeline of the vegetation mapping initiative for the Great Lakes Network.

[AA, Accuracy Assessment; Clsf, Classification; Mtg, Meeting; Veg, Vegetation]

National Park 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Indiana Dunes 

National Lakeshore Air Photos Scope Mtg

Veg Plots

Veg Clsf

Mapping

Mapping

Field AA

AA Analysis

Wrap-up

Product 

Updates

Apostle Islands 

National Lakeshore Air Photos Scope Mtg

Veg Plots Veg Plots Veg ClsfMapping

Mapping

Field AA

AA Analysis

Wrap-up Wrap-up

Pictured Rocks 

National Lakeshore Air Photos Scope Mtg

Veg Plots

Veg Clsf

Mapping

Mapping

Field AA

AA Analysis

Wrap-up Wrap-up

Grand Portage 

National Monument Air Photos Scope Mtg

Veg Plots Mapping

Field AA

AA Analysis Wrap-up

Sleeping Bear 

Dunes National 

Lakeshore

Scope Mtg

Veg Plots

Air Photos

Veg Clsf

Mapping

Mapping

Field AA AA Analysis Wrap-up

Saint Croix National 

Scenic Riverway Air Photos Scope Mtg

Veg Plots

Veg Plots

Veg Clsf

Mapping

Veg Clsf

Mapping

Mapping

Field AA

Field AA

AA Analysis

AA Analysis

Wrap-up

We officially inaugurated the APIS vegetation mapping project November 2004 with a scoping 

meeting wherein partners discussed project objectives, goals, and methods. Major collaborators 

at this meeting included staff from the NPS GLKN, the NPS APIS, NatureServe and their 

constituents, and the USGS. Common to all NPS VIP projects, the three major components of 

the APIS vegetation mapping project are as follows: (1) vegetation classification, (2) vegetation 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Introduction 2 

mapping, and (3) map accuracy assessment. In this report, we discuss each of these fundamental 

components in detail. 

The National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

The NPS VIP is an effort to classify, describe, and map existing vegetation of national park 

units. Managed by the NPS Biological Resources Management Division, the NPS VIP provides 

baseline vegetation information for the NPS Natural Resource I&M Program. The USGS VCP

lends a cooperative role in the NPS VIP. Vegetation layers and associated information support a 

wide variety of resource assessment, park management, and planning needs. They also provide 

structure for framing and answering critical scientific questions about vegetation communities 

and their relation to environmental processes across the landscape. 

Program scientists developed procedures for classification, mapping, and accuracy assessment 

(The Nature Conservancy [TNC] and Environmental Systems Research Institute 1994a, 1994b, 

TNC et al. 1994, NatureServe 2004). Ecology and mapping teams worked together to share 

knowledge and data and to resolve issues regarding classification and mapping procedures. The 

NPS VIP products meet Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards for vegetation 

classification and metadata and meet national standards for spatial accuracy and data transfer. 

Mapping standards include a minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 ha (1.2 acres) and 

classification accuracy meeting or exceeding 80% (with a 90% confidence level) for map classes 

representing plant communities. All geospatial products are projected in Universal Transverse 

Mercator (UTM) and use the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). 

The NPS VIP provides an array of data products. Spatial products include aerial photographs; 

spatial databases of vegetation, including metadata; map-classification description or key; hardcopy maps of vegetation; and accuracy assessment of the vegetation map. Vegetation products 

include vegetation classification, dichotomous field key to the vegetation classes, formal 

descriptions and ground photos of the vegetation types, and field data in database format. More 

NPS VIP information and products of completed park mapping projects are on the Internet at 

<http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/veg/> and <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/>.

Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program 

The NPS Natural Resource I&M Program is a long-term effort to acquire information needed to 

help maintain ecosystem integrity for all NPS units with significant natural resources. One of the 

long-term goals of the I&M Program is to produce baseline inventories of basic biological and 

geophysical natural resources. The NPS VIP provides detailed vegetation maps based on aerial 

photographs and meets specified thematic accuracy standards (80%) set by the I&M Program. In 

producing vegetation maps, the NPS VIP also provides a listing of plant species derived from its 

mapping projects, contributing yet another baseline inventory product to the I&M Program. 

More information on the I&M Program is on the Internet at 

<http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/index.cfm>.

Vegetation Inventory Program Standards

The NPS VIP uses nationally defined standards, some of which are maintained by the FGDC. 

These include the following: 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Introduction 3

• National Vegetation Classification Standard (FGDC 2008),

• Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC 1998a),

• Spatial Data Transfer Standard (FGDC 1998b),

• United States National Map Accuracy Standards (U.S. Geological Survey 1999), and

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

Descriptions and links to websites for these standards can be accessed at 

<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/standards.html>.

The National Vegetation Classification Standard

In 1997, the FGDC adopted the Vegetation Classification Standard: FGDC-STD-005-1997 

(FGDC 1997). Since then, the FGDC Vegetation Subcommittee has derived a major revision, 

which is the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS), Version 2: FGDC-STD-005-

2008 (Version 2) (FGDC 2008). This revision was an effort to foster a cohesive view between 

federal agencies in their approach to classifying vegetation, thus reducing duplicative efforts 

among multiple agencies. Version 2 replaced the original and addressed several issues known 

with the first version and includes a substantial reorganization to the classification hierarchical

structure. The purpose of the classification standard is to promote consistent classification of 

vegetation resources across regions. The use of a national standard aids effective resource 

stewardship by augmenting compatibility and widespread use of the information throughout the 

NPS and other Federal and State agencies.

The NVCS classifies existing vegetation. In brief, the classification is separated into two 

overriding categories, including natural vegetation (including semi-natural) and cultural 

vegetation. From there, each category is further divided into three main sections, including the 

following: (1) Upper (where physiognomy plays a predominant role), (2) Middle (where both 

floristics and physiognomy play a significant role), and (3) Lower (where floristics plays a 

predominant role). Within each section, additional levels are subset. Separate hierarchies are 

developed for cultural and natural vegetation types. Definitions to these various levels are 

detailed within Section 2 of the NVCS (FGDC 2008). Tables 2 and 3 show hierarchical

structures for both natural and cultural vegetation.

Table 2. Hierarchy for natural/semi-natural vegetation (with examples) in the National Vegetation 

Classification Standard (Version 2).

Level Example

Upper: Physiognomy plays a predominant role.

Formation Class Forest & Woodland Class (1.)

Formation Subclass Temperate Forest (1.C.)

Formation Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.)

Middle: Both floristics and physiognomy play a significant role.

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a.)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Swamp Forest (MG030.)

Group Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp (G046.)

Lower: Floristics plays a predominant role.

Alliance Fraxinus nigra - Acer rubrum Saturated Forest (A.347)

Association Fraxinus nigra - Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest 

(CEGL002105)
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Introduction 4

Table 3. Hierarchy for cultural vegetation (with examples) in the National Vegetation Classification 

Standard (Version 2).

Level Example

Upper: Physiognomy plays a predominant role.

Cultural Class Agricultural Vegetation

Cultural Subclass Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation

Cultural Formation Pasture / Hay

Cultural Subformation Permanent Pasture & Hayland

Middle: Both floristics and physiognomy play a significant role.

Cultural Group [optional] Temperate and Tropical Permanent Pasture & Hayland

Cultural Subgroup Grass

Lower: Floristics plays a predominant role.

Cultural Type Co-dominance of tall fescue & perennial ryegrass

Cultural Subtype [optional]

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata are data that describe the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of other 

data. As a standard product, the NPS VIP employs FGDC-compliant metadata files for each 

spatial data set it produces. In 1998, the FGDC approved the Content Standard for Digital 

Geospatial Metadata: FGDC-STD-001-1998 (FGDC 1998a). This metadata standard uses a 

common set of terminology and definitions to document digital geospatial data. For spatial data 

sets involving biological components, the NPS VIP uses the FGDC-endorsed Biological Data 

Profile (a profile is a set of information specific to a discipline, in this instance the biological 

sciences discipline), which is a biological metadata standard developed by the National 

Biological Information Infrastructure. This is known as the Biological Data Profile of the 

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 (FGDC 1999).

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Location and Brief History

The APIS (Figure 1) is located in the northern-most lands of Wisconsin, on the south shore of 

Lake Superior, stretching across the two counties of Bayfield and Ashland. The APIS includes

21 of the 22 islands of the Apostle archipelago within Lake Superior (Madeline Island is not part 

of APIS) and about 19 km of the northwest shores of the Bayfield Peninsula. The APIS was 

authorized in 1970 by the U.S. Congress to conserve the natural resource. In 1986, Long Island, 

now a peninsula connecting to Chequamegon Point, was added. The APIS comprises an area of 

28,074 ha, which includes just over 400 m of surface water jurisdiction offshore from each island 

and the mainland into Lake Superior. Land inside the APIS boundary consists of 17,104 ha, of 

which the NPS owns 17,062 ha.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Introduction 5

Figure 1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin (courtesy nps.gov).

In the past, the APIS area was home to the Ojibwe people. Later on, the area became a major fur 

trading center, followed by extensive logging, brownstone quarrying, farming, commercial 

fishing, and tourism. Several lighthouse stations speckle the archipelago to guide the shipping 

industry. These lighthouse stations were built during the latter half of the 19th century and have,

in some cases, helped protect some of the vegetation landscape from logging, leaving some 

virgin timber. Each of the islands and the mainland has their own unique history. Busch (2008) 

provides a detailed survey on human history of the Apostle Islands. Eastern National (2001) 

provides a brief synopsis of the history to several of the islands and the mainland.

Landscape Setting

Of the islands within the APIS area, Stockton Island is the largest at nearly 4,000 ha (about 9,850 

acres), with Outer Island a close second at just over 3,150 ha (about 7,800 acres); both these 

islands are predominantly populated with northern hardwood forest. Gull Island, just off of the 

northeast tip of Michigan Island, is the smallest at less than 1 ha (just over 2 acres), consisting 

mostly of a sandy herbaceous and shrub mix1

 1 Approximate areas given were determined from the APIS vegetation mapping project geodatabase product.

. Most islands consist of sandy and clayey till over 

sandstone bedrock. Several of the islands have sandscape features (e.g., beach, sandspit, 

tombolo) somewhere along the margins of the islands (e.g., the tombolo of Stockton Island, 

sandspits of Outer Island and Michigan Island).
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Introduction 6

Prior to extensive logging of the APIS area, about 90% of the archipelago was of upland mixed 

conifer and hardwood forest dominated by eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), white pine 

(Pinus strobus), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and paper 

birch (Betula papyrifera) (see Judziewicz and Koch 1993, Howk 2001).

Today, the islands and mainland consist mostly of dense second growth northern hardwood 

forest with diverse understory floristics (Figure 2), some with a strong presence of white-cedar 

resulting in meager understory floristics (Figure 3). Eastern hemlock is dominant within relic 

stands surviving the logging period (Figure 4), yet with little regeneration. About 486 ha (1,200 

acres) of forests at the APIS are considered old growth (NPS APIS, Peggy Burkman, pers.

commun.). White pine forests are spotty and found mostly along the outer bedrock margins of 

islands and island sandscapes (rarely found interior) and are often mixed with hemlock and/or 

hardwoods (Figure 5).

Figure 2. Northern hardwood forest with diverse 

understory floristics.

Figure 4. Relic eastern hemlock forest with little 

tree regeneration.

Figure 3. White-cedar and hardwood forest with 

minimally diverse understory floristics.

Figure 5. White pine mixed forest near 

lighthouse on Michigan Island.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Introduction 7

Within upland settings, balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and white-cedar (Thuja plicata) are common 

to mesic locations, whereas red oak is common to the driest locations. Each island has its own 

unique vegetation landscape, largely due to historical anthropogenic activity, yet also from 

position in the archipelago. Judziewicz and Koch (1993) provide detailed vegetation summaries 

for each island and the mainland. Some virgin timber stands exist from either lighthouse 

preservation (e.g., Outer Island) or non-economical “twisted” wood (e.g., North Twin Island).

Adding to the vegetation diversity, some islands and the mainland have sandscape formations

(Figure 6) providing both sand beach/dune and lagoon settings, as dunal and wetland vegetation 

thrive. Most extensive and unique is the tombolo on the southeast corner of Stockton Island 

(Figure 7), which connects the once separated Presque Isle. In addition to sandscape lagoon

wetlands, peatland basins (Figure 8) and beaver pond complexes (Figure 9) make up much of the

interior island wetlands. Some islands are much denser with basin and/or beaver complex 

wetlands than others (e.g., mesic, low elevation island verses dry, high elevation island).

Figure 6. Sandscape of beach/dune and lagoon 

on western tip of Michigan Island.

Figure 8. Peatland basin with leatherleaf and 

short black spruce and tamarack trees.

Figure 7. Tombolo on Stockton Island with sand 

dunes and interdunal wetlands.

Figure 9. Beaver meadow complex, making for 

a dynamic landscape.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Introduction 8

Among the many natural features in the APIS area are the picturesque sandstone formations. 

Some have been carved into by Lake Superior waves, resulting in sea caves (Figure 10).

Furthermore, Lake Superior, with its cool maritime-like climate, influences the vegetation

landscape at the APIS, bringing an element of the boreal forest region of the north into the 

northern hardwood forest region where the Apostle Islands are located.

Figure 10. Sea caves of Devils Island, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Project Overview 9

Project Overview

General Process

The three main components of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) vegetation 

mapping project are as follows: (1) vegetation classification, (2) vegetation mapping, and (3) 

map accuracy assessment (AA). Our objectives were to identify and map existing vegetation 

communities of APIS and immediate environs.

Color-infrared (CIR) aerial photographs of the study area were collected during fall 2004, 

providing aerial photos for fieldwork and mapping. True-color (TC) aerial photographs were also

collected during spring 2005. The scoping meeting for the APIS vegetation mapping project was 

held November 18, 2004, at a Wisconsin State office in Eau Claire. At this meeting, primary 

partners met to discuss and plan the vegetation mapping project.

During the summers of 2005 and 2006, botanists collected vegetation samples for plant 

community characterization. We entered the sampling data into the National Park Service (NPS)

PLOTS Database (NatureServe 2005b) and performed analyses, which provided detailed 

ecological information to affirm plant communities at the APIS and document them with local 

descriptors. The vegetation classification was later modified with additional field reconnaissance 

data of APIS, vegetation samples from other ongoing park units within the Great Lakes Network 

(GLKN), and data from AA sites.

Before mapping, we performed field reconnaissance throughout the summer of 2007 to correlate 

vegetation types to their appearances on the aerial photographs. This resulted in the development 

of a map classification. An understanding of vegetation types is essential for mapping them. As 

vegetation concepts became known from either field or lab, we applied them to our 

photointerpretative mapping.

We completed a draft version of the vegetation map—a spatial database layer—for AA. During 

the summer of 2008, field crews collected data of stratified and randomly selected sites for 

evaluating the accuracy of the vegetation map layer. Results were tabulated into a contingency 

matrix.

Ultimately, we developed a geodatabase containing four feature classes, including the following: 

vegetation points (containing vegetation sampling plots and AA sites), vegetation and land cover

polygons (showing locations of vegetation types and general land cover features such as nonvegetated open water), 1:12,000-scale CIR aerial photograph centers, and project boundary 

extent. Included in the geodatabase are several tables providing a suite of supporting 

information, from classification crosswalks to detailed sampling data. All geospatial products are 

projected in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), Zone 15, using the North American 

Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

Scoping Meeting

We officially launched the APIS vegetation mapping project with a scoping meeting held at the 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Central Region Headquarters in Eau Claire, 

on November 18, 2004.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Project Overview 10

Various cooperators joined together to discuss the APIS vegetation mapping project objectives 

and methods and to receive assignments. Individuals from NPS APIS, NPS GLKN, USGS Upper 

Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, and NatureServe met to achieve the following 

objectives:

• Inform the APIS staff of the classification and mapping project,

• Learn about management and science issues and concerns at the APIS,

• Learn about existing data,

• Explore possible cooperation with neighbors and partners,

• Develop an action plan for vegetation classification and mapping, and

• Define project boundary.

Project Boundary Extent

The APIS vegetation mapping project boundary extent consists of the entire APIS park 

boundary, 400 m of surface water jurisdiction into Lake Superior from mainland and island 

shorelines, plus an additional 400-m buffer landward (environs) beyond the APIS mainland 

boundary (Figure 11). The total map extent is 28,971.9 ha, including all the APIS lands, water 

jurisdiction, inholdings, and extended environs. The APIS comprises 28,074 ha (96.9%)2 of the 

total map area (including the water jurisdiction), with the remaining 897.9 ha (3.1%) being 

environs. We produced a feature-class layer showing the extent of the project boundary and 

incorporated it into the APIS vegetation mapping project geodatabase.

Figure 11. Project boundary for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

 

2 This reflects the area within the administrative boundary, of which 42 ha are private inholdings.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Project Overview 11

Aerial Photography

Aerial photographs provide the baseline imagery data for mapping plant communities and other 

feature units. Vertical photographs (photographs taken with the aerial camera pointed straight 

down at the ground), collected with proper overlapping within each flight line, permit an 

interpreter to study the photographs three-dimensionally with a stereoscope (Avery 1978). 

Because ecologic settings are taken into account in mapping plant communities, the ability to 

view aerial photographs in this way is fundamental.

A variety of film emulsions are available from which to choose, and Avery (1978) concludes no 

single film emulsion serves all purposes. Our aim with collecting aerial photography for the 

APIS vegetation mapping project was to capture peak leaf-color change, aiding mapping in 

viewing distinctions between various deciduous forest types.

A set of 1:12,000-scale CIR aerial photographs was collected October 9, 2004 (funded by the 

NPS VIP, and the photo mission was supervised by GLKN staff). This set of photography 

covered the full project boundary extent and was the primary imagery used in photointerpretative

mapping. Noteworthy, this set extends well beyond the project boundary extent into the Bayfield 

Peninsula. The aerial photographs were also orthoreferenced by the imagery contractor.

In addition to the CIR photos, a set of 1:24,000-scale TC aerial photographs were collected April 

21, 2005, providing deciduous leaf-off viewing of the entire extent. This photo mission was part 

of a larger effort by Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Staff from the GLKN collaborated with 

Bayfield County to fund and expand the photo mission to include the APIS lands within Ashland 

County. Having the TC photos gave interpreters a definite advantage in determining evergreen 

tree and shrub components within forest communities that are otherwise obscured by deciduous 

tree canopy on the fall-season CIR photos, thus giving credence to Avery’s statement regarding 

lack of a single all-purpose film emulsion.

To assure stereo viewing and full aerial coverage, aerial photo missions were planned with a 

60% forward-lap and 30% side-lap. Contact prints of both CIR and TC sets were produced for 

fieldwork use by mappers and vegetation crews. Diapositives of the CIR set were produced for 

photointerpretative mapping.

Table 4 gives details to the aerial photography acquired for the APIS vegetation mapping project.

Table 4. Aerial photography sets for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

[CIR, color-infrared; TC, true-color; APIS, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore]

Photography 

date Film type Scale Photos Products Company

October 9, 

2004

CIR Transparency 

(Positive)

1:12,000 539* Contact Print 

Diapositive

Orthophotograph

Great Lakes Aerial Survey, Inc.

for Ayers Associates

April 21, 

2005

TC Transparency 

(Positive)

1:24,000 655** Contact Print

Orthophotograph

Williams Aerial & Mapping, Inc.

*The CIR photography mission included an extended area of the Bayfield Peninsula, which was not included with the APIS 

vegetation mapping project. About 200 aerial photographs were actually used for the APIS vegetation mapping project.

**The TC photography mission included all of Bayfield County and the portion of Ashland County covering the APIS lands. Of 

the 655 aerial photographs, 177 were acquired for the APIS vegetation mapping project.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Project Overview 12

We produced a feature-class layer locating the centers of the CIR aerial photographs (1:12,000-

scale) obtained in October 2004 (Figure 12). This feature class is incorporated into the APIS 

vegetation mapping project geodatabase. In addition, we produced digital orthophotographic

mosaics of the CIR aerial photographs from October 2004

Figure 12. Centers of color-infrared aerial photographs (1:12,000-scale) obtained in October 2004 for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

Minimum Mapping Units

We applied the NPS VIP standard minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 ha for mapping. For 

vegetation types unique to their immediate surroundings (e.g., emergent wetland within an 

upland-forest setting), we allowed for mapping below the MMU down to 0.25 ha; however, we 

purposely set an MMU of 0.25 ha for the mapping of two sparse vegetation map classes. In 

addition, we applied a secondary MMU standard of 2.0 ha for physiognomic feature changes 

within a particular map class (e.g., open versus closed forest). We used MMU templates to help 

us determine minimum polygon size on the photographs during mapping. Because of angle 

distortions inherent to nonrectified aerial photos, and slight scale changes from high ridges to 

valley bottoms, we applied our MMU standards liberally.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Project Overview 13

Classification Organization

Throughout this project report and the final products related to the APIS vegetation mapping 

project (e.g., the geodatabase), we organized the vegetation classification with the National 

Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS), Version 2 (FGDC 2008). In the NVCS, separate 

categories are provided for natural and cultural vegetation. Typically, areas having 1% or more 

of their surface area covered with live vegetation are classified within the NVCS. The NVCS

excludes non-vegetated natural lands (e.g., rock) and waters (e.g., lakes, rivers). For these, we 

employed the classification as provided by the 2001 National Land Cover Database (Homer et al. 

2004).

Throughout this report, the term “vegetation type” is used to name vegetation classification units 

in general, at any level of the hierarchy within the NVCS. For example, the Northern Hardwood 

- Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group and the Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland Association are 

both treated as vegetation types.

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 15

Vegetation Classification

Methods

Preliminary Classification

The first step in classifying the vegetation of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) was to 

prepare a preliminary classification report prior to vegetation sampling. This report for the APIS

area was generated by reviewing all associations and alliances in the National Vegetation 

Classification Standard (NVCS) that are attributed to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, or 

Ontario in the Great Lakes Ecoregion (ECO48). This listing was derived by The Nature 

Conservancy (TNC), and covered a much broader area than the APIS project area, including

many vegetation types that were very unlikely to occur there. The initial list of possible 

associations and alliances was reviewed by NatureServe and APIS staff to remove vegetation 

types thought unlikely to occur at the APIS. The resulting, preliminary classification report 

included 127 associations (NatureServe 2005a) and served as a rough guide to the number and 

kind of vegetation types the field crew might encounter during vegetation plot sampling and 

helped us to determine how much data field crews would need to collect to adequately survey the 

project area.

Data Collection Preparation

The protocols for the National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP) allow 

for the collection of approximately three plots per estimated vegetation type (from the 

preliminary classification report), on average. The preliminary classification listed 127 possible 

associations in the project area. Several of those were similar to each other, though, and we 

expected only one to actually be present in the project area. For example, we knew there would 

be Typha-dominated wetlands in the project area. There are three Typha-dominated associations 

that occur in the region near Lake Superior, and those three were listed in the preliminary 

classification. We did not know which of those would best fit the data we would gather from the 

project area, but we suspected that the data would best fit in only one. So, although we had three 

Typha-dominated marshes in the preliminary classification, we estimated that we would need 

only three plots to adequately characterize those marshes. We did this kind of analysis for all 

associations in the preliminary classification and estimated there would be approximately 62

unique vegetation associations at the APIS. Thus, our initial plan was to sample at least 186

plots.

Some vegetation types in the preliminary classification (e.g., pine forests on dunes, red oakmaple forests) were less well described or were expected to have variable composition from 

stand to stand, so we targeted them for 3–5 plots. Other types (e.g., cattail swamps, water-lily 

marshes) were well described and/or compositionally simpler; therefore, we targeted those for 1–

3 plots. We looked into using existing data to supplement our plots or reduce our data collection 

needs but did not find any suitable data.

All sampling was done within the APIS boundary. Although the project area extends beyond the 

APIS boundary on the mainland, the great majority of the project extent is in NPS ownership, 

and the extended environs are mostly of private lands. Obtaining permission to work on private 

lands would have required significant planning and preparation, and we determined the added 

benefit of accessing these lands was low in comparison to the extensive lands with public access.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 16

Our field team faced the problem of finding every vegetation type at the APIS without knowing 

where they all were or even exactly what they all were. Our approach to this problem was to 

attempt to get the field team to all habitat types, with the assumption that this would allow the 

field crew to find as many different vegetation types as possible. They had three primary 

resources to help with this. These resources were as follows: (1) aerial photographs (October 

2004, color-infrared, 1:12,000-scale) of the project area, (2) local NPS staff, and (3) the field 

crew’s own knowledge of the project area gained from prior experience and reconnaissance 

during this project.

Field Sampling

Field sampling methodology was adapted from program standards (NatureServe 2004). Details 

are provided therein, with a general summary here.

Plots were placed to represent the character of an entire stand of vegetation as well as possible. 

Plots were usually located at least 15 m from the boundary of another vegetation type to reduce 

the variability associated with the transition from one vegetation type to another. This was not

always possible in the case of small or linear vegetation stands. It was sometimes difficult to 

determine what constituted the boundary of a unique vegetation type since two adjacent stands 

may be floristically very similar but are separated in the NVCS based on physiognomic criteria 

(e.g., amount of shrub cover, which may be determined by one or two species).

Plots were square or rectangular and were either 100 or 400 m2, depending on the dominant 

physiognomy (Table 5). Boundaries of the plots were marked with flagging or measuring tapes.

Table 5. Plot sizes used for vegetation plot sampling for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 

vegetation mapping project.

Dominant physiognomy Plot size Plot area

Forest: trees have their crowns overlapping, usually forming 60-100% cover. 20 x 20 m or 

40 x 10 m

400 m2

Woodland: open stands of trees with crowns usually not touching. Canopy tree cover 

25-60%, OR exceeds shrub, dwarf-shrub, herb, and nonvascular cover.

20 x 20 m or 

40 x 10 m

400 m2

Shrubland: shrubs greater than 0.5 m tall are dominant, usually forming more than 

25% cover OR exceeding tree, dwarf-shrub, herb, and nonvascular cover.

10 x 10 m or 

20 x 5 m

100 m2

Dwarf-shrubland (e.g., heath): Shrubs less than 0.5 m tall are dominant, usually 

forming more than 25% cover OR exceeds tree, shrub, herb, and nonvascular cover.

10 x 10 m or 

20 x 5 m

100 m2

Herbaceous (e.g., grassland, meadow, marsh): Herbs dominant, usually forming 

more than 25% cover OR exceeds tree, shrub, dwarf-shrub, and nonvascular cover.

10 x 10 m or 

20 x 5 m

100 m2

Nonvascular (e.g., fen, bog, cliff): nonvascular cover dominant, usually forming more 

than 25% cover.

10 x 10 m or 

20 x 5 m

100 m2

Sparse vegetation (e.g., blowout, beach): less than 10% total vegetation cover. 10 x 10 m or 

20 x 5 m

100 m2

Within each plot, the vegetation was visually separated into strata. The canopy cover and average 

height of each stratum was estimated. Within each stratum, all taxa within the plot area were 

identified, and the foliar cover of each taxon was estimated by using cover classes (see Table 6

for cover classes and strata). The diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees greater than 10 cm 

was recorded as well.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 17

Table 6. Cover classes and vegetation strata used during vegetation plot sampling for the Apostle Islands 

National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

Cover scales Vegetation strata

T 0–1% T1 Emergent Canopy

P >1–5% T2 Main Canopy

1 >5–15% T3 Subcanopy

2 >15–25% S1 Tall Shrubs

3 >25–35% S2 Short Shrubs

4 >35–45% S3 Dwarf-shrubs

5 >45–55% H Herbaceous (field layer, including tree seedlings)

6 >55–65% A1 Floating-leaved aquatics

7 >65–75% A2 Submerged-leaved aquatics

8 >75–85%

9 >85–95%

10 >95%

Environmental information, such as slope, aspect, soil texture, and evidence of disturbance, were 

recorded. Locational information, including spatial coordinates, was obtained by using global

positioning system (GPS), and written directions to the plot were provided. Digital photographs 

were taken of the plot to provide additional information and assist in classifying the plot. Finally, 

the field crew gave the plot a provisional classification name. Figure 13 shows an example of a 

vegetation plot. For an example of a plot form, see Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form.

Figure 13. Example of a vegetation plot for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping 

project.

Sampling vegetation on the islands made for some necessary strategic planning. Boat travel and 

the scheduling thereof are customary at the APIS. The cost in both time and expense limited 

visits to islands, especially the more remote ones. Inclement weather conditions (high winds and 

waves) required field crews to adapt their plans with little advance notice. In addition, field 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 18

crews often would spend several days on one particular island for efficiency purposes, which 

added logistical problems and the need to transport extra equipment for island stays.

Data Analyses and Results

Field teams collected plot information from June through September 2005, sampling 114 plots. 

An additional 34 plots were sampled in the summer of 2006. The classification analyses were 

completed by using these 148 plots. After the initial classification had been completed, we noted 

that a few associations identified in the analyses were poorly described and represented by only 

one plot. In 2007, during our field reconnaissance for mapping, we sampled five more plots to 

provide additional data for some of these poorly sampled associations. Thus, a total of 153 plots 

were collected for classification development. We did not reach our goal of 186 plots, though we 

did end up with nearly an average of three plots per association.

The plots were located on 10 of the islands and the mainland unit (Figure 14). We did not make

an effort to put plots on all the islands because of the substantial effort required to move field 

crews from island to island. We assumed that the vegetation on the 10 islands surveyed and the 

mainland unit was representative of vegetation throughout APIS, based on consultation with 

local experts. All field data were entered into the NPS PLOTS Database Version 2.0, a Microsoft

Access database designed for the NPS VIP (NatureServe 2005b). The plot data were then 

analyzed by using ordination (non-metric multidimensional scaling or NMS) and clustering 

techniques (Flexible Beta) with PC-Ord 5.0 (McCune and Mefford 1999).

Figure 14. Locations of the 153 vegetation plots sampled for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 

vegetation mapping project.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 19

Our strategy was to do iterative runs of the ordination and clustering analyses, removing groups 

of plots that were identified as most different from the rest in each run. The initial groups were 

based on a distinction between wetland and upland plots (Figure 15). Subsequent groups were 

based on communities of significant woody canopy (forests, woodlands, and shrublands) versus 

herbaceous communities. The finest groups were based on abundance of individual species and 

formed the basis for identifying alliances and associations.

Figure 15. General vegetation groups as defined by cluster and ordination analyses for the vegetation 

classification of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Through the analyses of our summer 2006 sampling plots, we identified 38 plant communities

(NVCS associations). During our summer 2007 field reconnaissance for the mapping effort, we 

discovered other communities that had not been characterized by the plot data. An additional 10 

plant communities were defined from informal field data and aerial photo study, and the addition 

was eventually supported with data from field accuracy assessment (AA) collected in 2008. 

These communities were well described from a regional perspective, so assigning them to 

vegetation associations was fairly straightforward, even without full vegetation plots. The 

composition and location of these communities were often well known to the staff working on 

this project; therefore, some of the communities were classified based not only on quantitative 

information, but also on existing literature (Beals and Cottam 1960, Judziewicz et al. 1993), 

expert knowledge from the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Program, APIS staff, NatureServe 

ecologists, and field ecologists’ observations in the field.

In all, a total of 48 natural/semi-natural associations from the NVCS were identified for APIS. 

Table 7 lists these associations and includes the number of times each type was sampled with a

vegetation plot or an AA site. Note that the word “Placeholder” appears after two alliances,

which indicates a weakly defined Alliance. It is also worth noting there were over four times as 

many AA sites sampled than vegetation plots (688 versus 153); most of the field observations 

were from AA sites. Data from AA sites provide important information on distribution and 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 20

dominant species but do not have the detail of a full vegetation plot. Also, four vegetation plots 

were not used in the classification, and seven AA sites were not assigned to any vegetation type. 

The unused data were collected in areas that were either too small or composed of mixtures of 

species not representing a distinct community (common to disturbed locations). The four plots 

were of two very small interdunal wetlands, a beaver-disturbed wetland, and an old field. The 

AA sites similarly represented transitional areas between two vegetation types or disturbed 

locations not fitting into a particular association in the classification.

Table 7. List of vegetation communities of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with number of field 

observations.

[NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard; CEGL, Community Element Global]

Group Association Name NVCS Code Observations

Forest & Woodland

Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest CEGL002457 55

Northern Maple - Basswood Forest CEGL002458 4

Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest CEGL005245 6

Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest CEGL002590 5

Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest CEGL002467 8

Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest CEGL002468 32

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest CEGL002461 27

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest CEGL002449 63

Hemlock Mesic Forest CEGL002598 23

North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest CEGL005044 62

White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland Group

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest CEGL002478 5

Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest CEGL002520 7

Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest CEGL002443 11

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest CEGL002479 13

White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest CEGL002445 6

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest CEGL002444 8

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest CEGL002077 0

Great Lakes Pine Barrens Group

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest CEGL002589 9

Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp Group

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest CEGL002071 14

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp CEGL002105 20

White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp CEGL005165 3

Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest CEGL005003 3

Northern & Central Shrub Swamp Group

Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland CEGL002381 53

Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest Group

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest CEGL002447 6

Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest CEGL002518 0

Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest CEGL002441 3

White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest Group

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest CEGL002474 25

Paper Birch / Fir Forest CEGL002463 10

Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest CEGL002466 40
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 21

Group Association Name NVCS Code Observations

Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp Group

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp CEGL005271 29

Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp Group

Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp CEGL002471 8

White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp CEGL002456 10

Shrubland & Grassland

Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland Group

Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune CEGL005098 36

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland CEGL004024 3

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland CEGL005064 7

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens CEGL005125 12

Boreal Alkaline Peatland Group

Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen CEGL005227 24

Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen CEGL005229 4

North American Boreal Acidic Peatland Group

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen CEGL005228 24

Leatherleaf Poor Fen CEGL005277 24

Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group

Bluejoint Wet Meadow CEGL005174 17

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow CEGL002257 25

Herbaceous Forested Seep Group

Clay Seeps CEGL005163 1

Aquatic Vegetation

Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group [Placeholder]

Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland CEGL002562 3

Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland CEGL002282 3

Nonvascular & Sparse Vascular Rock Vegetation

Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff Group [Placeholder]

Eroding Clay Bank CEGL002584 22

Great Lakes Cliff & Shore Group [Placeholder]

Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore CEGL002507 8

Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff CEGL002503 5

For NVCS types above the association level (e.g., group), we relied on general observations via 

field and aerial photo study to determine classification placement. These types characterize 

anthropogenic or natural disturbance regimes (e.g., ruderal herbaceous field, dynamic beaver 

meadow).

All associations within the NVCS that we identified at the APIS are described in Appendix B: 

Descriptions of Vegetation Types. A key to vegetation types is provided in Appendix C: Field 

Key to Vegetation Types, which can be used in concert with the vegetation descriptions. A 

listing of plant species identified from the vegetation plot samples and AA sites are provided in 

Appendix D: List of Plant Species.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Classification 22

Discussion

The APIS is a combination of small to large islands and a mainland unit, and the plant 

communities reflected these variable environments throughout APIS. In addition to 

physiognomy and species, grouping plots into classification units was influenced by position and 

size of islands along with historical land use on those islands. Similar communities may change 

slightly from island to island, and an expression of a given community on one island may be 

slightly different than those on another island. The northern hardwood forest type, dominated by 

sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and other hardwood species, is the most common plant 

community throughout APIS. The species within that community change slightly from island to 

island and between the islands and the mainland. For example, yellow birch (Betula 

alleghaniensis) is often replaced by paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Likewise, disturbances on 

some islands (either from natural wind or human activities) change the character of this 

community as well. The variability within this community sometimes made it difficult to 

separate it from other communities dominated by a species that may be present as a minor 

element in northern hardwood forest stands but were more indicative of another community type.

Our goal was to sample all of the vegetation communities during the plot sampling phase of the 

project. From experience with other vegetation classification and mapping projects, we know this 

is rarely, if ever, achieved. Field crews were not able to canvas the entire park during the 

approximately 15 weeks of field time they had. The mappers’ field reconnaissance and accuracy 

assessment phases of the project included approximately 24 weeks of field crew time. This 

additional field time, along with the aerial photointerpretation of the entire park landscape,

resulted in discovering 10 additional plant communities at the APIS. All but one of these fit into 

existing associations that are well described on a regional basis. This gave us adequate 

information about the composition of the association to match with what was observed at the 

APIS and assign the associations. There were also sites located on beach dunes dominated by 

wooly beach-heather (Hudsonia tomentosa) that did not fit an existing association. A new 

association—Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland—was created to account for 

this vegetation type.

There are several unique communities on individual islands not found elsewhere within APIS. 

For example, Long Island is the only location where inland Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and 

northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) communities occur (Figure 16). Devils Island is unique 

in that it contains many subboreal and boreal communities such as those dominated by white 

spruce (Picea glauca) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). One of the most unique areas found 

within APIS is the tombolo on Stockton Island. This is a mosaic of upland and wetland 

communities found on a very thin, narrow sand spit. Both the placing of sampling plots and the 

classifying of those plots was a challenge given the intertwining of many small but important 

communities found within such as small area.
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Vegetation Classification 23

Figure 16. Unique community of jack pine and northern pin oak on Long Island, Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore.

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Vegetation Mapping 25

Vegetation Mapping

Methods

Mapping vegetation of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) and environs involved five 

primary steps: (1) preliminary map classification (2) field reconnaissance, (3) map classification, 

(4) photointerpretation, and (5) digital map automation and database development. Although 

these steps occurred sequentially, they overlap to some degree.

Preliminary Map Classification

Prior to field reconnaissance, it is advantageous for photointerpreters to become familiar with 

any known vegetation types to be mapped. Having a map classification in hand with initial 

mapping conventions, as preliminary as it might be, promotes continuity from the classifier to 

the mapper at the onset of the vegetation mapping process. As well, this preliminary step puts in 

the hands of the photointerpreters the foundations of a working map classification, one that will 

undoubtedly go through many updates and revisions throughout the vegetation mapping process.

The vegetation classification for APIS had been developed via analyses of the vegetation 

sampling data collected the prior year. Thus, we met as classifiers and mappers in Redwing, 

Minnesota, during May 2007 to discuss the vegetation classification and how vegetation types 

might best be represented in a workable map classification. Pertinent details about the vegetation 

types that might aid in making interpretive decisions were assembled into mapping conventions.

Field Reconnaissance

In preparation to map vegetation types, photointerpreters invested several days in the field 

investigating ground conditions with aerial photographs in hand. This process is necessary, as

Hershey and Befort (1995) explain, because color-infrared (CIR) photography is not consistent 

between photo sets to allow a species or type to be described precisely. Film batch, printing 

process, sun angle, light intensity, shadow, and exposure can all affect the appearance. Hence, 

even as experienced photointerpreters, we engaged in formal ground verification of the aerial 

photographs.

Ultimately, field reconnaissance helped us correlate photo signatures of the vegetation

(appearances of vegetation on the aerial photographs) to vegetation on the ground (Figure 17).

Field reconnaissance also allowed photointerpreters to become more familiar with the local 

ecology of plant communities, which is always important when applying ecologic concepts to 

photointerpretative mapping. Where photointerpreters discovered limitations to interpreting 

vegetation types by using aerial photographs, environmental models were tested (e.g., soil, 

aspect) to determine if vegetation types could be consistently separated by environmental 

elements.
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Vegetation Mapping 26

Figure 17. Field reconnaissance to correlate aerial photo signatures to ground vegetation for the Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

We performed our field reconnaissance throughout the summer of 2007. Much of this effort was 

accomplished as a team of mappers and ecologists to ensure correct assessment of vegetation 

types in the field and, subsequently, to promote correct assignment during photointerpretative

mapping. We became familiar with the vegetation and local ecology as we discussed the 

structural, floristic, and habitat characteristics of the vegetation encountered in the field and 

compared them to their appearance on the photos. Through this process, we built an 

understanding of how to map the vegetation types and established a working map classification 

with mapping protocols.

The photo contact prints were taken into the field, with notes recorded onto photo jackets. These 

field notes included map-class assignment, if known, as well as noting significant species to 

promote proper perspective of species composition for photointerpretation (e.g., heterogeneous 

versus monotypic forest stand). In essence, we would build a photo signature and environmental 

model to base our decisions on during photointerpretative mapping. In addition, estimated tree 

heights were occasionally recorded to give a perspective for applying the physiognomic height 

modifier during mapping.

Map Classification

The map classification and protocols are based on existing classification systems. A map class

represents a definable feature (e.g., a vegetation type) that can be distinguished on an aerial 

photograph and/or by use of an environmental model. We linked map classes representing 

natural/semi-natural plant communities to associations in the National Vegetation Classification 

Standard (NVCS) as identified by NatureServe. Some vegetation types could not be assigned to 

an association because of disturbance (e.g., human or beaver activities). For those map classes, 

we assigned the appropriate type further up the hierarchy (e.g., group) within the NVCS. Cultural 

vegetation (e.g., roads, residence, parks) were linked to the upper echelon of the NVCS and then 

further described with special modifiers by using the classification from the National Land Cover 

Database (NLCD) 2001 (Homer et al. 2004)

3

 3 The NLCD 2001 is a land cover database produced by the Multi-Resolution Land Characterization 2001 Consortium.

. For non-vegetated features (e.g., open water 

bodies), we derived map classes corresponding closely with the classification from NLCD 2001.
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Vegetation Mapping 27

For those map classes representing associations in the NVCS, we used the synonym names as 

established by in the classification database of NatureServe4

We continually updated the map classification throughout the mapping effort. Each field 

endeavor revealed new information, prompting us to modify map classes and their definitions. 

We also made revisions as the vegetation classification developed to completeness. Furthermore, 

as aerial photos were interpreted, new issues arose, which forced us to redefine, expand, or 

polish map-class definitions. Throughout the project, we adjusted the map classification as 

needed to best reflect the vegetation classification we knew at the time.

(e.g., Great Lakes White Pine -

Hemlock Forest) from their database. For map classes with phases, we used the synonym names,

followed by, and in parenthesis, the phase name we derived, such as Great Lakes Coast Pine 

Barrens (barrens phase). We developed map-class phases when a variation of the plant 

community was recognizable on the aerial photographs and had importance for either 

management or ecological interests. For map classes representing types above the floristic level 

in the NVCS and for non-vegetated features, we derived generic names to describe the feature.

We derived a map-class code for each map class merely for ease of assigning information to map 

polygons and as a short-hand language amongst team members. For each polygon, a mapattribute code is assigned, which is a code constructed of the following two sections: (1) a single 

map-class code and (2) a set of physiognomic modifier codes. A hyphen separates the two code 

systems (e.g., [map-class code]-[set of physiognomic modifier codes]).

A map-class code is made up of three alpha characters and represents an independent map class. 

Each vegetation map-class code begins with the first alpha representing the major physiognomic 

characteristic of the vegetation type, as follows:

• F = Forest,

• W = Woodland,

• S = Shrubland,

• H = Herbaceous Vegetation, and

• V = Sparse Vegetation.

For developed cultural vegetation and non-vegetated features, map-class codes begin with an N.

The subsequent two alpha characters for each map class loosely represent the map-class name

(e.g., AS for alder swamp, WM for wet meadow, DV for developed).

The physiognomic modifier codes are strings of alpha and numeric characters and, when 

applicable, follow the map-class codes. These physiognomic modifiers provide additional 

information describing the physiognomic characteristics of the vegetation within each mapped 

polygon. Table 8 lists the physiognomic modifiers we used for mapping the APIS.

 

4 One map class, Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW), was renamed differently than the synonym name for the given association in 

the NVCS. The true synonym name is Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen.
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Table 8. Physiognomic modifiers assigned to polygons during photointerpretation for the Apostle Islands 

National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

Category Modifier Meaning

Coverage density

(Applied to all vegetation map 

classes)

1

2

3

Closed Canopy/Continuous (60–100% cover)

Open Canopy/Discontinuous (25–60% cover)

Dispersed-Sparse Canopy (10–25% cover)

Coverage pattern

(Applied to all vegetation map 

classes)

A

B

C

D

Evenly Dispersed

Clumped/Bunched

Gradational/Transitional

Regularly Alternating

Height

(Applied to woody terrestrial 

vegetation map classes only)

2

3

4

15–30 m

5–15 m

0.5–5 m

An example of a map attribute code is “FCM-1A3.” This code describes given map polygons as

the conifer - hardwood phase (FCM) of the map class White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic 

Forest, which represents the Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest 

Association (CEGL002449) in the NVCS. This code also indicates that the vegetation has a 

coverage density of 60–100%, a coverage pattern that is evenly distributed, and an average tree 

height of 5–15 m throughout the mapped polygon. Presenting this series of map classification 

and physiognomic information can greatly enhance the interpretation of the map layer for 

managers and researchers, particularly when introducing other geospatial data sets.

Photointerpretation

Preparation of the aerial photographs for interpretation generally followed procedures of Owens 

and Hop (1995). We placed clear acetate overlays on each aerial photograph diapositive used for

mapping. Using the diapositive photos for photointerpretative mapping provided us with the 

highest resolution possible. The diapositive photos are also dimensionally stable and virtually not 

affected by temperature and humidity changes. The paper contact prints are less desirable 

because they are grainier, and the paper base can expand and contract slightly with changes in 

temperature and humidity.

We registered mapping overlays to the CIR aerial photos (1:12,000-scale) from October 2004 by

using the fiducials (standard reference points) and photo-identification information. We viewed 

the CIR aerial photos for interpretation by using Richards MIM light tables and Bausch & Lomb 

Zoom 240 stereoscopes with variable zoom capabilities. Features within the entire project extent 

were mapped to a minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 ha between map classes and a MMU of 

2.0 ha between physiognomic modifiers within a map-class unit. Exceptions for mapping below 

the MMU (down to 0.25 ha) were allowed for map-class units with vegetation unique to the 

immediate surroundings (e.g., herbaceous wetland within an upland forest)5

 

5 It should also be noted that we allowed polygons as low as 0.1 ha once clipped by the project boundary.

. We did, however, 

purposely set an MMU of 0.25 ha for the mapping of two sparse vegetation types. Interpreted 

data—map polygons and attributes—were applied to photo overlays covering the CIR photos. 

True-color aerial photos (1:24,000-scale) from April 2005 were viewed digitally on computer 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Vegetation Mapping 29

and/or by using a Topcon (MS-3) mirror stereoscope with 3x binocular stereoscopes to aid the 

interpretation of the CIR photos.

Each diapositive photo was paired with the adjacent photo (stereo pair) so we could view the 

images three-dimensionally. We delineated features and scribed their corresponding mapattribute codes onto the acetate overlays by using Rapidograph ink pens (4x0-size, 0.18 mm) and 

Rapidraw black India ink (3084; waterproof, fast drying for film). We applied standard photo 

signature characteristics, including texture, color, pattern, and position in the landscape to guide 

placement of polygons. In addition to photo signature characteristics, understanding the 

environmental distribution of the vegetation types helped us not only to identify types, but also to 

properly place polygon boundaries. For each polygon, the appropriate map-class code and 

physiognomic modifier codes (collectively, the map-attribute code) were applied to each map 

polygon unit. A second photointerpreter reviewed the interpreted work for quality.

Digital Map Automation and Database Development

We converted the photointerpreted data into a format usable in a geographic information system 

(GIS) by employing three fundamental processes: (1) orthorectify, (2) digitize, and (3) develop 

the geodatabase. All digital map automation was projected in Universal Transverse Mercator 

(UTM), Zone 15, using the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

Orthorectify: We orthorectified the interpreted overlays by using OrthoMapper, a softcopy 

photogrammetric software for GIS. One function of OrthoMapper is to create orthorectified 

imagery from scanned and unrectified imagery (Image Processing Software, Inc. 2002). The

software features a method of visual orientation involving a point-and-click operation that uses

existing orthorectified horizontal and vertical base maps. Of primary importance to us, 

OrthoMapper also has the capability to orthorectify the photointerpreted overlays of each 

photograph based on the reference information provided6

Digitize: To produce a polygon vector layer for use in ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research 

Institute [ESRI], Redlands, California), we converted each raster-based image mosaic of 

orthorectified overlays containing the photointerpreted data into a grid format by using ArcGIS. 

In ArcGIS, we used the ArcScan extension to trace the raster data and produce ESRI shapefiles. 

We digitally assigned map attribute codes (both map-class codes and physiognomic modifier 

codes) to the polygons and checked the digital data against the photointerpreted overlays for line 

and attribute consistency. Ultimately, we merged the individual layers into a seamless layer.

.

Geodatabase: At this stage, the map layer had only map-attribute codes assigned to each 

polygon. To assign meaningful information to each polygon (e.g., map-class names, 

physiognomic definitions, links to NVCS types), we produced a feature-class table along with 

other supportive tables and subsequently related them together via an ArcGIS Geodatabase. This 

geodatabase also linked the map to other feature-class layers produced from this project, 

including vegetation sample plots, accuracy assessment (AA) sites, aerial photo locations, and

project boundary extent. A geodatabase provides access to a variety of interlocking data sets, is 

expandable, and equips resource managers and researchers with a powerful GIS tool.

 

6 We also produced an orthophoto mosaic of the entire APIS vegetation mapping project from the individually orthorectified 

color-infrared images from October 2004, distributed as a final product.
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Results

Map Classes

We developed 63 map classes (including map-class phases) to map the APIS and environs. Of 

these 63 map classes, 58 represent natural/semi-natural vegetation types within the NVCS, one

represents a cultural vegetation type (developed) within the NVCS, and four represent nonvegetated units (open water, barren land). Table 9 provides a breakdown of these map classes in 

regards to the finer levels of the NVCS, including the following: floristic (association), group, 

and macrogroup. The units not included in the NVCS are listed as well. Explanations to each unit 

are provided after the table.

Table 9. Map class distribution within the National Vegetation Classification Standard for the Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

[NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard; NLCD, National Land Cover Database]

NVCS Classes Map Class Floristic Group Macrogroup

FOREST & WOODLAND 38 32 11 7

SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND 15 11 6 4

AQUATIC VEGETATION 2 2 1 1

NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR 

ROCK VEGETATION 3 3 2 1

DEVELOPED VEGETATION CULTURAL 1 n/a n/a n/a

NVCS Total 59 48* 20* 13

Non-NVCS Units (NLCD 2001) Map Class

Open Water 3

Barren Land 1

Non-NVCS Total 4

Map Class Grand Total 63

*One of the 48 associations (and one of the 20 groups) designated for this project was not captured directly by any one map 

class—Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation Association of the Herbaceous Forested Seep Group (CEGL005163, G189). These seeps 

were too small to map.

Map Classes in the NVCS

Fifty-eight map classes represent natural/semi-natural types in the NVCS, and one represents a 

cultural type (developed area, which is modified into further detail by using NLCD 2001

classes). Seven map classes rest at the group level within the NVC Standard. Fifty-one map

classes represent 47 association types in the NVCS (one association is not captured directly by 

any one map class), of which eight of these classes are phases within four association types. The 

following is a breakdown of map classes and their relation to the NVCS, organized by NVCS 

class.

Forest & Woodland: Thirty-eight map classes represent 34 natural/semi-natural vegetation types. 

Three map classes rest at two group types, one being a ruderal forest group and one being a 

plantation group. Thirty-five map classes represent 32 association types; six of these map classes 

are phases within three of the associations.

Shrubland & Grassland: Fifteen map classes represent 12 natural/semi-natural vegetation types. 

Four map classes rest at two group types, three being ruderal and one being wet meadow. Eleven
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map classes represent 10 associations; two of these map classes are phases within one

association.

It is worth noting that one association type (as well as one group type) was not captured directly 

by any one map class—Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation Association of the Herbaceous Forested 

Seep Group (CEGL005163, G189). These seeps were too small to map. This type is believed to 

be most common as an inclusion to the map class Eroding Clay Bank, which represents the 

Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002584).

Aquatic Vegetation: Two map classes represent two natural/semi-natural vegetation types, both 

being associations.

Nonvascular & Sparse Vascular Rock Vegetation: Three map classes represent three 

natural/semi-natural vegetation types, all three being associations.

Developed Vegetation Cultural: One map class—developed areas—represents one cultural 

vegetation type at the formation level. This map class was modified into further detail by using 

the classification in the NLCD 2001.

Map Classes Not in the NVCS

Four map classes represent non-vegetation features not described in the NVCS, which correlate 

to the NLCD 2001 classification. We have categorized these map classes into the two following

groups: Non-vegetated Water and Non-vegetated Land.

Map Classification Link to Types in the NVCS

Table 10 lists the map classes (map-class phases included) as they relate to the NVCS. It is 

organized first by class, then division, macrogroup, group, and finally floristic association. Map 

classes rest in the finest level possible of the NVCS.
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Table 10. Map classification with crosswalk to the National Vegetation Classification Standard (Version 2) for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

vegetation mapping project.

[NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard; NLCD, National Land Cover Database; MMU, minimum mapping unit]

Map-class Code Map-class Name

1. FOREST & WOODLAND CLASS

1.C.2.a. Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest Division

MG014. Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest Macrogroup

G163. Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group

Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest Association (CEGL002457)

FMB Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002458)

FMT Northern Maple - Basswood Forest

Betula alleghaniensis - (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) Forest [Provisional] Association (CEGL005245)

FYB Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest

Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis Great Lakes Forest Association (CEGL002590)

FWH Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest Association (CEGL002467)

FBR Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest Association (CEGL002468)

FAM Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

Quercus rubra - Acer saccharum - (Betula alleghaniensis)Forest Association (CEGL002461)

FOM Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest

Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest Association (CEGL002449)

FCC White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase)

FCM White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest Association (CEGL002598)

FHC Hemlock Mesic Forest

Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest Association (CEGL005044)

FHM North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest
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Map-class Code Map-class Name

G025. White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland Group

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest Association (CEGL002478)

FJO Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest

Pinus resinosa - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002520)

FRA Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002443)

FRP Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest

Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002479)

FWA White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002445)

FWM White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest

Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002444)

FWP White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest

Quercus ellipsoidalis - (Quercus macrocarpa) Forest Association (CEGL002077)

FPO Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

MG159. Northern Pine - Oak Woodland & Barrens Macrogroup

G160. Great Lakes Pine Barrens Group

Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest Association (CEGL002589)

FPD Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest

MG013. Eastern North American Ruderal Forest & Plantation Macrogroup

G030. Northern & Central Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group

FDX Hardwood Ruderal Forest

FMX Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest

G032. Northern & Central Conifer & Hardwood Plantation Group

FPE Conifer Plantation

1.C.3.a. Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest Division

MG030. Northern & Central Swamp Forest Macrogroup

G046. Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp Group

Acer rubrum - Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002071)

FRM Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest
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Map-class Code Map-class Name

Fraxinus nigra - Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest Association (CEGL002105)

FBA Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp

Thuja occidentalis - Fraxinus nigra Forest Association (CEGL005165)

FCA White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp

Tsuga canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest Association (CEGL005003)

FHS Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest

MG160. Northern & Central Tall Shrub Wetland Macrogroup

G167. Northern & Central Shrub Swamp Group

Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland Association (CEGL002381)

SAS Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland

1.D.1.a. North American Lowland Boreal Forest Division

MG037. Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest Macrogroup

G047. Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest Group

Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002447)

FBS Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

Pinus banksiana - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002518)

FJM Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Pinus banksiana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002441)

FJB Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest

G048. White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest Group

Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002474)

FBF Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase)

FFB Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest Association (CEGL002463)

FPB Paper Birch / Fir Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest Association (CEGL002466)

FAC Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest
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Map-class Code Map-class Name

1.D.2.a. North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Division

MG038. Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Macrogroup

G050. Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp Group

Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest Association (CEGL005271)

FSS Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase)

FTP Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase)

G051. Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp Group

Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest Association (CEGL002471)

FTR Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp

Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest Association (CEGL002456)

FCS White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp

2. SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND CLASS

2.C.1.c. Eastern North American Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Division

MG123. Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup

G059. Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder]

SDX Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

SMX Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

HMX Ruderal Grassland

2.C.3.a. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland Division

MG057. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup

G089. Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland Group

Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005098)

HAB Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL004024)

DBH Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005064)

DJD Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005125)

HPB Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)

HPW Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase)
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Map-class Code Map-class Name

2.C.4.a. North American Bog & Fen Division

MG062. North American Boreal Bog & Fen Macrogroup

G185. Boreal Alkaline Peatland Group

Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland Association (CEGL005227)

SAW Alder - Willow Shore Fen

Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005229)

HSS Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen

G053. North American Boreal Acidic Peatland Group

Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005228)

DLS Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen

Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005277)

DLF Leatherleaf Poor Fen

2.C.5.a. Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh Division

MG069. Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow Macrogroup

G112. Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group

HWM Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous

Calamagrostis canadensis - Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005174)

HCC Bluejoint Wet Meadow

Carex (rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002257)

HSG Northern Sedge Wet Meadow

G189. Herbaceous Forested Seep Group

Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL005163)

N/A Clay Seeps

5. AQUATIC VEGETATION CLASS

5.B.1.a. North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Division

MG108. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Macrogroup

G114. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group [Placeholder]

Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar (microphylla, variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002562)

HFA Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland

Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002282)

HSV Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland
Apostle Islands National Lakesho

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Vegetation Mapping 37

Map-class Code Map-class Name

6. NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR ROCK VEGETATION CLASS

6.B.2.a. Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Division

MG111. Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation Macrogroup

G340. Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff Group [Placeholder]

Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002584)

VEB Eroding Clay Bank

G341. Great Lakes Cliff & Shore Group [Placeholder]

Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002507)

VBS* Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore

Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002503)

VSC* Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff

8. DEVELOPED VEGETATION CULTURAL CLASS

Herbaceous & Woody Developed Vegetation Cultural Subclass (L2)

Other Developed Urban / Built Up Vegetation Formation (L3)

Developed Area (NLCD 2001; 21-24)

NDV Developed Area

NON-NVCS UNITS

Non-Vegetated Water & Land (<1% vegetated)

Non-Vegetated Water

Open Water (NLCD 2001; 11)

NSR Stream & River

NWP Open Water Pond

NWL Open Water Lake

Non-Vegetated Land

Barren Land (NLCD 2001; 31)

NSB Sand & Cobble Beach

*Mapped to a non-standard MMU of 0.25 ha.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Mapping 38

Map Classification Descriptions

We provide descriptions of map classes (and their phases) representing those vegetation types in 

the NVCS, as well as of non-vegetated units. These descriptions are provided in Appendix E: 

Descriptions of Map Classes. These descriptions point out the link between map classes and the 

types/units they represent. In addition, a succinct explanation is given of how map classes were 

employed during the AA analysis. Representative ground photos are provided as well.

Summary Report of the Map Layer

Table 11 provides a summary report of the spatial-data layer (map) of APIS and summarizes

frequency, area, and average polygon size for each map class (including phases). Table 12

provides a summary report with map classes compiled at the group level within the NVCS. 

These summary reports organize the map classes by hierarchy within the NVCS and represent all 

lands within the established project boundary extent, including the environs.

Following the tables are some general observations and inferences we made from a quick study 

of the summary reports. Although many more inferences can be made, these are provided as an 

example of how one might begin to analyze the map layer and garner information from it.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National LakeshoreVegetation Mapping 39

Table 11. Frequencies and areas of map classes (organized via the National Vegetation Classification Standard) represented in the vegetation map layer 

for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

[Freq, Frequency; Ha, Hectare; Ave, Average; NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard]

Map Code Map-class Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

FOREST & WOODLAND CLASS

Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group

FMB Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest 1,344 11,201.7 8.3 27,680.1 20.6

FMT Northern Maple - Basswood Forest 1 1.4 1.4 3.6 3.6

FYB Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest 1 1.8 1.8 4.3 4.3

FWH Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest 9 5.7 0.6 14.0 1.6

FBR Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest 22 11.7 0.5 29.0 1.3

FAM Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest 143 340.5 2.4 841.3 5.9

FOM Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest 324 438.4 1.4 1,083.2 3.3

FCC White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase) 137 95.4 0.7 235.7 1.7

FCM White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase) 575 2,218.1 3.9 5,481.1 9.5

FHC Hemlock Mesic Forest 66 45.6 0.7 112.7 1.7

FHM North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest 635 1,301.7 2.0 3,216.5 5.1

White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland Group

FJO Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest 7 4.9 0.7 12.2 1.7

FRA Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest 4 2.3 0.6 5.6 1.4

FRP Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest 15 18.6 1.2 45.9 3.1

FWA White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest 118 139.4 1.2 344.5 2.9

FWM White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest 2 0.7 0.3 1.6 0.8

FWP White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest 18 16.4 0.9 40.5 2.3

FPO Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest 2 2.6 1.3 6.4 3.2

Great Lakes Pine Barrens Group

FPD Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest 5 2.7 0.5 6.7 1.3

Northern & Central Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group

FDX Hardwood Ruderal Forest 14 58.9 4.2 145.5 10.4

FMX Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest 29 38.1 1.3 94.1 3.2
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National LakeshoreVegetation Mapping 40

Map Code Map-class Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

Northern & Central Conifer & Hardwood Plantation Group

FPE Conifer Plantation 1 3.3 3.3 8.2 8.2

Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp Group

FRM Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest 83 58.6 0.7 144.9 1.7

FBA Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp 64 118.0 1.8 291.6 4.6

FCA White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp 17 14.0 0.8 34.5 2.0

FHS Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest 23 28.4 1.2 70.1 3.0

Northern & Central Shrub Swamp Group

SAS Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland 63 81.3 1.3 200.8 3.2

Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest Group

FBS Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest 11 9.1 0.8 22.4 2.0

FJM Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest 3 2.6 0.9 6.4 2.1

FJB Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest 8 8.5 1.1 20.9 2.6

White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest Group

FBF Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase) 83 85.7 1.0 211.6 2.5

FFB Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase) 234 355.8 1.5 879.2 3.8

FPB Paper Birch / Fir Forest 24 22.7 0.9 56.2 2.3

FAC Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest 29 75.6 2.6 186.8 6.4

Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp Group

FSS Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase) 41 119.4 2.9 295.0 7.2

FTP Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase) 18 36.6 2.0 90.6 5.0

Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp Group

FTR Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp 7 8.1 1.2 19.9 2.8

FCS White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp 26 32.1 1.2 79.3 3.0

SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND CLASS

Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group

SDX Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland 37 46.9 1.3 115.8 3.1

SMX Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland 11 5.7 0.5 14.1 1.3

HMX Ruderal Grassland 17 14.9 0.9 36.8 2.2
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Apostle Islands National LakeshoreVegetation Mapping 41

Map Code Map-class Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland Group

HAB Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune 38 73.7 1.9 182.2 4.8

DBH Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland4 1.6 0.4 4.0 1.0

DJD Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland 11 9.0 0.8 22.3 2.0

HPB Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)4 4.5 1.1 11.2 2.8

HPW Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase) 12 11.7 1.0 28.9 2.4

Boreal Alkaline Peatland Group

SAWAlder - Willow Shore Fen 41 46.8 1.1 115.5 2.8

HSS Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen 13 11.5 0.9 28.3 2.2

North American Boreal Acidic Peatland Group

DLS Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen 67 118.7 1.8 293.4 4.4

DLF Leatherleaf Poor Fen9 43.8 4.9 108.3 12.0

Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group

HWM Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous 78 74.6 1.0 184.3 2.4

HCC Bluejoint Wet Meadow 10 4.3 0.4 10.7 1.1

HSG Northern Sedge Wet Meadow 66 47.4 0.7 117.2 1.8

Herbaceous Forested Seep Group

N/A Clay Seeps0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

AQUATIC VEGETATION CLASS

Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group

HFA Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland 15 15.3 1.0 37.8 2.5

HSV Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland 28 18.2 0.6 44.9 1.6

NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR ROCK VEGETATION CLASS

Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff Group

VEB Eroding Clay Bank 30 32.2 1.1 79.7 2.7

Great Lakes Cliff & Shore Group

VBS Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore 22 10.0 0.5 24.8 1.1

VSC Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff 13 4.0 0.3 10.0 0.8
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National LakeshoreVegetation Mapping 42

Map Code Map-class Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

DEVELOPED VEGETATION CULTURAL CLASS

Developed Area

NDV Developed Area 46 54.2 1.2 133.9 2.9

NON-NVCS UNITS

Open Water

NSR Stream & River 3 1.2 0.4 3.0 1.0

NWP Open Water Pond 1 0.6 0.6 1.4 1.4

NWL Open Water Lake 23 11,267.5 489.9 27,842.6 1,210.5

Barren Land

NSB Sand & Cobble Beach 57 47.5 0.8 117.3 2.1

Table 12. Frequencies and areas of map classes (compiled at the group level in the National Vegetation Classification Standard) represented in the 

vegetation map layer for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

[Freq, Frequency; Ha, Hectare; Ave, Average; NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard]

NVCS Class and Group Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

FOREST & WOODLAND CLASS 4,206 17,006.0 4.0 42,022.9 10.0

Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group 3,257 15,661.9 4.8 38,701.5 11.9

White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland Group 166 184.8 1.1 456.7 2.8

Great Lakes Pine Barrens Group 5 2.7 0.5 6.7 1.3

Northern & Central Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group 43 97.0 2.3 239.6 5.6

Northern & Central Conifer & Hardwood Plantation Group 1 3.3 3.3 8.2 8.2

Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp Group 187 219.0 1.2 541.1 2.9

Northern & Central Shrub Swamp Group 63 81.3 1.3 200.8 3.2

Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest Group 22 20.1 0.9 49.7 2.3

White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest Group 370 539.8 1.5 1,333.8 3.6

Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp Group 59 156.0 2.6 385.6 6.5

Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp Group 33 40.1 1.2 99.2 3.0
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National LakeshoreVegetation Mapping 43

NVCS Class and Group Name Freq Area (Ha) Ave (Ha) Area (Ac) Ave (Ac)

SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND CLASS 418 515.1 1.2 1,272.9 3.0

Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group 65 67.4 1.0 166.6 2.6

Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland Group 69 100.6 1.5 248.5 3.6

Boreal Alkaline Peatland Group 54 58.2 1.1 143.9 2.7

North American Boreal Acidic Peatland Group 76 162.5 2.1 401.6 5.3

Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group 154 126.3 0.8 312.2 2.0

Herbaceous Forested Seep Group 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

AQUATIC VEGETATION CLASS 43 33.5 0.8 82.7 1.9

Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group 43 33.5 0.8 82.7 1.9

NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR ROCK VEGETATION CLASS 65 46.3 0.7 114.4 1.8

Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff Group 30 32.2 1.1 79.7 2.7

Great Lakes Cliff & Shore Group 35 14.1 0.4 34.8 1.0

NVCS Subtotal 4,732 17,600.9 3.7 43,492.9 9.2

DEVELOPED VEGETATION CULTURAL CLASS

Developed Area 46 54.2 1.2 133.9 2.9

NVCS Cultural Subtotal 46 54.2 1.2 133.9 2.9

NON-NVCS UNITS

Open Water 27 11,269.3 417.4 27,847.0 1,031.4

Barren Land 57 47.5 0.8 117.3 2.1

Non-NVCS Subtotal 84 11,316.8 134.7 27,964.3 332.9

Grand Total 4,862 28,971.9 6.0 71,591.1 14.7
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Mapping 44

Brief Analysis and Discussion

Collectively, the APIS spatial database layer is composed of 4,862 polygons covering 28,971.9

ha, with an average polygon size of 6.0 ha. Map classes representing natural/semi-natural types 

in the NVCS apply to 4,732 polygons (97.3% of all polygons, having an average polygon size of 

3.7 ha) and cover 17,601.0 ha (60.8% of the entire area). (The area is substantially lower than the 

polygon frequency largely because of the jurisdictional waters mapped of Lake Superior 

surrounding each island and the mainland.) The Forest & Woodland Class in the NVCS applies 

to the majority of polygons and area covered by types in the NVCS, with 4,206 polygons (88.9% 

of natural/semi-natural polygons, having an average polygon size of 4.0 ha) covering 17,006.0 ha

(96.6% of area covered by the NVCS types). The Forest & Woodland Class is largely dominated 

by the Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group (G163), both in polygon 

frequency (3,257 polygons or 77.5%) and in area (15,661.9 ha or 92.1%). This dominance by 

G163 is largely because of the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map 

class having 1,344 polygons (averaging 8.3 ha in polygon size) and covering 11,201.7 ha. This

quick analysis indicates that the APIS is largely covered by upland hardwood forests.

The non-vegetated landscape comprises about a third of the map-layer area (consisting of only 

84 polygons or 1.7% of all polygons) yet covers 11,316.7 ha (39.1% of the entire area). The 

average polygon size for map classes representing non-vegetated features (those not in the 

NVCS) is considerably larger than that of map classes representing NVCS types (map classes 

representing non-vegetated features have an average polygon size of 134.7 ha). This is largely 

due to the surface water jurisdiction into Lake Superior surrounding each island and the 

mainland unit. Of the map classes representing non-vegetated features, the Open Water Lake 

(NWL) map class (although only 23 polygons, with an average polygon size of 489.9 ha)

dominates in area (11,267.5 ha or 99.6% of the non-vegetated area). The non-vegetated map 

class having twice as many polygons as NWL is Sand & Cobble Beach (NSB); however, this 

class covers a nominal piece of the landscape (47.5 ha or 0.4% of the non-vegetated area), with 

an average polygon size of 0.8 ha.

The cultural landscape classified in the NVCS comprises a nominal portion of the map layer, 

consisting of a mere 46 polygons (1.0% of all polygons, with an average polygon size of 1.2 ha)

and covering 54.2 ha (0.2% of the entire area). The sole map class capturing the cultural 

landscape is Developed Area (NDV), which represents cultural vegetation of campgrounds, 

homesteads, roads, etc.

Considerable more analyses and deductions can be attained even from these simple summary 

reports. Other summary tables can be derived from the map layer of localized areas (e.g., the 

APIS lands excluding the environs, individual islands or the mainland unit) by clipping the map 

layer to its desired location and running a new summary. Also, more complex summary reports 

can be derived, either from the map layer alone (e.g., employing the physiognomic modifiers of 

coverage, pattern, and height) or from introducing other spatial data layers (e.g., invasive 

species, animal distribution, historical land use). By performing various exercises to the 

vegetation map layer, one can make further deductions regarding vegetation and its ecology.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Vegetation Mapping 45

Map Layer Presentation

Figure 18 presents the map layer produced for the APIS vegetation mapping project. The finest 

level of the map (the map-attribute codes consisting of map classes and physiognomic modifiers) 

is too detailed to present; therefore, the map in Figure 18 is generalized, collapsing map classes 

at the group level within the NVCS.

.
Vegetation Mapping 46

Apostle Islands National LakeshoNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

re

Figure 18. Vegetation of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and environs, presented at the natural/semi-natural group and the cultural class 

levels of the National Vegetation Classification Standard (Version 2).
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Accuracy Assessment 47

Accuracy Assessment

Methods

Purpose

The objective of an accuracy assessment (AA) is to measure the probability that a particular 

location has been assigned its correct vegetation class. An AA estimates thematic errors in the 

data, giving users information needed to determine data suitability for a particular application. At 

the same time, data producers are able to learn more about the nature of errors in the data. Thus, 

the two views of an AA are “producers’ accuracy,” which is the probability that an AA point has 

been mapped correctly (also referred to as an error of omission), and “users’ accuracy,” which is 

the probability that the map actually represents what was found on the ground (also referred to as 

error of commission). Both producers’ and users’ accuracies can be obtained from the same set 

of data by using different analyses. Errors occur when map classes are not the same as the classes 

observed in the field. A major assumption of AA is that the process of mapping and the process 

of the assessment (e.g., the application of the classification system) are identical, so that a “false 

error” is not detected because of procedural differences. In actuality, the process of AA is based 

on field observance, and the process of mapping is based on aerial photointerpretation with 

different perspectives of scale and observation.

Sampling Design

We used a stratified random sampling approach to select AA sites at Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore (APIS). We included all primary map classes representing natural/semi-natural 

floristic vegetation types7

Scenario A: The class is abundant. It covers more than 50 ha of the total area and consists of at 

least 30 polygons. The recommended sample size is 30.

in the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) as the 

individual themes to randomly select sites. Map-class phases were collapsed into the primary 

map class they belonged to. (Recall that a map-class phase is a version of a vegetation type

recognizable in mapping and is important for either management or ecological interests.) All 

locations within the APIS boundary having public access were included in the sampling design. 

The number of samples needed for each map class (theme) was determined by using Program

recommendations for a medium-sized park (TNC et al. 1994), as suggested in the following 

scenarios:

Scenario B: The class is relatively abundant. It covers more than 50 ha of the total area but 

consists of fewer than 30 polygons. The recommended sample size is 20. The rationale for 

reducing the sample size for this type of class is that sample sites are more difficult to find 

because of the lower frequency of the class.

Scenario C: The class is relatively rare. It covers less than 50 ha of the total area but consists of 

more than 30 polygons. The recommended sample size is 20. The rationale for reducing the 

sample size is that the class occupies a small area. At the same time, however, the class consists 

of a considerable number of distinct polygons that are possibly widely distributed. The number 

of samples therefore remains relatively high because of the high frequency of the class.

 7 Map classes representing ruderal vegetation were classified at the group level in the NVCS and were not included in the AA 

sampling design (because of the inherent variability in vegetation), with one exception—the Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous

(HWM) map class (which was classified as the Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group (G112) in the NVCS).
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Accuracy Assessment 48

Scenario D: The class is rare. It has more than five but fewer than 30 polygons and covers less 

than 50 ha of the area. The recommended number of samples is five. The rationale for reducing 

the sample size is that the class consists of small polygons, and the frequency of the polygons is 

low. Specifying more than five sample sites will therefore probably result in multiple sample 

sites within the same (small) polygon. Collecting five sample sites will allow an accuracy 

estimate to be computed, although it will not be very precise.

Scenario E: The class is very rare. It has fewer than five polygons and occupies less than 50 ha of 

the total area. In this case, it is recommended that the existence of the class be confirmed by a 

visit to each sample site. The rationale for the recommendation is that with fewer than five 

sample sites (assuming one site per polygon), no estimate of level of confidence can be 

established for the sample (the existence of the class can only be confirmed through field 

checking).

The recommendations above take into account both the statistical and operational aspects of 

sampling. The accuracy estimate associated with rare classes cannot be stated with the same 

level of confidence as with more abundant classes. For example, with a sample size of five, the 

level of error in the estimate is closer to 25% at a 90% confidence level, as opposed to 10% with 

a sample size of 27. This has implications for our ability to accept a given point estimate as 

meeting accuracy requirements. Whether or not a given accuracy estimate is accepted as one that 

meets accuracy requirements depends on the width of the confidence interval associated with the 

point estimate and the outcome of a hypothesis test that determines if a given point estimate is 

equivalent to or exceeds requirements.

We used the above guidelines in selecting the appropriate number of sites for each map class. A 

10-m buffer was applied interior to the polygon boundaries to promote global positioning system 

(GPS) navigation into the correct polygon. Random AA points (coordinates) were generated for 

each map class by using Hawth’s Tools for ArcGIS (Beyer 2004). The AA points were then 

assigned a random number used to identify each AA site location. 

We equipped the field crews with several tools to maximize their ability to accurately locate each 

AA site. We plotted 1:12,000-scale, hard-copy maps showing locations of the AA sites, the 

unlabelled polygon boundaries of the vegetation map, and the project boundary with the colorinfrared aerial photomosaic displayed as a background. The AA-site coordinates were uploaded 

into GPS receivers, projected in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), Zone 15, using the 

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

Field Data Collection

Once an AA site was reached by using the tools described above, an area equal to the size of a

minimum mapping unit (MMU) within the map polygon was to be evaluated. Using the field 

key, the field crews determined the appropriate vegetation type. The field crews also recorded 

the GPS coordinate location in the field, dominant species, environmental data, and pertinent 

comments. For a sample data sheet, refer to Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form. If the area 

was not homogeneous (containing more than one vegetation type), the other appropriate 

vegetation types were also listed on the data sheet.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Accuracy Assessment 49

Data Analyses

Field data for 687 AA sites were collected and entered into the National Park Service (NPS)

PLOTS Database Version 2 (NatureServe 2005b). The database was subsequently reviewed for 

data entry errors. The analyses of the map accuracy included the following steps:

• Initial comparative analysis of the field and map data,

• Review of all disagreements and correcting for false errors as necessary,

• Final comparative analysis of the field and map data,

• Individual map-class analysis,

• Final output of results into a contingency matrix, and

• Final output of the analyses and results into a spatial database for use in GIS.

Initial Comparative Analysis: We completed a spatial join of the AA field-site data and the map 

polygon data. This allowed us to compare each AA field-site call (vegetation type) to the 

corresponding map-polygon call (map class representing vegetation type). We used Microsoft 

Excel 2007 (Microsoft Corporation) to compare and tabulate the field-site call to the mappolygon call. Our comparison accounted for alternate field-site calls indicated on the field data 

sheets, accepting map-polygon calls as correct when matching these alternate calls.

Review of Disagreements: All mismatches (disagreements) were subsequently reviewed for false 

errors. A false error is defined as a mismatch between the AA field-site call and the map-polygon 

call if caused by an accuracy error in the GPS field-site coordinates, a missing or misapplied 

field-site call, or a field-site assessment of an area smaller than the MMU (an inclusion). This 

review process involved looking at the AA sites and their corresponding polygons by using 

ArcGIS (Version 9.3, © 2008 Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, California) 

to locate them and by then viewing them on aerial photographs with a Topcon (MS-3) mirror 

stereoscope with 3x binoculars. We also reviewed the field data sheet to gain fuller context of the 

ground data. From this process, we determined whether an initial disagreement was either a true 

error or indeed a match. The following explains our process further:

(1) Spatial error–A spatial error might occur in one of two of the following ways: (1) the GPS 

acquired inaccurate field coordinates or (2) a geospatial error existed within the vegetation map 

layer (called a “map-layer shift”). Either of these spatial errors could displace the newly acquired 

field coordinate inside an adjacent polygon on the map layer. From selecting sites more than 10 

m from polygon edges, we were able to minimize spatial errors in GPS coordinates, yet 

occasionally GPS accuracy could fall outside this parameter. Some areas of APIS were difficult 

to orthoreference because of a lack of obvious ground controls, thus causing slight shifts in the 

map layer. These two phenomenon—GPS error and map-layer shift—caused many of the AA 

field coordinates to fall outside the intended map polygon. An AA site determined to have been 

spatially displaced was adjusted accordingly for the analysis.

(2) Questionable field call–A field-assessment call might be questioned during the analysis, 

especially when the perspective from the ground was limited by poor vantage points, such as 

heavy cover of vegetation or wet soils preventing the field worker from walking around the 

MMU. If the MMU area was diverse, with more than one map class represented, it was possible 

to miss or not recognize other vegetation types present. We reviewed these situations by 

checking the aerial photographs for diversity at the site and by reviewing the field data sheets to 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Accuracy Assessment 50

check for possible problems. We also reviewed the data for the possibility of an incorrect 

vegetation class or another vegetation class not having been recorded. Thus, we were able to 

update our analysis tables to reflect any additions or changes to the field call in preparation for 

the second comparative analysis. (We also updated the PLOTS Database.)

(3) Inclusion–The area assessed in the field during the AA might be less than the MMU for 

mapping (termed an inclusion). We discovered several instances where, after reviewing the aerial 

photographs, we could tell the site was an inclusion to the surrounding map class. Certain 

vegetation features can be quite apparent from each other on the aerial photographs (e.g., open 

woodland versus dense forest), allowing easy assessment of site inclusions in the lab. Another 

type of inclusion occurred when an area in the field was a valid MMU, but the assessed area 

overlapped into an adjacent polygon. Particularly with smaller polygons adjacent to similar 

vegetation types, it was sometimes difficult to determine if the area assessed actually fell within 

the intended polygon.

Final Comparison: Of the 687 AA sites originally collected, we dropped 14 sites because of

problems with the data (e.g., missing UTM coordinates, unrectifiable spatial errors, or 

incomplete data). We used the remaining 673 AA sites for the final comparative analysis of the 

vegetation map layer (Figure 19).

Figure 19. Locations of accuracy assessment sites used to validate the vegetation map layer for the 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Accuracy Assessment 51

Individual Map-class Analysis: For individual map-class accuracies falling below standards of 

the NPS Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP), we compared map classes to determine which

were in confusion. If a repetitive confusion was evident, we then determined whether to merge 

the map classes to gain higher accuracy or to leave the map classes as they were, even if it 

resulted in lower accuracy. These determinations were made with input from NPS staff (APIS 

and Great Lakes Network Inventory & Monitoring).

Final Output: The results of the final analyses were transferred into a contingency table (matrix) 

where we calculated percentages of users’ and producers’ accuracy for each map class. The 

matrix shows both the frequency of agreement and placement of disagreements.

AA Spatial Database: For use in GIS, we produced a feature-class layer of the AA site locations,

along with supporting tables, and incorporated them into the APIS vegetation mapping project

geodatabase. The field data are also included in the PLOTS Database for the project.

Results

Overall accuracy is 87.7% for primary map classes representing natural/semi-natural vegetation 

floristic types in the NVCS, exceeding the NPS VIP accuracy requirement of 80%. A kappa 

adjustment for chance agreements resulted in a final overall accuracy of 87.2%. The contingency 

matrix for AA is provided in Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table. The matrix 

shows the accuracy of each map class (along with 90% confidence intervals), with the users’ 

accuracy reflecting errors of inclusion (commission errors) and producers’ accuracy reflecting 

errors of exclusion (omission errors) present in the mapping. The width of each confidence 

interval is affected by the sample size used to derive the point estimate.

Our overall AA exceeded the NPS VIP accuracy requirement of 80%. Most individual map 

classes also met the 80% requirement, with many at 100% accuracy.

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

References 53

References

Avery, T. E. 1978. Forester’s guide to aerial photo interpretation. Agriculture Handbook 308. 

U.S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C., USA. (Revised and enlarged version of Occasional 

Paper 156, Southern Forest Experiment Station, New Orleans, January 1957.)

Beals, E. W., and G. Cottam. 1960. The forest vegetation of the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin. 

Ecology 41:743–751.

Beyer, H. L. 2004. Hawth's Analysis Tools for ArcGIS. Available from 

(http://www.spatialecology.com/htools) Accessed March 2010.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 1997. Vegetation classification standard, FGDCSTD-005-1997. Online. (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standardsprojects/vegetation/vegclass.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 1998a. Content standard for digital geospatial 

metadata, FGDC-STD-001-1998. Online. (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDCstandards-projects/metadata/base-metadata/v2_0698.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 1998b. Spatial data transfer standard, FGDCSTD-002 (modified version ANSI NCITS 20:1998). Online. 

(http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/standards_publications/index_html). Accessed 23 April 

2010.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 1999. Content standard for digital geospatial 

metadata, Part 1: Biological Data Profile, FGDC-STD-001.1-1999. Online. 

(http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standardsprojects/metadata/biometadata/biodatap.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 2008. National vegetation classification standard, 

Version 2, FGDC-STD-005-2008 (Version 2). Online. 

(http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standardsprojects/vegetation/NVCS_V2_FINAL_2008-02.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.

Hershey, R. R., and W. A. Befort. 1995. Aerial photo guide to New England forest cover types. 

General Technical Report NE-195. U.S. Forest Service, Radnor, Pennsylvania, USA. 

Homer, C., C. Huang, L. Yang, B. Wylie, and M. Coan. 2004. Development of a 2001 National 

Landcover Database for the United States. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote 

Sensing 70:829–840. (http://www.mrlc.gov/pdf/July_PERS.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.

Howk, N., ed. 2001. Hiker’s guide to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Eastern National. Fort

Washington, Pennsylvania, USA.

Image Processing Software, Inc. 2002. OrthoMapper: softcopy Photogrammetric software for the 

GIS and natural resources professional. Madison, Wisconsin, USA. 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

References 54

Judziewicz, E.J., and R.G. Koch. 1993. Flora and vegetation of the Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore and Madeline Island, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin. The Michigan 

Botanist 32:43–189.

McCune, B., and M.J. Mefford. 1999. PC-ORD. Multivariate analysis of ecological data, 

Version 4.0. MjM Software Design, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, USA.

NatureServe. 2004. Field methods for vegetation mapping. Prepared for the U.S. Geological 

Survey and National Park Service. Washington, D.C., USA.

NatureServe. 2005a. International ecological classification standard: Terrestrial ecological 

classifications. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, Virginia, USA. (Data current as of 

23 May 2005.)

NatureServe. 2005b. NPS PLOTS Database Version 2.0. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA.

Owens, T., and K. D. Hop. 1995. Long Term Resource Monitoring Program standard operating 

procedures: Field station photointerpretation. Long Term Resource Monitoring Program 95-

P008-2. National Biological Service, Environmental Management Technical Center, 

Onalaska, Wisconsin, USA.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). 1994a. 

NBS/NPS vegetation mapping program: Standardized national vegetation classification 

system. Prepared for the National Biological Survey and National Park Service. Washington, 

D.C., USA.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). 1994b. 

NBS/NPS vegetation mapping program: Field methods for vegetation mapping. Prepared for 

the National Biological Survey and National Park Service. Washington, D.C.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Environmental Systems Research Institute, and National Center 

of Geographic Information and Analysis. 1994. NBS/NPS vegetation mapping program: 

accuracy assessment procedures. Prepared for the U.S. Department of the Interior, National 

Biological Survey and National Park Service. Washington, D.C.

U.S. Geological Survey. 1999. Map accuracy standards. U.S. Geological Survey. Fact sheet 171-

99. Online. (http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs17199.pdf). Accessed 23 April 2010.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form A-1

Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form

Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form A-3

NATIONAL PARK VEGETATION MAPPING PROGRAM: PLOT SURVEY FORM

IDENTIFIERS/LOCATORS

Plot Code________________________________________ Polygon Code____________________________________

Provisional CommunityName________________________________________________________________________

State____ Park Name______________________________ Park Site Name___________________________________

Quad Name______________________________________ Quad Code_______________________________________

GPS file name__________________ Field UTM X__ __ __ __ __ __ m E Field UTM Y__ __ __ __ __ __ __ m N

Waypoint____________ Zone______ Datum_______________ Error +/-________ m Elevation_______________

please do not complete the following information when in the field

Corrected UTM X___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m E Corrected UTM Y___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m N

Survey Date_____________ Surveyors_________________________________________________________________

Directions to Plot:

Plot length____ (m) Plot width____ (m) Camera___________ Number of images____ Time of Photos________

Plot representativeness: 

Is the surrounding ~1 hectare area all the same? ___yes ___no

Please draw a map of plot here with plot shape, 

where plot photos were taken, potential community

boundary breaks, and important landmarks.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Slope____________________________________________Aspect___________________________________________

Topographic Position

Landform

Surficial Geology

Cowardian System

___Upland

___Riverine

___Palustrine

___Lacustrine

Non-Tidal

___Permanently Flooded

___Semipermanently Flooded

___Seasonally/Temporarily Flooded

___Saturated

___Seasonally Flooded/Saturated

___Intermittently Flooded
Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form A-4

Environmental Comments: Soil Taxon/Description

Unvegetated Surface: (percent – total should equal 100%)

___Bedrock ___Litter, duff ___Wood (> 1 cm)

___Large rocks (cobbles, boulders > 10 cm)

___Small rocks (gravel, 0.2-10 cm)

___Sand (0.1-2 mm) ___Bare soil

___Other:__________________________________________

Soil Texture

___sand ___loamy sand ___sandy loam ___loam

___silt loam ___silt ___clay loam ___silty clay

___silty clay loam ___clay ___peat ___muck

Soil Drainage

___Rapidly drained ___Well drained

___Moderately well drained ___Somewhat poorly drained

___Poorly drained ___Very poorly drained

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Leaf phenology 

(of dominant stratum)

Trees and Shrubs

___Evergreen

___Cold-deciduous

___Drought-deciduous

___Mixed evergreen -

 cold-deciduous

___Mixed evergreen - 

drought-deciduous

Herbs

___Annual

___Perennial

Leaf Type

(of dominant stratum)

___Broad-leaved

___Needle-leaved

___Mixed Needleleaved - Broad-leaved

___Microphyllous

___Graminoid

___Forb

___Pteridophyte

Physiognomic class

___Forest

___Woodland

___Shrubland

___Dwarf Shrubland

___Herbaceous

___Nonvascular

___Sparsely Vegetated

Cover Scale for Strata

P 5%

01 10%

02 20%

03 30%

04 40%

05 50%

06 60%

07 70%

08 80%

09 90%

10 100%

Height Scale for 

Strata

01 <0.5 m

02 0.5-1m

03 1-2 m

04 2-5 m

05 5-10 m

06 10-15 m

07 15-20 m

08 20-35 m

09 35-50 m

10 >50 m

Strata Height Cover Diagnostic species (if known)

Class Class

T1 Emergent _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

T2 Canopy _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

T3 Sub-canopy _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

S1 Tall shrub _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

S2 Short Shrub _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

S3 Dwarf-Shrub _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

H Herbaceous _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

A1 FltngLvdAquatic ______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

A2 Submerged Aquatic _____ _______ _____________________________________________________________

N Non-vascular _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

V Vine/liana _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

E Epiphyte _______ _______ _____________________________________________________________

please see above table for height and cover scales

Animal Use Evidence

Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbance Comments:

Overall Qualitative Assessment:
Appendix A: Plot Sampling Form A-5

Plot Code _____________________________________________________

Species/percent cover: Starting with the uppermost stratum, list all species with cover class for each species in the stratum. For 

forests and woodlands, on a separate line below each tree species, list the DBH of all trees above 10 cm diameter. Separate 

measurements with a comma. Put an asterisk next to any species that are known diagnostics for a particular community in the 

classification. Cover Cover

Stratum Species Name Class Stratum Species Name Class

Cover Scale for Species: T=<1%; P=1-5%; 01=5-15%; 02=15-25%; 03=25-35%; 04=35-45%; 05=45-55%; 06=55-65%; 

07=65-75%; 08=75-85%; 09=85-95%; 10=>95%

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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B-1

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types B-3

Printed from Biotics on: 11 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

U.S. NATIONAL VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION

APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESHORE

3 November 2009

by 

NatureServe

1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th floor

Arlington, VA 22209

P.O. Box 9354

St. Paul, MN 55109

This subset of the International Ecological Classification Standard covers the vegetation associations attributed to 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This classification has been developed in consultation with many individuals 

and agencies and incorporates information from a variety of publications and other classifications. Comments and 

suggestions regarding the contents of this subset should be directed to Mary J. Russo, Central Ecology Data 

Manager, Durham, NC <mary_russo@natureserve.org> and Shannon Menard, Senior Regional Ecologist, 

Minneapolis, MN <shannon_menard@natureserve.org>.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types B-4

Printed from Biotics on: 11 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

Copyright © 2009 NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Blvd, 15th floor

Arlington, VA 22209, U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.

Citations:

The following citation should be used in any published materials which reference ecological system and/or 

International Vegetation Classification (IVC hierarchy) and association data:

NatureServe. 2009. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. 

NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 3 November 2009.

Restrictions on Use: Permission to use, copy and distribute these data is hereby granted under the following 

conditions: 

1. The above copyright notice must appear in all documents and reports;

2. Any use must be for informational purposes only and in no instance for commercial purposes;

3. Some data may be altered in format for analytical purposes, however the data should still be referenced using 

the citation above.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved by NatureServe. Except as expressly provided above, nothing 

contained herein shall be construed as conferring any license or right under any NatureServe copyright.

Information Warranty Disclaimer: All data are provided as is without warranty as to the currentness, 

completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The absence of data in any particular geographic area does not 

necessarily mean that species or ecological communities of concern are not present. NatureServe hereby disclaims 

all warranties and conditions with regard to these data, including but not limited to all implied warranties and 

conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. In no event shall NatureServe 

be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential damages, or for damages of any kind arising out of or in 

connection with the use of these data. Because the data in the NatureServe Central Databases are continually being 

updated, it is advisable to refresh data at least once a year after receipt.

NatureServe

1101 Wilson Blvd, 15th floor

Arlington, VA 22209

_____________________________________________________________

These data are extracted from:

NatureServe. 2009. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. 

NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 3 November 2009.

_____________________________________________________________

This document may be generally cited as follows:

NatureServe1. 2009. U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Associations of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 

NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA. Data current as of 3 November 2009.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types B-5

Printed from Biotics on: 11 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

1 NatureServe is an international organization including NatureServe regional offices, a NatureServe central office, 

U.S. State Natural Heritage Programs, and Conservation Data Centres (CDC) in Canada and Latin America and the 

Caribbean. Ecologists from the following organizations have contributed the development of the ecological systems 

classification:

United States

Central NatureServe Office, Arlington, VA; Eastern Regional Office, Boston, MA; Midwestern Regional Office, Minneapolis, MN; Southeastern 

Regional Office, Durham, NC; Western Regional Office, Boulder, CO; Alabama Natural Heritage Program, Montgomery AL; Alaska Natural 

Heritage Program, Anchorage, AK; Arizona Heritage Data Management Center, Phoenix AZ; Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Little 

Rock, AR; Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC; California Natural Heritage Program, Sacramento, CA; Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Fort 

Collins, CO; Connecticut Natural Diversity Database, Hartford, CT; Delaware Natural Heritage Program, Smyrna, DE; District of Columbia 

Natural Heritage Program/National Capital Region Conservation Data Center, Washington DC; Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL; 

Georgia Natural Heritage Program, Social Circle, GA; Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN; Gulf Islands National Seashore, 

Gulf Breeze, FL; Hawaii Natural Heritage Program, Honolulu, Hawaii; Idaho Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID; Illinois Natural Heritage 

Division/Illinois Natural Heritage Database Program, Springfield, IL; Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center, Indianapolis, IN; Iowa Natural Areas 

Inventory, Des Moines, IA; Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory, Lawrence, KS; Kentucky Natural Heritage Program, Frankfort, KY; Louisiana 

Natural Heritage Program, Baton Rouge, LA; Maine Natural Areas Program, Augusta, ME; Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY; 

Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Division, Annapolis, MD; Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Westborough, MA; 

Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI; Minnesota Natural Heritage & Nongame Research and Minnesota County Biological Survey, 

St. Paul, MN; Mississippi Natural Heritage Program, Jackson, MI; Missouri Natural Heritage Database, Jefferson City, MO; Montana Natural

Heritage Program, Helena, MT; National Forest in North Carolina, Asheville, NC; National Forests in Florida, Tallahassee, FL; National Park 

Service, Southeastern Regional Office, Atlanta, GA; Navajo Natural Heritage Program, Window Rock, AZ; Nebraska Natural Heritage Program, 

Lincoln, NE; Nevada Natural Heritage Program, Carson City, NV; New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory, Concord, NH; New Jersey 

Natural Heritage Program, Trenton, NJ; New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, Albuquerque , NM; New York Natural Heritage Program, 

Latham, NY; North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC; North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory, Bismarck, ND; Ohio Natural 

Heritage Database, Columbus, OH; Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory, Norman, OK; Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, OR; 

Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, PA; Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program, Providence, RI; South Carolina Heritage Trust, 

Columbia, SC; South Dakota Natural Heritage Data Base, Pierre, SD; Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Valley 

Authority Heritage Program, Norris, TN; Texas Conservation Data Center, San Antonio, TX; Utah Natural Heritage Program, Salt Lake City, 

UT; Vermont Nongame & Natural Heritage Program, Waterbury, VT; Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA; Washington 

Natural Heritage Program, Olympia, WA; West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Elkins, WV; Wisconsin Natural Heritage Program, Madison, 

WI; Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, WY

Canada

Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Sackville, New Brunswick, 

Canada; British Columbia Conservation Data Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada; Manitoba Conservation Data Centre. Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 

Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough, ON, Canada; Quebec Conservation Data Centre, Quebec, QC, Canada; 

Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, Regina, SK, Canada; Yukon Conservation Data Centre, Yukon, Canada

Latin American and Caribbean 

Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Bolivia, La Paz , Bolivia; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Colombia, Cali,Valle, Columbia; 

Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala , 

Guatemala; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Panama, Querry Heights , Panama; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Paraguay, San 

Lorenzo , Paraguay; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Peru, Lima, Peru; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Sonora, Hermosillo, 

Sonora , Mexico; Netherlands Antilles Natural Heritage Program, Curacao , Netherlands Antilles; Puerto Rico-Departmento De Recursos 

Naturales Y Ambientales, Puerto Rico; Virgin Islands Conservation Data Center, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

NatureServe also has partnered with many International and United States Federal and State organizations, which have also contributed 

significantly to the development of the International Classification. Partners include the following The Nature Conservancy; Provincial Forest 

Ecosystem Classification Groups in Canada; Canadian Forest Service; Parks Canada; United States Forest Service; National GAP Analysis 

Program; United States National Park Service; United States Fish and Wildlife Service; United States Geological Survey; United States 

Department of Defense; Ecological Society of America; Environmental Protection Agency; Natural Resource Conservation Services; United 

States Department of Energy; and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Many individual state organizations and people from academic institutions 

have also contributed to the development of this classification.

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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B-7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. FOREST & WOODLAND................................................................................................................................9

1.C.2. Cool Temperate Forest.............................................................................................................................................. 9

1.C.2.a. Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest..........................................................................................................9

MG014. Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest.........................................................................................................................9

G163. Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest...................................................................................................9

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest.......................................................................................................9

Northern Maple - Basswood Forest .............................................................................................................................11

Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest .........................................................................................................................13

Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest...................................................................................................................15

Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest ...............................................................................................................................16

Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest............................................................................................17

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest......................................................................................................................19

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest .................................................................................................................21

Hemlock Mesic Forest .................................................................................................................................................24

North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest.................................................................................................................26

G025. White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland ..................................................................................28

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest............................................................................................................................28

Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest...................................................................................................................................29

Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest..................................................................................................................................31

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest ...............................................................................................................................33

White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest ................................................................................................................35

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest....................................................................................................................37

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest...........................................................................................................................39

MG159. Northern Pine - Oak Woodland & Barrens................................................................................................................41

G160. Great Lakes Pine Barrens..........................................................................................................................................41

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest......................................................................................................................................41

1.C.3. Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest..................................................................................................................... 42

1.C.3.a. Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest ..........................................................................42

MG030. Northern & Central Swamp Forest ............................................................................................................................42

G046. Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp .....................................................................................42

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest ......................................................................................................................42

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp.........................................................................................................................44

White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp .................................................................................................................................46

Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest....................................................................................................47

MG160. Northern & Central Tall Shrub Wetland....................................................................................................................49

G167. Northern & Central Shrub Swamp ............................................................................................................................49

Gray Alder Swamp.......................................................................................................................................................49

1.D.1. Lowland & Montane Boreal Forest........................................................................................................................ 52

1.D.1.a. North American Lowland Boreal Forest ....................................................................................................................52

MG037. Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest ..................................................................52

G047. Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest................................................................................................................................52

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest ..............................................................................................................................52

Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest..............................................................................................................53

Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest .................................................................................................................55

G048. White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest .............................................................................................................................57

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest...................................................................................................................................57

Paper Birch / Fir Forest................................................................................................................................................59

Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest..........................................................................................................................60

1.D.2. Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest............................................................................................................................ 62

1.D.2.a. North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest ....................................................................................................62

MG038. Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest.................................................................................................62

G050. Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp..................................................................................................................62

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp ................................................................................................62

G051. Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp........................................................................................................................65

Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp .................................................................................................................................65

White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp ...........................................................................................................67
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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B-8

2. SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND ....................................................................................................................70

2.C.3. Temperate & Boreal Scrub & Herb Coastal Vegetation...................................................................................... 70

2.C.3.a. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland ..........................................................................................70

MG057. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland .........................................................................................70

G089. Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland ...............................................................................................................70

Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune......................................................................................................................................70

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland.....................................................................................................72

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland...........................................................................................................................73

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens...................................................................................................................................75

2.C.4. Temperate & Boreal Bog & Fen............................................................................................................................. 77

2.C.4.a. North American Bog & Fen .......................................................................................................................................77

MG062. North American Boreal Bog & Fen...........................................................................................................................77

G185. Boreal Alkaline Peatland...........................................................................................................................................77

Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen.....................................................................................................................................77

Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen..........................................................................................................................................79

G053. North American Boreal Acidic Peatland...................................................................................................................81

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen...............................................................................................................................81

Leatherleaf Poor Fen....................................................................................................................................................83

2.C.5. Temperate & Boreal Freshwater Wet Meadow & Marsh.................................................................................... 85

2.C.5.a. Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh .......................................................................85

MG069. Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow ...........................................................................85

G112. Eastern North American Wet Meadow .....................................................................................................................85

Bluejoint Wet Meadow ................................................................................................................................................85

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow......................................................................................................................................87

G189. Herbaceous Forested Seep ........................................................................................................................................89

Clay Seeps....................................................................................................................................................................89

5. AQUATIC VEGETATION ............................................................................................................................91

5.B.1. Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation............................................................................................................................... 91

5.B.1.a. North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation........................................................................................................91

MG108. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation..........................................................................................91

G114. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation [Placeholder]...................................................................91

Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland..........................................................................................................................91

Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland .......................................................................................................92

6. NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR ROCK VEGETATION .......................................................94

6.B.2. Temperate & Boreal Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation........................................................................................... 94

6.B.2.a. Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation ........................................................................94

MG111. Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation....................................................................................................94

G340. Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff [Placeholder] .....................................................................................94

Eroding Clay Bank.......................................................................................................................................................94

G341. Great Lakes Cliff & Shore [Placeholder]..................................................................................................................96

Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore ........................................................................................................................96

Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff ..............................................................................................................................97
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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B-9

1. Forest & Woodland

1.C.2. Cool Temperate Forest

1.C.2.a. Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest

MG014. Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest

G163. Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest

Sugar Maple - Yellow Birch - (American Basswood) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002457

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest (CES201.564)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This northern hardwoods community type occurs in the western and central Great Lakes area of the United States 

and Canada. Stands are found on moderate to deep (60->150 cm) sandy loam, clay loam, or loamy sand soils. The soils are typically 

slightly acidic to circumneutral, dry-mesic to wet-mesic and moderately nutrient rich. Most stands develop on flat to moderate slopes 

over glacial till. The community is dominated by deciduous trees with scattered conifers in some stands. Acer saccharum (sugar 

maple) is a dominant throughout the range of this community. It may form nearly pure stands. Other common canopy trees include 

Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus americana (white ash), and Tilia americana (American 

basswood). Conifers such as Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Picea glauca (white spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) can be found in some stands. The shrub layer is typically 

sparse; however, it can be moderately developed where the tree canopy is not fully closed. Typical shrubs include Acer spicatum

(mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Taxus canadensis

(Canada yew). The herbaceous stratum includes Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), 

Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp., Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the 

valley), Osmorhiza claytonii (Clayton's sweetroot), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal), Streptopus lanceolatus var.

longipes (twistedstalk), and Viola (violet) spp. Diagnostic features include the deciduous hardwood dominance, the lack of Fagus 

grandifolia (American beech), and the presence of a sub-boreal ground layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This northern hardwoods forest is one of the most common communities in the 

park and was sampled at 23 locations: Basswood Island (1 plot), Bear Island (1) Little Sand Bay (1), Michigan Island (3), Oak Island 

(6), Outer Island (4), Sand Island (2), and Stockton Island (4). Sites are generally on gentle mid- and upper slope moraines of any 

aspect. Elevations range from 205 to 300 m (672-992 feet). Soils range from rapidly drained sand to moderately well-drained loam, 

loamy sand, silt loam, sandy loam and sand to somewhat poorly drained silt. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (50-

99% cover) with some wood (0-25%); one site had 50% cover of bare soil. Evidence of disturbance includes trails, wind damage, past 

logging and fire, and the presence of exotic plants.

Global Environment: This community is found on moderate to deep (60-150 cm) sandy loam, clay loam, or loamy sand soils 

(Coffman and Willis 1977, Pregitzer and Barnes 1984). The soils are typically slightly acidic to circumneutral, mesic to wet-mesic and 

nutrient rich (Kotar and Burger 1989). Most stands develop on flat to moderate slopes over glacial till.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate to very dense (50-90% cover) tree canopy, 15-50 m tall, is variously 

dominated by a mixture of Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and Quercus rubra (northern 

red oak). The sparse to moderately dense (20-70%) subcanopy (5-20 m) is dominated by Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and may 

include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Ostrya virginiana

(hophornbeam), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). The very sparse to moderate (5-

60%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) made up of species of the upper layers as well as Acer spicatum (mountain maple) and Corylus cornuta

(beaked hazelnut). The very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m) is dominated by Taxus canadensis

(Canada yew); additional short shrubs include Amelanchier (serviceberry) sp., Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera

(northern bush honeysuckle), and Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle). The variable herbaceous layer (10-80%) may be 

is often dominated by tree seedlings (particularly Acer saccharum (sugar maple) but many others as well); additional common and/or 
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dominant species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Carex (sedge) spp., Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Eurybia 

macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus (twistedstalk), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower). Many ferns and fern allies are found in this community, including Athyrium filix-femina (common 

ladyfern), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Huperzia lucidula (shining clubmoss), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff 

clubmoss), Lycopodium dendroideum (tree groundpine), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), 

Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern), and Phegopteris connectilis (long beechfern). Nonvascular species may cover 5-10% of the 

ground surface. In addition, state-imperiled (S2) Goodyera oblongifolia (western rattlesnake plantain) was recorded in at least one of 

the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: This forest community is dominated by deciduous trees with scattered conifers in some stands. Acer saccharum

(sugar maple) is a dominant throughout the range of this community. It may form nearly pure stands (Flaccus and Ohmann 1964, 

Hansen et al. 1973). Other common canopy trees include Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus 

americana (white ash), and Tilia americana (American basswood). Conifers, such as Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Picea glauca

(white spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock), can be found in some stands. The shrub layer is sparse; however, it can be moderately developed where the tree canopy is 

not fully closed. Typical shrubs include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Lonicera canadensis

(American fly honeysuckle), and Taxus canadensis (Canada yew). The herbaceous stratum includes Clintonia borealis (bluebead), 

Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp., Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Osmorhiza claytonii (Clayton's sweetroot), Streptopus 

lanceolatus (twistedstalk), and Viola (violet) spp. (Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree (canopy & subcanopy) Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer saccharum (sugar maple)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth 

aspen), Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Taxus canadensis (Canada yew)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Clintonia borealis

(bluebead), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Huperzia lucidula (shining 

clubmoss), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Taxus canadensis (Canada yew)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Goodyera oblongifolia (western rattlesnake plantain, state-imperiled, G5?); 

Exotic/Invasive: Sorbus aucuparia (european mountain-ash, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (22-Jun-1998). There are probably over 100 occurrences rangewide. Ninety have been documented: 

77 in Minnesota (where the community is ranked S2), 10 in Wisconsin (S4), and 3 in Michigan (S4). Although no other occurrences 

have been documented, the community is also reported from Ontario. The 90 occurrences total 13,401 acres (5360 ha). The type has 

been extensively cleared for development or harvested for timber in the past (between 50 and 90% of its former extent), but degree of 

conversion versus second-growth status is not well-understood. Few old-growth stands remained by the late 1980s.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This community has a sub-boreal herbaceous layer. This may be a useful feature to differentiate this community 

from the similar Acer saccharum - Fraxinus americana - Tilia americana / Acer spicatum / Caulophyllum thalictroides Forest 

(CEGL005008). Some stands can have a scattered supercanopy of Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) (less than 25% cover), and 

although floristically such stands are very similar to this type, there may be some value in recognizing a separate type, Acer 

saccharum - Pinus strobus / Acer pensylvanicum Forest (CEGL005005). Further review of this issue is needed.

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer saccharum - Fagus grandifolia - Betula spp. / Maianthemum canadense Forest (CEGL005004)

• Acer saccharum - Fraxinus americana - Tilia americana / Acer spicatum / Caulophyllum thalictroides Forest (CEGL005008)--This 

community lacks the sub-boreal herbaceous layer.

• Acer saccharum - Pinus strobus / Acer pensylvanicum Forest (CEGL005005)

• Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest (CEGL002458)

• Betula alleghaniensis - (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) Forest [Provisional] (CEGL005245)

Global Related Concepts:
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• Acer / Hydrophyllum Habitat Type (Kotar and Burger 1989) =

• Acer saccharum - Viola pennsylvanica - Osmorhiza claytonii Association (Coffman and Willis 1977) =

• Mesic Northern Forest - Sugar Maple-Yellow Birch-(Balsam Fir) (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Site Unit 11 (Pregitzer and Barnes 1984) F

• Site Unit 2 (Pregitzer and Barnes 1984) F

• Site Unit 4 (Pregitzer and Barnes 1984) F

• Site Unit 5 (Pregitzer and Barnes 1984) F

• Sugar Maple-Yellow Birch-Spinulose Wood Fern (V10) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

• Yellow Birch - Sugar Maple (Hansen et al. 1973) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This northern hardwoods forest occurs on Basswood, Bear, Michigan, Oak, Outer, 

Sand, and Stockton islands, and at Little Sand Bay.

Global Range: This northern hardwoods community occurs in the western and central Great Lakes area of the United States and 

Canada, ranging from Minnesota and Ontario east to Michigan. Range extent is about 300,000 square km.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S2, ON, QC, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CC?, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hs:CCC, 212Hv:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 

212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 212Je:CCC, 212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCC, 212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCC, 

212Js:CCC, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CC?, 212Lb:CCC, 212Mb:C??, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCC, 212Nc:CCC, 212Nd:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, 

Chippewa, Hiawatha?, Huron-Manistee, Huron?, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (23 plots): APIS.001, APIS.011, APIS.021, APIS.023, APIS.026, APIS.027, APIS.028, 

APIS.029, APIS.031, APIS.101, APIS.124, APIS.126, APIS.132, APIS.135, APIS.305, APIS.315, APIS.320, APIS.321, APIS.333, 

APIS.334, APIS.335, APIS.401, APIS.502.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FMB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Coffman and Willis 1977, Farrand and Bell 1982, Flaccus and Ohmann 

1964, Frelich 1995, Hansen et al. 1973, Kotar and Burger 1989, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Pregitzer 

and Barnes 1984, WNHIP unpubl. data

Northern Maple - Basswood Forest

Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest

Sugar Maple - American Basswood / Hophornbeam / Fly Honeysuckle Forest

Identifier: CEGL002458

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Northern Maple - Basswood Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest (CES201.564)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This maple-basswood forest community type is found in northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada. Stands occur on deep, well-drained soils formed from glacial deposits, usually till. Soils are nutrient-rich loam, silt loam, or 

sandy loam. Slopes are generally gentle to moderate, but can sometimes be steep. The canopy contains a closed, deciduous tree layer 

that casts dense shade in summer and limits the growth of understory species. This results in a sparse shrub layer 1-2 m tall and the 

presence of many spring ephemerals in the herbaceous layer. Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Tilia americana (American 

basswood) are the most abundant trees, and together make up virtually the entire canopy in many stands. Other trees that may be 

found include Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Ulmus 

americana (American elm), and, in more eastern stands, Fagus grandifolia (American beech). Typical shrubs are Acer spicatum

(mountain maple), Corylus americana (American hazelnut), Dirca palustris (eastern leatherwood), Hamamelis virginiana (American 

witch-hazel), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Viburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum). The herbaceous 

stratum contains species such as Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla

(bigleaf aster), Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), Desmodium cuspidatum var. cuspidatum (largebract ticktrefoil), Epipactis 

helleborine (broadleaf helleborine), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Hepatica nobilis (hepatica), Laportea canadensis (Canadian 
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woodnettle), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oryzopsis asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), Trillium grandiflorum (snow 

trillium), and Uvularia grandiflora (largeflower bellwort).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This maple-basswood forest was sampled twice at the North Point Overlook on 

Oak Island. One site is flat, the other a gentle northwest-facing step-in-slope. Elevations are 260 and 276 m (848-905 feet), 

respectively. Soils are moderately well-drained sandy loams. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (94-95% cover), 

which can be quite thick, with some wood (5-6%). Evidence of disturbance includes wind damage (tip-up mounds and downed rotting 

wood) and trails.

Global Environment: This community is usually found on gentle to moderate slopes but can sometimes be found on steep slopes. 

Stands occur on deep, well-drained soils formed from glacial deposits, usually till. Soils are nutrient-rich loam, silt loam, or sandy 

loam. The water table is rarely within the tree-rooting zone (MNNHP 1993).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderately dense (70% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated by Acer 

saccharum (sugar maple) and Tilia americana (American basswood), the sparse (20-30%) subcanopy (15-20 m) by Ostrya virginiana

(hophornbeam). The moderate (50%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) includes canopy species as well as Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). 

The sparse (20-40%) short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m) includes Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut) and Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry). 

The moderate herbaceous layer (50-60%) includes tree seedlings (particularly Acer saccharum (sugar maple)) along with Carex 

deweyana (Dewey sedge), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Lycopodium obscurum (rare clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense

(Canada mayflower), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal), Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus (twistedstalk), and Trientalis 

borealis (starflower). Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) cover only 5% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: The canopy contains a closed, deciduous tree layer that casts dense shade in summer and limits the growth of 

understory species. This results in a sparse shrub layer 1-2 m tall and the presence of many spring ephemerals in the herbaceous layer. 

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Tilia americana (American basswood) are the most abundant trees and together make up virtually 

the entire canopy in many stands. Other trees that may be found include Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Ostrya virginiana

(hophornbeam), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Ulmus americana (American elm), and, in more eastern stands, Fagus grandifolia

(American beech). Typical shrubs are Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus americana (American hazelnut), Dirca palustris

(eastern leatherwood), Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and 

Viburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum). The herbaceous stratum contains species such as Adiantum pedatum (northern 

maidenhair), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), 

Desmodium cuspidatum var. cuspidatum (largebract ticktrefoil), Epipactis helleborine (broadleaf helleborine), Galium triflorum

(fragrant bedstraw), Hepatica nobilis var. acuta (sharplobe hepatica), Laportea canadensis (Canadian woodnettle), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Oryzopsis asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), Trillium grandiflorum (snow trillium), and Uvularia 

grandiflora (largeflower bellwort) (Buell and Bormann 1955, Curtis 1959, MNNHP 1993, Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Tilia americana (American 

basswood)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen shrub Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut)

Herb (field) Forb Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Streptopus lanceolatus var.

roseus (twistedstalk)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Lycopodium obscurum (rare clubmoss)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Eurybia macrophylla

(bigleaf aster), Lycopodium obscurum (rare clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Ostrya virginiana

(hophornbeam), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal), Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry), Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus

(twistedstalk), Tilia americana (American basswood)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Vulnerable: Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng, collection pressure, G3G4)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3? (22-Jun-1998). The total number of occurrences is unknown. Five have been documented in 

Wisconsin, where the community is ranked S3, and 22 in Minnesota (S3). It is found in 7 ecoregional subsections.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate
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Global Comments: Curtis' (1959) most northern maple-basswood stands belong here. This community is similar to Acer saccharum -

Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana - Carpinus caroliniana Forest (CEGL002062), but the canopy of this community is typically less 

diverse, with much less presence of some of the southern tree species found in the latter, such as Juglans nigra (black walnut), Carya

(hickory) spp., and many Quercus (oak) spp. (Janssen 1967). This community also lacks appreciable amounts of Betula alleghaniensis

(yellow birch) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) which are found to the east and north in similar forests, such as Acer 

saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest (CEGL002457) and Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula 

alleghaniensis Forest (CEGL005044). In Minnesota, all stands of Acer saccharum (sugar maple) - northern hardwoods in the Lake 

Superior Highlands region are placed in CEGL002457, but it may be that the more southern stands should be placed within this type. 

In Ontario this type occurs in Site Region 5, but may extend into Site Region 6.

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest (CEGL002457)

• Acer saccharum - Fagus grandifolia - Betula spp. / Maianthemum canadense Forest (CEGL005004)

• Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana - Carpinus caroliniana Forest (CEGL002062)

• Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest (CEGL005044)

Global Related Concepts:

• Tilio-Acerion sacchari Alliance (Janssen 1967) =

• East Woods (Eggler 1938) F

• Hunt Hill (Eggler 1938) F

• Long Lake (Eggler 1938) F

• Sugar Maple - Basswood Stand (Buell and Bormann 1955) =

• Sugar Maple-Red Oak-Basswood-Ironwood-Leatherwood (V5) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This maple-basswood forest was sampled at the North Point Overlook on Oak Island.

Global Range: This maple - basswood forest community type is found in northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada, ranging from Minnesota and Wisconsin into Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MN:S3, ON, QC:S3?, WI:S2S3

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 212Jg:CCC, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Saint Croix); USFS (Chippewa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.302, APIS.303.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FMT

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake, mod. D. Faber-Langendoen 06-00

References: Buell and Bormann 1955, Chambers et al. 1997, Curtis 1959, Eggler 1938, Janssen 1967, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern 

Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest

Betula alleghaniensis - (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) Forest [Provisional]

Yellow Birch - (Sugar Maple, White Spruce) Forest

Identifier: CEGL005245

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This yellow birch forest type is provisionally reported from Isle Royale, Michigan, but its rangewide status is still 

unclear. It may extend to the east, until Picea rubens (red spruce) enters into the range. At Isle Royale National Park, this community 

occupies gentle to steep slopes at elevations from 190-240 m (630-780 feet). Soils are moderately well-drained to rapidly drained 

sandy loams. The vegetation forms a closed-canopy, deciduous forest. Canopy cover is usually about 70-80% cover (sometimes less); 

the most abundant trees are Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Picea glauca (white spruce) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch). 

There is often a subcanopy with 5-30% cover (same species as in the canopy). Cover of tall shrubs is about 5-10% cover; the most 

abundant tall shrubs are saplings of Picea glauca (white spruce) and Abies balsamea (balsam fir), and Sambucus racemosa (red 

elderberry). Cover of short shrubs varies from 10-70% cover; the most abundant short shrubs are Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry), 

Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Lonicera canadensis (American fly 

honeysuckle), and Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry). There is a sparse cover of dwarf-shrubs, mainly Rubus pubescens (dwarf 
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red blackberry). Cover of herbs varies from 40-80% cover; the most abundant herbs are Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), Streptopus lanceolatus 

var. roseus (twistedstalk), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), and Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel). Cover of 

nonvascular plants is sparse (0-10% cover); Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) is characteristic.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: At Isle Royale National Park, this community occupies gentle to steep slopes at elevations from 190-240 m 

(630-780 feet). Soils are moderately well-drained to rapidly drained sandy loams (C. Reschke pers. comm. 1999).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: At Isle Royale National Park, the vegetation forms a closed-canopy deciduous forest. Canopy cover is usually 

about 70-80% cover (sometimes less); the most abundant trees are Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) (20-60% cover), Picea glauca

(white spruce) (5-50% cover) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch) (5-25% cover). There is often a subcanopy with 5-30% cover (same 

species as in the canopy). Cover of tall shrubs is about 5-10% cover; the most abundant tall shrubs are saplings of Picea glauca (white 

spruce) and Abies balsamea (balsam fir), and Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry). Cover of short shrubs varies from 10-70% cover; 

the most abundant short shrubs are Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry), Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), Diervilla lonicera

(northern bush honeysuckle) (each with 5-25% cover), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle) and Rubus idaeus (American 

red raspberry) (each with 1-5% cover). There is a sparse cover of dwarf-shrubs, mainly Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). 

Cover of herbs varies from 40-80% cover; the most abundant herbs are Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla) (5-25% cover), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood) (5-25% cover), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), Streptopus 

lanceolatus var. roseus (twistedstalk), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), and Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel) (each 

with 1-5% cover). Cover of nonvascular plants is sparse (0-10% cover); Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) is 

characteristic (less than 1% cover) (C. Reschke pers. comm. 1999).

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Other: Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus (twistedstalk, G5T4)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (29-Mar-1999). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Provisional

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: Type needs rangewide review. This community is distinguished from sugar maple - yellow birch - northern 

hardwood forest, Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest (CEGL002457), by the absence or very low cover 

of Acer saccharum (sugar maple) in either the canopy or as seedlings and saplings in the ground layer, but it may just be a variant of 

that type.

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest (CEGL002457)

• Thuja occidentalis - Betula alleghaniensis Forest (CEGL002450)

Global Related Concepts:

• Mesic Northern Forest - Sugar Maple-Yellow Birch-(Balsam Fir) (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This type is reported from Isle Royale, Michigan; its rangewide distribution is unclear, but it may extend to the east, 

until Picea rubens (red spruce) enters into the range.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, ON, QC:S4, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:P

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ia:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FYB

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Reschke pers. comm.
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Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest

Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis Great Lakes Forest

Eastern White Pine - Eastern Hemlock Great Lakes Forest

Identifier: CEGL002590

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest (CES201.563)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This white pine - hemlock forest type is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Stands 

occur on acidic, nutrient-poor, usually moderately well-drained soils such as sandy loams. Generally, Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) are codominant, but other common associates include Fagus grandifolia (American 

beech), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula lenta (sweet birch), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Quercus rubra (northern red 

oak). Quercus rubra (northern red oak) becomes more prevalent in the south. Typical shrubs include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), and Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple). The herbaceous layer may be sparse and 

generally depauperate, including Trientalis borealis (starflower), Cypripedium acaule (moccasin flower), Maianthemum canadense

(Canada mayflower), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), and Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp. 

Diagnostic features include the dominance of both Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), with a 

sparse, sub-boreal ground layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community is found on acidic, nutrient-poor, usually moderately well-drained soils such as sandy loams. 

In the north, it may occur on ridges with a fragipan, and to the south the more prevalent habitat is higher elevations and north-facing 

slopes (Eyre 1980). In northern Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin, this community is commonly found on beach ridges and dunes 

within glacial lakebeds on poorly drained lakeplains.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: Generally, Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) are codominant, but other 

common associates include Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula lenta (sweet birch), Betula 

alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Quercus rubra (northern red oak). Quercus rubra (northern red oak) becomes more prevalent in the 

south. Typical shrubs include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), and Acer 

pensylvanicum (striped maple). The herbaceous layer may be sparse and generally depauperate, including Trientalis borealis

(starflower), Cypripedium acaule (moccasin flower), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern 

teaberry), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), and Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp. (Eyre 1980).

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3 (24-Oct-2002). This white pine - hemlock forest type is found in the Great Lakes region of the United 

States and Canada, where it currently occupies limited portions of its former range. It is floristically similar to hemlock stands without 

extensive white pine, and this type is not always distinguished from that type. It was far more extensive as a canopy or supercanopy 

dominant in presettlement forests than it is today. In Wisconsin and Michigan, white pine is often a supercanopy relict only and has 

been logged out of most stands. As a result, old-growth stands that belong to this type are not known to be very extensive. This type 

may represent a long-lived transitional phase from a pine type to a hemlock type in the absence of further disturbance. It is perhaps the 

combination of substrate and disturbance dynamics that create a somewhat specific set of environmental factors. Further 

documentation of this type is needed.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This description is based on the Great Lakes portion of the SAF cover type 22 (Eyre 1980). The type is currently 

not recognized in recent Ontario publications of forest types (Chambers et al. 1997, Bakowsky and Lee 1996, Lee et al. 1998), which 

seems surprising. In Wisconsin and Michigan, white pine is often a supercanopy relict only and has been logged out of most stands (E. 

Epstein, D. Albert pers. comm. 1996). Presence of Picea rubens (red spruce) may be a good indicator of the separate type, Pinus 

strobus - Tsuga canadensis - Picea rubens Forest (CEGL006324), in northern New England (and Quebec).

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis - Picea rubens Forest (CEGL006324)--a northeastern version of the same type.

• Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis Lower New England / Northern Piedmont Forest (CEGL006328)

Global Related Concepts:

• Mesic Northern Forest - Hemlock-White Pine (Chapman et al. 1989) =

• White Pine - Hemlock: 22 (Eyre 1980) B
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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This white pine - hemlock forest type is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, ranging 

from northern Wisconsin and Michigan to central Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI:S3, ON, WI:S2

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ea:CCC, 212Eb:CCC, 212Ee:CCC, 212Ha:CC?, 212Hb:CC?, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 

212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CC?, 212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 

212Hu:CC?, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCP, 212Hx:CCP, 212Hy:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCC, 212Jj:CCC, 

212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Js:CCC, 222Ja:???

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chequamegon?, Hiawatha, Huron, HuronManistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FWH

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Bakowsky and Lee 1996, Barnes 1991, Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Eyre 1980, Lee et al. 1998, 

Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest

Quaking Aspen - Paper Birch - (Red Maple, Bigtooth Aspen) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002467

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal Aspen-Birch Forest (CES103.020)

Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest (CES201.564)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This aspen - birch - maple forest is found in the upper midwestern United States and southern and central Canada. 

Sites are on level to rolling topography, and on upper slopes or plateaus or in valley bottoms. The substrate is derived from glacial 

outwash, lacustrine deposits, or moraines. The soil is typically deep, sandy loam or loamy sand and well-drained. This deciduous 

forest community has a moderately closed canopy usually dominated by Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) and Betula papyrifera

(paper birch). Acer rubrum (red maple) and Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) may be absent to dominant. Other minor 

components of the overstory may include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), 

Picea glauca (white spruce), and Quercus rubra (northern red oak). The shrub layer is approximately 2 m tall and often welldeveloped. The most abundant species are Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., Corylus cornuta

(beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), and Rosa acicularis (prickly rose). Other shrubs present include 

Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush 

blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). The herbaceous layer tends to contain many species. Common 

species are Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola (violet) spp.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community is mostly found on level to rolling topography. It can occur on upper slopes or plateaus or in 

valley bottoms (Ohmann and Ream 1971). The soil is typically deep, sandy loam or loamy sand (Alban et al. 1991). The sites are on 

glacial outwash, lacustrine deposits, or moraines (Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989). Most are well-drained, however, this 

community can be found on somewhat poorly drained sites.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: This deciduous forest community has a moderately closed canopy usually dominated by Populus tremuloides

(quaking aspen) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch). Acer rubrum (red maple) and Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) may be 

absent to dominant. Other minor components of the overstory may include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Pinus resinosa (red pine), 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Quercus rubra (northern red oak). The shrub layer is 

approximately 2 m tall and often well-developed (MNNHP 1993). The most abundant species are Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), and Rosa 

acicularis (prickly rose). Other shrubs present include Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red 

blackberry), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). The herbaceous layer 
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tends to contain many species. Common species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), 

Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola (violet) spp.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Other: Trillium chloropetalum var. giganteum (giant trillium, G5T3?)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: In Michigan, Quercus rubra (northern red oak) may be present. This type can result from removal of conifers by 

logging; e.g., Wisconsin does not track this type for conservation purposes because it most commonly establishes after logging of 

spruce-fir stands. Stands with understories of pines or mixed aspen-birch-pines best fit under the mixed evergreen-deciduous types 

(e.g., white pine - aspen - birch forest, Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002479)).

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002479)

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest (CEGL002466)

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (CEGL002468)

Global Related Concepts:

• Aspen Hardwood (V5) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Cloquet Site (Alban et al. 1991) =

• Dry-Mesic Northern Forest - Aspen-Birch (Chapman et al. 1989) =

• Maple (Yellow Birch) Hardwood and Mixedwood (V3.1) (Sims et al. 1997) =

• Maple - Aspen - Birch (Ohmann and Ream 1971) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This aspen - birch - maple forest is found in the upper midwestern United States and southern and central Canada, 

ranging from Minnesota and Manitoba east to Michigan, Ontario and possibly Quebec.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI:S5, MN:S4?, ON, QC:S5?, WI:S5

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hk:CCP, 

212Hl:CCC, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CC?, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CC?, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 

212Je:CPP, 212Jf:CPP, 212Jj:CPP, 212Jk:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 212Ka:CCP, 

212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCP, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 222Ma:CCC, 222Md:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, 

Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Huron-Manistee?, Huron?, Manistee?, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FBR

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Alban et al. 1991, Chapman et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Ohmann and Ream 

1971, Sims et al. 1989, Sims et al. 1997, WNHIP unpubl. data

Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

Quaking Aspen - Paper Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

Identifier: CEGL002468

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This boreal aspen - birch forest type is found in the north-central United States and southern Canada on a variety 

of mesic upland locations. This community has been found on rich sites over clay or silt loam soils. Deciduous trees dominate the 

canopy and tree reproduction layers of this community. Conifers, when present, are widely scattered. Tree density is moderate to high, 

but substantial light penetrates the canopy due to the growth form of the dominant species, Betula papyrifera (paper birch) and 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). Other northern hardwoods may be found in the canopy but are more common in the sapling 
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layer. These include Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus 

pennsylvanica (green ash), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Tilia americana (American basswood), and Ulmus americana

(American elm) (in more mesic sites). Fagus grandifolia (American beech) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) become more 

common in eastern examples of this type. The shrub stratum is usually not well-developed due to shading from the canopy and 

subcanopy trees. Scattered Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush 

honeysuckle) and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry) are typical shrubs. Taxus canadensis (Canada yew) and Acer 

pensylvanicum (striped maple) are present on some sites. The herbaceous layer contains species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), 

Oryzopsis asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), and Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk). Mosses include Dicranum 

flagellare (dicranum moss), Dicranum montanum (Montane Dicranum Moss), and others.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This aspen - birch forest was sampled twice on Basswood Island and once near 

Little Sand Bay. Sites are found on west-, north- and northwest-facing midslopes. Soils are somewhat poorly drained loam and clay 

loam. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (90-95% cover) with some wood (2-6%), bare soil (0-1%) standing water (0-

2%) (following several days of torrential downpours at one site), and dead plant stems (2-5%). Evidence of disturbance includes trails 

and deadfalls.

Global Environment: This community is found on a variety of rich mesic sites over clay or silt loam soils. Alban et al. (1991) 

identified two examples of this community in Minnesota and upper Michigan. Both sites had 6 cm of organic material over the 

mineral soil. One site was on clay soil and the other on silt loam.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (50% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated by Populus 

grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) and/or Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) and may include lesser amounts of Betula papyrifera

(paper birch) and Quercus rubra (northern red oak). The sparse (10-30%) subcanopy (10-20 m) includes Abies balsamea (balsam fir), 

Acer saccharum (sugar maple), and Betula papyrifera (paper birch). The sparse (20-30%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) is dominated by 

Acer spicatum (mountain maple) along with saplings of trees from the upper layers. The moderate (50-70%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 

m) is dominated by Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry) and may include Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern 

bush honeysuckle), and Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle). The moderate (50-60%) herbaceous layer includes 

dominants Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern); 

additional common species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Carex arctata

(drooping woodland sedge), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense

(Canada mayflower), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Nonvascular species (mosses) cover 5% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: Deciduous trees dominate the canopy and tree reproduction layers of this community. Conifers, when present, are 

widely scattered. Tree density is moderate to high, but substantial light penetrates the canopy due to the growth form of the dominant 

species, Betula papyrifera (paper birch) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). Other northern hardwoods may be found in the 

canopy but are more common in the sapling layer. These include Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula 

alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Tilia americana (American 

basswood), and Ulmus americana (American elm) (in more mesic sites). Fagus grandifolia (American beech) and Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock) become more common in eastern examples of this type. The shrub stratum is usually not well-developed due to

shading from the canopy and subcanopy trees. Scattered Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), 

Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry) are typical shrubs. Taxus canadensis

(Canada yew) and Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple) are present on some sites. For example, Hansen et al. (1973) found Taxus 

canadensis (Canada yew) to be one of the more abundant shrubs on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. They also found this type to have 

the most diverse herbaceous layer of their sites. The herbaceous layer contains species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), 

Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oryzopsis 

asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), and Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk). Mosses include Dicranum flagellare (dicranum moss), 

Dicranum montanum (Montane Dicranum Moss), and others (Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), Populus tremuloides

(quaking aspen), Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry)

Herb (field) Forb Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Eurybia 

macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), Populus 
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tremuloides (quaking aspen), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Rubus parviflorus

(thimbleberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). This type is probably more extensive today than it was prior to European settlement. For 

example, in Wisconsin, over half of the northern mesic forests - the hemlock hardwood and sugar maple types - have been converted 

to this type since about 1850.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type includes stands dominated by a mixture of Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) and Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), with as little as 10% Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). Pure stands of Betula papyrifera (paper birch) (>90%) are 

classified as a pure Betula (birch) type, Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (CEGL002464).

Global Similar Associations:

• Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (CEGL002464)--This is a pure Betula papyrifera type over 

hardwood regeneration.

• Deschampsia caespitosa - (Sporobolus heterolepis, Schizachyrium scoparium) - Carex crawei - Packera paupercula Herbaceous 

Vegetation (CEGL005110)--This is an aspen-birch type that lacks a diverse hardwood or a conifer understory.

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest (CEGL002467)

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest (CEGL002466)

Global Related Concepts:

• Baltimore Flats (Alban et al. 1991) F

• CNE mesic hardwood forest on acidic bedrock/till (Rawinski 1984) B

• Mesic Northern Forest - Hemlock-Sugar Maple (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Paper Birch - Sugar Maple - Yellow Birch (Hansen et al. 1973) =

• Pike Bay (Alban et al. 1991) F

• Sugar Maple-White Birch-Red Maple-Fly Honeysuckle-Beaked Hazel (V13) (Chambers et al. 1997) ?

• Sugar Maple-White Birch-Trembling Aspen-Red Maple-Balsam Fir Shrub (V12) (Chambers et al. 1997) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This aspen - birch forest occurs on Basswood Island and near Little Sand Bay.

Global Range: This boreal aspen - birch forest type is found in the north-central United States and southern Canada on a variety of 

mesic upland locations, ranging from Minnesota and Ontario east to Michigan.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S4?, ON, QC:S4S5, WI:S5

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CPP, 212Hb:CPP, 212He:CPP, 212Hh:CPP, 212Hi:CPP, 212Hj:CPP, 212Hk:CPP, 212Hm:CPP, 

212Hn:CPP, 212Ho:CPP, 212Hq:CPP, 212Hr:CPP, 212Hs:CPP, 212Ht:CPP, 212Hv:CPP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCP, 212Ja:CPP, 

212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Je:CPP, 212Jf:CPP, 212Jj:CPP, 212Jk:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 

212Ka:CPP, 212Lb:C??, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Saint Croix); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Huron, 

Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 plots): APIS.306, APIS.324, APIS.325.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FAM

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Alban et al. 1991, Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Hansen et al. 1973, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Rawinski 1984, WNHIP unpubl. data

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest

Quercus rubra - Acer saccharum - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple - (Yellow Birch) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002461

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)
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Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest (CES201.563)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This red oak - hardwood forest is found in the sub-boreal/mixed hardwood-conifer region of the Great Lakes, in 

both the United States and Canada. Stands are found on dry to mesic ridgetops and upper to midslopes, occasionally with bedrock 

outcrops, and on glacial outwash. Soils are moderately shallow (30-60 cm) to deep, varying from fine sands to loams and clay loams. 

Dominant species in the tree canopy include Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), and Acer rubrum (red 

maple). Associates include Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), and in the eastern part of its range, Fagus grandifolia

(American beech), Fraxinus americana (white ash), and Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam). Subcanopy species typically include the 

maples. Shrubs include Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny serviceberry), Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked 

hazelnut), Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), and Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle). Herbs include Aralia 

nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) (creeping semi-shrub), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's 

seal), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern). Diagnostic species include Quercus rubra (northern red oak) along with ground 

layer species typical of the mixed hardwood-conifer region.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This red oak - sugar maple forest was sampled at six locations in the park: 

Basswood Island (2 sites), Oak Island (1), and Stockton Island (3). Sites range from gentle to moderate mid- to upper slope ridges and 

moraines of glacial till with northern, southern, and southeastern aspects reported. Recorded elevations range from 180 to 260 m (586-

854 feet). Soils include moderately well- and well-drained loam, loamy sand, sandy loam and sand. The unvegetated surface is 

dominated by leaf litter (80-100% cover) with some wood (0-20%). Evidence of disturbance includes faint trails and downed wood.

Global Environment: Stands are found on glacial till (end and ground moraines), mesic portions of glacial outwash and glacial 

lakebeds, and, farther north, on dry to mesic ridgetops and upper to midslopes, occasionally with bedrock outcrops. Soils are

moderately shallow (30-60 cm) to deep, varying from fine sands to loams and clay loams (Nowacki et al. 1990, Chambers et al. 1997). 

Site characteristics are well-described in central Ontario by Chambers et al. (1997) (ecosites 23.1 and 23.2).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate to very dense (60-90% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is 

dominated by Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Quercus rubra (northern red oak); additional canopy species include Acer rubrum

(red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The sparse to moderate (30-50%) 

subcanopy (15-20 m) is made up of canopy species and may include Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock). The very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) may include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Amelanchier (serviceberry) sp., Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), and Sorbus decora (northern 

mountain-ash). The sparse (5-20%) short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m) includes tall-shrub species as well as Lonicera canadensis (American 

fly honeysuckle). The variable herbaceous layer (5-60%) includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Carex arctata (drooping 

woodland sedge), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Moneses uniflora (single delight), Monotropa uniflora (Indianpipe), Pteridium 

aquilinum (western brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus (twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower).

Global Vegetation: The canopy is dominated by deciduous trees. Dominant species in the canopy include Quercus rubra (northern 

red oak), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), and Acer rubrum (red maple). Associates include Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Betula 

alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Populus grandidentata

(bigtooth aspen), and in the eastern part of its range, Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Fraxinus americana (white ash), and 

Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam). Subcanopy species typically include the maples. Shrubs include Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny 

serviceberry), Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), and Lonicera canadensis (American fly 

honeysuckle). Herbs include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Dryopteris carthusiana

(spinulose woodfern), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) (creeping semi-shrub), 

Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern). Diagnostic species include Quercus 

rubra (northern red oak) with ground layer species typical of the mixed hardwood/conifer region (Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree (canopy & subcanopy) Broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer saccharum (sugar maple)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Dryopteris intermedia

(intermediate woodfern), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Maianthemum 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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canadense (Canada mayflower), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Streptopus lanceolatus var.

roseus (twistedstalk), Trientalis borealis (starflower)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (14-Aug-2009). This type often arises after logging or logging and fire, and may be as common, or 

more so, as it was prior to European settlement.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This association is similar to Quercus rubra - (Acer saccharum, Quercus alba) Forest (CEGL005017), which is 

more southerly and lacks northern trees such as Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) and possibly Betula papyrifera (paper birch). 

This association (CEGL002461) is found in Province 212 while CEGL005017 is limited to Province 222. See also Quercus rubra -

Acer saccharum - Fagus grandifolia / Viburnum acerifolium Forest (CEGL006173) in the East. Compare with Quercus rubra -

Quercus alba - (Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum) / Viburnum acerifolium Forest (CEGL002462), which is more dry. Because the type 

is thought to have originated through logging and burning of pine stands (at least in Minnesota), its composition is fairly generic. In 

the Manistee National Forest ecological land type classification, see ELTP 40, 42, 43 (Cleland et al. 1994).

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - Quercus rubra / Viburnum acerifolium Forest (CEGL006943)--is found in the 

northeastern United States.

• Acer saccharum - Fagus grandifolia - Betula spp. / Maianthemum canadense Forest (CEGL005004)

• Quercus rubra - (Acer saccharum, Quercus alba) Forest (CEGL005017)--is found south of CEGL002461 in Province 222.

• Quercus rubra - Acer saccharum - Fagus grandifolia / Viburnum acerifolium Forest (CEGL006173)--is found in the northeastern 

United States.

• Quercus rubra - Quercus alba - (Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum) / Viburnum acerifolium Forest (CEGL002462)

Global Related Concepts:

• Mesic Northern Forest - Beech-Sugar Maple-Yellow Birch (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

• Red Oak-Sugar Maple-Ironwood-Fly Honeysuckle (V6) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This red oak - sugar maple forest occurs on Basswood, Oak, and Stockton islands.

Global Range: This red oak-hardwood community is found in the sub-boreal/mixed hardwood-conifer region of the Great Lakes, in 

both the United States and Canada, ranging from northeastern Minnesota east to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S3, ON, QC:S4?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hc:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Jd:CCC, 212Jj:CCC, 212Jl:CC?, 212K:CC, 

212Lb:CCC, 212Na:C??, 212Nb:C??

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet?, 

Chequamegon?, Chippewa?, Huron-Manistee?, Huron?, Manistee?, Nicolet?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (6 plots): APIS.024, APIS.108, APIS.312, APIS.313, APIS.501, APIS.503.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FOM

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Cleland et al. 1994, Kost et al. 2007, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Nowacki et al. 1990, WNHIP unpubl. data

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest

Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest

Northern White-cedar / Balsam Fir - Mountain Maple Forest

Identifier: CEGL002449

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest (CES201.564)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This sub-boreal upland white-cedar forest occurs in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada, and occasionally eastward into northern New England. Stands are found on gentle wet-mesic slopes to very steep welldrained slopes, or in the eastern portion of the range on moderately well-drained flats. The predominant aspect is north to northeast. 

Soils are fine to moderately coarse-textured, usually calcareous, moderately deep to deep (50-100 cm), and often contain boulders at 

the surface. The overstory is dominated by coniferous trees, with or without a substantial deciduous component. Thuja occidentalis

(northern white-cedar) is the most abundant tree and may occur in pure stands. Other canopy species include Abies balsamea (balsam 

fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Picea mariana (black spruce), Populus 

tremuloides (quaking aspen), and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). There is usually an abundant shrub/sapling layer with saplings of 

Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) and Abies balsamea (balsam fir) along with Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple) and the 

shrubs Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera canadensis

(American fly honeysuckle), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash). Vaccinium 

angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) may be present on more acidic sites. The ground 

layer is typically diverse on mesic to wet-mesic stands and less so on drier stands. Wet-mesic stands can contain a hummock-andhollow topography, with a seasonally saturated hydrology. Typical species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia 

macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada 

mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Trillium undulatum (painted trillium), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses 

include Sanionia uncinata (sanionia moss), Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather moss), Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed 

plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), and 

Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss) and, in wetter phases of the type, Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This upland white-cedar - hardwood forest was sampled at 13 locations in the 

park: Sand Point on the mainland unit (4 sites), Bear Island (3), Devils Island (2), Raspberry Island (3), and Sand Island (1). Sites 

range from gentle midslopes of nearly any aspect to flat step-in-slopes and summits of moraines. Elevations range from 190 to 235 m 

(622-772 feet). Soils range from moderately well- to well-drained loam, silt loam, sandy loam, loamy sand, and sand. The unvegetated 

surface is dominated by leaf litter (70-97% cover) with some wood (3-30%) and bare soil (0-4%). Evidence of disturbance includes 

trails, wind damage (blowdowns and tip-up mounds), and possible past tree cutting.

Global Environment: This community is found on gentle wet-mesic slopes to very steep well-drained slopes (MNNHP 1993). The 

predominant aspect is north to northeast. Soils are moderately deep to deep (50-100 cm), calcareous, coarse- to fine-textured, and 

often contain boulders at the surface (Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate to dense (50-80% cover) tree canopy, 10-35 m tall, is dominated by 

Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar); additional canopy species in lesser amounts may 

include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), 

Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), and Tilia americana (American basswood). One stand has a moderate (40%) emergent 

canopy (35-50 m) of Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). The sparse to moderate (10-50%) subcanopy (5-20 m) is dominated by Acer 

spicatum (mountain maple) and may also include Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The very 

sparse to moderate (5-60%) tall-shrub layer (1-5 m) is dominated by Acer spicatum (mountain maple), and the very sparse to dense (5-

80%) short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m) is dominated by Taxus canadensis (Canada yew). Dominants in the very sparse to moderate 

herbaceous layer (5-60%) include Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Huperzia lucidula

(shining clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel), and Trientalis borealis

(starflower); a total of 41 taxa were recorded from 12 plots. Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) cover 5-10% of the ground 

surface.

Global Vegetation: The overstory is dominated by coniferous trees, with or without a substantial deciduous component. Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar) is the most abundant tree and may occur in pure stands. Usually there are other canopy species, 

especially Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Picea mariana (black spruce), 

Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). There is usually an abundant shrub/sapling layer with 

saplings of Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) and Abies balsamea (balsam fir) along with the shrubs Acer spicatum (mountain 

maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rubus 

pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash). The ground layer is typically diverse on mesic to wetmesic stands and less so on steep drier stands. Wet-mesic stands can contain a hummock-and-hollow topography, with a seasonally 

saturated hydrology. Typical species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia 

borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Dryopteris carthusiana

(spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked 

miterwort), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses include Sanionia uncinata (sanionia moss), Hylocomium splendens (splendid 

feather moss), Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium 

crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss) and, in wetter phases of the type, 

Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. (Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Chambers et al. 1997).
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree (canopy & subcanopy) Needle-leaved tree Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar)

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch)

Tree subcanopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Taxus canadensis (Canada yew)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow 

birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Huperzia 

lucidula (shining clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel), Taxus 

canadensis (Canada yew), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Trientalis borealis (starflower)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Galeopsis tetrahit (brittlestem hempnettle, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: This type has a wet-mesic phase that can be difficult to distinguish from cedar swamps, such as Thuja 

occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456). [See also Harris et al. (1996) who consider 

W32, a white-cedar swamp, to be equivalent to V21, a white-cedar upland type, of Sims et al. (1989).] Type is equivalent in concept 

to V21 of Sims et al. (1989) and V21 Chambers et al. (1997). In Wisconsin, stands of this type are best developed near the Great 

Lakes shore, but the type concept is still not clear. Those stands may still best go with either Thuja occidentalis - Betula alleghaniensis

Forest (CEGL002450) or Thuja occidentalis - (Betula alleghaniensis, Tsuga canadensis) Forest (CEGL002595).

Global Similar Associations:

• Thuja occidentalis - (Betula alleghaniensis, Tsuga canadensis) Forest (CEGL002595)

• Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456)

• Thuja occidentalis - Betula alleghaniensis Forest (CEGL002450)--This is the mixed conifer-hardwood equivalent

Global Related Concepts:

• Boreal Forest (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Cedar (inc. Mixedwood) / Mountain Maple Forest (V21) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Lowland lakeshore northern white cedar forest (NAP pers. comm. 1998) ?

• White Cedar Type (Grigal and Ohmann 1975) =

• White Cedar-Trembling Aspen-White Spruce-Twinflower (V21) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This upland white-cedar - hardwood forest occurs on Sand Point on the mainland unit, 

Bear Island, Devils Island, Raspberry Island, and Sand Island.

Global Range: This sub-boreal upland white-cedar forest type occurs in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada, east to upstate New York and northern New England.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, NH:S1, NY, ON, QC?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 47:C, 48:C, 63:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212He:CCC, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hl:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 

212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 

212Lc:CCC, 212Ld:CC?, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CC?, 212Oa:CCC, 212Ob:CCC, 212Pa:CCC, 222Na:CCC, 

M212Ae:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS 

(Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee?, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (13 plots): APIS.019, APIS.033, APIS.035, APIS.125, APIS.136, APIS.210, APIS.211, 

APIS.307, APIS.308, APIS.309, APIS.310, APIS.331, APIS.332.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FCC, FCM

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Edinger et al. 2002, Grigal and Ohmann 1975, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern 

Ecology Working Group n.d., NAP pers. comm. 1998, Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989, Sperduto 2000a, WNHIP unpubl. 

data

Hemlock Mesic Forest

Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest

Eastern Hemlock - (Yellow Birch) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002598

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) Hemlock Mesic Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest (CES201.563)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This mesic hemlock evergreen forest is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Stands

occur on deep, acidic soils that may be poorly drained. The overstory of this community is strongly dominated by Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock), typically around 25 m tall. Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) is often present in the canopy and subcanopy, but 

at less than 25% cover. Other species that are a minor component of the canopy include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum

(red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Tilia americana (American basswood), and Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The sapling layer may also contain Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Thuja occidentalis (northern 

white-cedar), especially in canopy gaps. Shrubs are rare and herbaceous species only moderately abundant under the dense evergreen 

canopy; however, where gaps occur, Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier

(serviceberry) spp., Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Rubus idaeus

(American red raspberry) may be moderately abundant. The herbaceous layer is poor under drier, more evergreen stands, and richer 

under more moist and somewhat deciduous stands. Herbaceous species found in this community include Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), 

Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Huperzia lucidula (shining clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), 

Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes

(twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). A sparse to dense moss layer includes Brachythecium reflexum (brachythecium 

moss), Callicladium haldanianum (callicladium moss), Dicranum flagellare (dicranum moss), Dicranum montanum (Montane 

Dicranum Moss), Mnium marginatum (olivegreen calcareous moss), Plagiothecium laetum (plagiothecium moss), Polytrichum 

commune (polytrichum moss), Ptilidium pulcherrimum, and Tetraphis pellucida (tetraphis moss).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This hemlock forest was sampled only once on the western end of Michigan 

Island. The site is a gently sloping bench at 193 m (633 feet) elevation. The soil is well-drained sand. The unvegetated surface is made 

up leaf litter (65% cover) and wood (35%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: This community is found on acidic soils that may be poorly drained. Coffman and Willis (1977) found this 

community on sandy loam and loams that averaged 115 cm deep and had a fragipan at 45-70 cm. This community may be found on 

shallow soils in the Huron Mountains of upper Michigan (P. Comer pers. comm. 1996).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (50% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is made up of Tsuga 

canadensis (eastern hemlock), the sparse (20%) subcanopy (10-15 m) of Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch). The sparse (10%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) includes saplings Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock). The very sparse (5%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) contains Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry) and Sorbus decora

(northern mountain-ash). The sparse herbaceous layer (10%) includes tree seedlings, along with Clintonia borealis (bluebead), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), Monotropa uniflora (Indianpipe), 

Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), and Ptilium crista-castrensis (knights plume moss). The ground surface has a dense cover 

(80%) of nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) mostly Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss).

Global Vegetation: The overstory of this community is strongly dominated by Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), typically around 

25 m tall (Martin 1959a). Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) is often present in the canopy and subcanopy, but at less than 25% 

cover. Other species that are a minor component of the canopy include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer 

saccharum (sugar maple), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Tilia americana (American basswood), and Thuja occidentalis (northern 

white-cedar). The sapling layer may also contain Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), 

especially in canopy gaps (Martin 1959a). Shrubs are rare and herbaceous species only moderately abundant under the dense 

evergreen canopy; however, where gaps occur, Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier

(serviceberry) spp., Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Rubus idaeus
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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(American red raspberry) may be moderately abundant. The herbaceous layer is poor under drier, more evergreen stands, and richer 

under more moist and somewhat deciduous stands. Herbaceous species found in this community include Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), 

Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Huperzia lucidula (shining clubmoss), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), 

Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower). A sparse to dense moss layer includes Brachythecium reflexum (brachythecium moss), Callicladium 

haldanianum (callicladium moss), Dicranum flagellare (dicranum moss), Dicranum montanum (Montane Dicranum Moss), Mnium 

marginatum (olivegreen calcareous moss), Plagiothecium laetum (plagiothecium moss), Polytrichum commune (polytrichum moss), 

Ptilidium pulcherrimum, and Tetraphis pellucida (tetraphis moss). Liverworts may include Bazzania trilobata and Jamesoniella 

autumnalis (Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)

Nonvascular Moss Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Maianthemum canadense (Canada 

mayflower), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Ptilium cristacastrensis (knights plume moss), Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (24-Oct-2002). This mesic hemlock evergreen forest has a moderately wide range, being found 

fairly commonly in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. It does not require particularly specific environmental 

factors, and there may be a large number of Element Occurrences. Under natural conditions many stands would be expected to be in a 

variety of old-growth conditions, but, at this time, the area occupied by such stands is a relatively small percentage of their former area 

(Frelich 1995).

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: This type varies from almost pure Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) to more of a mix with Betula 

alleghaniensis (yellow birch), but the deciduous component is generally less than 25% cover (see e.g., Chambers et al. 1997, Ecosite 

30.1 and 30.2). If hardwoods exceed 25%, the type is placed in Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest 

(CEGL005044), but logged stands, or remnants that occur in a matrix of secondary growth hardwoods, can be difficult to assign. 

Chambers et al. (1997) recognize a moist and a dry type in central Ontario. Those are treated as variants of the one type here. In 

Michigan this type is on the clay lakeplain in the western Upper Peninsula and in the Saginaw Bay Lakeplain. The data by Rogers 

(1980), who examined pure hemlock stands (many of them less than 2 ha in size) from Wisconsin to Nova Scotia, make clear that

there are few species strictly associated with a pure hemlock versus a mixed hemlock-hardwood type, and also indicate that some 

distinction between a Great Lakes versus northeastern United States/eastern Canada has some merit, as done for the mixed hemlockhardwood type (CEGL005044 versus Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) - Picea rubens / Cornus canadensis Forest 

(CEGL006129)). No pure evergreen hemlock type is currently recognized in the northeast because of its small patch size.

Global Similar Associations:

• Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest (CEGL005044)

Global Related Concepts:

• Tsuga-Coptis Association (Coffman and Willis 1977) =

• Tsuga Forest, Stands He1 and He2 (Martin 1959a) =

• CNE mesic conifer [transition] forest on acidic bedrock/till (Rawinski 1984) B

• Eastern Hemlock: 23 (Eyre 1980) B

• Hemlock - Yellow Birch: 24 (Eyre 1980) B

• Hemlock Forest (Thompson 1996) B

• Hemlock-Spinulose Wood Fern-Herb Poor (V19) (Chambers et al. 1997) F

• Hemlock-Yellow Birch-Goldthread-Wood Sorrel (V18) (Chambers et al. 1997) F

• Mesic Northern Forest - Hemlock-Yellow Birch (Chapman et al. 1989) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This hemlock forest was sampled on the western end of Michigan Island.

Global Range: This mesic hemlock evergreen forest is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, ranging from 

Wisconsin and Michigan to Ontario. Range extent is about 300,000 square km.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI:S3, ON, WI:S3S4

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C
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USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CC?, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hl:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 

212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 212Je:CCC, 212Jf:CCC, 212Jj:CCC, 212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 

212Js:CCC, 222Ja:CCC, 222Je:CCC, 222Ld:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chequamegon?, 

Hiawatha?, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.119.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FHC

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Coffman and Willis 1977, Comer pers. comm., Eyre 1980, Frelich 1995, 

Frelich and Lorimer 1991a, Martin 1959a, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Rawinski 1984, Rogers 1980, Thompson 1996, 

Thompson and Sorenson 2000, Tyrrell and Crow 1994, WNHIP unpubl. data

North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest

Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest

Eastern Hemlock - Sugar Maple - Yellow Birch Forest

Identifier: CEGL005044

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest (G163)

Association (Common name) North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest (CES201.563)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This hemlock - hardwoods forest is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. 

Sites are dry-mesic, typically coarse- to medium-textured ground and end moraines, but also silty/clayey lakeplains, thin glacial till 

over bedrock, and sand dunes. Soils are loamy sand to sandy loam, with moderately acidic soils. The tree canopy is dominated by a 

mix of evergreen and deciduous species. Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock) dominate the canopy. Canopy associates include Acer rubrum (red maple). Shrub cover is moderate to sparse, 

including species such as Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple) (eastward), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked 

hazelnut), Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa (red elderberry), and Viburnum lantanoides (hobblebush) (eastward). Typical herbs 

include Actaea pachypoda (white baneberry), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Carex arctata

(drooping woodland sedge), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant 

bedstraw), Lycopodium dendroideum (tree groundpine), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Medeola virginiana (Indian 

cucumber), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Osmorhiza claytonii (Clayton's sweetroot), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's 

seal), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), Trientalis borealis (starflower), Trillium erectum (red trillium), and Trillium 

grandiflorum (snow trillium). Mosses include Brachythecium reflexum (brachythecium moss), Callicladium haldanianum

(callicladium moss), Dicranum montanum (Montane Dicranum Moss), and Plagiothecium laetum (plagiothecium moss).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This hemlock - hardwoods community is one of the most common in the park 

and was sampled at 13 locations. These include Bear Island (2 sites), Oak Island (2), Outer Island (5), Sand Island (1), and Stockton 

Island (4). Sites are generally flat to gently sloping moraines and lakeplains. Elevations range from 193 to 326 m (633-1070 feet). 

Soils range from moderately well- to well-drained loam, silt loam, loamy sand, sandy loam and sand. The unvegetated surface is 

dominated by leaf litter (70-99% cover) with some wood (0-30%). Evidence of disturbance includes wind damage (blowdowns) and 

past quarrying activities at one site.

Global Environment: Sites are dry-mesic, typically coarse- to medium-textured ground and end moraines, but also silty/clayey 

lakeplains, thin glacial till over bedrock, and sand dunes. Soils are loamy sand to sandy loam, with moderately acidic soils.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate to dense (50-80% cover) tree canopy, 20-50 m tall, is dominated by 

Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), and may include lesser amounts of Acer rubrum (red 

maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Quercus rubra (northern 

red oak), and/or Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The very sparse to moderate (5-60%) subcanopy (10-20 m) is dominated 

by Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The very sparse to moderate (5-60%) tall-shrub 

layer (1-5 m) is made up of Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), and Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock), and the very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m) is dominated by Taxus canadensis

(Canada yew). The very sparse to moderate (5-70%) herbaceous layer includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Clintonia 

borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Huperzia lucidula (shining clubmoss), and Maianthemum 
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canadense (Canada mayflower). Nonvascular species (mosses), including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) and 

Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp., cover 5-40% of the ground surface. In addition, state-imperiled (S2) Goodyera oblongifolia (western 

rattlesnake plantain) and state-vulnerable (S3) Osmorhiza berteroi (sweetcicely) were recorded in the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: The tree canopy is dominated by a mix of evergreen and deciduous species. Acer saccharum (sugar maple), 

Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) dominate the canopy. Canopy associates include Acer 

rubrum (red maple). Shrub cover is moderate to sparse, including species such as Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple) (eastward), 

Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa (red elderberry), and 

Viburnum lantanoides (hobblebush) (eastward). Typical herbs include Actaea pachypoda (white baneberry), Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Carex arctata (drooping woodland sedge), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), 

Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Lycopodium dendroideum (tree groundpine), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Medeola virginiana (Indian cucumber), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Osmorhiza 

claytonii (Clayton's sweetroot), Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), Trientalis 

borealis (starflower), Trillium erectum (red trillium), and Trillium grandiflorum (snow trillium). Mosses include Brachythecium 

reflexum (brachythecium moss), Callicladium haldanianum (callicladium moss), Dicranum montanum (Montane Dicranum Moss), 

and Plagiothecium laetum (plagiothecium moss) (Curtis 1959, Chapman et al. 1989, Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree (canopy & subcanopy) Needle-leaved tree Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Taxus canadensis (Canada yew)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Betula alleghaniensis

(yellow birch), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pleurozium schreberi

(Schreber's big red stem moss), Taxus canadensis (Canada yew), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Goodyera oblongifolia (western rattlesnake plantain, state-imperiled, G5?), 

Osmorhiza berteroi (sweetcicely, state-vulnerable, G5); Exotic/Invasive: Sorbus aucuparia (european mountain-ash, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4? (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type is either west of the range of Fagus grandifolia (American beech), or within the range of Fagus (beech) 

may occupy drier, and perhaps somewhat less acidic, sites (Chambers et al. 1997). In Michigan this type is found mostly on 

till/bedrock in western Upper Peninsula. Going eastward in the United States and Canada, the presence of Picea rubens (red spruce) 

may be a good indicator as to when Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) - Picea rubens / Cornus canadensis Forest 

(CEGL006129) occurs. Other more eastern species include Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Viburnum lantanoides (hobblebush), 

and Trillium undulatum (painted trillium) (Rogers 1980). The data by Rogers (1980), who examined pure hemlock stands (many of 

them less than 2 ha in size) from Wisconsin to Nova Scotia, make clear that there are few species strictly associated with a pure 

hemlock versus a mixed hemlock-hardwood type, and also indicate that some distinction between a Great Lakes versus northeastern 

United States/eastern Canada has some merit.

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest (CEGL002458)

• Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) - Picea rubens / Cornus canadensis Forest (CEGL006129)--is found in the northeastern 

United States and contains Picea rubens.

• Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest (CEGL002598)

• Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum / (Hepatica nobilis var. acuta) Driftless Forest (CEGL002597)

• Tsuga canadensis - Fagus grandifolia - (Acer saccharum) Great Lakes Forest (CEGL005042)--appears to be more mesic, is more 

eastward and contains beech.

Global Related Concepts:

• Acer-Tsuga/Dryopteris (Kotar et al. 1988) F

• Acer-Tsuga/Maianthemum (Kotar et al. 1988) F

• Mesic Northern Forest - Hemlock-Beech (Chapman et al. 1989) =

• Sugar Maple-Hemlock-Yellow Birch-Striped Maple (V16) (Chambers et al. 1997) =
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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This hemlock - hardwoods is found on Bear, Oak, Outer, Sand, and Stockton islands.

Global Range: This hemlock-hardwoods community type is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada, ranging from Michigan and Wisconsin to Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI:S4, ON, WI:S3S4

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCC, 212Hb:CCC, 212He:CC?, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 

212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hw:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 212Je:CC?, 212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCP, 

212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCC, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCC, 212Js:CCC, 212Oa:CCC, 222Ja:CCC, 222Je:CCC, 222Jj:CCC, 

222Ka:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Hiawatha, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (13 plots): APIS.010, APIS.020, APIS.104, APIS.127, APIS.138, APIS.301, APIS.304, 

APIS.311, APIS.317, APIS.318, APIS.322, APIS.330, APIS.402.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FHM

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Curtis 1959, Frelich and Lorimer 1991a, Frelich and Lorimer 1991b, Frelich 

et al. 1993, Kotar et al. 1988, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Rogers 1980, Tyrrell and Crow 1994, WNHIP unpubl. data

G025. White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest

Jack Pine - (Red Pine) - Northern Pin Oak / Pennsylvania Sedge Forest

Identifier: CEGL002478

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian Pine-Oak Barrens (CES201.718)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This jack pine - oak forest community type is found near the western Great Lakes of the United States and Canada 

on well-drained, sandy, infertile soils. Sites are typically relatively flat and occur on outwash plains or glaciolacustrine beds. The 

overstory of this forest community has a moderately closed to closed canopy. Tree density can be very high (up to several hundred 

trees/ha). The dominant canopy species are Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak). In some stands 

these two species constitute nearly the entire canopy. Where other trees are present, they typically include Acer rubrum (red maple), 

Pinus resinosa (red pine), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The shrub layer is sparse to well-defined. Vaccinium 

angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) is very common, but Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Corylus americana (American hazelnut), 

Rosa (rose) spp., and Rubus (blackberry) spp. are other common constituents. Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry) is common in 

central Michigan and Wisconsin. The herbaceous layer contains species such as Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), Fragaria 

virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Lysimachia quadrifolia (whorled yellow loosestrife), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), 

Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the valley), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community is found on well-drained, sandy, infertile soils (Curtis 1959). Sites are typically relatively flat 

and occur on outwash plains or glaciolacustrine beds (MNNHP 1993).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) is very common, but Corylus americana (American hazelnut), 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Rosa (rose) spp., and Rubus (blackberry) spp. are other common constituents. Gaylussacia 

baccata (black huckleberry) is common in central Michigan and Wisconsin. The herbaceous layer contains species such as Carex 

pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Lysimachia quadrifolia (whorled yellow loosestrife), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the valley), and Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern) (Curtis 1959, MNNHP 1993).

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (3-Oct-1996). 
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak) and 

Quercus velutina (black oak) may also occur in this type. The distinction between this type and Pinus banksiana / (Quercus rubra, 

Quercus ellipsoidalis) Forest (CEGL002440) is that the latter is primarily found on bedrock, with oaks occurring primarily as grubs 

and only rarely are in the canopy. This type also overlaps with Pinus banksiana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's 

big red stem moss) Forest (CEGL002441), especially in Wisconsin, where timber management can cause a lot of variation in the 

proportion of oak and pine (E. Epstein pers. comm. 2000).

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana / (Quercus rubra, Quercus ellipsoidalis) Forest (CEGL002440)--This is a dry, pure evergreen jack pine type with 

some oak in the understory, found most typically on bedrock.

• Pinus banksiana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest (CEGL002441)--This is the pure evergreen jack pine type.

Global Related Concepts:

• Dry Northern Forest - Red Pine-Jack Pine (Oak) (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This community is found in northern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, ON, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hi:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hp:CCC, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 

212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CP?, 212Jc:CPP, 

212Jj:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 212Ka:CPP, 212Na:CCP, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 

222Ka:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, 

Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FJO

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Curtis 1959, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus resinosa - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest

Red Pine - Quaking Aspen / Northern Bush-honeysuckle - Blueberry species Forest

Identifier: CEGL002520

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest (CES201.719)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This red pine - hardwood mixed forest is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States and in 

central and possibly eastern Canada. Stands are found on well-drained upland sites on a variety of landforms. Soils are coarse sandy 

and shallow to deep. Stands contain a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, comprising mainly Pinus resinosa (red pine) as the 

conifer, with some Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir). Less frequent 

associates include Picea glauca (white spruce) and Picea mariana (black spruce). Hardwoods include Betula papyrifera (paper birch), 

Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The shrub and herb layers vary from dense to open. 

Tall and dwarf-shrubs include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera 

canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf 

huckleberry). Herbs include Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), 

Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), and Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower). Large patches of feathermoss can 

develop on the forest floor. Moss species include Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red 

stem moss).
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This red pine - hardwood mixed forest was sampled at four locations in the 

park: Long Island (1 site), Michigan Island (1), Oak Island (1), and Stockton Island (1). Sites occur on gentle to moderate midslopes 

and ridges with variable aspects. Soils are rapidly to well-drained sand. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (75-100% 

cover) with some wood (0-25%). Evidence of disturbance includes wind damage (blowdowns) and past fire.

Global Environment: Stands are found on well-drained upland sites on a variety of landforms. Soils are coarse sandy, and shallow to 

deep (Sims et al. 1989, McCarthy et al. 1994).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate to dense (50-80% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated by 

Pinus resinosa (red pine) and may include Acer rubrum (red maple), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and/or Quercus rubra

(northern red oak). The very sparse to moderate (5-40%) subcanopy (10-20 m) may include Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Quercus 

ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak). The sparse (10-20%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) may contain Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Corylus 

cornuta (beaked hazelnut), and the very sparse to moderate (5-40%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Gaylussacia baccata

(black huckleberry) and Taxus canadensis (Canada yew). Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) forms a very sparse (5%) 

dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). Dominant species in the variable herbaceous layer (5-60%) include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern). Nonvascular species (mosses), 

including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), may cover 5-10% of the ground surface. In addition, state-vulnerable 

(S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in one of the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: Stands contain a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, comprising mainly Pinus resinosa (red pine) as the 

conifer, with some Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir). Less frequent 

associates include Picea glauca (white spruce) and Picea mariana (black spruce). Hardwoods include Betula papyrifera (paper birch), 

Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The shrub and herb layer varies from dense to 

open. Tall and dwarf-shrubs include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera 

canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf 

huckleberry). Herbs include Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), 

Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), and Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower). Large patches of feathermoss can 

develop on the forest floor. Moss species include Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red 

stem moss) (Sims et al. 1989, McCarthy et al. 1994).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus resinosa (red pine)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus rubra (northern red oak)

Tree subcanopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pinus 

resinosa (red pine), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak), Quercus rubra (northern red 

oak), Taxus canadensis (Canada yew)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type overlaps floristically with Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443), the pure evergreen 

red pine forest, but is somewhat more diverse in the shrub and herb layers.

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443)

Global Related Concepts:

• Red Pine Mixedwood (V13) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Red Pine Mixedwood (V5) (McCarthy et al. 1994) =
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

Printed from Biotics on: 03 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

B-31

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This red pine - hardwood forest occurs on Long, Michigan, Oak, and Stockton islands.

Global Range: This red pine-hardwood mixed forest community type is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States 

and in central and possibly eastern Canada, ranging from Minnesota north and east to Manitoba, Ontario and possibly elsewhere in 

eastern Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB?, MI, MN, ON, QC, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCP, 212Lb:CCC, 212Ld:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (4 plots): APIS.009, APIS.025, APIS.116, APIS.227.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FRA

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Greenall 1996, McCarthy et al. 1994, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989

Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest

Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest

Red Pine / Blueberry species Forest

Identifier: CEGL002443

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest (CES201.719)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This upland red pine community is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States and in central and 

possibly eastern Canada. This community occurs on Precambrian bedrock, overlaid with medium deep, coarse sand or coarse loam 

soils. Moisture varies from dry to dry-mesic, and stands are on mid to upper gentle slopes. Stands contain a pine overstory and a 

poorly developed understory. Pinus resinosa (red pine) is the dominant overstory species (generally >80% cover). Pinus strobus

(eastern white pine) can be prominent in the canopy and is often numerous in the sapling and seedling classes. Other species include 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Picea mariana (black spruce), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Populus 

tremuloides (quaking aspen). Northern hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum (red maple) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch), sometimes 

form a subcanopy. The understory ranges from moderately herb- and shrub-rich to extremely poor. In the tall-shrub strata, the 

important species are Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp. and Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). The short-shrub layer includes Linnaea 

borealis (twinflower), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry), particularly where gaps in the canopy occur. The herb layer is very poorly represented in most 

parts of this community's range and includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses are abundant, especially Dicranum (dicranum moss) spp. (including Dicranum polysetum

(dicranum moss)) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss). Diagnostic features include the dominance of Pinus 

resinosa (red pine) and the ericaceous understory.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community occurs on Precambrian bedrock, overlaid with medium deep (>60 cm), coarse sand or coarse 

loam soils. Moisture varies from dry to dry-mesic, and stands are on mid to upper gentle slopes. The climate is highly variable, with 

temperature extremes between -46 and 38 degrees C, and with anywhere from 58-91 cm of precipitation.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: This community is characterized by a pine overstory and a poorly developed understory. Pinus resinosa (red 

pine) is present in the canopy at higher cover and basal area than other conifers (typically 80% or more). Pinus strobus (eastern white 

pine) can be common in the canopy. Mesic sites tend to include not only Pinus resinosa (red pine) in the canopy, but also Picea 

mariana (black spruce), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir), whereas on dry sites, Pinus banksiana (jack 

pine) is found (MNNHP 1993). Beneath the canopy, northern hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum (red maple) and Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), sometimes form a subcanopy. The understory ranges from moderately herb- and shrub-rich to extremely poor. In the tall 

shrub class, the important species are Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp. and Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). The short-shrub layer 

includes Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and 

Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry), particularly where gaps in the canopy occur (Ohmann and Ream 1971). The herb 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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layer is very poorly represented in most parts of this community's range and includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia 

macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pteridium 

aquilinum (western brackenfern), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses can have very high cover and typically include 

Dicranum (dicranum moss) spp. (including Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss)) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem 

moss). The average coverage of feathermoss is greater in the northwest region of Ontario than in the north-central region (Sims et al. 

1989).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus resinosa (red pine)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen tree Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry)

Nonvascular Moss Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Global: Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3 (6-Feb-2007). There are probably over 100 occurrences of this community rangewide. Currently there 

are 77 occurrences documented from Michigan (where it is ranked S3), Minnesota (S3), and Wisconsin (S3); it is also reported from

Manitoba (S3) and Ontario (S?). There are probably over 10,000 acres of this community rangewide. Currently 5545 acres have been 

documented from 45 occurrences in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Many sites have been degraded by logging, but there are

also many mature to old-growth stands remaining.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: Stands are dominated by Pinus resinosa (red pine), with at least 60% cover, and typically 80% or more. Stands 

can intergrade with white pine, and these mixed stands are placed with the white pine types, either White Pine-Mountain Maple Mesic 

Forest, Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002445), or White Pine/Blueberry Dry-mesic Forest, Pinus 

strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002444). Red pine stands in the central Great Lakes region, often on sandy outwash, are 

treated with more boreal stands as one type, since the ericaceous component is similar. It remains to be seen whether the central stands 

lack enough of the more common boreal elements of the northern stands to warrant a separate type. 

A survey of vegetation of the dunes of Lake Michigan in Manistee National Forest in Michigan (Hazlett 1986) found a community 

very similar to Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest. This pine forest would appear to belong with the Great Lakes Dune Pine 

Forest, Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest (CEGL002589). The described community was closely 

associated with bogs within the lake dunes. The forest canopy was dominated by Pinus resinosa (red pine) (75-100% cover), although 

on the drier ridges inclusions of Quercus velutina (black oak) and Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen) were common. Other trees 

that were found in the canopy included Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Quercus alba (white oak), and 

Quercus rubra (northern red oak). In the understory, species that were found in this community subtype, but not in the main 

community type, included Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry), Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), and Viburnum 

nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod). Many species of herbs were present, but no feathermosses were listed.

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002442)

• Pinus banksiana - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Prairie Forbs Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 

(CEGL002490)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Carex pensylvanica Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005124)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest (CEGL002589)

• Pinus resinosa - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002520)--is dominated by red pine and 

aspen and/or birch.

• Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002479)--is dominated by white pine and aspen.

• Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002445)

• Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002444)--pure white pine type on drier sites with blueberry/feathermoss understory 

that resembles red pine stands.

Global Related Concepts:

• Dry Northern Forest - Red Pine-Jack Pine (Oak) (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Red Pine (Ohmann and Ream 1971) =

• Red Pine Conifer (V27) (Sims et al. 1989) ?
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

Printed from Biotics on: 03 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

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• Red Pine-White Pine-Jack Pine-Blueberry-Feathermoss (V30) (Chambers et al. 1997) F

• Red Pine-White Pine-Jack Pine-Largetooth Aspen-White Pine Shrub-Wintergreen (V31) (Chambers et al. 1997) F

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This upland red pine community type is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States and in central and 

possibly eastern Canada, ranging from Minnesota and southwestern Manitoba east to Michigan, Ontario, and possibly further east.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S1, MI, MN:S3, ON, QC:S3?, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCC, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CC?, 212Hh:CCC, 212Hi:CCP, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CC?, 

212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 

212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCC, 212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCP, 212Jl:CCC, 

212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CC?, 212Ka:CCC, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCP, 212Lc:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 

212Nb:CCC, 212Nc:CCC, 222Mc:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, 

Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Hiawatha, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FRP

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: A. Szostak, mod. D. Faber-Langendoen 04-00

References: Ahlgren 1974, Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Farrand and Bell 1982, Frelich 1992, Greenall 1996, Grigal 

and Ohmann 1975, Hazlett 1986, Heinselman 1973, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Ohmann and Ream 

1971, Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest

Eastern White Pine - Quaking Aspen / Beaked Hazelnut Forest

Identifier: CEGL002479

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest (CES201.719)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This white pine - hardwood forest is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Stands are 

found on a variety of slope positions on deep (>60 cm), dry-mesic to mesic, rapidly drained soils, with fine sandy to loamy soil 

textures. The tree canopy is mixed evergreen-deciduous. Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) may form a supercanopy over a mixture of 

other species, including Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Abies 

balsamea (balsam fir). Less frequent are Pinus resinosa (red pine), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), and Thuja occidentalis

(northern white-cedar). The subcanopy can include Acer rubrum (red maple) and Acer saccharum (sugar maple), as well as a mixture 

of canopy species. Tall shrubs and saplings include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier

(serviceberry) spp. and Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). Short shrubs include Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), 

Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf 

huckleberry). Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) may be present in the eastern part of the range. Herbs include Aralia 

nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oryzopsis asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Typical mosses include 

Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Dicranum flagellare (dicranum 

moss).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This white pine - hardwood forest was sampled twice on Long Island. One site 

is a gently sloping ridge with well-drained sand soil, the other a gently sloping depression with moderately well-drained sand soil. The 

unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (70-75% cover) with some wood (10-20%) and bare soil (0-10%). Evidence of 

disturbance includes deer browse and windthrown trees.

Global Environment: Stands are found on a variety of slope positions on deep (>60 cm), dry-mesic to mesic, rapidly drained soils, 

with fine sandy to loamy soil textures (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Chambers et al. 1997).
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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (60-70% cover) tree canopy, 15-35 m tall, is dominated by Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine) and/or Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak); additional species may include Acer rubrum (red maple) 

and Pinus banksiana (jack pine). The very sparse (10-30%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) may instead be dominated by Pinus strobus

(eastern white pine), as in one of the sampled plots. The sparse (30-40%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Gaylussacia 

baccata (black huckleberry) and Juniperus communis (common juniper). Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) forms a very 

sparse (10%) dwarf-shrub layer. The very sparse (<5-10%) herbaceous layer includes small amounts of Cornus canadensis

(bunchberry dogwood), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) (state-vulnerable), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), 

Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp., Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum 

lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), and Trientalis borealis (starflower).

Global Vegetation: The tree canopy is mixed evergreen-deciduous. Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) may form a supercanopy over 

a mixture of other species, including Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Picea glauca (white 

spruce), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir). Less frequent are Pinus resinosa (red pine), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), and 

Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The subcanopy can include Acer rubrum (red maple) and Acer saccharum (sugar maple), as 

well as a mixture of canopy species. Tall shrubs and saplings include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., and Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). Short shrubs include Diervilla lonicera (northern bush 

honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), and Vaccinium myrtilloides

(velvetleaf huckleberry). Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) may be present in the eastern part of the range. Herbs include 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis

(bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Oryzopsis asperifolia (roughleaf ricegrass), Pteridium 

aquilinum (western brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Typical mosses include 

Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Dicranum flagellare (dicranum 

moss) (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak)

Tall shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Juniperus communis (common juniper)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), 

Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Pteridium 

aquilinum (western brackenfern), Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4? (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: In Wisconsin and Michigan this type can originate as a result of forestry management and natural examples may 

be rare. In Wisconsin, this type did apparently occur prior to European settlement, but was more variable than what is described here 

(E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999). An aspen-birch-white pine type has also been recognized by Grigal and Ohmann (1975) [see also 

Heinselman (1996)], which consists of two subtypes, stands currently with a white pine overstory, and stands formerly with white pine 

but currently dominated by aspen-birch because of past logging and fire. Thus this type may be a relatively trivial split between pure 

evergreen white pine forest and pure deciduous aspen-birch types.

Global Similar Associations:

• Picea glauca - Abies balsamea / Acer spicatum / Rubus pubescens Forest (CEGL002446)

• Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443)

• Pinus strobus - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus rubra Forest (CEGL002480)

• Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002445)--This is essentially the mainly evergreen equivalent.

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest (CEGL002467)

Global Related Concepts:

• Dry-Mesic Northern Forest - Red Pine-White Pine (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• White Birch-White Pine-Trembling Aspen-Beaked Hazel-Mountain Maple (V23) (Chambers et al. 1997) =
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• White Pine Mixedwood (Sims et al. 1989) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This white pine - hardwood forest is found on Long Island.

Global Range: This white pine - hardwood forest community type is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S3, ON, QC, WI:S4S5

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hk:CCP, 

212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCC, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 

212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CC?, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jk:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 

212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 212Lc:CCP, 212Ld:CCP, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 

212Nc:CPP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); 

USFS (Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee?, Ottawa, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.229, APIS.230.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FWA

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Grigal and Ohmann 1975, Heinselman 1996, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern 

Ecology Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data

White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest

Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest

Eastern White Pine / Mountain Maple - Beaked Hazelnut Forest

Identifier: CEGL002445

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest (CES201.719)

Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest (CES201.563)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This white pine forest type is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and in adjacent parts of 

Canada. Stands occur on moderately deep to deep (>60 cm) sandy or gravelly loam soil. The canopy is dominated by Pinus strobus

(eastern white pine), often mixed with Pinus resinosa (red pine). The lower layer of the canopy consists mainly of Abies balsamea

(balsam fir) trees and saplings. Other trees that may be found in this layer include Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The tallshrub/sapling layer is moderately to well-developed and consists of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), and, less frequently, Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp. The low-shrub layer is not well-developed 

and is dominated by Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Vaccinium myrtilloides

(velvetleaf huckleberry) and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry). The herb stratum is often sparse. Prevalent herbs include 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Polypodium virginianum (rock polypody), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern). Moss 

species include Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss). The forest floor is 

generally characterized by a deep layer of pine needle litter. Diagnostic features include dominance by Pinus strobus (eastern white 

pine), a well-developed tall-shrub layer with Acer spicatum (mountain maple) and Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), and a sparse 

herb layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This white pine forest was sampled three times in the park: twice near Little 

Sand Bay on the mainland and once on Bear Island. The mainland sites are on gentle to moderately sloping beach ridges; the Bear 

Island site is on a gentle northeast-facing lake terrace described as a "cuspate foreland" by Judziewicz (1993). Elevations range from 

140 to 186 m (459-610 feet). Soils are rapidly to well-drained loamy sand and sand. The unvegetated surface is made up almost 

entirely of leaf litter (85-95% cover) with some wood (3-5%) and bare sand (0-15%). Evidence of disturbance includes past fire and 

heavy deer browse.
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Global Environment: This community is found on Precambrian Shield bedrock, overlaid with sandy loam soils that are moderately 

well-drained and deep (>60 cm). In northeastern Minnesota it occurs on northeast- and south-facing slopes, that are moderate to steep 

(slope ranges between 4-45%) (Ohmann and Ream 1971). The climate is highly variable, with temperature extremes between -46.7 

degrees C and 38.7 degrees C and 58-91 cm precipitation.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (40-50% cover), tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated by Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Pinus resinosa (red pine), and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), the sparse to moderate (30-50%) 

subcanopy (5-20 m) by Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), and Betula papyrifera (paper birch) The sparse to 

moderate (20-60%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) is made up of subcanopy species and may include Acer saccharum (sugar maple). The 

sparse (5-30%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle) and may include lesser 

amounts of Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), Taxus canadensis (Canada yew), and 

Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) forms a moderate (50%) dwarf-shrub 

layer (<0.5 m) when present. The variable herbaceous layer (10-60%) is dominated by tree seedlings and Gaultheria procumbens

(eastern teaberry); other common species include Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Eurybia 

macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower). Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern) is a common fern. State-vulnerable (S3) Deschampsia 

flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in two of the sampled plots. Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) cover 5% of the ground 

surface.

Global Vegetation: This community is dominated by Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). It is often distinguished by a supercanopy of 

large, old Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and scattered Pinus resinosa (red pine). The lower layer of the canopy consists mainly of 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir) trees and saplings (Ohmann and Ream 1971). Other trees that may be found in this layer include Betula 

alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer 

spicatum (mountain maple), and other trees common to boreal forest landscapes. The tall-shrub layer is moderately to well-developed 

and consists of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), and, less 

frequently, Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp. (Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989). The low-shrub layer is not well-developed 

and dominated by Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf 

huckleberry), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry). The herb stratum is also not well-developed. The deep layer of 

undecomposed needles that formed the mor humus are not conducive to herb growth (Martin 1959a). Prevalent herbs include Aralia 

nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Polypodium virginianum (rock polypody), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern). Moss 

species include Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss) and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula papyrifera (paper birch)

Tree subcanopy Needle-leaved tree Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

Tall shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Acer saccharum (sugar maple)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry)

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

Tree subcanopy Needle-leaved tree Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer spicatum (mountain maple)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen tree Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle)

Short shrub/sapling Dwarf-shrub Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry)

Herb (field) Forb Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Carex stricta (upright sedge), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush 

honeysuckle), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Pteridium 

aquilinum (western brackenfern), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry)

Global: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5); Exotic/Invasive: 

Phleum pratense (timothy, exotic, Medium)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (22-Jun-1998). There are fewer than 100 occurrences of this community rangewide, but Ontario 

ranks are unknown. Currently there are 45 occurrences documented from Minnesota (where it is ranked S3), Michigan (S?), and 

Wisconsin (S?); it is also reported from Ontario (S?). There are probably fewer than 10,000 acres of this community rangewide. 

Currently 2075 acres have been documented from 32 occurrences in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Many stands are reported 

to be of post-fire origin; infrequent catastrophic fires may be important for maintenance of this community. Many, perhaps, most sites 

have been degraded by logging. Some sites may be disturbed by fire suppression, and they may be succeeding to other forest types.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: The type allows for Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)-dominated stands or mixed Pinus strobus (eastern white 

pine)-conifers, including Pinus resinosa (red pine). The type concept is not well-developed in Wisconsin, where it complexes with 

Pinus strobus - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus rubra Forest (CEGL002480). The limits of the type farther eastward, where it overlaps 

with Pinus strobus - Pinus resinosa / Cornus canadensis Forest (CEGL006253), are also not clear. In some stands Juniperus 

communis (common juniper) may be present.

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443)

• Pinus strobus - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus rubra Forest (CEGL002480)

• Pinus strobus - Pinus resinosa / Cornus canadensis Forest (CEGL006253)--northeastern U.S. version?

• Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002479)

• Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002444)

Global Related Concepts:

• White Pine (Ohmann and Ream 1971) =

• White Pine Conifer (V26) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• White Pine-Red Pine-Beaked Hazel-Bracken Fern-Bush Honeysuckle (V29) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This white pine forest occurs near Little Sand Bay on the mainland and on Bear Island.

Global Range: This white pine forest type is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and in adjacent parts of 

Canada, ranging from Minnesota and Ontario east to Wisconsin and Michigan. Its range extent is between 100,000 and 200,000 

square km.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI?, MN:S3, ON, QC, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ea:CCP, 212Eb:CCP, 212Ec:CCC, 212Ha:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 

212Je:CCC, 212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Ka:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 212Lc:CCC, 212Ld:CC?, 212Ma:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 

212Nb:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Saint Croix, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chequamegon?, 

Nicolet, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 plots): APIS.036, APIS.100, APIS.140.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FWM

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Frelich 1992, Grigal and Ohmann 1975, Heinselman 1973, Judziewicz and Koch 1993, MNNHP 

1993, Martin 1959a, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest

Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest

Eastern White Pine / Blueberry species Forest

Identifier: CEGL002444

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest (CES201.719)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This dry white pine forest community is found near the western Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada and eastward into the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Stands occur on sandy soils within glaciated landscapes, 

such as moraines and till. It may be on flat to moderately sloping topography. Conifers dominate the overstory. Pinus strobus (eastern 

white pine) is the most abundant mature tree species, often found with small to substantial amounts of Pinus resinosa (red pine). 

Scattered Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) can be found as 

subcanopy or small canopy trees. The understory contains species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla

(bigleaf aster), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Vaccinium angustifolium

(lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). An inland dune ridge variant occurs in Michigan; the 

overstory contains Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and Pinus resinosa (red pine), the shrub layers contain Vaccinium angustifolium

(lowbush blueberry) and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern) is common in the 

understory.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This dry white pine forest was sampled at two locations in the park on the 

western end of Outer Island and on Stockton Island. The sites are flat to gently sloping with rapidly drained sand and well-drained 

loamy sand, respectively. The ground surface is made up of leaf litter (24-94% cover) with some wood (0-1%), bare sand (0-25%), 

dead plant stems (5%), and lichens (0-45%). Evidence of disturbance includes past fire.

Global Environment: This community is found on sandy soils. It occurs most often on glaciated landscapes, such as moraines and 

till, where sandy pockets occur, and may be on flat to moderately sloping topography (MNNHP 1993). It is also found on somewhat 

poorly drained sand and clay lakeplains. The inland dune variant occurs on dune ridges.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The sparse to moderate (20-50% cover) tree canopy, 15-35 m tall, is dominated by 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and may include lesser amounts of Picea mariana (black spruce) and Pinus resinosa (red pine). The 

sparse (20-30%) subcanopy (10-20 m) may include Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and Populus 

grandidentata (bigtooth aspen). The sparse (5-20%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) is also made up of saplings of the tree species. The sparse 

(0-20%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) may include Juniperus communis (common juniper) and Rosa acicularis (prickly rose). 

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Prunus pumila (sandcherry), Vaccinium 

angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry) form a sparse (5-20%) dwarf-shrub layer 

(<0.5 m). The sparse to moderate herbaceous layer (30-50%) includes Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Comandra umbellata (bastard 

toadflax), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) (state-vulnerable), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Linnaea borealis

(twinflower), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern) and Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern) are common ferns. State-vulnerable (S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in all three 

sampled plots. Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens), including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), cover 20-

60% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: Conifers dominate the overstory. Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) is the most abundant mature tree species, 

often found with small to substantial amounts of Pinus resinosa (red pine). Scattered Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) can be found as subcanopy or small canopy trees. The understory contains 

species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Maianthemum canadense (Canada 

mayflower), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. (MNNHP 1993). An inland dune ridge 

variant occurs in Michigan; the overstory contains Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and Pinus resinosa (red pine), the shrub layers 

contain Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), and Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern) is common in the understory (P. Comer pers. comm. 1996, D. Albert pers. comm. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Juniperus communis (common juniper), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem 

moss), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush 

blueberry), Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (22-Jun-1998). There are well over 100 occurrences rangewide, but the occurrences tend to be fairly 

small stands (under 100 acres) because of the somewhat restricted environmental requirements. Few old-growth remnants remain, but 

several are protected. This community may be dependent on occasional catastrophic fires (with a very long fire-return interval) to 

allow regeneration of pines instead of gradual succession to other forest types. Fire suppression, grazing, and logging in the last 100 

years have substantially reduced the acreage of this forest type.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: This type is similar to Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443). It occurs on droughty soils, 

influenced by adjacent moraines. The inland dune variant, found in Saginaw Bay and in Luce County (Two-hearted River), Upper 

Peninsula, could also be treated as a variant of the Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest, Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus

Dune Forest (CEGL002589).

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Prairie Forbs Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 

(CEGL002490)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest (CEGL002589)--This is a pine forest on Great Lakes dunes.

• Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443)

• Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002445)

Global Related Concepts:

• Dry-Mesic Northern Forest - Red Pine-White Pine (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Northern Dry Forest (Curtis 1959) B

• SNE Dry oak/pine forest on sandy / gravelly soils (Rawinski 1984) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This dry white pine forest occurs on Outer Island and Stockton Island.

Global Range: This dry white pine forest community is found in the western Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. It

ranges from northern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario east possibly into Quebec. Its range extent is close to 200,000 square km.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S2, ON, QC, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCC, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCC, 

212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCC, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCC, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 

212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCP, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jr:CCC, 212Ka:CCP, 212Kb:CCC, 

212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 222Ma:CCC, 222Mc:CCC, M212:P

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, 

Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee?, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.328, APIS.703.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FWP

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Albert pers. comm., Chapman et al. 1989, Comer pers. comm., Curtis 1959, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Rawinski 1984, WNHIP unpubl. data

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

Quercus ellipsoidalis - (Quercus macrocarpa) Forest

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002077

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest (MG014)

Group White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland (G025)

Association (Common name) Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian Pine-Oak Barrens (CES201.718)

North-Central Interior Dry Oak Forest and Woodland (CES202.047)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This northern pin oak - bur oak forest community is found in the upper midwestern United States. Stands are 

found on sandy, well-drained to excessively well-drained soils. These develop from glacial outwash, glaciofluvial deposits, or alluvial 
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sediments. The soils are relatively infertile and acidic. The tree canopy is moderately closed. In Minnesota, it is typically 70-80%. The 

more open stands tend to have well-developed shrub layers while closed-canopy stands have fewer shrubs. Some stands, especially 

those in which fire has been excluded for long periods, can have tree densities up to several hundred trees per hectare. Quercus 

ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak) is the dominant tree species and makes up the great majority of the canopy in most stands. Other 

common tree species include Pinus banksiana (jack pine) (especially in Wisconsin), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and 

sometimes Acer rubrum (red maple), Quercus alba (white oak), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Quercus velutina (black oak), 

Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak), and Prunus serotina (black cherry). Shrubs such as Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood), Corylus 

cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Juniperus communis (common juniper), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. are typical. The ground layer 

contains species such as Amphicarpaea bracteata (American hogpeanut), Asteraceae spp., Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), 

Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium), Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the valley), and Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: Stands are found on sandy, well-drained to excessively well-drained soils. These develop from glacial 

outwash, glaciofluvial deposits, or alluvial sediments. The soils are relatively infertile and acidic (Eyre 1980). Stands can be found on 

flat to moderately sloping sites.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: The tree canopy is moderately closed, with typically 70-80% cover (MNNHP 1993). The more open stands tend 

to have well-developed shrub layers while closed-canopy stands have fewer shrubs. Some stands, especially those in which fire has 

been excluded for long periods, can have tree densities up to several hundred trees per hectare (Curtis 1959). Quercus ellipsoidalis

(northern pin oak) is the dominant tree species and comprises the great majority of the canopy in most stands. Other common tree 

species include Pinus banksiana (jack pine) (especially in Wisconsin), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and sometimes Acer 

rubrum (red maple), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak), Quercus velutina (black oak), and Prunus 

serotina (black cherry). Shrubs such as Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Juniperus communis

(common juniper), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. are typical. The ground layer contains species such as Amphicarpaea bracteata

(American hogpeanut), Asteraceae spp., Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium), 

Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the valley), and Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern).

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4? (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Stands of this community typically contain at least 50% cover or basal area of Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin 

oak). Stands in this association may be similar to stands in the Quercus velutina - Quercus alba - (Quercus coccinea) Forest Alliance 

(A.1911). The type concept in Minnesota was developed by H. Dunevitz (pers. comm. 2000), who considers this type to be absent in 

subsections 222Lc and 222Lf, where soils are finer, loess-derived and more likely to retain moisture. Stands on drier slopes in these 

subsections are more likely to resemble dry-mesic stands that are classified as white oak - red oak forests, Quercus alba - Quercus 

rubra - Carya ovata Glaciated Forest (CEGL002068).

Global Similar Associations:

• Quercus alba - Quercus macrocarpa - Quercus rubra / Corylus americana Woodland (CEGL002142)

• Quercus velutina / Carex pensylvanica Forest (CEGL002078)--is dominated by Quercus velutina. In Wisconsin, these two species 

hybridize and traditionally Quercus velutina is treated as occurring south of the tension zone and Quercus ellipsoidalis north of it. 

However, this type has also been reported in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.

Global Related Concepts:

• Northern Pin Oak: 14 (Eyre 1980) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This community, found in the upper midwestern United States, ranging from the northern parts of Indiana, Illinois, 

and Iowa, north to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and possibly Michigan.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: IA:SU, IN?, MI?, MN, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CPP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jj:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Ka:CCP, 212Kb:CCC, 212Na:CCP, 

212Nb:CC?, 212Nc:CCC, 222Lc:C??, 222Lf:C??, 222Ma:CCC, 222Mc:CCC, 222Md:CCC, 251Ba:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Saint Croix); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Nicolet, Ottawa?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FPO

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen
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References: Curtis 1959, Eyre 1980, INAI unpubl. data, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data

MG159. Northern Pine - Oak Woodland & Barrens

G160. Great Lakes Pine Barrens 

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest

Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest

Jack Pine - Red Pine - Eastern White Pine Dune Forest

Identifier: CEGL002589

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest (1.C.2.a)

Macrogroup Northern Pine - Oak Woodland & Barrens (MG159)

Group Great Lakes Pine Barrens (G160)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Dune (CES201.026)

Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This pine dune forest is found on dune systems on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the United 

States and Canada. The canopy is more-or-less closed and is dominated by Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine), and 

Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). This type has not been well-described, and further characterization is needed.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This pine dune forest was sampled once in the park on the western end of Long 

Island. The site is on a south-facing gently sloping stabilized dune at 195 m (637 feet) elevation. The soil is rapidly drained sand. The 

unvegetated surface is made up of lichens (50% cover), sand (30%), and leaf litter (20%). No budworm damage was noted.

Global Environment: Stands are found on dune systems along Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The sparse (20% cover), relatively stunted (5-10 m tall) tree canopy is dominated 

by Pinus banksiana (jack pine), as is the sparse (5%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m). The moderate (40%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is 

dominated by Juniperus communis (common juniper) with lesser amounts of Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry) and Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus), Hudsonia tomentosa

(woolly beach-heather), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) form a moderate (40%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The 

sparse herbaceous layer (5%) includes Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower). State-vulnerable (S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in the sampled plot. 

Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) cover 20% of the ground 

surface.

Global Vegetation: The canopy is more-or-less closed and is dominated by Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine), 

and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). This type has not been well-described, and further characterization is needed.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus banksiana (jack pine)

Tall shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Pinus banksiana (jack pine)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Juniperus communis (common juniper)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Epigaea 

repens (trailing arbutus), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry), Hudsonia tomentosa

(woolly beach-heather), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare

(narrowleaf cowwheat), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Quercus rubra (northern 

red oak), Trientalis borealis (starflower), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf 

huckleberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)
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CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3Q (24-Oct-2002). This type is found within the coastal areas of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake 

Huron where it is a component of a complex dune-and-swale system found along the lakeplains. It is primarily restricted to drier, 

sandy soils on dune tops or ridges. It is listed for the United States, but currently not attributed to Canada. More information on the 

status of this type is needed.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: Type is not described in Ontario by Lee et al. (1998). Its extent in the United States may be limited, and a review 

of its concept is needed. Perhaps this type can be combined with Great Lakes Pine Barrens, Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus 

strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005125), or can be dissolved into the respective Pinus 

banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine) or Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) inland forests on sand. Type (whether as forest 

or barrens) has been eliminated in Illinois.

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005125)--This 

is the open Great Lakes pine barrens type.

• Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002443)

• Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest (CEGL002444)

Global Related Concepts:

• Great Lakes Barren (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This pine dune forest was sampled on the western end of Long Island.

Global Range: This pine dune forest type is found on dune systems on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the United 

States and possibly in Canada, ranging from Wisconsin and Michigan to Ontario, and, at least historically, in Indiana and Illinois.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IL, IN, MI, ON, QC:S3?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CC?, 212Hb:CC?, 212He:CCC, 212Hh:CC?, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CC?, 

212Hl:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CC?, 212Jn:CC?, 212Jr:CCC, 212Oa:CCC, 

222Jj:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Indiana Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee, 

Huron?, Manistee)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.222.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FPD

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Bakowsky and Lee 1996, Chapman et al. 1989, Farrand and Bell 1982, Lee et al. 1998, Midwestern Ecology Working 

Group n.d.

1.C.3. Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest

1.C.3.a. Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest

MG030. Northern & Central Swamp Forest

G046. Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest

Acer rubrum - Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest

Red Maple - Ash species - Paper Birch / Bunchberry Dogwood Forest

Identifier: CEGL002071

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Swamp Forest (MG030)

Group Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp (G046)

Association (Common name) Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)
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ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This red maple swamp forest type is found in the northern parts of the Great Lakes region of the United States and 

in adjacent Canada. Stands are typically found on muck and shallow peat on lakeplains and floodplains. The canopy structure is 

variable, with cover ranging from open (25-60%) to closed (60-100%). Common canopy dominants include Acer rubrum (red maple), 

Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), 

and occasional Larix laricina (tamarack), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and Ulmus americana (American elm) (at least 

historically). Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) may form a patchy supercanopy above the hardwood canopy. Common shrubs include 

Alnus incana (gray alder). Toxicodendron vernix (poison-sumac) may be common in parts of the range. Other associates include Ilex 

verticillata (common winterberry), Ribes (currant) spp., and Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus (grayleaf red raspberry). The herbaceous 

layer contains Carex stipata (owlfruit sedge), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Onoclea sensibilis

(sensitive fern), Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern), Saxifraga pensylvanica (eastern 

swamp saxifrage), and others. A seepage swamp subtype can occur where steep sandy slopes and gravelly slopes merge with a river or 

stream terrace. The ground layer can be exceptionally diverse, with characteristic seepage species including Angelica atropurpurea

(purplestem angelica), Carex bromoides (bromelike sedge), Hydrocotyle americana (American marshpennywort), Poa paludigena

(bog bluegrass), Saxifraga pensylvanica (eastern swamp saxifrage), and Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: Stands are typically found on muck and shallow peat on lakeplains and floodplains (MNNHP 1993).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: The canopy structure is variable, with cover ranging from open (25-60%) to closed (60-100%). Common canopy 

dominants include Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Fraxinus nigra

(black ash), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), and occasional Larix laricina (tamarack), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and 

Ulmus americana (American elm) (at least historically). Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) may form a patchy supercanopy above the 

hardwood canopy. Common shrubs include Alnus incana (gray alder), and Toxicodendron vernix (poison-sumac) may be common in 

parts of the range. Other associates include Ilex verticillata (common winterberry), Ribes (currant) spp., and Rubus idaeus ssp.

strigosus (grayleaf red raspberry). The herbaceous layer contains Carex stipata (owlfruit sedge), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), 

Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), Osmunda claytoniana

(interrupted fern), Saxifraga pensylvanica (eastern swamp saxifrage), and others (MNNHP 1993, Wovcha et al. 1995). A seepage 

swamp subtype can occur where steep sandy slopes and gravelly slopes merge with a river or stream terrace. The ground layer can be 

exceptionally diverse, with characteristic seepage species including Angelica atropurpurea (purplestem angelica), Carex bromoides

(bromelike sedge), Hydrocotyle americana (American marshpennywort), Poa paludigena (bog bluegrass), Saxifraga pensylvanica

(eastern swamp saxifrage), and Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage) (MNNHP 1993, Wovcha et al. 1995).

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Vulnerable: Dryopteris crinalis (serpent woodfern, G3), Poa paludigena (bog bluegrass, G3), Rubus hispidoides (bog 

dewberry, globally imperiled, G2?Q)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4 (3-Oct-1996). In Wisconsin, where the type is ranked S2, few high-quality occurrences have been 

documented (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Hydrology of this type may be a combination of seasonally flooded and saturated. This type can arise as a result 

of logging cedar swamps, or where hydrology has been altered (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999). Fraxinus nigra (black ash) is less than 

50% of the cover; if greater, then see the Fraxinus nigra (black ash) type (CEGL002105). If Larix laricina (tamarack) is at least 25% 

of the canopy, then see Larix laricina - Acer rubrum / (Rhamnus alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry)) Forest 

(CEGL005232) or Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002471).

Global Similar Associations:

• Fraxinus nigra - Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest (CEGL002105)--This type is dominated by 

Fraxinus nigra and is more northern in distribution.

• Larix laricina - Acer rubrum / (Rhamnus alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum) Forest (CEGL005232)--This type contains significant 

Larix laricina (generally at least 25%, and more typically over 50% cover) and Acer rubrum (at least 25%). May overlap in 

concept.

• Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002471)--This type is a rich swamp, with Larix laricina as the dominant (generally 

>50% cover).

• Symplocarpus foetidus Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002385)

Global Related Concepts:

• Southern Swamp (Chapman et al. 1989) B
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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This red maple swamp forest type is found in the northern parts of the Great Lake states region of the United States 

and in adjacent Canada, ranging from Minnesota east to Michigan and Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, ON, QC, WI:S2?

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 45:P, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212He:CCP, 212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCP, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 

212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 212Hv:CCC, 212Hw:CCP, 212Hx:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 

212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CPP, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CCP, 212Nb:CCP, 

212Nc:CCC, 222Jc:CCC, 222Jg:CCC, 222Mc:CCC, 222Md:CCC, 222Na:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet?, 

Chequamegon?, Chippewa, Huron-Manistee, Huron?, Manistee, Nicolet?, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FRM

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Epstein pers. comm., MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data, Wovcha et al. 1995

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp

Fraxinus nigra - Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Red-osier Dogwood / Sedge species Forest

Identifier: CEGL002105

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Swamp Forest (MG030)

Group Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp (G046)

Association (Common name) Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)

Eastern Boreal Floodplain (CES103.588)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This black ash - hardwood swamp forest is found widely in the northern midwestern region of the United States 

and into the boreal region of central Canada. Sites are found on well-decomposed woody peat or fine mineral soil. The type is found 

where perched wet pockets occur on fine sandy, clay loamy to fine loamy soils in valleys with impeded drainage or near shores. 

Hydrology can vary from seasonally flooded to saturated. Conditions are often transitional to uplands. Canopy structure is variable, 

ranging from 30-90% cover. The canopy is dominated by Fraxinus nigra (black ash) (at least 50% cover), with a diverse mix of 

hardwoods and conifers in the main and subcanopies, including Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Picea glauca (white spruce), 

Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Tilia 

americana (American basswood), and Ulmus americana (American elm). Shrub and sapling species include Abies balsamea (balsam 

fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Lonicera canadensis

(American fly honeysuckle), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Ribes triste (red currant), Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry), and 

Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). Herbaceous species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla

(bigleaf aster), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Carex gracillima (graceful sedge), Carex intumescens (greater bladder 

sedge), Cinna latifolia (drooping woodreed), Circaea alpina (small enchanter's nightshade), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris 

carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Equisetum sylvaticum (woodland horsetail), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), 

Thalictrum pubescens (king-of-the-meadow), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses include Climacium dendroides (tree 

climacium moss), Plagiomnium (plagiomnium moss) spp. A floodplain variant may also occur, with more hardwood dominance, with 

wetter species present, such as Alnus incana (gray alder), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), and Caltha palustris (yellow marshmarigold). Diagnostic features include the dominance by Fraxinus nigra (black ash).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This black ash - hardwood swamp forest was sampled once on Sand Island. The 

site is a seasonally (spring) flooded, flat step-in-slope of a moraine at 200 m (661 feet) elevation. The soil is a moderately well-drained 

sandy loam. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (30% cover), wood (30%) and bare soil (40%). No evidence of 

disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: Sites are found on well-decomposed woody peat or fine mineral soil. The type is found where perched wet 

pockets occur on fine sandy, clay loamy to fine loamy soils in valleys with impeded drainage or near shores. Hydrology can vary from 
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seasonally flooded to saturated. Conditions are often transitional to uplands (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Cleland et al. 1994, 

Chambers et al. 1997).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (40% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is comprised of Abies 

balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The moderate (60%) subcanopy 

(10-15 m) is dominated by Fraxinus nigra (black ash). The moderate (40%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) includes Acer spicatum (mountain 

maple), Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), and Viburnum 

opulus var. americanum (American cranberrybush). The sparse (10%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) includes Lonicera canadensis

(American fly honeysuckle) and Rubus (blackberry) sp. The moderate herbaceous layer (60%) is dominated by Calamagrostis 

canadensis (bluejoint) and includes Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Carex intumescens (greater bladder sedge), Dryopteris 

carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Epilobium ciliatum (fringed willowherb), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), Glyceria striata

(fowl mannagrass), and Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), among others. Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) cover 30% of the 

ground surface.

Global Vegetation: Canopy structure is variable, ranging from 30-90% cover. The canopy is dominated by Fraxinus nigra (black ash) 

(at least 50% cover), with a diverse mix of hardwoods and conifers in the main and sub canopies, including Abies balsamea (balsam 

fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green 

ash), Picea glauca (white spruce), Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Thuja occidentalis

(northern white-cedar), Tilia americana (American basswood), and Ulmus americana (American elm). Shrub and sapling species 

include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Corylus cornuta (beaked 

hazelnut), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Ribes triste (red currant), Rubus idaeus

(American red raspberry), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). Herbaceous species include Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Carex gracillima (graceful sedge), Carex 

intumescens (greater bladder sedge), Cinna latifolia (drooping woodreed), Circaea alpina (small enchanter's nightshade), Clintonia 

borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Equisetum sylvaticum (woodland horsetail), Fragaria virginiana

(Virginia strawberry), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Streptopus lanceolatus

(twistedstalk), Thalictrum pubescens (king-of-the-meadow), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses include Climacium 

dendroides (tree climacium moss), Plagiomnium (plagiomnium moss) spp. (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Cleland et al. 1994, 

Harris et al. 1996, Chambers et al. 1997). A floodplain variant may also occur, with more hardwood dominance, with wetter species 

present, such as Alnus incana (gray alder), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), and Caltha palustris (yellow marsh-marigold) 

(Harris et al. 1996). Diagnostic features include the dominance by Fraxinus nigra (black ash).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen)

Tree subcanopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Fraxinus nigra (black ash)

Herb (field) Graminoid Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex intumescens (greater bladder sedge), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Fraxinus 

nigra (black ash), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type description is essentially boreal to sub-boreal in content, emphasizing the northern/western part of the 

range. Southern/eastern stands may differ and may warrant a separate type. For examples, see the description in Michigan provided by 

the Manistee National Forest FEC, ELTP 74 (Cleland et al. 1994), which lists Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel), Salix

(willow) spp. Viburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum), and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) in the shrub layer; and 

descriptions from central Minnesota (MNNHP 1993, Wovcha et al. 1995), which include virtually no conifers, lack a number of 

boreal species, and include others, such as the shrubs Ilex verticillata (common winterberry) and Toxicodendron vernix (poisonsumac), and the herbs Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), 

Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), and Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern). A seepage variant has also been described in 

Minnesota, containing Carex bromoides (bromelike sedge) and Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage). This seepage variant may 

resemble the riparian variant described in northern Ontario (MNNHP 1993, Harris et al. 1996 -W34). Finally, in Wisconsin stands 

have been described with a tree layer of Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Tilia americana (American basswood), Picea glauca (white 

spruce), a ground layer dominated by Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern) and Laportea canadensis (Canadian woodnettle), and a 

diverse mix of spring ephemerals that are more typical of southern Wisconsin (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).
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Global Similar Associations:

• Acer rubrum - Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest (CEGL002071)

• Symplocarpus foetidus Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002385)

Global Related Concepts:

• Black Ash Hardwood and Mixedwood (V2) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Black Ash-Hardwoods-Herb Rich (V7) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

• ELTP 74 - Black ash-basswood-Viola plant association (Cleland et al. 1994) =

• Hardwood swamp: black ash (other hardwood): riparian (W34) (Harris et al. 1996) F

• Hardwood swamp: black ash (other hardwood): upland transition (W33) (Harris et al. 1996) F

• Northern Swamp (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This black ash - hardwood swamp forest was sampled on Sand Island.

Global Range: This black ash - hardwood swamp forest type is found widely in the northern midwestern region of the United States 

and into the boreal region of central Canada, ranging from northern Indiana and northern Illinois northward to Ontario and Manitoba.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IL, IN, MB:S2, MI, MN, ND:S3, ON, QC:S4?, WI:S3, WY

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 36:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212Hd:CCC, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 

212Hk:CCP, 212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCC, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 

212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCC, 212Jd:CCC, 212Je:CCP, 

212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCP, 212Jk:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCP, 212Ka:CCC, 212Kb:CCC, 

212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 212Oa:CCC, 222Ke:CCC, 222Kf:CCC, 

222Kg:CCC, 222Lc:CCC, 222Ld:CCC, 222Lf:CCC, 222Mc:CCC, 222Md:CCC, 222Na:CCC, 251Aa:CCC, 251Dc:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); 

USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.131.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FBA

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Cleland et al. 1994, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, MNNHP 1993, 

Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., NDNHI unpubl. data, Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data, Wovcha et al. 1995

White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp

Thuja occidentalis - Fraxinus nigra Forest

Northern White-cedar - Black Ash Forest

Identifier: CEGL005165

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Swamp Forest (MG030)

Group Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp (G046)

Association (Common name) White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)

Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This white-cedar - black ash forest is found in the sub-boreal regions of the Great Lakes in the United States and 

Canada where it occurs on wet, saturated soils. Substrate is well-decomposed peat, and hummocky topography is present. Canopy 

cover is variable, sometimes fairly open. Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) and Fraxinus nigra (black ash) dominate the 

canopy, but some stands may have Fraxinus (ash) in the upper canopy and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) in the lower 

canopy. Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) tends to occur on the hummocks and Fraxinus (ash) in the hollows. Populus 

tremuloides (quaking aspen) can be a major component, but this may be caused by logging of Thuja occidentalis (northern whitecedar). Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Picea glauca (white spruce) may also be present. Shrubs 

include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood), Lonicera canadensis (American fly 

honeysuckle), Ribes (currant) spp., and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). The herb layer includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), 

Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), 

Tiarella cordifolia (heartleaf foamflower) and Trientalis borealis (starflower).
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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: Stands occur on wet, saturated soils. Substrate is either wet mineral soils or well-decomposed peat, and 

hummocky topography is present.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: Canopy cover is variable, sometimes fairly open. Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) and Fraxinus nigra

(black ash) dominate the canopy, but some stands may have Fraxinus (ash) in the upper canopy and Thuja occidentalis (northern 

white-cedar) in the lower canopy. Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) tends to occur on the hummocks and Fraxinus (ash) in the 

hollows. Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) can be a major component, but this may be caused by logging of Thuja occidentalis

(northern white-cedar). Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Picea glauca (white spruce) may also be 

present. Shrubs include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood), Lonicera canadensis

(American fly honeysuckle), Ribes (currant) spp., and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). The herb rich layer includes Aralia 

nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada 

mayflower), Tiarella cordifolia (heartleaf foamflower), and Trientalis borealis (starflower) (Chambers et al. 1997).

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Vulnerable: Rubus hispidoides (bog dewberry, globally imperiled, G2?Q)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: This type occurs on wet hummocky soils. Soils may be more minerotrophic than those found in pure white-cedar 

swamps. This type may better fit into a mixed conifer-hardwood category. Type may also be the same as Thuja occidentalis - Acer 

rubrum / Cornus sericea Forest (CEGL006199) or the White Cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp, Thuja occidentalis - (Picea 

mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456). It may also be in Minnesota (Norm Aaseng). Distinctions at the 

association level are not clear, but will be reviewed as part of a Minnesota statewide analysis.

Global Similar Associations:

• Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456)--A pure evergreen cedar swamp type.

• Thuja occidentalis - Acer rubrum / Cornus sericea Forest (CEGL006199)--A more southerly distributed type.

Global Related Concepts:

• Hardwood-Conifer Swamp (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• White Cedar-Hardwoods-Fragrant Bedstraw-Herb Rich (V8) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This white-cedar - black ash swamp type is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, ON, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CCP, 

212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCC, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCC, 212Ht:CCC, 212Hu:CCP, 

212Hv:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCC, 212Jc:CCP, 212Jk:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 

212Jr:CCP, 222If:CCC, 222Jc:CCC, 222Jg:CCC, 222Jh:CCC, 222Jj:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Huron, 

Huron-Manistee, Ottawa, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FCA

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d.

Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest

Tsuga canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest

Eastern Hemlock - Yellow Birch Saturated Forest

Identifier: CEGL005003

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Swamp Forest (MG030)

Group Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp (G046)
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Association (Common name) Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This community is found in the central Great Lakes region of the United States and adjacent Canada. Stands occur 

on wet-mesic areas with imperfectly drained sandy loam/loam or silty clay soils that are often saturated. These areas occur on gentle 

slopes, drainageways, and bordering lakes and wetlands. The nutrient status is generally poor to medium. The overstory of this 

community is composed of conifers with a moderate amount of deciduous trees. Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) is usually the 

most abundant species with Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine), and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) less common. Abies balsamea (balsam fir) in northern 

Wisconsin and Michigan. The shrub layer is not well-developed in mature stands with dense canopies, but shrubs are often abundant 

in disturbed or young stands. Shrubs that may be present include Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), 

Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Prunus pensylvanica (pin cherry), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. Common 

herbaceous species include Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Trientalis borealis

(starflower), Viola (violet) spp., and others.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community is typically found on wet-mesic areas with imperfectly drained loamy sand, sandy loam, and 

loam soils that are often saturated. These areas occur on gentle slopes, drainageways, and bordering lakes and wetlands. The nutrient 

status is generally poor to medium (Kotar et al. 1988).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: The overstory of this community is composed of conifers with a moderate amount of deciduous trees. Tsuga 

canadensis (eastern hemlock) is usually the most abundant species with Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Acer 

saccharum (sugar maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and 

Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) less common. The shrub layer is not well-developed in mature stands with dense canopies, 

but shrubs are often abundant in disturbed or young stands. Shrubs that may be present include Amelanchier (serviceberry) spp., 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Prunus pensylvanica (pin cherry), and 

Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. Common herbaceous species include Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), 

Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Maianthemum canadense (Canada 

mayflower), Oxalis montana (mountain woodsorrel), Trientalis borealis (starflower), Viola (violet) spp., and others.

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3 (22-Jun-1998). This type is fairly widespread in, e.g., Wisconsin, but few good occurrences have been 

recorded (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: Type probably varies from mixed evergreen-deciduous to evergreen, with at least 25% Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock) present (cover or basal area), and the rest either hardwoods or some conifers. If Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) is 

prominent (>50% cover (or basal area?) of the conifer component?), place with Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) white-cedar 

types, such as Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456). Mixed stands of Thuja

(red cedar) and Tsuga (hemlock) have been identified on the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin, and are currently placed 

with this Tsuga (hemlock) type until field verification can be conducted (M. Brzeskiewicz pers. comm. 1997). Type may equal Tsuga 

canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis / Ilex verticillata / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL006226) in the Northeast, but would make a broad 

type. Stands in northeastern Ohio are placed with CEGL006226, found in New York and the northeastern United States. Ohio stands 

have no Rhododendron (rhododendron) spp. (at least, not currently), and appear to resemble CEGL006226 more than CEGL006279. 

In Michigan this type is found in Gogebic and Iron counties in the western Upper Peninsula.

Global Similar Associations:

• Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456)

• Tsuga canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis / Ilex verticillata / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL006226)

• Tsuga canadensis / Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL006279)

Global Related Concepts:

• Tsuga / Maianthemum - Coptis (Kotar et al. 1988) =

• Rich Conifer Swamp (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This community is found in the central Great Lakes region of the United States and adjacent Canada, ranging from 

northern Wisconsin to southern Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, OH, ON:S3S4, WI:S2S4

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C
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USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCC, 212Hb:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 

212Hr:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hu:CCP, 212Hv:CC?, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jf:CPP, 

212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 222Ia:CCC, 222Ja:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, 

Hiawatha?, Huron-Manistee, Huron?, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FHS

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Epstein pers. comm., Kotar et al. 1988, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data

MG160. Northern & Central Tall Shrub Wetland

G167. Northern & Central Shrub Swamp

Gray Alder Swamp

Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland

Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland

Identifier: CEGL002381

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Northern & Central Tall Shrub Wetland (MG160)

Group Northern & Central Shrub Swamp (G167)

Association (Common name) Gray Alder Swamp

Ecological System(s): Western Great Plains Open Freshwater Depression Wetland (CES303.675)

Laurentian-Acadian Wet Meadow-Shrub Swamp (CES201.582)

High Allegheny Wetland (CES202.069)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This alder swamp community is widespread in the midwestern and northeastern United States and southern 

Canada. Stands occur on shores, edges of beaver meadows in stream floodplains, swales associated with small streams in peatlands, or 

upland forests. Soils are well-decomposed peat, muck or mineral soils. The hydrology is typically seasonally flooded, with most sites 

remaining saturated. The vegetation is dominated by tall shrubs, 2-8 m in height, with a moderately open to dense shrub canopy. There 

is an understory of shorter shrubs and herbaceous species. The density of the understory varies inversely with the tall-shrub canopy. 

The overstory is usually overwhelmingly dominated by Alnus incana (gray alder), but in the more southeastern portions of this type's 

range, Alnus serrulata (hazel alder) can occur with Alnus incana (gray alder). Where alder is not as dominant, other shrubs, such as 

Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Ilex verticillata (common winterberry), Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry), Salix (willow) 

spp., Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet), Spiraea tomentosa (steeplebush), and Viburnum (viburnum) spp., can be found. At the 

southern range limit of this type in West Virginia, shrub layers may by be dominated or codominated by the Central Appalachian 

endemic Ilex collina (longstalk holly). The herbaceous layer contains species such as Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum

(white panicle aster), Symphyotrichum puniceum (purplestem aster), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Caltha palustris (yellow 

marsh-marigold), Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex prairea (prairie sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Doellingeria 

umbellata (parasol whitetop), Eupatorium maculatum (spotted joepyeweed), Glyceria melicaria (melic mannagrass), Glyceria striata

(fowl mannagrass), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Lycopus uniflorus (northern bugleweed), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), 

Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Scirpus atrovirens (green bulrush), Symplocarpus 

foetidus (skunk-cabbage), Thelypteris palustris (eastern marsh fern), Typha (cattail) spp., and Viola (violet) spp. Mosses include 

Climacium dendroides (tree climacium moss) and Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. Where the tall-shrub canopy is open, graminoids can 

become dense. Scattered trees are found in many stands, including Acer rubrum (red maple), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), and Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This alder swamp community was sampled once on at once on Long Island, 

Quarry Bay on Stockton Island, and once on Sand Island. The first site is a flat, seasonally flooded fen with well-drained sand soil, the 

second a seasonally flooded draw with very poorly drained clay loam soil, and the third a flat depression with poorly drained muck 

that likely becomes very wet in spring and following heavy rain events. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (35-100% 

cover) and bare soil (50-65%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: Sites are typically along streams, lakeshores, edges of beaver meadows, swales associated with small streams 

in peatlands or upland forests, or near seeps. Most have little to no slope, but some sites are on moderate slopes. Hydrologic conditions 

can range from temporarily flooded to seasonally flooded, or even saturated, but are typically seasonally flooded/saturated. The water 

ranges from non-stagnant, nutrient-rich, and often slightly calcareous (Curtis 1959) to rather stagnant and nutrient-poor where over 
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acidic bedrock or till. Soils are wet, often mucks or peats (Anderson 1982, Chapman et al. 1989). In the upper Midwest, this 

community is found on Precambrian Shield bedrock that is overlaid with sandy loam soils, which are moderately well-drained and 

deep (>60 cm). In northeastern Minnesota stands can occur on northeast- and south-facing slopes that are moderate to steep, with 

slopes ranging from 4 to 45% (Ohmann and Ream 1971). The climate is highly variable, with temperature extremes between -46 and 

38 degrees C and 58-91 cm precipitation.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: Stands of this community can be varied both in structure and density. The Stockton 

Island stand is comprised of a denser (90% cover) and taller (5-10 m) shrub layer than the Sand Island stand which is moderately 

dense (70%) and shorter (2-5 m), while the Long Island stand has a sparse (10%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) and moderately dense (70%) 

short-shrub layer (1-2 m). Stands are clearly dominated by Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder) and little else, although Cornus 

sericea (red-osier dogwood), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Myrica gale (sweetgale), and Rubus (blackberry) sp. may also be present. 

The moderately sparse to dense (40-80%) herbaceous layer may be dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex 

lacustris (hairy sedge), or Impatiens capensis (jewelweed). Other species include Carex ovalis (eggbract sedge), Carex utriculata

(Northwest Territory sedge), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Glyceria canadensis (rattlesnake mannagrass), Lycopus 

uniflorus (northern bugleweed), and Phacelia argentea (sanddune phacelia), among others. Nonvascular species (mosses) cover 5-

10% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: The vegetation is dominated by tall shrubs, 2-8 m in height, with a moderately open to dense shrub canopy. There 

is an understory of shorter shrubs and herbaceous species. The density of the understory varies inversely with the tall-shrub canopy. 

The overstory is usually overwhelmingly dominated by Alnus incana (gray alder), but in the more southeastern portions of this type's 

range, Alnus serrulata (hazel alder) can occur with Alnus incana (gray alder). Where alder is not as dominant, other shrubs, such as 

Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Ilex verticillata (common winterberry), Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry), Salix (willow) 

spp., Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet), Spiraea tomentosa (steeplebush), and Viburnum (viburnum) spp., can be found. The 

herbaceous layer contains species such as Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum (white panicle aster), Symphyotrichum 

puniceum (purplestem aster), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Caltha palustris (yellow marsh-marigold), Carex lacustris (hairy 

sedge), Carex prairea (prairie sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Doellingeria umbellata (parasol whitetop), Eupatorium 

maculatum (spotted joepyeweed), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Lycopus uniflorus (northern bugleweed), Onoclea sensibilis

(sensitive fern), Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Scirpus atrovirens (green bulrush), 

Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage), Thelypteris palustris (eastern marsh fern), Typha (cattail) spp., and Viola (violet) spp. Mosses 

include Climacium dendroides (tree climacium moss) and Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. Where the tall-shrub canopy is open, the 

graminoids can become dense. Scattered trees are found in many stands, including Acer rubrum (red maple), Fraxinus nigra (black 

ash), and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) (Curtis 1959, Anderson 1982, MNNHP 1993, Harris et al. 1996, Sperduto 2000b, 

Thompson and Sorenson 2000, Gawler 2002). Where stands border on saturated conditions with peaty soils, peatland species such as 

Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Rhododendron canadense (rhodora), and Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. may be present.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder)

Herb (field) Forb Impatiens capensis (jewelweed)

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex lacustris (hairy sedge)

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Alnus incana (gray alder)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex 

lacustris (hairy sedge), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed)

Global: Alnus incana (gray alder)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife, exotic, High)

Global: Vulnerable: Ilex collina (longstalk holly, vulnerable, G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (23-Jun-2006). This association is widely distributed and considered secure in many states.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Type has a very broad distribution, and there may be a need to separate a northern (more boreal) type from a 

southern (more temperate) type, or perhaps an enriched versus lower-nutrient type, based on floristic differences. Hydrology may be 

quite variable, ranging from temporarily flooded to semipermanently flooded. In Ohio, this association sometimes merges with Alnus 
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serrulata (hazel alder) stands in Alnus serrulata Swamp Shrubland (CEGL005082); that association is distinguished by somewhat 

more southern associates, including Rhododendron viscosum (swamp azalea), Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush), Peltandra 

virginica (green arrow-arum), etc.. With increasing tree canopy cover, this association can be similar to Larix laricina (tamarack) 

forest types, Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) saturated forest types, and Fraxinus nigra - Acer rubrum saturated forest types.

Global Similar Associations:

• Alnus incana - Cornus (amomum, sericea) / Clematis virginiana Shrubland (CEGL006062)

• Alnus incana ssp. rugosa - Nemopanthus mucronatus / Sphagnum spp. Shrubland (CEGL006158)

• Alnus serrulata Swamp Shrubland (CEGL005082)

Global Related Concepts:

• Alnus incana - Sambucus canadensis shrub community (Darlington 1943) F

• Alnus incana - Viburnum cassinoides shrub community (Darlington 1943) F

• Alnus incana ssp. rugosa tall shrub thicket (Fortney et al. 2005) =

• Alnus incana ssp. rugosa shrubland (Byers et al. 2007) =

• Alnus rugosa shrub (Walbridge and Lang 1982) =

• Alnus rugosa tall shrub community (Walbridge 1982) =

• Alnus rugosa tall shrub community (Robinette 1966) =

• Alnus rugosa thicket community (Fortney 1975) =

• Alder Shrub Swamp (Anderson and Schwegman 1991) =

• Alder Thicket (Curtis 1959) =

• Thicket Swamp: Speckled Alder / Bluejoint Grass type , W35 (Harris et al. 1996) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This alder swamp community was sampled on Long Island, at Quarry Bay on Stockton 

Island, and on Sand Island.

Global Range: This alder swamp shrubland is widespread in the midwestern and northeastern United States and southern Canada, 

ranging from Maine west to Manitoba, south to Iowa, and east to New York and perhaps northern New Jersey.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IA:S3?, IL, IN?, MA, MB?, ME, MI:S5, MN:S5, ND:S2?, NH:S3S4, NJ?:S2S4, NY, OH, ON, PA, QC:S4S5, VT, 

WI:S4, WV:S3, WY

TNC Ecoregions: 34:C, 35:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C, 60:C, 61:C, 62:C, 63:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Cb:CCC, 212Da:CCC, 212Db:CCC, 212Dc:CCC, 212Fc:CCC, 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 

212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hk:CCP, 212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 

212Hq:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCC, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 

212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Je:CCP, 212Jf:CCC, 212Jj:CCP, 212Jk:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCP, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 

212Jr:CCC, 212Ka:CCP, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 221Ae:CCC, 

221Ak:CCP, 221Al:CCP, 221Bc:CCC, 222Je:CCC, 222Lb:CCC, 222Lc:CCC, 222Mc:CCC, 222Md:CCC, 222Na:CCC, 251Aa:CCC, 

251Ab:CCC, M212Aa:CCC, M212Ac:CCC, M212Ae:CCC, M212Af:CCC, M212B:CC, M212C:CC, M212D:CP

Federal Lands: NPS (Acadia, Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Saratoga, Sleeping Bear 

Dunes, Upper Delaware, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, 

Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior); USFWS (Aroostook, Assabet River, Carlton Pond, Moosehorn?, Nulhegan Basin)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 plots): APIS.103, APIS.122, APIS.701.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: SAS

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. S.C. Gawler

References: Anderson 1982, Anderson and Schwegman 1991, Breden et al. 2001, Byers et al. 2007, Chapman et al. 1989, Curtis 

1959, Darlington 1943, DeMeo et al. 1998, Fortney 1975, Fortney et al. 2005, Gawler 2002, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, INAI 

unpubl. data, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., NDNHI unpubl. data, NRCS 2004, Ohmann and Ream 1971, 

Rentch unpubl. data 2003, Robinette 1966, Sperduto 2000b, Swain and Kearsley 2001, Thompson and Sorenson 2000, WNHIP 

unpubl. data, Walbridge 1982, Walbridge and Lang 1982
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1.D.1. Lowland & Montane Boreal Forest

1.D.1.a. North American Lowland Boreal Forest

MG037. Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest

G047. Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

Identifier: CEGL002447

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest (G047)

Association (Common name) Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal Jack Pine-Black Spruce Forest (CES103.022)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This black spruce / feathermoss forest is found widely throughout the boreal regions of Canada and into adjacent 

areas of the midwestern United States. Stands occur on level to gently sloping ground. Soils are typically moderately well-drained, 

coarse loams, sands, and silts. The canopy of this community is closed and heavily dominated by Picea mariana (black spruce) with 

small amounts of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Pinus banksiana (jack 

pine), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The shrub and herb layers are poorly developed. Species that are most abundant in 

these layers include the shrubs Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Ledum groenlandicum

(bog Labrador-tea), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides

(velvetleaf huckleberry) and the herbs Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Equisetum 

arvense (field horsetail), and Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower). Feathermosses, particularly Pleurozium schreberi

(Schreber's big red stem moss), are very abundant.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This black spruce / feathermoss forest was sampled once on Stockton Island 

tombolo. The site is a flat ridgetop with rapidly drained sand soil. The ground surface is dominated by leaf litter (75% cover) with 

some wood (5%), dead plant stems (5%), and feathermosses (15%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: This community is found on level to gently sloping ground. Soils are typically moderately well-drained, coarse 

loams, sands, and silts (Sims et al. 1989).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (50% cover) tree canopy, 15-20 m tall, is dominated by Picea 

mariana (black spruce) along with Betula papyrifera (paper birch) and Pinus resinosa (red pine). There may be a few scattered shrubs 

(0.5-2 m) of Amelanchier (serviceberry) sp. and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush 

blueberry) forms a sparse (10%) dwarf-shrub layer. The sparse (30%) herbaceous layer is dominated by Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern) and includes Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), and 

Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat). Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) is the dominant nonvascular 

species with 40% cover.

Global Vegetation: The canopy of this community is closed and strongly dominated by Picea mariana (black spruce) with small 

amounts of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), 

and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). The shrub and herb layers are poorly developed (Grigal and Ohmann 1975). Species that 

are most abundant in these layers include the shrubs Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), 

Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and 

Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry), and the herbs Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), and Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower). Feathermosses, particularly 

Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), are very abundant. Mosses may cover from 23% (Grigal and Ohmann 1975) to 

over 85% (Sims et al. 1989) of the forest floor.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Nonvascular Moss Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss)
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CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big 

red stem moss), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Other: Regulus satrapa (golden-crowned kinglet, G5)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: Portions of this type (as described by Sims et al. 1989, V34) can be somewhat poorly drained, bordering on 

wetland types, such as Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005271) (Sims et al. 

1989, V35 or V37). There is a sparse vascular cover and few shrubs. The distribution of the type may be more fire-related in the 

southern part of range and less fire-dependent further north. These forests are not well understood in the northeastern United States. 

The abundance of black spruce and the often small stature of the canopy trees suggest that hydrological and soil conditions may be 

limiting for many "upland" species.

Global Similar Associations:

• Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005271)

• Picea mariana - Picea rubens / Pleurozium schreberi Forest (CEGL006361)

• Picea mariana - Populus tremuloides / Mixed Herbs Forest (CEGL002516)

• Pinus banksiana - Picea mariana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest (CEGL002448)

Global Related Concepts:

• Black Spruce - Feathermoss Forest (Grigal and Ohmann 1975) =

• Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (Zoladeski et al. 1995) =

• Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (V33) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Black Spruce / Labrador Tea / Feathermoss (Sphagnum) (V34) (Sims et al. 1989) F

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This black spruce / feathermoss forest occurs on Stockton Island tombolo.

Global Range: This black spruce / feathermoss forest type is found widely throughout the boreal regions of Canada, and into adjacent 

areas of the midwestern United States.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S4, MI, MN:S4, ON, QC:S4, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212J:CC, 212La:CCC, 212M:CC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Voyageurs); USFS (Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.008.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FBS

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake, mod. D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Greenall 1996, Grigal and Ohmann 1975, MENHP 1991, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., 

Reschke 1990, Sims et al. 1989, Zoladeski et al. 1995

Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Pinus banksiana - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest

Jack Pine - Quaking Aspen / Northern Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Identifier: CEGL002518

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest (G047)

Association (Common name) Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal Jack Pine-Black Spruce Forest (CES103.022)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This jack pine - aspen forest is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and into central 

Canada. Stands occur on generally level sandy outwash plains or moderately sloping moraines. The soils are fresh to dry, deep, sandy 

loams, loams, and fine sands. In Manitoba, the soils tend to be somewhat more moist and fine. The canopy layer is a mix of coniferous 
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and deciduous trees, with the conifers tending to be more abundant in the north. The canopy is typically dominated by Pinus 

banksiana (jack pine) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) with lesser amounts of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), Picea glauca (white spruce), and Picea mariana (black spruce). Tree density and crown spacing may be moderately 

dense to dense, but sufficient light penetrates to permit the growth of a vigorous shrub layer. Most shrubs are less than 1 m tall. The 

most common among these are Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis

(twinflower), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. The herbaceous 

layer is also typically quite rich with species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), Trientalis 

borealis (starflower), and Viola (violet) spp.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Global Environment: This community is found on generally level sandy outwash plains or moderately sloping moraines (Sims et al. 

1989, MNNHP 1993). The soils are fresh to dry, deep, sandy loams, loams, and fine sands (Sims et al. 1989). In Manitoba, the soils 

tend to be somewhat more moist and fine (Zoladeski et al. 1995).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Global Vegetation: The canopy layer is a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, with the conifers tending to be more abundant in the 

north (Sims et al. 1989, Zoladeski et al. 1995). The canopy is typically dominated by Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and Populus 

tremuloides (quaking aspen) with lesser amounts of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea glauca (white 

spruce), and Picea mariana (black spruce). Tree density and crown spacing may be moderately dense to dense, but sufficient light

penetrates to permit the growth of a vigorous shrub layer. Most shrubs are less than 1 m tall. The most common among these are 

Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Rosa acicularis

(prickly rose), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. The herbaceous layer is also typically quite 

rich with species such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola (violet) 

spp.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Vulnerable: Cypripedium arietinum (ram's head lady's slipper, G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (1-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: In Voyageurs National Park, this type is on thin soil, rocky substrate, but on the scale of 1-10 hectares, it tends to 

be a mosaic of pure Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and pure Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) stands. Type needs rangewide review.

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana - (Picea mariana, Pinus strobus) / Vaccinium spp. Rocky Woodland (CEGL002483)

• Pinus banksiana / (Quercus rubra, Quercus ellipsoidalis) Forest (CEGL002440)

Global Related Concepts:

• Jack Pine Mixedwood / Shrub Rich (V15) (Zoladeski et al. 1995) =

• Jack Pine Mixedwood / Shrub Rich (V17) (Sims et al. 1989) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Global Range: This jack pine - aspen forest community type is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and into 

central Canada, ranging from northeastern Minnesota to Manitoba and Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB?, MI, MN, ON, QC, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212La:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Voyageurs); USFS (Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FJM

Local Description Authors: 

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Greenall 1996, Kost et al. 2007, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989, Zoladeski et 

al. 1995
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Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest

Pinus banksiana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest

Jack Pine / Blueberry species / Feathermoss Forest

Identifier: CEGL002441

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest (G047)

Association (Common name) Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal Jack Pine-Black Spruce Forest (CES103.022)

Laurentian Pine-Oak Barrens (CES201.718)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This jack pine forest is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and in central Canada, with 

disjunct occurrences in the far northeastern United States. Sites occupy flat to rolling topography. The soils are sandy loams, fine 

sands, and loamy sands, shallow to deep, and with low organic content. The overstory of this forest community is largely made up of 

moderately to densely spaced conifers with a scattering of deciduous trees. The trees in this community are typically 15-20 m tall. 

Pinus banksiana (jack pine) is often the only tree of significance in the overstory. In some stands, smaller amounts of Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus resinosa (red pine), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) may be 

found. Tall shrubs are uncommon, but may occur in patches. The most common of these are Alnus viridis (green alder) and 

Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry). In the Midwest, occasional grubs of Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak) and 

Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak) may be present. Low shrubs are abundant. These include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), 

Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Rosa 

acicularis (prickly rose), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. The herbaceous layer contains many species typical of northern coniferous 

forests, such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), 

Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). 

Mosses, especially Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), form a nearly continuous carpet.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This jack pine forest was sampled twice on Long Island. The sites are gentle to 

moderate northeast-facing slopes on ridges and dunes at 182 to 200 m (597-660 feet) elevation. Soils are rapidly drained sand. The 

unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (5-65% cover), wood (0-10%), and lichens (30-85%).

Global Environment: This community is found on flat to rolling topography, such as glaciofluvial and lacustrine deposits, moraines, 

and other glacial features. The soils are sandy loams, fine sands, and loamy sands, shallow to deep, and with low organic content 

(Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993). In Wisconsin, stands are found on the "sandscapes" of the Apostle Islands (E. Epstein pers. comm. 

1999, NatureServe unpubl. data 2005).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (50-60% cover) tree canopy, 10-20 m tall, is dominated by Pinus 

banksiana (jack pine). The very sparse (0-5%) subcanopy (5-10 m) and sparse (5%) tall-shrub (1-5 m) layer includes Quercus 

ellipsoidalis (northern pin oak) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine). The sparse to moderate (20-60%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is 

dominated by Juniperus communis (common juniper) with lesser amounts of Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry) and Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus), Hudsonia tomentosa

(woolly beach-heather), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) form a moderate (20%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The 

sparse herbaceous layer (10%) includes Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), and Trientalis borealis (starflower), 

among others. State-vulnerable (S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in both sampled plots. Nonvascular species 

(mosses and lichens) including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) cover 60-70% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: The overstory of this forest community is dominated by moderately to densely spaced conifers with a scattering 

of deciduous trees. The trees in this community are typically 15-20 m tall (Mueller-Dombois 1964). Pinus banksiana (jack pine) is 

often the only tree of significance in the overstory (Mueller-Dombois 1964, MNNHP 1993). In some stands, smaller amounts of 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus resinosa (red pine), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) 

may be found. Tall shrubs are uncommon, but may occur in patches (Sims et al. 1989). The most common of these are Alnus viridis

(green alder) and Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry). In the Midwest, occasional grubs of Quercus ellipsoidalis (northern 

pin oak) and Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak) may be present. Low shrubs are abundant. These include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(kinnikinnick), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Linnaea borealis

(twinflower), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp. The herbaceous layer contains many species typical of 

northern coniferous forests, such as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), Cornus canadensis

(bunchberry dogwood), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), and Trientalis 

borealis (starflower). Mosses, especially Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), form a nearly continuous carpet (Eyre 

1980, Sims et al. 1989).
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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus banksiana (jack pine)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Juniperus communis (common juniper)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

Herb (field) Graminoid Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass)

Nonvascular Moss Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry), Juniperus 

communis (common juniper), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Vaccinium 

angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Pinus banksiana / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Forest (CEGL002438) in northwestern Minnesota and southeastern 

Manitoba appears to be similar to this community, but is on deeper sands. This type also overlaps with Pinus banksiana - (Pinus 

resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest (CEGL002478), especially in Wisconsin, where timber management can 

cause a lot of variation in the proportion of oak and pine (E. Epstein pers. comm. 2000).

Global Similar Associations:

• Pinus banksiana - (Picea mariana, Pinus strobus) / Vaccinium spp. Rocky Woodland (CEGL002483)

• Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest (CEGL002478)--This is the mixed pine-oak 

type on sands.

• Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) / Corylus cornuta Forest (CEGL002442)

• Pinus banksiana - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Prairie Forbs Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 

(CEGL002490)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Carex pensylvanica Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005124)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa / Quercus ellipsoidalis Woodland (CEGL002484)

• Pinus banksiana / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Forest (CEGL002438)--This community occurs on deep, sandy lacustrine plains and 

beach dunes, with a high fire frequency. It is drier and possible on less fertile soils.

Global Related Concepts:

• Dry Northern Forest - Jack Pine (Northern Pin Oak) (Chapman et al. 1989) =

• Jack Pine - Feathermoss (Zoladeski et al. 1995) =

• Jack Pine / Ericaceous Shrub / Feathermoss (V29) (Sims et al. 1989) B

• Jack Pine: 1, Jack pine - Feather moss (subtype b) (Eyre 1980) B

• Oligotrophic Fresh Arctostaphylos-Linnaea Type on Low Beta- and Gamma-gley Podzols (Mueller-Dombois 1964) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This white pine forest occurs near Little Sand Bay on the mainland and on Bear Island.

Global Range: This jack pine forest community is found in the northern parts of the midwestern United States and in central Canada, 

ranging from northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin west and north to Minnesota, southeastern Manitoba, and northwestern 

Ontario. Disjunct occurrences are known from western Maine and possibly New York.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S4S5, ME:S1, MI:S4, MN:S3, NB, NY, ON, QC, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 63:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CC?, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CC?, 212Hh:CC?, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CC?, 212Hk:CC?, 212Hl:CCC, 

212Hm:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hy:CCC, 

212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCP, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CC?, 212Ka:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 

212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, M212Af:CCC, M212D:CP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, 

Chippewa, Hiawatha, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.223, APIS.226.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FJB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo
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Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Epstein pers. comm., Eyre 1980, Farrand and Bell 1982, Gawler 2002, Greenall 1996, MNNHP 

1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Mueller-Dombois 1964, Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data, Zoladeski et al. 1995

G048. White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest 

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest

Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera Forest

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch / Northern Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Identifier: CEGL002474

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest (G048)

Association (Common name) Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal White Spruce-Fir-Hardwood Forest (CES103.021)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This balsam fir - birch sub-boreal forest type is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada and elsewhere in central Canada. Stands occur on deep, moist to mesic, mineral soils, usually loams. It can be on flat to 

moderate slopes and, in northern Minnesota, tends to be near water. Canopy is either pure evergreen or mixed evergreen-deciduous. 

The overstory is usually dominated by Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch) but some stands may have 

large amounts of Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). Other common trees include Picea glauca (white spruce), Picea mariana

(black spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). Abies balsamea (balsam fir) is also 

abundant in the sapling/shrub stratum, along with Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Diervilla lonicera

(northern bush honeysuckle), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red 

blackberry), Sorbus americana (American mountain-ash), and Taxus canadensis (Canada yew) (especially on Isle Royale and in 

northern Wisconsin). Herbaceous species found in this community include Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), Aralia nudicaulis (wild 

sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Streptopus 

lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses include Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather 

moss), Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), and Ptilium 

crista-castrensis (knights plume moss).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This balsam fir - birch sub-boreal forest was sampled at four locations in the 

park: two sites on Devils Island, one near Sand Point, and one on Sand Island. Sites are on gentle midslope lake terraces and moraines 

and a step-in-slope bench of variable aspect. It was not sampled but was noted as common as a nearly solid ring around many of the 

northern islands of APIS. Soils are moderately well- to well-drained loamy sand and sandy loam. The ground surface is dominated by 

leaf litter (40-70% cover) with some wood (10-15%). Evidence of disturbance includes wind damage (blowdown).

Global Environment: This community is found on deep, moist to mesic, mineral soils, usually loams (Sims et al. 1989). It can be on 

flat to moderate slopes (5-30%) and, in northern Minnesota, tends to be near water (Ohmann and Ream 1971).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: Physiognomically, the structure of stands can be quite variable. The open to closed 

(40-100% cover) tree canopy, 5-35 m tall, is dominated by Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and may include lesser amounts of Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Thuja occidentalis (northern whitecedar), and/or Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). The sparse to moderate (20-40%) subcanopy (10-15 m) may include Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The very sparse (5-20%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) is made up of saplings of the tree species. The 

very sparse to moderate (5-50%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) may include Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry), Sorbus 

decora (northern mountain-ash), Taxus canadensis (Canada yew), and others. Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) may form 

a very sparse (5%) dwarf-shrub layer. The very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) herbaceous layer is dominated by Clintonia 

borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Nonvascular species (mosses), including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's 

big red stem moss) and Sphagnum (sphagnum) sp., cover 5-60% of the ground surface. In addition, this community supports statecritically imperiled Poa sylvestris (woodland bluegrass) and state-imperiled Goodyera oblongifolia (western rattlesnake plantain).

Global Vegetation: The tree canopy is either pure evergreen or mixed evergreen-deciduous. The overstory is usually dominated by 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Betula papyrifera (paper birch), but some stands may have large amounts of Populus tremuloides

(quaking aspen). Other common trees include Picea glauca (white spruce), Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white 

pine), and Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). Canopy trees may typically be 15-25 m tall (Hansen et al. 1973). Abies balsamea

(balsam fir) is also abundant in the sapling/shrub stratum, along with Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Betula papyrifera (paper 
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birch), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Rubus 

pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Sorbus americana (American mountain-ash), and Taxus canadensis (Canada yew) (especially on 

Isle Royale and in northern Wisconsin). Herbaceous species found in this community include Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf 

goldthread), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked 

miterwort), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). Mosses include Hylocomium splendens

(splendid feather moss), Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), 

and Ptilium crista-castrensis (knights plume moss) (Sims et al. 1989).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle)

Herb (field) Forb Clintonia borealis (bluebead)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), 

Dryopteris intermedia (intermediate woodfern), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Goodyera oblongifolia (western rattlesnake plantain, state-imperiled, G5?), Poa 

sylvestris (woodland bluegrass, state-critically imperiled, G5); Exotic/Invasive: Phleum pratense (timothy, exotic, Medium)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type does not always have a pure evergreen canopy; it can grade into mixed evergreen-deciduous canopy in 

northern and central Ontario. It intergrades heavily with spruce-fir evergreen types, Picea glauca - Abies balsamea / Acer spicatum / 

Rubus pubescens Forest (CEGL002446), and spruce-fir-hardwood mixed evergreen-deciduous types, Picea glauca - Abies balsamea -

Populus tremuloides / Mixed Herbs Forest (CEGL002475), and could perhaps be lumped with either of these two types. Sims et al. 

(1989) note that this type (their V14) is often uneven-aged with relatively closed canopies, and occurs less frequently on calcareous 

soils. In Manitoba this type can be common following insect infestation by spruce budworm or tree harvesting without replanting (J. 

Greenall pers. comm. 1999).

Global Similar Associations:

• Picea glauca - Abies balsamea - Populus tremuloides / Mixed Herbs Forest (CEGL002475)

• Picea glauca - Abies balsamea / Acer spicatum / Rubus pubescens Forest (CEGL002446)

Global Related Concepts:

• Balsam Fir - Yellow Birch - Paper Birch - White Spruce (Hansen et al. 1973) I

• Balsam Fir Mixedwood (V14) (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Fir - Birch (Ohmann and Ream 1971) =

• Fir - Birch - Mitella (Kurmis et al. 1986) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This balsam fir - birch forest is found on Devils Island, near Sand Point, and on Sand 

Island.

Global Range: This balsam fir - birch sub-boreal forest type is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada and elsewhere in central Canada, ranging from northern Minnesota and Manitoba east to Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S4?, MI, MN:S4?, ON, QC:S4, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CC?, 212Jl:C??, 212La:CCP, 212Lb:CC?, 212Lc:CCP, 212Ld:CC?, 

212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon-Nicolet?, Chequamegon?, Chippewa, 

Nicolet?, Superior)
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ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (4 plots): APIS.034, APIS.130, APIS.215, APIS.216.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FBF, FFB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake, mod. D. Faber-Langendoen 06-00

References: Greenall 1996, Hansen et al. 1973, Kurmis et al. 1986, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., 

Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989

Paper Birch / Fir Forest

Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest

Paper Birch / Northern Bush-honeysuckle - (Balsam Fir) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002463

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest (G048)

Association (Common name) Paper Birch / Fir Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This paper birch forest is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and perhaps more widely 

in Canada. Stands occur on fresh to moist soils, coarse-textured, non-calcareous mineral soils. The soil texture is typically coarse 

loam. The canopy of this forested community is closed to moderately open. Betula papyrifera (paper birch) is the dominant canopy 

tree and can form nearly pure stands. Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Picea glauca (white spruce), 

and, especially in Canada, Pinus banksiana (jack pine) can also be found. Tree density can be high, but the growth form and size of 

the canopy dominants allow significant light to pass through. Abies balsamea (balsam fir) is common to dense in the understory as are 

shrubs such as Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), and 

Taxus canadensis (Canada yew). The herbaceous layer is similar to other dry-mesic to mesic northern communities. Species found in 

this layer include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus 

canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), and Trientalis borealis (starflower).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This paper birch forest was sampled only once in the park at the western end of 

the mainland unit. The site is on a moderate west-facing midslope at 223 m (730 feet) elevation. The soil is a moderately well-drained 

loamy sand. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (95% cover) with some wood (5%). Evidence of disturbance includes 

possible past fire resulting in a nearly pure stand of birch.

Global Environment: This community is found on fresh to moist soils (Hansen et al. 1973, Sims et al. 1989). In Ontario, it occurs on 

coarse-textured, non-calcareous mineral soils. The soil texture is typically coarse loam (Sims et al. 1989).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (50% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated solely by 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch). The sparse (10%) subcanopy (15-20 m) includes Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Acer rubrum (red 

maple). The sparse (10%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) contains Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Acer spicatum (mountain maple). The 

sparse (20%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle). The dense herbaceous 

layer (90%) is dominated by Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), and Pteridium aquilinum

(western brackenfern) with lesser amounts of Carex (sedge) spp., Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), Gymnocarpium dryopteris (western oakfern), Lycopodium (clubmoss) spp., 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), Phegopteris connectilis (long 

beechfern), and Trientalis borealis (starflower).

Global Vegetation: The canopy of this forested community is closed to moderately open. Betula papyrifera (paper birch) is the 

dominant canopy tree and can form nearly pure stands. Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Picea 

glauca (white spruce), and, especially in Canada, Pinus banksiana (jack pine) can be found in minor amounts, as well. Tree density 

can be high, but the growth form and size of the canopy dominants allows significant light to pass through. Abies balsamea (balsam 

fir) is common to dense in the understory (Hansen et al. 1973) along with shrubs such as Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla 

lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), and Taxus canadensis (Canada yew). The herbaceous layer is 

similar to other dry-mesic to mesic northern communities. Species found in this layer include Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), 

Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), and Trientalis borealis (starflower).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula papyrifera (paper birch)
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Herb (field) Forb Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf 

aster)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4? (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), and mosses may be more common in this 

community while Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster) may be more common in other early successional community types dominated 

by Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) (MNNHP 1993). Stands should usually have >90% of their deciduous canopy composed of 

Betula papyrifera (paper birch) to be included in this community. Manitoba is not sure this type forms significant stands in that 

province (J. Greenall pers. comm. 1999). Some authors treat this type as synonymous with the aspen-paper birch type Populus 

tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest (CEGL002466) (K. Rusterholz pers. comm. 2000).

Global Similar Associations:

• Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (CEGL002464)

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest (CEGL002466)

Global Related Concepts:

• Paper Birch - Aspen - White Spruce (1936) (Hansen et al. 1973) =

• White Birch Hardwood and Mixedwood (V4) (Sims et al. 1989) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This paper birch forest was sampled at the western end of the mainland unit.

Global Range: This paper birch forest type is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and perhaps more widely 

in Canada, ranging from Minnesota and Manitoba east to Ontario and possibly Quebec.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S3S4, MI, MN:S4?, ON, QC:S4?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212La:CPP, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Voyageurs); USFS (Chippewa, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.300.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FPB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Greenall 1996, Hansen et al. 1973, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989

Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest

Quaking Aspen - Paper Birch / (Balsam Fir, White Spruce) Forest

Identifier: CEGL002466

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Lowland Boreal Forest (1.D.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest (MG037)

Group White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest (G048)

Association (Common name) Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest

Ecological System(s): Boreal Aspen-Birch Forest (CES103.020)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This aspen - birch boreal hardwoods forest type is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States and 

in central Canada. Sites occupy a variety of topographic positions, including ridgetops and gentle to moderate upper, mid, and lower 

slopes. The soils are deep, well-drained to rapidly drained mineral soils (dry to mesic soils). Soil textures are usually clay loamy but 

can be silt or fine sand. This community is dominated by deciduous trees, with a moderate amount of conifers (<25%). The canopy is 

dominated by Betula papyrifera (paper birch) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and occasionally Populus grandidentata

(bigtooth aspen). Conifer associates include Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Picea glauca (white spruce), either in the canopy or, 
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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more characteristically, in the subcanopy. Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Picea glauca (white spruce) are abundant in the sapling 

layer. Common shrubs include Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush 

honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Rubus 

pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). The 

herbaceous stratum is sometimes dominated by Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), but can include a diversity of forbs, such as 

Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis

(bunchberry dogwood), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked 

miterwort), Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus var. longipes (twistedstalk), Trientalis borealis

(starflower), and Viola renifolia (white violet). Mosses include Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium 

schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose 

neck moss). Diagnostic features of this type are the dominance by the combination of Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) and Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), boreal conifer associates (but very little Picea mariana (black spruce) or Pinus banksiana (jack pine)), and 

lack of more southern hardwoods (such as Acer saccharum (sugar maple)).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This aspen - birch forest was sampled once on Oak Island. The site is a gentle 

west-facing moraine step-in-slope with well-drained loamy sand soils. The ground surface is dominated by leaf litter (75% cover) with 

some wood (8-15%) and dead plant stems (10%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: This community is found on a variety of topographic positions. Ohmann and Ream (1971) found it on 

ridgetops, upper, mid, and lower slopes. These slopes are gentle to moderate. The soils are deep, well-drained to rapidly drained 

mineral soils (Sims et al. 1989). The soils are usually loam but can be clay (including lacustrine clays or clayier tills), silt, or sand.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (60% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is made up of Betula 

papyrifera (paper birch), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). The moderate (40%) 

subcanopy (15-20 m) is comprised of Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Abies balsamea (balsam fir), and Acer rubrum (red maple), as is 

the moderate (50%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) along with Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut). The very sparse (<5%) short-shrub layer 

(1-2 m) includes Amelanchier (serviceberry) sp. and Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle). The very sparse (5%) 

herbaceous layer is made up of tree seedlings as well as Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), 

Lycopodium dendroideum (tree groundpine), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Monotropa uniflora (Indianpipe), and 

Trientalis borealis (starflower).

Global Vegetation: This community is dominated by deciduous trees, with a moderate amount of conifers (<25%). The dominant tree 

species do not have dense leaf layers and allow a significant amount of light to pass through. This promotes the establishment of 

prominent sapling and shrub layers and a moderately dense herbaceous stratum. The canopy is dominated by Betula papyrifera (paper 

birch) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and occasionally Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen). Conifer associates include 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir) and Picea glauca (white spruce), either in the canopy or, more characteristically, in the subcanopy. Abies 

balsamea (balsam fir) and Picea glauca (white spruce) are abundant in the sapling layer. Common shrubs include Acer spicatum

(mountain maple), Corylus cornuta (beaked hazelnut), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), 

Lonicera canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), Sorbus 

decora (northern mountain-ash), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). The herbaceous stratum is sometimes 

dominated by Eurybia macrophylla (bigleaf aster), but can include a diversity of forbs, such as Anemone quinquefolia (nightcaps), 

Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Galium triflorum

(fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Pteridium aquilinum (western 

brackenfern), Streptopus lanceolatus (twistedstalk), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola renifolia (white violet). Mosses include 

Plagiomnium cuspidatum (toothed plagiomnium moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium cristacastrensis (knights plume moss), and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss) (Sims et al. 1989, Chambers et al. 1997).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)

Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth 

aspen)

Tree subcanopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer saccharum (sugar maple)

Tall shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Abies balsamea (balsam fir)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), 

Lycopodium dendroideum (tree groundpine), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Populus grandidentata (bigtooth aspen), 

Trientalis borealis (starflower), Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: Further north in Ontario, a Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera type, Populus (tremuloides, balsamifera) -

(Betula papyrifera) - Picea mariana / Alnus viridis Forest (CEGL002514), occurs that contains greater proportions of Picea mariana

(black spruce) and Pinus banksiana (jack pine). Acer spicatum (mountain maple) drops out of this type in the more western part of the 

type's range in Ontario and Minnesota. This type is often an early successional type following fire or logging, and occupies a wide 

variety of site types.

Global Similar Associations:

• Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest (CEGL002463)

• Populus (tremuloides, balsamifera) - (Betula papyrifera) - Picea mariana / Alnus viridis Forest (CEGL002514)

• Populus tremuloides - (Populus grandidentata) Rocky Woodland (CEGL002487)

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest (CEGL002467)--This type contains neither 

a northern hardwoods understory nor a boreal conifer understory.

• Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (CEGL002468)--This type contains a mixed 

northern hardwoods understory.

Global Related Concepts:

• Aspen - Birch (Ohmann and Ream 1971) =

• Boreal Forest (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Paper Birch - Aspen - Balsam Fir - White Spruce (Hansen et al. 1973) =

• Trembling Aspen (White Birch) - Balsam Fir / Mountain Maple (V6) (Sims et al. 1989) F

• Trembling Aspen - Balsam Fir / Balsam Fir Shrub (V7) (Sims et al. 1989) F

• Trembling Aspen-White Birch-White Spruce-Dwarf Raspberry (V22) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This aspen - birch forest was sampled on Oak Island.

Global Range: This aspen - birch boreal hardwoods forest type is found in the boreal regions of the midwestern United States and in 

central Canada, ranging from Minnesota and Manitoba east to Michigan, Ontario and possibly Quebec.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S4S5, MI, MN:S4?, ON, QC:S4, WI:S5

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CPP, 212Hb:CPP, 212He:CPP, 212Hh:CPP, 212Hi:CPP, 212Hj:CPP, 212Hk:CPP, 212Ia:CCC, 

212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jk:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CP?, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 

212La:CCP, 212Lb:CCC, 212Lc:CCC, 212Ld:CCC, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Saint Croix, Voyageurs); USFS (Chippewa, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.032.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FAC

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Greenall 1996, Hansen et al. 1973, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Ohmann and Ream 1971, Sims et al. 1989, WNHIP unpubl. data

1.D.2. Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest

1.D.2.a. North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest

MG038. Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest

G050. Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp 

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp

Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest

Black Spruce - (Tamarack) / Bog Labrador-tea / Peatmoss species Forest

Identifier: CEGL005271

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.D.2.a)

Macrogroup Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (MG038)

Group Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp (G050)

Association (Common name) Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp

Ecological System(s): Boreal-Laurentian Conifer Acidic Swamp (CES103.724)
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Boreal-Laurentian Bog (CES103.581)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This community is found in the northern Great Lakes and Northern Appalachian/Boreal region of the United 

States and Canada and elsewhere in the boreal regions of central and eastern Canada. Sites are found on level, wet sites with organic 

soils, but not generally as components of large open peatlands. These sites are poorly drained and acidic, allowing a moderate to thick 

layer of peat to accumulate. Nutrient levels are very low. The overstory of this community is dominated by conifers. The tree canopy 

is closed to broken to closed with a moderately well-developed low-shrub layer, sparse herbaceous layer, and a carpet of mosses. The 

canopy is often pure Picea mariana (black spruce). The only other trees that are occasionally found with it are Abies balsamea

(balsam fir), Larix laricina (tamarack), and Pinus banksiana (jack pine). The shrubs are primarily ericaceous and include 

Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry), as well as Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood). In the Northeast, shrubs may include Kalmia angustifolia (sheep laurel), Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry), Viburnum 

nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod), or Rhododendron canadense (rhodora). The few herbaceous species that live in this community 

include Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock cottongrass), Clintonia borealis

(bluebead), and Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley). Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp., Dicranum polysetum

(dicranum moss), and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) are the major species constituting the abundant moss layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This black spruce swamp forest was sampled at three locations on Sand Island, 

three locations on Stockton Island and one location on Bear Island. Sites are mostly flat depressions; the Bear Island site is in a gently 

sloping, northeast-facing depression. These depressions are seasonally flooded and have poorly drained peat or muck soils, with 

hummock-and-hollow microtopography. Elevations range from 180 to 260 m (593-843 feet). The unvegetated surface is made up of 

leaf litter (0-98% cover) with some wood (0-50%).; two of the sampled plots have no unvegetated surface. There is some evidence of 

deer trails in the area and fungal growth on the black spruce.

Global Environment: This community is found on level, wet sites with organic soils (Zoladeski et al. 1995). These sites are poorly to 

very poorly drained and acidic, allowing a moderate to thick layer of peat to accumulate. Nutrient levels are very low (Kurmis et al. 

1986).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The sparse to moderate (20-50% cover) tree canopy, 5-35 m tall, is dominated by 

Larix laricina (tamarack), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and/or Picea mariana (black spruce). The sparse to moderate (10-50%) 

subcanopy (5-15 m) includes Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and Pinus strobus (eastern white 

pine). The sparse to moderately dense (10-70%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) includes canopy and subcanopy species along with possible 

Alnus incana (gray alder) and Larix laricina (tamarack). The sparse to very dense (30-90%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated 

by Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea) along with lesser amounts of Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry) and Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), Vaccinium angustifolium

(lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry) form a very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) dwarf-shrub layer 

(<0.5 m). The very sparse to moderate herbaceous layer (5-40%) is dominated by Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Carex 

utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), and/or 

Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley) and may include lesser amounts of tree seedlings, Calamagrostis canadensis

(bluejoint), Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Eriophorum virginicum (tawny cottongrass), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock 

cottongrass), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), and/or Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern). The ground surface has a 

nearly continuous cover (90-100%) of nonvascular species (mosses) mostly Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and some Pleurozium 

schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss).

Global Vegetation: The overstory of this community is dominated by conifers. The tree canopy is closed to broken to closed with a 

moderately well-developed low-shrub layer, sparse herbaceous layer, and a carpet of mosses (Kurmis et al. 1986). The canopy is often 

pure Picea mariana (black spruce). Abies balsamea (balsam fir) can be present as a codominant. The only other trees that are 

occasionally found with it are Larix laricina (tamarack) and Pinus banksiana (jack pine) (Sims et al. 1989). The shrubs are primarily 

ericaceous and include Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Kalmia polifolia (bog 

laurel), Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), and Vaccinium (blueberry) spp., as well as Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood). In the Northeast, shrubs may include Kalmia angustifolia (sheep laurel), Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry), Viburnum 

nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod), or Rhododendron canadense (rhodora). The few herbaceous species that live in this community 

include Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock 

cottongrass), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), and Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of 

the valley). Dicranum polysetum (dicranum moss), Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp., and Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem 

moss) are the major species constituting the abundant moss layer (Damman and French 1987, Sims et al. 1989, Harris et al. 1996). 

Localized minerotrophic areas may contain a more diverse herbaceous layer, including species such as Osmunda cinnamomea

(cinnamon fern).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Larix laricina (tamarack), Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine)

Tall shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Alnus incana (gray alder)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen shrub Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Alnus incana (gray alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Carex trisperma (threeseeded 

sedge), Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping 

snowberry), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), Larix laricina (tamarack), Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Maianthemum 

trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), Pleurozium schreberi

(Schreber's big red stem moss), Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry), Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (27-Jun-2000). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type represents poor black spruce swamps in closed peatland basins. Conceptually, it overlaps with black 

spruce bog forests, Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum / Carex trisperma / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL002485), which are more 

typically found in open peatland complexes. This type is found in smaller basins, where a weakly minerotrophic influence is more 

likely. In the Northern Appalachian/Boreal ecoregion, Abies balsamea (balsam fir) differentiates this type from bogs of lower 

elevations and latitudes. Stands in northeast U.S. and Canada may also contain a suite of shrub species, such as Kalmia angustifolia

(sheep laurel), Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry), Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod), or Rhododendron canadense

(rhodora). These species differ from those in the midwestern U.S. and central Canada, but their constancy in this type needs further 

evaluation.

Global Similar Associations:

• Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002471)

• Picea mariana / (Vaccinium corymbosum, Gaylussacia baccata) / Sphagnum sp. Woodland (CEGL006098)

• Picea mariana / Alnus incana / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL002452)--is similar but tends to have a greater diversity and coverage 

of herbs and to be more nutrient-rich.

• Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum / Carex trisperma / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL002485)--overlaps.

• Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest (CEGL002447)

• Pinus banksiana - (Picea mariana) - Mixed Hardwoods / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005166)

• Populus tremuloides - (Populus grandidentata) Rocky Woodland (CEGL002487)

• Thuja occidentalis - Larix laricina / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005225)

Global Related Concepts:

• Carex trisperma - Black spruce forest (Damman and French 1987) =

• Habenario - Picetum Association (Janssen 1967) =

• Black Spruce - Kalmia Type (Kurmis et al. 1986) =

• Black Spruce / Bunchberry / Sphagnum (Feathermoss) (V36) (Sims et al. 1989) F

• Black Spruce / Ericaceous Shrub / Sphagnum (V37) (Sims et al. 1989) F

• Black Spruce / Herb Poor / Sphagnum (Feathermoss) (Zoladeski et al. 1995) =

• Black Spruce / Labrador Tea / Feathermoss (Sphagnum) (V34) (Sims et al. 1989) F

• Black Spruce Bog (Woodland) (Thompson 1996) ?

• Black Spruce: 12 (Eyre 1980) B

• Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Needle-leaved Evergreen Saturated Wetland (PSS4B) (Cowardin et al. 1979) ?

• Poor Conifer Swamp - Black Spruce (Tamarack) Swamp (Chapman et al. 1989) =

• Poor conifer swamp: black spruce / Labrador Tea / Sphagnum (W27) (Harris et al. 1996) F

• Poor conifer swamp: black spruce / Labrador Tea / bluejoint grass (W28) (Harris et al. 1996) F

• Spring-fen forest (Glaser 1992b) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This black spruce swamp forest occurs on Sand Island, Stockton Island and Bear Island.

Global Range: This community is found in the northern Great Lakes region and Northern Appalachian-Acadian region of the United 

States and Canada and elsewhere in the boreal regions of central Canada. It ranges from northern Michigan to northern Minnesota, and 

northward to parts of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S5, ME, MI:S4, MN, NB, NH, NY, ON, PA, QC:S4, VT:S2, WI:S3S4

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 63:C, 64:C
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USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Aa:CCC, 212Ab:CCC, 212Ba:CCC, 212Bb:CCC, 212Ca:CCC, 212Cb:CCC, 212Da:CCC, 

212Dc:CCC, 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 

212Hq:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 

212Je:CPP, 212Jf:CPP, 212Jj:CPP, 212Jk:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jm:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 212Ka:CCP, 

212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCC, 212Lc:CCC, 212Ld:CCC, 212Ma:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCC, 

212Nc:CCC, 221Ag:CCC, 221Ah:CCC, 221Ai:CCC, 221Ak:CCC, 221Al:CCC, M212Aa:CCC, M212Ab:CCC, M212Ac:CCC, 

M212Ad:CCC, M212Ae:CCC, M212Af:CCC, M212Ag:CCC, M212Ba:CCC, M212Ca:CCC, M212Cd:CCC, M212Da:CCC, 

M212Db:CCC, M212Dc:CCC, M212Dd:CCP

Federal Lands: NPS (Acadia, Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS 

(Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Hiawatha?, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (7 plots): APIS.106, APIS.107, APIS.120, APIS.121, APIS.129, APIS.137, APIS.403.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FSS, FTP

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Anderson and Davis 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Cowardin et al. 1979, Damman and French 1987, Edinger et al. 2002, 

Eyre 1980, Farrand and Bell 1982, Fike 1999, Gawler 2002, Glaser 1992b, Harris et al. 1996, Janssen 1967, Kurmis et al. 1986,

MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989, Sperduto 2000b, Thompson 1996, Thompson and 

Sorenson 2000, WNHIP unpubl. data, Zoladeski et al. 1995

G051. Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp 

Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp

Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest

Tamarack / Gray Alder Forest

Identifier: CEGL002471

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.D.2.a)

Macrogroup Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (MG038)

Group Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp (G051)

Association (Common name) Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This rich to moderately poor tamarack swamp community is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the 

United States and Canada. Stands are found on the shores of lakes and rivers above the flooding level, as well as margins of flowage 

areas of peatland complexes. The substrate is primarily a well-decomposed woody peat in wet, saturated soils, but can also be a moist 

mineral soil. The canopy layer varies from closed (60-100% cover) to open (25-60% cover), and varies from 3-10 m in height. Larix 

laricina (tamarack) is the dominant tree species, with associates of Picea mariana (black spruce) and Thuja occidentalis (northern 

white-cedar). The shrub, herb and moss layers can be very rich to somewhat poor. The shrub layer typically contains Alnus incana

(gray alder), along with Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Rhamnus alnifolia (alderleaf buckthorn), 

and Picea mariana (black spruce). The dwarf-shrub layer is strongly ericaceous, including Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea) 

and Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry). Other dwarf-shrubs include Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Linnaea 

borealis (twinflower), Lonicera villosa (mountain fly honeysuckle), Ribes triste (red currant), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), and 

Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). Herbaceous species include Carex disperma (softleaf sedge), Carex aquatilis (water sedge), 

Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Equisetum sylvaticum (woodland horsetail), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Trientalis 

borealis (starflower), and Viola renifolia (white violet). The moss layer, which is sometimes patchy, includes Dicranum polysetum

(dicranum moss), Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium 

crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss), Sphagnum capillifolium (sphagnum), 

and Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum). Diagnostic characteristics include the dominance of Larix laricina (tamarack), 

presence of both minerotrophic shrubs (Alnus incana (gray alder), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood)) and some ericaceous shrubs 

(e.g., Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea)), and the incomplete moss layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This tamarack swamp forest was sampled once on the mainland unit at Little 

Sand Bay Bog and once near the campsite at East Bay. The sites flat depressions with hummock-and-hollow microtopography. Soils 

poorly drained peat. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (2-75% cover) with some wood (2-25%) and dead plant stems 

(0-25%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Global Environment: Stands are found on the shores of lakes and rivers above the flooding level, as well as margins of flowage areas 

of peatland complexes. The substrate is primarily a well-decomposed woody peat in wet, saturated soils, but can also be a moist 

mineral soil (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Harris et al. 1996).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The general appearance of this community is of a shrubland with a sparse (30% 

cover) emergent (10-20 m tall) tree canopy of Larix laricina (tamarack). The sparse (5-30%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) may include 

Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Ilex verticillata (common winterberry), and Picea mariana

(black spruce). The moderate to very dense (60-90%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Myrica gale (sweetgale) or Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea) and may include Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), and 

Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), 

and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry) may form a sparse (5-10%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The moderately sparse (30-40%) 

herbaceous layer includes Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded 

sedge), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily 

of the valley), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), and Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail). The ground surface has a nearly continuous 

cover (90%) of nonvascular species (mosses) mostly Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp., including Sphagnum centrale (sphagnum), 

Sphagnum fuscum (sphagnum), Sphagnum papillosum (papillose sphagnum), and possibly others.

Global Vegetation: The canopy layer varies from closed (60-100% cover) to open (25-60% cover), and may also range from 3-10 m 

in height. Larix laricina (tamarack) is the dominant tree species, with associates of Picea mariana (black spruce) and Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar). The shrub, herb and moss layers can be very rich to somewhat poor. The shrub layer typically 

contains Alnus incana (gray alder), along with Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Rhamnus alnifolia

(alderleaf buckthorn), and Picea mariana (black spruce). The dwarf-shrub layer is strongly ericaceous, including Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea) and Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry). Other dwarf-shrubs include Cornus canadensis

(bunchberry dogwood), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Lonicera villosa (mountain fly honeysuckle), Ribes triste (red currant), Rosa 

acicularis (prickly rose), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). Herbaceous species include Carex disperma (softleaf sedge), 

Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Equisetum sylvaticum (woodland horsetail), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum 

canadense (Canada mayflower), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Trientalis 

borealis (starflower), and Viola renifolia (white violet). The moss layer, which is sometimes patchy, includes Dicranum polysetum

(dicranum moss), Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium 

crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss), Sphagnum capillifolium (sphagnum), 

Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum), and Sphagnum capillifolium (sphagnum). (Sims et al. 1989, MNNHP 1993, Harris 

et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Larix laricina (tamarack)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Ledum groenlandicum

(bog Labrador-tea), Myrica gale (sweetgale)

Nonvascular Moss Sphagnum centrale (sphagnum)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Equisetum fluviatile

(water horsetail), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Larix laricina (tamarack), Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), 

Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Myrica gale (sweetgale), Picea mariana (black spruce), Sphagnum centrale

(sphagnum), Sphagnum fuscum (sphagnum), Sphagnum papillosum (papillose sphagnum)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type in concept is found in the boreal/mixed conifer-hardwood region (Province 212). It varies from having 

a tall-shrub layer and more minerotrophic indicators to a more patchy layer with dwarf-shrub/sphagnum mat and fewer minerotrophic 

indicators. This type lacks the more southern species found in central tamarack minerotrophic swamps, such as Larix laricina / 

Photinia melanocarpa / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL002472), which is found in the hardwood and prairie-forest border regions.

Global Similar Associations:

• Acer rubrum - Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest (CEGL002071)

• Larix laricina - Acer rubrum / (Rhamnus alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum) Forest (CEGL005232)--is a more southern 

minerotrophic version of this type.

• Larix laricina / Photinia melanocarpa / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL002472)--This type has a more southern distribution and is 

more nutrient-poor.
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• Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005271)

• Thuja occidentalis - Larix laricina / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005225)

Global Related Concepts:

• Forested fingers (Glaser 1992b) =

• Rich conifer swamp: cedar-(tamarack) (W32) (Harris et al. 1996) I

• Tamarack (Black Spruce) / Speckled Alder / Labrador Tea (V23) (Sims et al. 1989) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This tamarack swamp forest occurs on the mainland unit at Little Sand Bay Bog and 

near the campsite at East Bay.

Global Range: This rich to moderately poor tamarack swamp community is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United 

States and Canada, ranging from the northern and central parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan to Ontario, Manitoba, and 

probably elsewhere.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S4?, MI, MN, ON, QC:S4?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Hk:CCP, 

212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCP, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 

212Hw:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CC?, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Jk:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCP, 

212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCP, 212Ka:CCP, 212Kb:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCP, 212Nc:CCC, 

222Na:CCC, M212:C

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, 

Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.037, APIS.705.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FTR

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Brewer 1966, Catana 1967, Glaser 1992b, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Sims et al. 1989, Sytsma and Pippen 1981a, Sytsma and Pippen 1981b

White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp

Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest

Northern White-cedar - (Black Spruce, Balsam Fir) / Gray Alder Forest

Identifier: CEGL002456

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (1.D.2.a)

Macrogroup Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest (MG038)

Group Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp (G051)

Association (Common name) White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp (CES201.575)

Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This sub-boreal white-cedar - mixed conifer swamp forest is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the 

United States and Canada. Stands occur on level to gently sloping ground with wet, organic or mineral soil. It is typically along the 

margins of peatlands, in drainage courses, shores of lakes and rivers above flooding level, or in shallow depressions. The groundwater 

is moderately minerotrophic and has circumneutral pH. The canopy is often moderately dense to dense. The understory structure 

consists of high hummocks and deep, water-filled hollows, with fallen, moss-covered logs common. Thuja occidentalis (northern 

white-cedar) is moderately to strongly dominant in the canopy, or Picea mariana (black spruce) may overtop the subdominant Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar). Other species include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Larix laricina (tamarack) and, more rarely, Picea glauca (white spruce), or Tsuga 

canadensis (eastern hemlock). The shrub layer in this community is sparse to dense, in inverse proportion to the tree canopy. Species 

present in this stratum include Alnus incana (gray alder), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry 

dogwood), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labradortea), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Vaccinium 

myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry) and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) are more 

common eastward. The most common herbaceous species are Carex (sedge) spp. (including Carex disperma), Coptis trifolia

(threeleaf goldthread), Clintonia borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant 

bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola 
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renifolia (white violet). Mosses include Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red 

stem moss), Ptilium crista-castrensis (knights plume moss), Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss), Sphagnum 

capillifolium (sphagnum), Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum), and Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's sphagnum). 

Moss cover may be thin where the canopy is very dense. Diagnostic species include Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) as a 

dominant/codominant species, with a combination of acidic and minerotrophic understory species, such as Alnus incana (gray alder) 

and Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This white-cedar - mixed conifer swamp forest was sampled once on the 

northwestern corner of Outer Island. The site is a flat depression at 196 m (643 feet) elevation. The soil is a somewhat poorly drained 

muck. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (30% cover) and wood (70%). The stand has an old-growth appearance.

Global Environment: This community is found on level to gently sloping ground with wet, organic (Sims et al. 1989) or mineral soil

(MNNHP 1993). It is typically along the margins of peatlands, in drainage courses, or shallow depressions. Schwintzer and Tomberlin 

(1982) reported detailed results on the chemical characteristics of the groundwater of several wetland types in Lower Michigan. They 

found that it was difficult to differentiate swamps dominated by conifers from those dominated by other vegetation on the basis of 

groundwater. The swamps were moderately to strongly minerotrophic and had circumneutral pH.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The moderate (40% cover) tree canopy, 20-35 m tall, is dominated by Thuja 

occidentalis (northern white-cedar) and Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) with lesser amounts of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), 

Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and Betula papyrifera (paper birch). The moderate (50%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) has the same 

make-up as the canopy. The moderate herbaceous layer (60%) is dominated by Carex disperma (softleaf sedge) and includes tree 

seedlings along with Clintonia borealis, Cornus canadensis, Lycopodium annotinum, Maianthemum canadense, Maianthemum 

trifolium, Mnium sp., Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Trientalis borealis (starflower). The ground surface has a nearly continuous 

cover (90%) of nonvascular species (mosses) mostly Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp.

Global Vegetation: The canopy is often moderately dense to dense (MNNHP 1993). Basal areas of 42.2-62.2 m2/ha and densities of 

2457-7565 stems/ha have been reported in four stands in Lower Michigan, using a tree definition of woody stems greater than 2.5 cm 

dbh (Schwintzer 1981). The understory structure consists of high hummocks and deep, water-filled hollows, with fallen, moss-covered 

logs common. Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) is moderately to strongly dominant in the canopy, or Picea mariana (black 

spruce) may overtop the subdominant Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). Other species include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), 

Acer rubrum (red maple), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Fraxinus nigra (black ash), Larix laricina (tamarack) and, more rarely, 

Picea glauca (white spruce) (in northern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario), or Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). The shrub 

layer in this community is sparse to dense, in inverse proportion to the tree canopy. Species present in this stratum include Alnus 

incana (gray alder), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood), Cornus sericea (red-osier 

dogwood), Gaultheria hispidula (creeping snowberry), Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Linnaea borealis (twinflower), 

Rosa acicularis (prickly rose), Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry), and Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvetleaf huckleberry). 

Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry) and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (withe-rod) are more common eastward. The most 

common herbaceous species are Carex (sedge) spp. (including Carex disperma), Coptis trifolia (threeleaf goldthread), Clintonia 

borealis (bluebead), Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulose woodfern), Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw), Maianthemum canadense

(Canada mayflower), Mitella nuda (naked miterwort), Trientalis borealis (starflower), and Viola renifolia (white violet). Mosses 

include Hylocomium splendens (splendid feather moss), Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss), Ptilium cristacastrensis (knights plume moss), Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (rough goose neck moss), Sphagnum capillifolium (sphagnum), 

Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum), and Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's sphagnum). Moss cover may be thin 

where the canopy is very dense. Diagnostic species include Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar) as a dominant/codominant 

species, with a combination of acidic and more minerotrophic understory species, such as Alnus incana (gray alder) and Cornus 

sericea (red-osier dogwood). (Sims et al. 1989, Harris et al. 1996, Chambers et al. 1997)

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock)

Tall shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Carex disperma (softleaf sedge), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar), Tsuga canadensis

(eastern hemlock)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4 (3-Oct-1996). This rank may need to be higher. In Wisconsin, for example, there is very poor 

regeneration of cedar in many stands. There was also widespread strip cutting on federal lands several decades ago, but little cedar 

reproduction has occurred. Currently, there is a moratorium on cutting on federal and state lands, but cutting continues on private 

lands (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999). Deer browse is also a major factor affecting regeneration (Van Deelen 1999).
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CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: The white-cedar seepage type, Thuja occidentalis - (Larix laricina) Seepage Forest (CEGL002455) could be 

lumped with this type, but this type may represent more northern stands. This type may need to be separated into a slightly poorer 

Thuja - Larix - Picea type, Thuja occidentalis - Larix laricina / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005225), and a richer Thuja (red cedar) 

type (see Harris et al. 1996, W31, W32).

Global Similar Associations:

• Thuja occidentalis - (Larix laricina) Seepage Forest (CEGL002455)

• Thuja occidentalis - Abies balsamea / Ledum groenlandicum / Carex trisperma Woodland (CEGL006507)

• Thuja occidentalis - Fraxinus nigra Forest (CEGL005165)

• Thuja occidentalis - Larix laricina / Sphagnum spp. Forest (CEGL005225)

• Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest (CEGL002449)

• Thuja occidentalis / Sphagnum (girgensohnii, warnstorfii) Forest (CEGL006007)--This type is found in the northeastern United 

States.

• Tsuga canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest (CEGL005003)

Global Related Concepts:

• Cedar (inc. Mixedwood) / Speckled Alder / Sphagnum Forest (Sims et al. 1989) =

• Conifer Swamp (Schwintzer 1981) =

• Rich Conifer Swamp (cedar) (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Rich conifer swamp: cedar-(tamarack) (W32) (Harris et al. 1996) I

• Segments 7 and 8 of northern swamps (Clausen 1957) =

• White Cedar-Goldthread-Sphagnum (V38) (Chambers et al. 1997) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This white-cedar - mixed conifer swamp forest was sampled on Outer Island.

Global Range: This sub-boreal white-cedar - mixed conifer swamp forest is found in the northern Great Lakes region on level to 

gently sloping ground with wet, organic or mineral soil.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S2, MI, MN, ON, WI:S3S4

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCC, 212Hb:CCC, 212Hd:CCC, 212He:CCC, 212Hh:CCC, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 

212Hk:CCP, 212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCC, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCP, 212Hp:CCC, 212Hq:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCC, 212Ht:CCC, 

212Hv:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hy:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCC, 212Je:CCP, 212Jf:CCC, 

212Jj:CCC, 212Jk:CCC, 212Jl:CCC, 212Jm:CCC, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCP, 212Ka:CCC, 212La:CCC, 212Lb:CCP, 

212Lc:CCC, 212Mb:CCC, 212Na:CCC, 212Nb:CCC, 212Nc:CCC, 212Nd:CCC, 212Oa:CCC, 212Pa:CCC, 222Jc:CCC, 222Ke:CCC, 

222Mc:CCC, 222Na:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS 

(Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Hiawatha, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.022.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: FCS

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake

References: Chambers et al. 1997, Chapman et al. 1989, Clausen 1957, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern 

Ecology Working Group n.d., Schwintzer 1981, Schwintzer and Tomberlin 1982, Sims et al. 1989, Van Deelen 1999, WNHIP unpubl. 

data, Wanek and Newman 1976
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2. Shrubland & Grassland

2.C.3. Temperate & Boreal Scrub & Herb Coastal Vegetation

2.C.3.a. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland

MG057. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland

G089. Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland

Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation

American Beachgrass - (Little Bluestem) Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL005098

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (2.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (MG057)

Group Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland (G089)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Dune (CES201.026)

Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This beachgrass dune community occurs along the Great Lakes shores region of the United States and Canada on 

stabilized foredunes. Component plant communities vary from sparsely vegetated, active dunes to communities dominated by grasses, 

shrubs, and trees, depending on the degree of sand deposition, sand erosion, and distance from the lake. Depositional areas, where 

Great Lakes beachgrass foredunes are found, are dominated by Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) (or in the eastern part 

of the range Ammophila champlainensis (Champlain beachgrass)); erosional areas, such as slacks in blowouts and dune fields, by 

Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed); and stabilized areas by Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem). In dune fields and on the 

most stable dune ridges, especially around northern Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, low evergreen shrubs (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(kinnikinnick), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper)) occupy dune crests and also the 

ground layer in the savanna edge of dunes; elsewhere, deciduous shrubs are dominant, including Prunus pumila (sandcherry), Salix 

cordata (heartleaf willow) and Salix myricoides (bayberry willow). These two shrubby phases are separated from this open grassland 

type, but could be treated as phases of this type.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This beachgrass dune community was sampled at six locations in the park: one 

site each on Sand Bay Beach on the mainland unit, the western end of Michigan Island, the southern end of Outer Island, the tombolo 

on Stockton Island, and on Long and Bear islands. The sites are gently sloping beaches and dunes with any aspect. Elevations range 

from 186 to 200 m (611-660 feet). Soils are rapidly drained sand. The unvegetated surface is made up of bare sand (40-94% cover), 

leaf litter (5-50%), wood (0-20%) and large rocks sand (0-5%). Evidence of disturbance includes active dune processes, wind and 

wave disturbance, and disturbance from human activities.

Global Environment: Environmental processes include sand deposition, sand erosion, and stabilization. They are affected by the 

distance from the lake. Three sets of environmental habitats can be identified: depositional areas, erosional areas such as slacks in 

blowouts, and stabilized dune fields.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The general appearance of this community is that of a fairly sparse (5-40% cover) 

grassland. However, there may be a sparse (0-5%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m tall) that may include Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) 

and Salix eriocephala (Missouri River willow) and a sparse (0-10%) dwarf-shrub layer including Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beachheather), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Prunus pumila (sandcherry), and Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison-ivy). The 

herbaceous layer is dominated by Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) along with lesser amounts of Lathyrus japonicus

(beach pea); additional species may include Artemisia campestris (field sagewort), Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed), Elymus 

canadensis (Canada wildrye), Equisetum hyemale (scouringrush horsetail), and Oenothera biennis (common evening-primrose). Statevulnerable (S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in three of the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: Component plant communities vary from sparsely vegetated, active dunes to communities dominated by grasses, 

shrubs, and trees, depending on the degree of sand deposition, sand erosion, and distance from the lake. Depositional areas, where 

Great Lakes beachgrass foredunes are found, are dominated by Ammophila breviligulata; erosional areas, such as slacks in blowouts 

and dune fields, by Calamovilfa longifolia; and stabilized areas by Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem). In dune fields and on 

the most stable dune ridges, especially around northern Lake Michigan and Huron, low evergreen shrubs (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(kinnikinnick), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper)) occupy dune crests and also the 

ground layer in the savanna edge of dunes; elsewhere, deciduous shrubs are dominant, including Prunus pumila (sandcherry), Salix 
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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cordata (heartleaf willow) and Salix myricoides (bayberry willow). These two shrubby phases are separated from this open grassland 

type, but could be treated as phases of this type.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Graminoid Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Artemisia campestris (field sagewort), 

Equisetum hyemale (scouringrush horsetail), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Juniperus communis (common juniper), 

Lathyrus japonicus (beach pea), Oenothera biennis (common evening-primrose), Prunus pumila (sandcherry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5); Exotic/Invasive: 

Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion, exotic)

Global: Vulnerable: Cirsium pitcheri (sand dune thistle, Federally listed threatened; restricted to Great Lakes beach-grass/sparse 

foredunes and adjacent dune fields, G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Perhaps 25-35% of Great Lakes dune species grow in maritime dunes (e.g., Cakile edentula (American 

searocket), Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Lathyrus japonicus var.

maritimus (beach pea)), but the many western species (such as Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)) set Great Lakes dunes apart 

(as do its endemic plants, such as Cirsium pitcheri (sand dune thistle)). In Vermont (Lake Champlain) and New York (eastern Lake 

Ontario) the dunes apparently contain Ammophila champlainensis (Champlain beachgrass) instead of Ammophila breviligulata

(American beachgrass). This type is linked in complexes with Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis

Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005064) and Prunus pumila - (Ptelea trifoliata) Dune Shrubland (CEGL005075), which could be 

treated together as a single association, or treated as a complex open dune type. The sparsely vegetated parts of the dune are included 

in this association (old CEGL005161).

Global Similar Associations:

• Cakile edentula Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005162)

• Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL004024)

• Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005064)

• Prunus pumila - (Ptelea trifoliata) Dune Shrubland (CEGL005075)

Global Related Concepts:

• Lacustrine, Littoral, Unconsolidated Sand Shore, Intermittently Flooded (L2US2) (Cowardin et al. 1979) ?

• Lake Sand Beach (Thompson 1996) B

• Sand Dune Community (Thompson 1996) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This beachgrass dune community occurs on Sand Bay Beach on the mainland unit, and 

Michigan, Outer, Stockton, Long, and Bear islands.

Global Range: This community occurs along the Great Lakes shores of the United States and Canada on stabilized foredunes, ranging 

from Wisconsin to Ontario and New York in the Great Lakes, and in isolated occurrences along the shores of Lake Champlain, 

Vermont.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IL, IN, MI, NY, ON, VT, WI:S2?

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hd:CCC, 212He:CCC, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hl:CCC, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCC, 

212Ho:CCC, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Oa:CCC, 212Ob:CCC, 212Pa:CCC, 221E:CC, 

222Ja:CCC, 222Jj:CCC, 222Kg:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Indiana Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Hiawatha, Huron, HuronManistee?, Manistee?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (6 plots): APIS.016, APIS.115, APIS.139, APIS.201, APIS.220, APIS.329.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HAB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: P. Comer
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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References: Cowardin et al. 1979, Farrand and Bell 1982, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Thompson 1996, Thompson and 

Sorenson 2000, WNHIP unpubl. data

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Woolly Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Identifier: CEGL004024

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (2.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (MG057)

Group Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland (G089)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This dwarf_shrubland is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Stands occur on gently to 

moderately sloping dunes (dune-swale complex) and sandplains with rapidly drained sand soil. This unique community likely occurs 

because of the protection by the dunes from north winds and the slightly elevated location on low to midslopes. The slight slope and 

protection from the wind limit erosion and allow a stable surface for vegetation (versus the shifting sands of the higher dunes). This 

community is dominated by Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), which can often occur in monotypic stands. A very sparse 

taller shrub layer with species such as Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), and Salix interior (sandbar 

willow) may be present. The sparse herbaceous layer includes Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Deschampsia 

flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), and Maianthemum stellatum (starry false lily of the valley).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This beach-heather dune dwarf-shrubland was sampled at three locations in the 

park: one site on Long Island and two on Stockton Island. The sites are flat to gently sloping dunes with any aspect. Soils are welldrained and sandy. The unvegetated surface is made up of bare sand (50-60% cover), leaf litter (0-30%), and plant stems (10-50%). 

No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: This community consists of sandy or dunal areas dominated by Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather). It 

is largely confined to the low and midslope areas of Great Lakes dunes. Stands often contain a cryptobiotic crust on the soil.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The general appearance of this community is that of a moderately dense (30-70% 

cover) Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather) dwarf-shrubland (<5 m tall). However, there may be a very sparse (5%) emergent 

tree layer (5-10 m) and tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) that may include Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and Pinus resinosa (red pine). 

There is often also a very sparse (5-10%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) that includes Juniperus communis (common juniper), Prunus 

pumila (sandcherry), and Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet). The sparse (5-20%) herbaceous layer is dominated by Ammophila 

breviligulata (American beachgrass), along with lesser amounts of Artemisia campestris (field sagewort), Polygonella articulata

(coastal jointweed), and Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison-ivy). Lichens (Cladina (reindeer lichen) spp.), when present, cover 

from 10-30% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: This community is dominated by a sparse to moderately dense (25-80% cover), often monotypic, dwarf-shrub 

layer of Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather). There may also be a very sparse tall-shrub layer and sparse cover of short 

shrubs. When present, these include Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), and Salix interior (sandbar 

willow). The sparse herbaceous layer includes Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy 

hairgrass), and Maianthemum stellatum (starry false lily of the valley). In addition, this community supports Michigan state-vulnerable 

Cirsium pitcheri (sand dune thistle) and Tanacetum bipinnatum ssp. huronense (Lake Huron tansy). Nonvascular species (mosses and 

lichens), including Cladonia (cup lichen) sp., and Cladina rangiferina (greygreen reindeer lichen), cover up to 50% of the ground 

surface.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Short shrub/sapling Dwarf-shrub Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather)

Herb (field) Graminoid Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass)

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Short shrub/sapling Dwarf-shrub Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather)

Global: Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (29-May-2008). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This association is temporarily placed in an alliance found along the North Atlantic Coastal Plain. It may need to 

be moved to another alliance based on revisions to the NVC such that it occurs within a Great Lakes dunal group.

Global Similar Associations:

• Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005098)

• Hudsonia tomentosa - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006143)

• Hudsonia tomentosa - Lupinus perennis Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006233)

• Hudsonia tomentosa - Paronychia argyrocoma Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006232)

• Hudsonia tomentosa / Panicum amarum var. amarulum Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL003950)

• Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005064)

• Prunus pumila - (Ptelea trifoliata) Dune Shrubland (CEGL005075)

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This beach-heather dune dwarf-shrubland was sampled on Long Island and Stockton 

Island.

Global Range: This community is found along dunes and sandplains throughout the northern Great Lakes.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MI, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 AA plots): APIS.AA.063, APIS.AA.511, APIS.AA.612.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: DBH

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: S.E. Menard

References: Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d.

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland

Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Creeping Juniper - Kinnikinnick or Bearberry - Common Juniper Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Identifier: CEGL005064

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (2.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (MG057)

Group Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland (G089)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Dune (CES201.026)

Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This dwarf-shrub dune community is found throughout the western Great Lakes region of the United States and 

Canada. Stands are found on flat-topped, windswept, stabilized dunes. The dwarf-shrubs form an open to closed mat layer. Dominant 

shrubs include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Juniperus communis (common juniper), and Juniperus horizontalis (creeping 

juniper). Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather) may also be present, along with a variety of other deciduous shrubs. Ammophila 

breviligulata (American beachgrass) and Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) are among the herbaceous species found here.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This dwarf-shrub dune community was sampled once on the southern end of 

Outer Island. The site is a dune of rapidly drained sand at 188 m (617 feet) elevation. The unvegetated surface is made up entirely of 

bare sand (100% cover). There is some evidence of disturbance from human recreational activities.

Global Environment: Stands are found on flat-topped, windswept, stabilized dunes.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The sparse (20% cover) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m tall) is dominated by Juniperus 

communis (common juniper). Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick) and Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather) form a 

moderate (40%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The sparse herbaceous layer (20%) includes Arabis lyrata (lyrate rockcress), Carex tonsa 
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var. rugosperma (parachute sedge), Comandra umbellata (bastard toadflax), Oenothera biennis (common evening-primrose), 

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (shrubby fivefingers), and Festuca saximontana (Rocky Mountain fescue). State-vulnerable (S3) 

Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in the sampled plot. Nonvascular species (lichens) including Pleurozium 

schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) cover 70% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: The dwarf-shrubs form an open to closed mat layer. Dominant shrubs include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(kinnikinnick), Juniperus communis (common juniper), and Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper). Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly 

beach-heather) may also be present, along with a variety of other deciduous shrubs. Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) 

and Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) are among the herbaceous species found here (Curtis 1959, especially plates 61 and 62, 

White and Madany 1978, Bakowsky and Lee 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Carex tonsa var. rugosperma (parachute sedge), 

Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Festuca saximontana (Rocky Mountain fescue), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), 

Juniperus communis (common juniper)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5)

Global: Vulnerable: Cirsium pitcheri (sand dune thistle, Federally listed threatened, G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (24-Oct-2002). This dwarf-shrub dune community has a moderately wide range, being found 

throughout dune areas of the western Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. But the dune habitat, per se, is of very 

limited area. Few Element Occurrences have been documented for this type, partly because it has often been treated as part of a larger 

dune grassland type. Sites where the type is expected are often under some form of protection. The type is susceptible to natural or 

human-caused disturbances that may cause dune "blow-outs."

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Type is dominated by evergreen shrubs. Deciduous stands dominated by willows are placed in Prunus pumila -

(Ptelea trifoliata) Dune Shrubland (CEGL005075). This type may be a minor component of other vegetation types, such as 

Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005098), or the Great Lakes Pine Barrens, 

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005125), and it 

could conceivably be treated as a phase of CEGL005098.

Global Similar Associations:

• Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005098)

• Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL004024)

• Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005125)

• Prunus pumila - (Ptelea trifoliata) Dune Shrubland (CEGL005075)

Global Related Concepts:

• Open Dune (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This dwarf-shrub dune community was sampled on Outer Island.

Global Range: This dwarf-shrub dune community is found throughout dune areas of the western Great Lakes region of the United 

States and Canada, ranging from the shores of southern Michigan in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan northward to the shores of other 

Great Lakes, such as Lake Superior in Wisconsin.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IL, IN?, MI, ON:S2, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCP, 222Kg:CCP

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.327.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: DJD

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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References: Bakowsky and Lee 1996, Chapman et al. 1989, Curtis 1959, Farrand and Bell 1982, Midwestern Ecology Working 

Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data, White and Madany 1978

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation

Jack Pine - (Red Pine) - Eastern White Pine / Creeping Juniper Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL005125

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (2.C.3.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland (MG057)

Group Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland (G089)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This pine barrens type is found in sandy areas along the Great Lakes shores of the United States and Canada. 

Stands occur on sands on former lake embayments and on some dune-and-swale complexes along the shores of the Great Lakes. Soils 

are circumneutral dry sands. Where this community occurs as part of a dune-and-swale complex it is found on the slopes and ridges of 

the dunes. The vegetation forms a coniferous savanna of scattered and clumped trees. Patches of bare sand are common. In the tree 

layer, Pinus banksiana (jack pine) is usually the single most abundant tree, but several other species, including Pinus resinosa (red 

pine) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) are typically present. Much of the shrub layer is composed of evergreen species, namely 

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper), 

Juniperus communis (common juniper), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry). The most abundant species of the ground 

layer include Agrostis hyemalis (winter bentgrass), Arabis lyrata (lyrate rockcress), Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), 

Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed), Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), and 

Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison-ivy). In dune-swale complexes, the swales between the dunes are often close enough to the 

water table to support more mesophytic, sometimes even semi-aquatic, plants. Along the shores of the Great Lakes there is often a 

dense low or creeping shrub layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This pine barrens community was sampled once on the Stockton Island tombolo 

and once on Long Island. The sites are flat dunes with rapidly drained sand. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (55-73% 

cover) with some wood (0-1%) and bare sand (25-45%). Evidence of disturbance includes trails and the presence of exotic plants.

Global Environment: This community occurs on sandy former lake embayments and on some dune and swale complexes along the 

shores of the Great Lakes. Changes in the lake water levels periodically raises the water table. Soils are circumneutral (pH 6.6-7.3) dry 

sands (Chapman et al. 1989).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: Pinus resinosa (red pine) and/or Pinus banksiana (jack pine) form a sparse (20% 

cover) tree canopy. The sparse (10-40%) shrub layer includes Pinus (pine) spp., Myrica gale (sweetgale), Gaylussacia baccata (black 

huckleberry), Juniperus communis (common juniper), Populus (cottonwood) spp., and Salix (willow) spp. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

(kinnikinnick), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) form a sparse (5-20%) 

dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The sparse herbaceous layer (10-30%) includes Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Lycopus virginicus (Virginia water horehound), 

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf cowwheat), and Symphyotrichum lanceolatum

(white panicle aster). State-vulnerable (S3) Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass) was recorded in the one of the sampled plots. 

Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) including Pleurozium schreberi (Schreber's big red stem moss) cover up to 30% of the 

ground surface.

Global Vegetation: The vegetation forms a coniferous savanna of scattered and clumped trees. Patches of bare sand are common. In 

the tree layer, Pinus banksiana (jack pine) is usually the single most abundant tree, but several other species, including Pinus resinosa

(red pine) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) are typically present. Much of the shrub layer is composed of evergreen species, 

namely Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Juniperus horizontalis (creeping 

juniper), Juniperus communis (common juniper), and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry). The most abundant species of the 

ground layer include Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Agrostis hyemalis (winter bentgrass), Arabis lyrata (lyrate 

rockcress), Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed), Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass), Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), 

and Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison-ivy). In dune-swale complexes, the swales between the dunes are often close enough to 

the water table to support more mesophytic, sometimes even semi-aquatic, plants. Along the shores of the Great Lakes there is often a 

dense low or creeping shrub layer (Chapman et al. 1989). Stunted individuals of Quercus rubra (northern red oak) are present in 

stands in Keweenaw County, MI (Chapman et al. 1989).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus resinosa (red pine)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pinus 

strobus (eastern white pine)

Shrub/sapling (tall & short) Vine/Liana Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison-ivy)

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved tree Juniperus communis (common juniper)

Short shrub/sapling Dwarf-shrub Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Hudsonia tomentosa

(woolly beach-heather), Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper), 

Linnaea borealis (twinflower)

Herb (field) Graminoid Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Calamovilfa 

longifolia (prairie sandreed), Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass), 

Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass), Festuca saximontana

(Rocky Mountain fescue)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), 

Lycopus virginicus (Virginia water horehound), Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower), Melampyrum lineare (narrowleaf 

cowwheat), Myrica gale (sweetgale), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. 

lanceolatum (white panicle aster), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry)

Global: Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass), Hudsonia tomentosa (woolly beach-heather), Juniperus horizontalis

(creeping juniper), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Pinus resinosa (red pine), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass, state-vulnerable, G5); Exotic/Invasive: 

Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife, exotic, High)

Global: Vulnerable: Cirsium pitcheri (sand dune thistle, Federally listed threatened; Herbaceous shoreline endemic of the western 

Great Lakes (Harrison 1988, Bowles et al. 1993). Has been found in this community in Michigan and has been studied by Bowles et 

al. (1993) in Illinois., G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G2 (22-Jun-1998). This community is restricted to the Great Lakes area and many sites have been 

degraded. Good occurrences are found on the Apostle Islands National Park, Wisconsin, and several others in Wisconsin could be 

restored (including several on Lake Michigan).

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 1 - Strong

Global Comments: In Wisconsin, this type occurs in Lake Superior on the Apostle Islands. The physiognomy of the understory is 

complex, containing patches of shrub, dwarf-shrub, herbaceous, and sparse vegetation. The ground layer vegetation is somewhat 

related to the Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland type, Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune 

Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005064). Several stands on Lake Michigan contain a number of prairie disjuncts (E. Epstein pers. comm. 

1999).

Global Similar Associations:

• Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005064)

• Pinus banksiana - (Quercus ellipsoidalis) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Prairie Forbs Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 

(CEGL002490)

• Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest (CEGL002589)

Global Related Concepts:

• Great Lakes Barren (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This pine barrens community occurs on the Stockton Island tombolo and Long Island.

Global Range: This pine barrens type is found along sandy areas of the Great Lakes shores in the United States and Canada, 

including areas in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IN, MI, ON, WI:S1?

TNC Ecoregions: 47:?, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CP?, 212Jc:CP?, 

212Jl:CP?, 212Jn:CP?, 212Oa:CCC, 222Jj:CCC
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Indiana Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes); USFS (Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee, 

Huron?, Manistee)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.203, APIS.221.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HPB, HPW

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: J. Drake and D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Bowles et al. 1993, Chapman et al. 1989, Harrison 1988, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data, Zimmerman 1956

2.C.4. Temperate & Boreal Bog & Fen

2.C.4.a. North American Bog & Fen

MG062. North American Boreal Bog & Fen

G185. Boreal Alkaline Peatland

Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen

Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland

Gray Alder - Willow species - Bog Birch / Leatherleaf Shrubland

Identifier: CEGL005227

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Bog & Fen (2.C.4.a)

Macrogroup North American Boreal Bog & Fen (MG062)

Group Boreal Alkaline Peatland (G185)

Association (Common name) Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Fen (CES201.585)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This bog birch - willow shore fen is found in the northern regions of the midwestern and possibly northeastern 

United States and in central Canada. Stands occur most commonly along the minerotrophic margins of confined basin peatlands, 

associated with peatland lakeshore complexes or on "lagg" zones at edges of peatlands where periodic exposure to flooding occurs 

from groundwater runoff. The substrate is deep fibric to mesic peat. The water regime is saturated to seasonally flooded. Hummockand-hollow microtopography is well-developed. The shrub layer of this type is dominated by Betula pumila var. glandulifera (bog 

birch), with Alnus incana (gray alder) and Salix (willow) spp. as codominants (including Salix pyrifolia (balsam willow), Salix 

planifolia (diamondleaf willow), Salix pedicellaris (bog willow), and Salix petiolaris (meadow willow)). Other less constant tall 

shrubs include Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood) and Rhamnus alnifolia (alderleaf buckthorn). Shrubs are typically 1.5-3 m tall and 

coverage ranges from 30-80%. Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) dominates the dwarf-shrub layer, with lesser amounts of 

Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), 

Rubus arcticus ssp. acaulis (dwarf raspberry), Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). 

Cover of these dwarf-shrubs is typically 60-90%. Often being shaded out by this dense dwarf-shrub layer, the cover of herbaceous 

plants is variable (20-60%). The most abundant species are Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex leptalea (bristlystalked sedge), Carex 

rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), and 

Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex chordorrhiza (creeping sedge), Carex 

lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock cottongrass), and Viola (violet) spp. are also common at 

low density. The nonvascular stratum in northern Minnesota is dominated by Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's sphagnum), 

Sphagnum angustifolium (sphagnum), Sphagnum centrale (sphagnum), Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum), and 

Sphagnum fallax (sphagnum). These species typically comprise 90-100% cover.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This bog birch - willow shore fen was sampled at 10 locations in the park: 2 

sites at Sand Bay Bog on the mainland unit, 1 site on Devils Island, 1 on Michigan Island, and 6 on the Stockton Island tombolo. 

These sites are seasonally flooded to saturated flat depressions and an estuary with somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drained 

peat and muck soils. The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (0-100% cover), bare soil (0-50%), and standing water (0-55%); 

two of the stands have no unvegetated surface. Minimal to heavy insect herbivory was observed.

Global Environment: This type is most commonly found along the minerotrophic margins of confined basin peatlands, associated 

with peatland lakeshore complexes or on "lagg" zones at edges of peatlands where periodic exposure to flooding occurs from 

groundwater runoff. The substrate is deep fibric to mesic peat. The water regime is saturated to seasonally flooded. Hummock and 

hollow microtopography is well-developed (Harris et al. 1996).
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Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The dominant feature of this community is the herbaceous layer. However, a 

sparse (5-20% cover) emergent shrub/tree layer (2-10 m tall) is usually present. In addition, there may be a very sparse to very dense 

(5-90%) short-shrub layer (<0.5-1 m). Trees include Larix laricina (tamarack) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine); tall shrubs may 

include Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Larix laricina

(tamarack), and Picea mariana (black spruce). Dominant short shrubs include Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder) and Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea). Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), 

and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry) form a very sparse to very dense (5-90%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m). The variable 

herbaceous layer (5-70%) includes Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge), Carex utriculata

(Northwest Territory sedge), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock cottongrass), 

Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), Pogonia ophioglossoides (snakemouth 

orchid), and Rhynchospora alba (white beaksedge). These sites support numerous insectivorous plants, including Drosera intermedia

(spoonleaf sundew), Drosera rotundifolia (roundleaf sundew), Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant), Utricularia intermedia

(flatleaf bladderwort), and Utricularia minor (lesser bladderwort). The ground surface has sparse to complete cover (20-100%) of 

Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. In addition, three state-listed plant species were recorded from sampled plots: state-critically imperiled 

Carex exilis (coastal sedge) (S1) and state-imperiled Carex michauxiana (Michaux's sedge) and Rhynchospora fusca (brown 

beaksedge) (S2).

Global Vegetation: The shrub layer of this type is dominated by Betula pumila var. glandulifera (bog birch), with Alnus incana (gray 

alder) and Salix (willow) spp. as codominants (including Salix pyrifolia (balsam willow), Salix planifolia (diamondleaf willow), Salix 

pedicellaris (bog willow), and Salix petiolaris (meadow willow)). Other less constant tall shrubs include Cornus sericea (red-osier 

dogwood) and Rhamnus alnifolia (alderleaf buckthorn). Shrubs are typically 1.5-3 m tall and coverage ranges from 30-80%. 

Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) dominates the dwarf-shrub layer, with lesser amounts of Ledum groenlandicum (bog 

Labrador-tea), Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), Rubus arcticus ssp. acaulis

(dwarf raspberry), Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry). Cover of these dwarf-shrubs 

is typically 60-90%. Often being shaded out by this dense dwarf-shrub layer, the cover of herbaceous plants is variable (20-60%). The 

most abundant species are Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex leptalea (bristlystalked sedge), Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex 

trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), and Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex chordorrhiza (creeping sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Eriophorum 

vaginatum var. spissum (tussock cottongrass), and Viola (violet) spp. are also common at low density. The nonvascular stratum in 

northern Minnesota is dominated by Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's sphagnum), Sphagnum angustifolium (sphagnum), 

Sphagnum centrale (sphagnum), Sphagnum girgensohnii (Girgensohn's sphagnum), and Sphagnum fallax (sphagnum). These species 

typically comprise 90-100% cover (Harris et al. 1996, M. Smith pers. comm. 1999).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Short shrub/sapling Needle-leaved shrub Larix laricina (tamarack)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved deciduous shrub Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder)

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen shrub Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), 

Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf)

Herb (field) Forb Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley)

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge)

Herb (field) Fern or fern ally Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog 

rosemary), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), 

Drosera rotundifolia (roundleaf sundew), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Larix laricina (tamarack), Ledum groenlandicum

(bog Labrador-tea), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), Myrica gale (sweetgale), Sarracenia purpurea (purple 

pitcherplant), Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Carex exilis (coastal sedge, state-critically imperiled, G5), Carex michauxiana

(Michaux's sedge, state-imperiled, G5), Rhynchospora fusca (brown beaksedge, state-imperiled, G4G5); Exotic/Invasive: Sorbus 

aucuparia (european mountain-ash, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (1-Dec-1997). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

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Global Comments: Type concept is that of a tall-shrub shore fen, as described by W16 of Harris et al. (1996). Rangewide review is 

needed.

Global Similar Associations:

• Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex lasiocarpa Shrubland (CEGL002494)--is a low-shrub shore fen.

• Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005228)

• Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda - Myrica gale Rich Shore Fen Shrubland (CEGL005275)

Global Related Concepts:

• Northern Rich Fen (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

• Tall shrub shore fen: speckled alder-willow / dwarf birch / ericaceous shrub (W16) (Harris et al. 1996) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This bog birch - willow shore fen is found at Sand Bay Bog on the mainland unit, and 

on Devils, Michigan, and Stockton islands.

Global Range: This shrub shore fen is found in the northern Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, ON, QC, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ia:CCC, 212J:CC, 212La:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Voyageurs)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (10 plots): APIS.004, APIS.005, APIS.006, APIS.007, APIS.015, APIS.038, APIS.105, 

APIS.206, APIS.212, APIS.702.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: SAW

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Harris et al. 1996, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen

Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation

Wiregrass Sedge - (Beaked Sedge) - Water Horsetail Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL005229

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Bog & Fen (2.C.4.a)

Macrogroup North American Boreal Bog & Fen (MG062)

Group Boreal Alkaline Peatland (G185)

Association (Common name) Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Fen (CES201.585)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This community is found typically on floating (or occasionally grounded) mats on the edges of lakes and streams 

in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Lakes and streams have low wave and current energy and seasonally flood 

the mat. Permanent surface pools and small hummocks with Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and ericaceous shrubs may be present. The 

substrate is a mat of fibric to mesic peat held together by roots and rhizomes. Graminoids dominate the stand, with shrub cover 

typically much less than 25%. Myrica gale (sweetgale) can be among the more common shrubs. The graminoid Carex lasiocarpa

(woollyfruit sedge) can form extensive "lawns." Other herbaceous species present include Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Eleocharis 

elliptica (elliptic spikerush), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks), Rhynchospora alba (white 

beaksedge), Triadenum fraseri (Fraser's marsh St. Johnswort), Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort), and Utricularia minor

(lesser bladderwort). Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean) can occur at high cover, especially at the outer edge of the floating mat.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This wiregrass sedge wetland community was sampled twice at the Sand Bay 

bog on the mainland unit. The sites are permanently flooded, flat depressions with saturated, very poorly drained muck soil. The 

unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (20-35% cover), bare soil (0-50%), and standing water (0-35%). Evidence of disturbance 

includes some insect herbivory.

Global Environment: This community is found typically on floating (or occasionally grounded) mats on the edges of lakes and 

streams. Lakes and streams have low wave and current energy and seasonally flood the mat. Permanent surface pools and small 

hummocks with Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and ericaceous shrubs may be present. The substrate is a mat of fibric to mesic peat held 

together by roots and rhizomes.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

Printed from Biotics on: 03 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: There is a sparse (5% cover) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m tall) that may include 

Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder) and Myrica gale (sweetgale) and a sparse (1-10%) dwarf-shrub layer that may include 

Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small 

cranberry). The dense (80-90%) herbaceous layer is dominated by Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge); additional species include 

Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Eriophorum virginicum (tawny cottongrass), 

Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), Rhynchospora alba (white beaksedge), and the insectivore Sarracenia purpurea (purple 

pitcherplant). Aquatic species Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort) is also present. Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. may have up 

to 30% cover of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: Graminoids dominate the stand, with shrub cover typically much less than 25%. Myrica gale (sweetgale) can be 

among the more common shrubs. The graminoid Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge) can form extensive 'lawns.' Other herbaceous 

species present include Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Eleocharis elliptica (elliptic spikerush), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), 

Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks), Rhynchospora alba (white beaksedge), Triadenum fraseri (Fraser's marsh St. Johnswort), 

Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort), and Utricularia minor (lesser bladderwort). Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean) can occur 

at high cover, especially at the outer edge of the floating mat (Harris et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (bog rosemary), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), 

Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), Myrica gale

(sweetgale), Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort), Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (1-Dec-1997). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type is wetter than low shrub shore fen, Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarfshrubland (CEGL005228), and has structural similarities to bluejoint meadows, but the mat tends to float and the surface is less 

frequently flooded (Harris et al. 1996). Shore fens may also resemble Narrow-leaf Sedge Organic meadow marshes in Ontario and the 

concept of shore fen has not been standardized across the province yet (W. Bakowsky pers. comm. 1999). In the Great Lakes shore 

fens, a more nutrient-rich type has been described separately, Calamagrostis canadensis - Carex viridula - Cladium mariscoides -

Lobelia kalmii Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005115).

Global Similar Associations:

• Calamagrostis canadensis - Carex viridula - Cladium mariscoides - Lobelia kalmii Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005115)--is a 

rich graminoid shore fen in the Great Lakes, and may not typically have Carex lasiocarpa.

• Carex lasiocarpa - Calamagrostis spp. - (Eleocharis rostellata) Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002383)

• Carex lasiocarpa Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001810)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005228)

• Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda - Myrica gale Rich Shore Fen Shrubland (CEGL005275)--is a rich shrub shore fen in the Great 

Lakes region.

Global Related Concepts:

• Northern Rich Fen (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

• Open graminoid shore fen: wire sedge (W14) (Harris et al. 1996) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This wiregrass sedge wetland is found at Sand Bay Bog on the mainland unit.

Global Range: This community is found typically on floating (or occasionally grounded) mats on the edges of lakes and streams in 

the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. It ranges from northern Minnesota and adjacent Ontario eastward to localized 

areas of Michigan and New York. In New York, one site (Deer Creek) is known along the shores of eastern Lake Ontario.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, NY, ON, QC, VT, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212La:CCC, 222Ie:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.014, APIS.018.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HSS
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Edinger et al. 2002, Harris et al. 1996, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data

G053. North American Boreal Acidic Peatland 

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen

Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale / Wiregrass Sedge Dwarf-shrubland

Identifier: CEGL005228

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Bog & Fen (2.C.4.a)

Macrogroup North American Boreal Bog & Fen (MG062)

Group North American Boreal Acidic Peatland (G053)

Association (Common name) Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Wooded Dune and Swale (CES201.726)

Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Fen (CES201.585)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This leatherleaf - sweetgale dwarf-shrubland is typically found on floating mats on the edges of lakes and streams 

in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Stands occur where there is low wave and current energy with seasonal 

flooding. Hummocks with Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and ericaceous shrubs are often present but small in area. Shallow surface 

pools of water may persist throughout the growing season. Low shrubs dominate the stands, generally with over 60%. Dominant 

species include Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) and Myrica gale (sweetgale). Salix pedicellaris (bog willow) is often present. 

The herbaceous layer is variable in cover and composition, sometimes shaded out by the heavy shrub cover. Species include 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex rostrata (beaked 

sedge), and Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). Diagnostic features of the type are high cover of Chamaedaphne calyculata

(leatherleaf) with one or more of the following minerotrophic species present: Myrica gale (sweetgale), Betula pumila (bog birch), 

Salix (willow) spp., Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), and Iris versicolor (harlequin blueflag).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This leatherleaf - sweet gale shore fen was sampled at six locations in the park: 

one site on the southern end of Outer Island, one on Michigan Island, and four sites on Stockton Island tombolo. Sites are generally 

flat depressions, but one site on Stockton Island is on a gentle south-facing upper slope. Soils are poorly to very poorly drained peat. 

The unvegetated surface is made up of leaf litter (15-100% cover) and standing water (0-85%). At one site, the vegetation mat was 

very dry at the time of sampling, possibly due to a period of drought.

Global Environment: This community is typically found on floating mats on the edges of lakes and streams. Stands occur where 

there is low wave and current energy, and where seasonal flooding may be expected (Harris et al. 1996). Seasonal flooding apparently 

tends to produce somewhat intermediate nutrient conditions, but depending on degree of flooding and water chemistry, individual 

stands may vary from moderately poor to moderately rich.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The very sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m) is 

dominated by Myrica gale (sweetgale); additional shrubs may include Alnus incana (gray alder), Ilex verticillata (common 

winterberry), Nemopanthus mucronatus (catberry), and Salix (willow) spp. Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) dominates the very 

sparse to moderately dense (5-70%) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m), along with lesser amounts of Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla

(bog rosemary), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry). The variable herbaceous layer (5-

60%) includes Carex (sedge) spp., Cladium mariscoides (smooth sawgrass), Juncus canadensis (Canadian rush), and Menyanthes 

trifoliata (buckbean), as well as orchids Calopogon tuberosus (tuberous grasspink) and Pogonia ophioglossoides (snakemouth orchid) 

and insectivores Drosera intermedia (spoonleaf sundew), Drosera rotundifolia (roundleaf sundew), Sarracenia purpurea (purple 

pitcherplant), and Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort). The ground surface has sparse to total cover (5-100%) of Sphagnum

(sphagnum) spp. In addition, the state-critically imperiled (S1) Carex exilis (coastal sedge) and state-imperiled (S2) Rhynchospora 

fusca (brown beaksedge) (50% cover at one site) were recorded in the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: Hummocks with Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and ericaceous shrubs are often present, but small in area. Shallow 

surface pools of water may persist throughout the growing season. Low shrubs dominate the stands, generally over 60%. Dominant 

species include Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) and Myrica gale (sweetgale). Salix pedicellaris (bog willow) is often present. 

The herbaceous layer is variable in cover and composition, sometimes shaded out by the heavy shrub cover. Species include 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex rostrata (beaked 

sedge), and Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). Diagnostic features of the type are high cover of Chamaedaphne calyculata

(leatherleaf) with one or more of the following minerotrophic species present: Myrica gale (sweetgale), Betula pumila (bog birch), 
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Salix (willow) spp., Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), 

Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), and Iris versicolor (harlequin blueflag) (Harris et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Short shrub/sapling Broad-leaved evergreen shrub Myrica gale (sweetgale)

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf)

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex exilis (coastal sedge), Rhynchospora fusca (brown 

beaksedge)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Carex exilis (coastal sedge), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Cladium mariscoides

(smooth sawgrass), Juncus canadensis (Canadian rush), Myrica gale (sweetgale), Pogonia ophioglossoides (snakemouth orchid), 

Rhynchospora fusca (brown beaksedge), Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant), Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Carex exilis (coastal sedge, state-critically imperiled, G5), Rhynchospora fusca

(brown beaksedge, state-imperiled, G4G5)

Global: Vulnerable: Iris lacustris (dwarf lake iris, Federally listed threatened, G3)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (24-Mar-2000). Type is expected to be fairly common in Canada.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Diagnostic features of the type are high cover of Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) with one or more of the 

following minerotrophic species present: Myrica gale (sweetgale), Betula pumila var. glandulifera (bog birch), Salix (willow) spp., 

Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), Calamagrostis canadensis

(bluejoint), and Iris versicolor (harlequin blueflag). Depending on the site, nutrient conditions may vary; however, rich shore fens 

along the Great Lakes are treated as a separate type, Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda - Myrica gale Rich Shore Fen Shrubland 

(CEGL005275). This type differs from the Leatherleaf Bog, Chamaedaphne calyculata - Ledum groenlandicum - Kalmia polifolia

Bog Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005278), and the Leatherleaf Poor Fen, Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. 

Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005277) in that it harbors more minerotrophic indicator species which the Leatherleaf types lack, 

and tends to have less acidic indicators, such as Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge). When cover of Betula pumila var. glandulifera

(bog birch) and Salix (willow) spp. increases, this community can grade into a Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen, Alnus incana - Salix

spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland (CEGL005227), or a Dogwood - Pussy Willow swamp, Cornus sericea -

Salix spp. - (Rosa palustris (swamp rose)) Shrubland (CEGL002186). Greater than 25% cover of short (not dwarf) shrubs would 

warrant placing the stand into one of these other communities. This type is drier than graminoid shore fen, Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex 

rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005229), and is transitional to saturated rich and poor fens. Shore fens 

may also resemble organic shrub swamps in Ontario and the concept of shore fen has not been standardized across the province yet 

(W. Bakowsky pers. comm. 1999).

Global Similar Associations:

• Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland (CEGL005227)

• Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005229)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata - Ledum groenlandicum - Kalmia polifolia Bog Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005278)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005277)

• Cornus sericea - Salix spp. - (Rosa palustris) Shrubland (CEGL002186)

• Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda - Myrica gale Rich Shore Fen Shrubland (CEGL005275)--is a rich shore fen along the Great 

Lakes shoreline.

• Myrica gale - Spiraea alba - Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland (CEGL006512)

• Myrica gale Fen Shrubland (CEGL005141)

• Myrica gale Organic Swamp Shrubland (CEGL005077)

Global Related Concepts:

• Low shrub shore fen: leatherleaf - sweet gale / graminoid (W15) (Harris et al. 1996) =

• Northern Rich Fen (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This leatherleaf - sweet gale shore fen occurs on Outer, Michigan, and Stockton islands.

Global Range: This community is typically found on floating mats on the edges of lakes and streams in the Great Lakes region of the 

United States and Canada. It ranges from northern Minnesota and adjacent Ontario eastward to localized areas of Michigan and New 

York. In New York, one site (Deer Creek) is known along the shores of eastern Lake Ontario.

Nations: CA, US
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States/Provinces: MI, MN, NY, ON, QC:S4?, VT, WI:S3

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212La:CCC, 222Ie:CCC

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (6 plots): APIS.111, APIS.207, APIS.208, APIS.326, APIS.400, APIS.704.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: DLS

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Edinger et al. 2002, Harris et al. 1996, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. 

data

Leatherleaf Poor Fen

Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland

Leatherleaf / Few-seed Sedge / Peatmoss species Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland

Identifier: CEGL005277

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Bog & Fen (2.C.4.a)

Macrogroup North American Boreal Bog & Fen (MG062)

Group North American Boreal Acidic Peatland (G053)

Association (Common name) Leatherleaf Poor Fen

Ecological System(s): Boreal-Laurentian Bog (CES103.581)

Boreal-Laurentian-Acadian Acidic Basin Fen (CES201.583)

Boreal-Laurentian Conifer Acidic Swamp (CES103.724)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This dwarf-shrub poor fen community is found in the northern Great Lakes region and across much of central 

Canada. Sites are found on peatlands with low exposure to mineral-rich groundwater, including basin fens, shores above the level of 

seasonal flooding, and margins of larger peatlands. Stands have a saturated hydrology with a fibric Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. peat 

soil and a pH usually <4.5. Vegetation is dominated by an open dwarf-shrub/scrub conifer layer with very scattered trees (<10% 

cover). Microtopography is high to intermediate hummocks with hollows or a flat lawn of Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. Ericaceous 

dwarf-shrubs are dominant, including Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), and Ledum 

groenlandicum (bog Labrador-tea), and the creeping dwarf-shrubs Andromeda polifolia (bog rosemary) and Vaccinium oxycoccos

(small cranberry). Betula pumila (bog birch) has low cover but is fairly constant. Scrub conifers include Larix laricina (tamarack) and 

Picea mariana (black spruce). They also occur as scattered trees (>3 m). The herb layer is species-poor, containing Carex oligosperma

(fewseed sedge), Carex limosa (mud sedge), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), Sarracenia 

purpurea (purple pitcherplant), and Scheuchzeria palustris (rannoch-rush). The moss layer forms a continuous hummocky mat 

dominated by Sphagnum angustifolium (sphagnum), Sphagnum fuscum (sphagnum), and Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's 

sphagnum). Diagnostic features include the dominance of a dwarf-shrub ericaceous layer, absence of a tree layer (<10%), species-poor 

herbaceous layer, and a low abundance of minerotrophic indicators, such as Betula pumila (bog birch), Carex aquatilis (water sedge) 

and Carex stricta (upright sedge).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This dwarf-shrub wetland community was sampled at six locations in the park:

3 sites on Long Island, 2 sites on Michigan Island and 1 site on Outer Island. The sites are seasonally flooded to saturated flat 

depressions at elevations ranging from 180 to 214 m (590-700 feet). Soils are poorly drained to very poorly drained peat with

hummock-and-hollow microtopography. The ground surface is covered almost entirely by nonvascular species (90-100% cover) with 

some leaf litter (0-5%). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: Sites are found on peatlands with low exposure to mineral-rich groundwater, including basin fens, shores 

above the level of seasonal flooding, and margins of larger peatlands. Stands have a saturated hydrology with a fibric Sphagnum

(sphagnum) spp. peat soil and a pH usually <4.5. (Harris et al. 1996).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The general appearance of this community is that of a dwarf-shrubland. However, 

a few of the stands are being invaded by tree saplings (1-5 m tall), including Alnus incana (gray alder), Larix laricina (tamarack), 

Picea mariana (black spruce), Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) with up to 20% cover. The 

moderate to dense (50-80%) dwarf-shrub layer is dominated by Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) with lesser amounts of Kalmia 

polifolia (bog laurel) and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry). The sparse (20-30%) herbaceous layer includes Carex utriculata

(Northwest Territory sedge), Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge), Carex trisperma (threeseeded sedge), Eriophorum vaginatum var.

spissum (tussock cottongrass), Eriophorum virginicum (tawny cottongrass), Maianthemum trifolium (threeleaf false lily of the valley), 
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Scheuchzeria palustris (rannoch-rush), and the insectivore Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant). The ground surface has a nearly 

continuous cover (90-100%) of nonvascular species (mosses), mostly Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp.

Global Vegetation: The vegetation is dominated by an open dwarf-shrub/scrub conifer layer with very scattered trees (<10% cover). 

Microtopography is high to intermediate hummocks with hollows or a flat lawn of Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. Ericaceous dwarfshrubs are dominant, including Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), and Ledum groenlandicum (bog 

Labrador-tea), and the creeping dwarf-shrubs Andromeda polifolia (bog rosemary) and Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry). Betula 

pumila (bog birch) has low cover but is fairly constant. Scrub conifers include Larix laricina (tamarack) and Picea mariana (black 

spruce). They also occur as scattered trees (>3 m). The herb layer is species-poor, containing Carex oligosperma (fewseed sedge), 

Carex limosa (mud sedge), Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail), Menyanthes trifoliata (buckbean), Sarracenia purpurea (purple 

pitcherplant), and Scheuchzeria palustris (rannoch-rush). Minerotrophic indicators include Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex 

rostrata (beaked sedge), and Carex stricta (upright sedge). The moss layer forms a continuous hummocky mat dominated by 

Sphagnum angustifolium (sphagnum), Sphagnum fuscum (sphagnum), and Sphagnum magellanicum (Magellan's sphagnum) (Harris et 

al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Dwarf-shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf)

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), 

Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum (tussock cottongrass), Eriophorum virginicum (tawny cottongrass), Kalmia polifolia (bog laurel), 

Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant), Vaccinium oxycoccos (small cranberry)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (29-Mar-2000). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: It is difficult to distinguish this leatherleaf poor fen from leatherleaf bogs in the field, but conceptually this type 

has somewhat more minerotrophic influence and a corresponding set of minerotrophic indicators. When minerotrophic indicators are 

absent or "very low", the type is placed in Chamaedaphne calyculata - Ledum groenlandicum - Kalmia polifolia Bog Dwarf-shrubland 

(CEGL005278) (Harris et al. 1996). Stands with sparse black spruce-tamarack layer (<10% tree cover) are part of this type. Stands 

with 10-25% black spruce and tamarack cover are placed in black spruce/leatherleaf semi-treed bog, Picea mariana / Chamaedaphne 

calyculata / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005218). This type also overlaps closely with a "scrubby poor fen type" Larix 

laricina / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex lasiocarpa Shrubland (CEGL005226). There are intermediates between this poor fen and 

sedge meadows, such as when Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp. and Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) have invaded a Carex rostrata

(beaked sedge) meadow and the Carex rostrata (beaked sedge) is hanging on because it still has deep rooting in the underlying 

minerotrophic peat or mineral soil (N. Aaseng pers. comm. 2000).

Global Similar Associations:

• Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex lasiocarpa Shrubland (CEGL002494)

• Carex oligosperma - Carex pauciflora - Eriophorum vaginatum / Sphagnum spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005256)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata - Ledum groenlandicum - Kalmia polifolia Bog Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005278)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005228)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma - Eriophorum virginicum Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005092)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005091)--This type can form in seepy 

areas of "burned out" bogs.

• Chamaedaphne calyculata / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum rubellum Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006513)

• Picea mariana / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005218)--This type is a leatherleaf bog with a 

scattered tree layer (10-25%), or muskeg.

Global Related Concepts:

• Poor fen: black spruce - tamarack / ericaceous shrub / Sphagnum (W22) (Harris et al. 1996) F

• Poor fen: ericaceous shrub / Sphagnum (W21) (Harris et al. 1996) F

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This dwarf-shrub wetland community is found on Long, Michigan, and Outer islands.

Global Range: This dwarf-shrub poor fen community is found in the northern Great Lakes region and across much of central Canada, 

ranging from the eastern lake states west to Minnesota, and northward from Quebec to Manitoba and other parts of Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN:S4, ON, QC:S3S4, WI:S4

TNC Ecoregions: 46:?, 47:C, 48:C, 64:C
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USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212J:CC, 212K:CC, 212L:CC, 212M:CP, 

212N:CP, 212O:CC, 212P:CC, 222J:C?, 222K:C?

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS 

(Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Hiawatha, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Nicolet, Ottawa, Superior)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (6 plots): APIS.112, APIS.117, APIS.224, APIS.225, APIS.228, APIS.323.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: DLF

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Harris et al. 1996, MNNHP 1993, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

2.C.5. Temperate & Boreal Freshwater Wet Meadow & Marsh

2.C.5.a. Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh

MG069. Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow

G112. Eastern North American Wet Meadow 

Bluejoint Wet Meadow

Calamagrostis canadensis - Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation

Bluejoint - Spotted Joe-pyeweed Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL005174

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh (2.C.5.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow (MG069)

Group Eastern North American Wet Meadow (G112)

Association (Common name) Bluejoint Wet Meadow

Ecological System(s): Eastern Great Plains Wet Meadow, Prairie and Marsh (CES205.687)

Eastern Boreal Floodplain (CES103.588)

North-Central Interior Wet Meadow-Shrub Swamp (CES202.701)

Laurentian-Acadian Wet Meadow-Shrub Swamp (CES201.582)

Central Appalachian River Floodplain (CES202.608)

High Allegheny Wetland (CES202.069)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This wet meadow vegetation is widespread in the northeastern and midwestern United States and central and 

eastern Canada. Stands occur on the floodplains of small streams, in poorly drained depressions, beaver meadows, levees and 

lakeshores. Soils are typically mineral soil or well-decomposed peat, with a thick root mat. Water regime varies between temporarily 

and seasonally flooded. Graminoid cover is typically dense and can form hummocky microtopography. Calamagrostis canadensis

(bluejoint) is dominant, often occurring in almost pure stands or with tall sedges, such as Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex 

lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), and Carex stricta (upright sedge). In fen transitions, Carex 

lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge) can be present. Agrostis gigantea (redtop), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Poa palustris

(fowl bluegrass), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) are 

sometimes abundant. Forbs include Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Epilobium leptophyllum (bog willowherb), 

Eupatorium maculatum (spotted joepyeweed), Eupatorium perfoliatum (common boneset), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Iris 

versicolor (harlequin blueflag), Polygonum amphibium (water knotweed), and Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). Scattered 

shrubs, such as Viburnum nudum (possumhaw), Viburnum dentatum (southern arrow-wood), Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet), 

Cornus amomum (silky dogwood), Alnus incana (gray alder), or Alnus serrulata (hazel alder), may be present. Phalaris arundinacea

(reed canarygrass) and/or Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) may be present, especially in disturbed examples.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This wet meadow community was sampled three times in the park, twice on 

Stockton Island and once on the eastern end of Michigan Island. The sites are seasonally flooded to saturated flat depressions 

(abandoned beaver ponds) at 191 to 222 m (627-727 feet) elevation. One site was very dry due to a lack of rain. The soils are poorly 

drained muck. The unvegetated surface is made up of either leaf litter (0-100% cover) or bare soil (0-100%). Evidence of disturbance 

includes past beaver activity.

Global Environment: Stands occur on the floodplains of small streams, in poorly drained depressions, beaver meadows, levees and 

lakeshores. Soils are typically mineral soil or well-decomposed peat or peat silt loam with a thick root mat. Water regime varies 

between temporarily and seasonally flooded.
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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: This herbaceous wetland is dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint) 

with 15-85% cover; other dominants may include Calla palustris (water arum), Glyceria canadensis (rattlesnake mannagrass), 

Lysimachia terrestris (earth loosestrife), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Symphyotrichum 

puniceum (purplestem aster). Nonvascular species (mosses), mostly Sphagnum (sphagnum) spp., may cover up to 50% of the ground 

surface.

Global Vegetation: Graminoid cover is typically dense and can form hummocky microtopography. Calamagrostis canadensis

(bluejoint) is dominant, often occurring in almost pure stands or with tall sedges, such as Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex 

lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), and Carex stricta (upright sedge). In fen transitions, Carex lasiocarpa

(woollyfruit sedge) can be present. Agrostis gigantea (redtop), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Poa palustris (fowl 

bluegrass), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) are sometimes

abundant. Forbs include Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Epilobium leptophyllum (bog willowherb), Eupatorium 

maculatum (spotted joepyeweed), Eupatorium perfoliatum (common boneset), Iris versicolor (harlequin blueflag), Polygonum 

amphibium (water knotweed), and Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks). Scattered shrubs, such as Viburnum nudum (possumhaw), 

Viburnum dentatum (southern arrow-wood), Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet), Cornus amomum (silky dogwood), Alnus incana

(gray alder), or Alnus serrulata (hazel alder), may be present. Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) may be present, especially in 

disturbed examples.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Forb Calla palustris (water arum), Symphyotrichum puniceum var. 

puniceum (purplestem aster)

Herb (field) Graminoid Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Graminoid Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Calla palustris (water arum), Glyceria canadensis

(rattlesnake mannagrass), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum

(purplestem aster)

Global: Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Global: Vulnerable: Polemonium vanbruntiae (Vanbrunt's polemonium, G3G4)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (31-Mar-2000). This type is widespread throughout the northeastern and upper midwestern United 

States and central/southern Canada.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: This type can grade into sedge meadows. A guideline of <50% sedges may be suggested as a criterion for the 

definition of this type compared to sedge meadow types. Harris et al. (1996) suggest that the bluejoint meadow type is drier than sedge 

meadows and less peaty than shore fens.

Global Similar Associations:

• Calamagrostis canadensis - Doellingeria umbellata - Spartina pectinata Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL006427)

• Calamagrostis canadensis - Scirpus spp. - Dulichium arundinaceum Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL006519)

• Carex (rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002257)

• Carex stricta - Carex spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002258)--Dominance of sedges versus grasses is much higher.

• Phalaris arundinacea Eastern Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL006044)

• Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001474)

• Phleum pratense - (Calamagrostis canadensis) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005249)

Global Related Concepts:

• Calamagrostis canadensis herbaceous community (Walbridge and Lang 1982) =

• Calamagrostis canadensis meadow (Walbridge 1982) =

• Calamagrostis canadensis wet meadow (Fortney 1975) =

• Calamagrostis canadensis wet meadow (Byers et al. 2007) =

• Canada bluejoint-tussock sedge meadow (CAP pers. comm. 1998) ?

• Meadow marsh: bluejoint grass (W13) (Harris et al. 1996) =

• Palustrine Persistent Emergent Wetland (PEM1) (Cowardin et al. 1979) ?
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• SNE low-energy riverbank community (Rawinski 1984) ?

• Shallow Emergent Marsh (Thompson 1996) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This wet meadow community occurs on Stockton Island and Michigan Island.

Global Range: This wet meadow vegetation is widely distributed in the northeastern and midwestern United States and south-central 

and southeastern Canada. It ranges from Maine south to West Virginia and possibly Virginia and west to Minnesota.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ON, PA, QC:S4?, RI, VA?, VT, WI, WV:S2

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 45:C, 47:C, 48:C, 51:P, 59:C, 60:C, 61:C, 63:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Cb:CCC, 212Fa:CCC, 212Fb:CCC, 212Fc:CCC, 212Fd:CCC, 212Ga:CCC, 212Gb:CCC, 

212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hs:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212La:CCP, 212Lb:CCC, 

212Na:CPP, 221Ae:CCP, 221Af:CCC, 221Ag:CCC, 221Ah:CCC, 221Ai:CCC, 221Al:CCC, 221Ba:CCP, 221Bb:CCC, 221Bc:CCP, 

221Bd:CCC, 221D:CC, 222Jg:CCC, 222Na:CCC, 251Aa:CCC, M212Bb:CCC, M212Bc:CCC, M212Bd:CCC, M212Cb:CCC, 

M212Ea:CCC, M212Eb:CCC, M221Ba:CCC, M221Bb:CCC, M221Db:C??, M221Dc:C??, M221Dd:C??

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Minute Man, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Saint-Gaudens, 

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Valley Forge, Voyageurs); USFS (Monongahela); USFWS (Assabet River?, Canaan Valley, Great Meadows?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 plots): APIS.109, APIS.113, APIS.314.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HCC

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: S.C. Gawler

References: Breden et al. 2001, Browning 1859, Byers et al. 2007, CAP pers. comm. 1998, Cowardin et al. 1979, Eastern Ecology 

Working Group n.d., Fike 1999, Fortney 1975, Francl et al. 2004, Gawler 2002, Harris et al. 1996, Harrison 2004, NAP pers. comm. 

1998, Rawinski 1984, Swain and Kearsley 2001, Thompson 1996, Thompson and Sorenson 2000, WNHIP unpubl. data, Walbridge 

1982, Walbridge and Lang 1982

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow

Carex (rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation

(Beaked Sedge, Northwest Territory Sedge) - Lake Sedge - (Inflated Sedge) Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002257

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh (2.C.5.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow (MG069)

Group Eastern North American Wet Meadow (G112)

Association (Common name) Northern Sedge Wet Meadow

Ecological System(s): Eastern Great Plains Wet Meadow, Prairie and Marsh (CES205.687)

North-Central Interior Wet Meadow-Shrub Swamp (CES202.701)

Northern Great Lakes Coastal Marsh (CES201.722)

Western Great Plains Open Freshwater Depression Wetland (CES303.675)

North-Central Interior Floodplain (CES202.694)

Laurentian-Acadian Wet Meadow-Shrub Swamp (CES201.582)

High Allegheny Wetland (CES202.069)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This northern tall sedge community is found in the mixed conifer - hardwood zone of the Great Lakes region and 

north into Canada, with outliers in the Allegheny Mountains region of West Virginia and Maryland. Sites are found on floodplains, 

shallow bays of lakes and streams, beaver meadows, ditches, and occasionally in isolated basins, or on semi-floating mats. Hydrology 

is seasonally to semipermanently flooded. Substrate is mineral soil or well-decomposed peat. Tall coarse-leaved sedges dominate the 

vegetation layer, often creating a tussocky hummock microtopography. Shrubs can cover up to 25% of the area. Pools with 

submergents may also be present. Dominant graminoids include a number of Carices, including Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex 

lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory 

sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), and locally Carex stricta (upright sedge). Other graminoids include Calamagrostis canadensis

(bluejoint), Scirpus atrovirens (green bulrush), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and in wetter areas, Eleocharis palustris (common 

spikerush) and Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail). Forbs include Acorus calamus (calamus), Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var.

lanceolatum (white panicle aster), Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Eupatorium maculatum (spotted joepyeweed), Iris 

virginica var. shrevei (Shreve's iris), Lycopus uniflorus (northern bugleweed), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Polygonum amphibium

(water knotweed), Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks), and others. Diagnostic features include the general dominance by coarseleaved sedges, wet, somewhat peaty soil conditions, and the mix of sub-boreal herbs with more temperate herbs.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This northern tall sedge community was sampled twice on Sand Island, twice on 

Long Island, and once at Quarry Bay on Stockton Island. The sites are seasonally to semipermanently flooded flat depressions.

Elevations range from 183 to 206 m (599-676 feet). Soils are poorly to very poorly drained muck. The unvegetated surface is 

dominated by leaf litter (30-100% cover) and bare soil (0-60%); one site has 90% standing water. Evidence of disturbance includes 

past beaver activity and some exotic plants.

Global Environment: Sites are found on floodplains, shallow bays of lakes and streams, beaver meadows, ditches, and occasionally 

in isolated basins, or on semi-floating mats. Hydrology is seasonally to semipermanently flooded. Substrate is mineral soil or welldecomposed peat (Curtis 1959, Harris et al. 1996).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: The herbaceous layer dominates this wetland community; however, there may be a 

very sparse (5% cover) emergent shrub layer (1-5 m tall) that includes Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (speckled alder), Betula papyrifera

(paper birch), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Salix lucida (shining willow), and/or Salix petiolaris (meadow willow). The 

moderate to dense (50-90%) herbaceous layer (up to 2 m tall) is dominated by sedges, including Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex 

lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), and/or Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge); additional dominants may include Calamagrostis 

canadensis (bluejoint), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), 

Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Triadenum fraseri (Fraser's marsh St. Johnswort). 

Floating aquatics include Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort) and Brasenia schreberi (watershield). Nonvascular species 

(mosses) cover up to 10% of the ground surface.

Global Vegetation: Tall coarse-leaved sedges dominate the vegetation layer, often creating a tussocky hummock microtopography. 

Shrubs can cover up to 25% of the area. Pools with submergents may also be present. Dominant graminoids include a number of 

Carices, including Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex rostrata

(beaked sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), and locally Carex stricta (upright sedge). Other graminoids include Calamagrostis 

canadensis (bluejoint), Scirpus atrovirens (green bulrush), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and in wetter areas, Eleocharis palustris

(common spikerush) and Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail). Forbs include Acorus calamus (calamus), Symphyotrichum 

lanceolatum var. lanceolatum (white panicle aster), Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Eupatorium maculatum (spotted 

joepyeweed), Iris virginica var. shrevei (Shreve's iris), Lycopus uniflorus (northern bugleweed), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), 

Polygonum amphibium (water knotweed), Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks), and others (Curtis 1959, Harris et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herb (field) Graminoid Carex lasiocarpa (woollyfruit sedge), Carex utriculata (Northwest 

Territory sedge), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), 

Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Carex lacustris (hairy sedge), Carex lasiocarpa

(woollyfruit sedge), Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Impatiens capensis

(jewelweed), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), Triadenum 

fraseri (Fraser's marsh St. Johnswort), Utricularia intermedia (flatleaf bladderwort)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife, exotic, High), Tanacetum vulgare

(common tansy, exotic, Low)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (17-Jun-1999). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Expansion of the range of this type eastward to Massachusetts and West Virginica is based on the ambiguous 

application of Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge) in past studies. Taxonomy and distribution of Carex utriculata (Northwest 

Territory sedge) versus Carex rostrata (beaked sedge) needs to be resolved. In Gleason and Cronquist (1991), Carex rostrata (beaked 

sedge) is circumboreal and only occurs in northern Michigan and northern Minnesota, whereas Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory 

sedge) is boreal but extends south to Delaware, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico and California. (Carex vesicaria (blister sedge) has a 

similar distribution to Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge).) Carex rostrata (beaked sedge) has also been reported from 

extreme northern Wisconsin, e.g., on the Apostle Islands (E. Judziewicz pers. comm. 1999). However, all of the atlases and floras in 

the Midwest (Voss 1972, Mohlenbrock and Ladd 1978, Ownbey and Morley 1991) do not make such a distinction, so the species are 

essentially treated as synonymous in this type. Curtis (1959) suggested that differential species for northern sedge meadows in 

Wisconsin may be Symphyotrichum puniceum (purplestem aster), Campanula aparinoides (marsh bellflower), Glyceria canadensis
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(rattlesnake mannagrass), Scirpus atrovirens (green bulrush), and Solidago uliginosa (bog goldenrod), among others, but this list 

needs further study.

Global Similar Associations:

• Calamagrostis canadensis - Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005174)--This type is more heavily grass- and 

forb-dominated, sedges <25%?

• Carex aquatilis - Carex utriculata Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001803)

• Carex lacustris Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002256)

• Carex stricta - Carex spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002258)

• Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005091)

• Cornus sericea - Salix (bebbiana, discolor, petiolaris) / Calamagrostis stricta Shrubland (CEGL002187)

• Eriophorum virginicum - (Carex folliculata) / Sphagnum spp. - Polytrichum spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL006570)

• Myrica gale - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex (lasiocarpa, utriculata) - Utricularia spp. Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 

(CEGL006302)

Global Related Concepts:

• Carex rostrata - Rubus hispidus - Pyrus melanocarpa community (Edens 1973) =

• Carex rostrata - Sphagnum spp. community (Darlington 1943) =

• Carex rostrata sedge-meadow community (Robinette 1966) =

• Carex utriculata / Sphagnum spp. fen (Byers et al. 2007) =

• Polytrichum - Carex (rostrata, stricta) hummock bog (Fortney 1975) =

• Meadow marsh: tall sedge (W12) (Harris et al. 1996) =

• Northern Sedge Meadow (Curtis 1959) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This northern tall sedge community is found Sand Island, Long Island, and at Quarry 

Bay on Stockton Island.

Global Range: This northern tall sedge community is found in the mixed conifer - hardwood zone of the Great Lakes and 

northeastern region of the United States and north into Canada, extending from Maine to Manitoba, south to Michigan and Iowa.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IA, MB:SU, ME, MI, MN, ND:S2S3, ON, QC:S4?, SD, WI:S3, WV:S2, WY

TNC Ecoregions: 26:C, 34:C, 35:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C, 59:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hb:CCP, 212He:CCP, 212Hh:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hj:CCC, 212Hk:CCP, 

212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hq:CCP, 212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hv:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 

212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCP, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Jd:CCC, 212Je:CC?, 212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCP, 212Jk:CCP, 

212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCP, 212Jn:CCP, 212Jo:CCP, 212Jr:CCP, 212Ka:CCC, 212La:CCP, 212Lb:CCC, 212Lc:CCP, 212Ld:CCP, 

212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP, 222Lb:CCC, 251Ab:CCC, 251B:CC, 332:?

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); 

USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Chippewa, Hiawatha, Huron, Huron-Manistee, Manistee, Monongahela, Nicolet, 

Ottawa?, Superior?); USFWS (Canaan Valley)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (5 plots): APIS.102, APIS.128, APIS.133, APIS.218, APIS.219.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HSG

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. E.A. Byers

References: Byers et al. 2007, Curtis 1959, Damman and French 1987, Darlington 1943, Edens 1973, Fortney 1975, Fortney and 

Rentch 2003, Francl et al. 2004, Gawler 2002, Gleason and Cronquist 1991, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, INAI unpubl. data, 

Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Mohlenbrock and Ladd 1978, NDNHI unpubl. data, Ownbey and Morley 1991, Robinette 

1966, Voss 1972, WNHIP unpubl. data

G189. Herbaceous Forested Seep 

Clay Seeps

Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation

Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL005163

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh (2.C.5.a)

Macrogroup Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow (MG069)

Group Herbaceous Forested Seep (G189)

Association (Common name) Clay Seeps
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ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This type is found in the northern regions of the Great Lakes in the United States. Stands occur on toeslopes, 

where constant seepage creates saturated clay soils. Substrate is neither mucky not peaty. Stands are often shaded (up to 90% cover) 

by adjacent forest types, including Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)- and Acer saccharum (sugar maple)-dominated stands. Trees 

rarely occur in the seepage zone itself, which can be as much as 30 m wide. Characteristic plants include Equisetum scirpoides (dwarf 

scouringrush) (often dominant) and Impatiens pallida (pale touch-me-not). Other species in northern Wisconsin include Cypripedium 

reginae (showy lady's slipper), Cypripedium parviflorum (lesser yellow lady's slipper), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) and, rarely, 

Parnassia palustris (marsh grass of Parnassus) and Parnassia glauca (fen grass of Parnassus). In southeastern Wisconsin, common 

species include Gentianopsis virgata (lesser fringed gentian), Oligoneuron ohioense (Ohio goldenrod), and Triantha glutinosa (sticky 

tofieldia). Other fen plants may also occur. Epipactis helleborine (broadleaf helleborine) is a common exotic orchid.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This sparsely vegetated community was sampled once at Sand Point on the 

mainland. The site is a steep east-facing clay bank with poorly drained clay soil. The unvegetated surface is made up entirely of leaf 

litter (100% cover). No evidence of disturbance was reported.

Global Environment: Stands occur on toeslopes, where constant seepage creates saturated, semi-stable clay soil bluffs. Substrate is 

neither mucky nor peaty. Stands are often shaded (up to 90% cover) by adjacent forest types (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: This community is very sparsely vegetated. The sparse (20% cover) tall-shrub 

layer (2-5 m) includes Acer spicatum (mountain maple), Amelanchier (serviceberry) sp., and Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and the 

sparse (20%) short-shrub (0.5-1 m) is dominated by Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle) and Rubus (blackberry) sp. The 

sparse (30%) herbaceous layer includes Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Chamerion 

angustifolium (fireweed), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), and tree seedlings.

Global Vegetation: Stands are often shaded (up to 90% cover) by adjacent forest types, including Tsuga canadensis (eastern 

hemlock) and Acer saccharum (sugar maple) dominated stands. Trees rarely occur in the seepage zone itself, which can be as much as 

30 m wide. Characteristic plants include Equisetum scirpoides (dwarf scouringrush) (often dominant) and Impatiens pallida (pale 

touch-me-not). Other species in northern Wisconsin include Cypripedium reginae (showy lady's slipper), Cypripedium parviflorum

(lesser yellow lady's slipper), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), and, rarely, Parnassia palustris (marsh grass of Parnassus) and 

Parnassia glauca (fen grass of Parnassus). In southeastern Wisconsin, common species include Gentianopsis virgata (lesser fringed 

gentian), Oligoneuron ohioense (Ohio goldenrod) and Triantha glutinosa (sticky tofieldia). Other fen plants may also occur. Epipactis 

helleborine (broadleaf helleborine) is a common exotic orchid (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern), Chamerion 

angustifolium (fireweed), Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Phleum pratense (timothy, exotic, Medium), Poa pratensis (Kentucky 

bluegrass, exotic, Medium), Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion, exotic)

Global: Exotic/Invasive: Epipactis helleborine (broadleaf helleborine, exotic, Medium/Low)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: Description is based on input at Great Lakes Planning meeting workshop in Escanaba, Michigan, Dec 14-15, 

1998, and further review by Eric Epstein (pers. comm. 1999) from Wisconsin and Michigan. Type may actually fit better under a forb 

formation (V.B.2.N.f - Saturated perennial forb vegetation). Stands occur on the Apostle Islands, the St. Louis River and tributaries in 

northwest Wisconsin, along Lake Michigan in Milwaukee County, and possibly in Door, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc counties. 

Unstable bluffs generally support a more 'weedy' flora, resembling that of the surrounding forest.

Global Related Concepts:

• Northern Wet Meadow (Chapman et al. 1989) ?

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This sparsely vegetated community was sampled at Sand Point on the mainland.

Global Range: This type is found in the northern regions of the Great Lakes in the United States, and is currently only reported from 

Wisconsin and Michigan.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MI?, WI:S2

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ia:CCC, 212Ja:CPP
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Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.316.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: N/A

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Epstein pers. comm., Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

5. Aquatic Vegetation

5.B.1. Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation

5.B.1.a. North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation

MG108. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation

G114. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation [Placeholder]

Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland

Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar (microphylla, variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation

American White Water-lily - (Yellow Pond-lily, Variegated Yellow Pond-lily) Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002562

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation (5.B.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation (MG108)

Group Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation [Placeholder] (G114)

Association (Common name) Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland

Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Freshwater Marsh (CES201.594)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This water-lily aquatic wetland type occurs throughout the upper midwestern region of the United States and 

adjacent Canada. Stands occur in open, slow-moving water on lakes and streams, often less than 0.5 m deep. The substrate is variable, 

from muck to sedimentary peat. Emergent vegetation cover is less than 25% and floating-leaved aquatics cover at least 25% of the 

surface. Typical dominants vary from stand to stand but include Nymphaea odorata (American white waterlily), Nuphar microphylla, 

and Nuphar variegata. Other dominants may include Brasenia schreberi (watershield) and Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf 

pondweed). A variety of emergent species can occur in this community.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This water-lily aquatic wetland was sampled once on Stockton Island. The site 

is a Permanently flooded, flat lagoon with a substrate of very poorly drained sand. The unvegetated surface is entirely (100% cover) 

standing water.

Global Environment: Stands occur in open, slow-moving water on lakes and streams, often less than 0.5 m deep. The substrate is 

variable, from muck to sedimentary peat (Harris et al. 1996)

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: This sparsely vegetated (5% cover) wetland contains floating-leaved aquatics 

Brasenia schreberi (watershield) and Nymphaea odorata ssp. tuberosa (American white waterlily) along with trace amounts of the 

submerged aquatic Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort) and state-vulnerable (S3) Eleocharis robbinsii (Robbins' 

spikerush).

Global Vegetation: Emergent vegetation cover is less than 25% and floating-leaved aquatics cover at least 25% of the surface. 

Typical dominants vary from stand to stand but include Nymphaea odorata (American white waterlily), Nuphar microphylla, and 

Nuphar variegata. Other dominants may include Brasenia schreberi (watershield) and Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed). 

A variety of emergent species can occur within this type (Harris et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Global

Stratum Lifeform Species

Floating aquatic Aquatic herb (floating & submergent) Nuphar lutea ssp. pumila (yellow pond-lily), Nuphar lutea ssp. 

variegata (variegated yellow pond-lily), Nymphaea odorata

(American white waterlily)
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CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Brasenia schreberi (watershield), Eleocharis robbinsii (Robbins' spikerush), Nymphaea 

odorata ssp. tuberosa (American white waterlily), Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort)

Global: Nuphar lutea ssp. pumila (yellow pond-lily), Nuphar lutea ssp. variegata (variegated yellow pond-lily), Nymphaea odorata

(American white waterlily)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Eleocharis robbinsii (Robbins' spikerush, state-vulnerable, G4G5)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: This type is not well-characterized across its range. Further review is needed in the United States. Depending on 

spatial scale, it conceptually overlaps both submergent and emergent aquatic types.

Global Related Concepts:

• Inland Emergent Marsh (Chapman et al. 1989) B

• Open water marsh: floating-leaved plants (W4) (Harris et al. 1996) =

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This water-lily aquatic wetland was sampled on Stockton Island.

Global Range: This water-lily aquatic wetland type occurs throughout the upper midwestern region of the United States and adjacent 

Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MB:S2, MI, MN, NY, ON, QC:S5?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 47:C, 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hi:CCC, 212Hl:CCP, 212Hm:CCP, 212Hn:CCP, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hp:CCP, 212Hq:CCP, 

212Hr:CCP, 212Hs:CCP, 212Ht:CCP, 212Hv:CCP, 212Hw:CCC, 212Hx:CCP, 212Hy:CCP, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCP, 212Ja:CPP, 

212Jb:CPP, 212Jc:CPP, 212Jl:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jo:CPP, 212La:CPP, 212Mb:CPP, 212Na:CPP, 212Nb:CPP, 212Nc:CPP, 

221B:CC, 222Jb:CCC, 222Je:CCC, M212:C

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chippewa, Huron, 

Huron-Manistee, Manistee?, Ottawa, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (1 plot): APIS.204.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HFA

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Edinger et al. 2002, Greenall 1996, Harris et al. 1996, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., 

WNHIP unpubl. data

Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland

Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation

Pondweed species - Hornwort species Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002282

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation (5.B.1.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation (MG108)

Group Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation [Placeholder] (G114)

Association (Common name) Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland

Ecological System(s): Eastern Great Plains Wet Meadow, Prairie and Marsh (CES205.687)

North-Central Interior Floodplain (CES202.694)

Laurentian-Acadian Freshwater Marsh (CES201.594)

North-Central Interior Freshwater Marsh (CES202.899)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This broadly defined submerged aquatic or open marsh type is found throughout the midwestern region of the 

United States and adjacent Canada. Based on information in the northern parts of the Midwest, several vegetation subgroups can be 

recognized that may be separate associations. Subgroup A is a shallow (<50 cm), sparsely vegetated, open water marsh found on sand, 

or organic and mineral material trapped in rocky bottoms. Stands are often exposed to wave action and found in oligotrophic lakes. 

Dominant plants often have basal rosettes that are resistant to wave action. Typical species include Elatine minima (small waterwort), 
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Eriocaulon aquaticum (sevenangle pipewort), Gratiola aurea (golden hedgehyssop), Isoetes tenella (spiny-spore quillwort), Isoetes 

lacustris (lake quillwort), Juncus pelocarpus (brownfruit rush), and Lobelia dortmanna (Dortmann's cardinalflower). Subgroup B is a 

shallow (<50 cm) open water marsh with emergent cover <25% and floating-leaved aquatics >25%. Substrate is a mineral soil (often 

sand), boulders, or a mixture of sedimentary peat and fine mineral soil. Stands can be exposed to waves or are in stream channels. 

Stands may often be dominated by a single species. Typical dominants include Eleocharis acicularis (needle spikerush), 

Myriophyllum (watermilfoil) spp., Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed), Potamogeton gramineus (variableleaf pondweed), 

Potamogeton praelongus (whitestem pondweed), Potamogeton robbinsii (Robbins' pondweed), Sparganium fluctuans (floating burreed), and Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort). Subgroup C includes open water marsh with emergent cover <25% and 

floating leaved aquatics >25%. Substrate is sedimentary peat and stands are often found in sheltered bays of lakes and streams that do 

not have high wave energy. Stands may often be dominated by a single species. Typical dominants include Ceratophyllum demersum

(coon's-tail), Elodea canadensis (Canadian waterweed), Lemna (duckweed) spp., Myriophyllum sibiricum (shortspike watermilfoil), 

Myriophyllum verticillatum (whorl-leaf watermilfoil), Potamogeton natans (floating pondweed), Stuckenia pectinata (sago 

pondweed), Potamogeton richardsonii (Richardson's pondweed), Potamogeton zosteriformis (flatstem pondweed), Ranunculus 

aquatilis (whitewater crowfoot), Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort), and Vallisneria americana (American eel-grass).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This submerged aquatic or open marsh community was sampled twice in the 

park, once at Little Sand Bay Lagoon on the mainland unit and once near the western end of the lagoon/bog south of the barrier beach 

on Michigan Island. These sites are permanently flooded, flat depressions at 182 and 189 m (596-620 feet) elevation, respectively. The 

water depth on Michigan Island was reported to be 0.25 to 1.5 m. The soils are very poorly drained sand and muck. The unvegetated 

surface is 100% standing water.

Global Environment: Curtis (1959) [see also Swindale and Curtis (1957)] noted that the major environmental controls on submerged 

aquatic vegetation are water depth (as it relates to light intensity), water chemistry, water movement, and nature of the substrate. 

Various combinations of these factors can interact in a variety of ways to influence the local composition of the community. As a 

result, a single lake may contain a number of relatively homogeneous stands, each with a different species makeup, which depends on 

depth, nature of adjoining shoreline, degree of protection from waves, etc. Water chemistry may be one of the few constants. 

Assessment of water conductivity and alkalinity are two measured parameters that can provide some understanding of the influence of 

water chemistry on species composition.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: This is a sparse (5-50% cover) aquatic community. The dominant in one plot is the 

floating-leaved aquatic Brasenia schreberi (watershield), and the dominant in the other is the submerged aquatic Sparganium 

fluctuans (floating bur-reed). Other floating-leaved species include Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed) and Nuphar lutea

(yellow pond-lily). Other submerged species include Ceratophyllum demersum (coon's-tail), Potamogeton pusillus ssp. tenuissimus

(small pondweed), Schoenoplectus subterminalis (swaying bulrush), and several Utricularia (bladderwort) spp.

Global Vegetation: Based on information in the northern parts of the Midwest, several vegetation subgroups can be recognized that 

may be separate associations. Subgroup A is a shallow (<50 cm), sparsely vegetated, open-water marsh found on sand, or organic and 

mineral material trapped in rocky bottoms. Stands are often exposed to wave action and found in oligotrophic lakes. Dominant plants 

often have basal rosettes that are resistant to wave action. Typical species include Elatine minima (small waterwort), Eriocaulon 

aquaticum (sevenangle pipewort), Gratiola aurea (golden hedgehyssop), Isoetes tenella (spiny-spore quillwort), Isoetes lacustris (lake 

quillwort), Juncus pelocarpus (brownfruit rush), and Lobelia dortmanna (Dortmann's cardinalflower) (Curtis 1959, Harris et al. 1996). 

Subgroup B is a shallow (<50 cm), open-water marsh with emergent cover <25% and floating-leaved aquatics >25%. Substrate is a 

mineral soil (often sand), boulders, or a mixture of sedimentary peat and fine mineral soil. Stands can be exposed to waves or are in 

stream channels. Stands may often be dominated by a single species. Typical dominants include Eleocharis acicularis (needle 

spikerush), Myriophyllum (watermilfoil) spp., Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed), Potamogeton gramineus (variableleaf 

pondweed), Potamogeton praelongus (whitestem pondweed), Potamogeton robbinsii (Robbins' pondweed), Sparganium fluctuans

(floating bur-reed), and Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort). Subgroup C includes open-water marsh with emergent cover 

<25% and floating-leaved aquatics >25%. Substrate is sedimentary peat, and stands are often found in sheltered bays of lakes and 

streams that do not have high wave energy. Stands may often be dominated by a single species. Typical dominants include 

Ceratophyllum demersum (coon's-tail), Elodea canadensis (Canadian waterweed), Lemna (duckweed) spp., Myriophyllum sibiricum

(shortspike watermilfoil), Myriophyllum verticillatum (whorl-leaf watermilfoil), Potamogeton natans (floating pondweed), Stuckenia 

pectinata (sago pondweed), Potamogeton richardsonii (Richardson's pondweed), Potamogeton zosteriformis (flatstem pondweed), 

Ranunculus aquatilis (whitewater crowfoot), Utricularia macrorhiza (common bladderwort), and Vallisneria americana (American 

eel-grass) (Curtis 1959, Harris et al. 1996).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Stratum Lifeform Species

Floating aquatic Aquatic herb (floating & submergent) Brasenia schreberi (watershield)

Submerged aquatic Aquatic herb (floating & submergent) Sparganium fluctuans (floating bur-reed)
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CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Brasenia schreberi (watershield), Ceratophyllum demersum (coon's-tail), Nuphar lutea (yellow 

pond-lily), Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed), Potamogeton pusillus ssp. tenuissimus (small pondweed), Sparganium 

fluctuans (floating bur-reed), Utricularia cornuta (horned bladderwort)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: This type is based on information in the more northern parts of the range. However, it may need to be split into a 

boreal/sub-boreal type (subgroup A above) and a Midwestern type (subgroups B and C), and even within the Midwest there may be 

substantial differences between western and eastern stands (Robert Dana pers. comm. 1999). In Wisconsin, Subgroup A is considered 

distinctive, and could be ranked an S3 type. It is locally common there in deep, hard-bottomed seepage lakes of the Northern 

Highlands Pitted Outwash subsection (212Jm of Keys et al. 1995) (E. Epstein pers. comm. 1999).

Global Similar Associations:

• Stuckenia pectinata - Ruppia maritima Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002004)--Prairie pothole type.

Global Related Concepts:

• Open water marsh: floating-leaved plants (W4) (Harris et al. 1996) I

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This aquatic community was sampled Little Sand Bay Lagoon on the mainland unit and 

on Michigan Island.

Global Range: This pondweed submerged aquatic type is found widely throughout the midwestern United States and adjacent 

Canada, ranging from Ohio and Ontario west to North Dakota and south to Iowa.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IA:SU, IL, IN, MI:S4, MN, ND, OH, ON, SD, WI, WY

TNC Ecoregions: 35:C, 36:C, 44:C, 45:C, 46:C, 47:C, 48:C, 49:C, 50:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Hb:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Ho:CCC, 212Hs:CCC, 212Hv:CCC, 212Hw:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 

212Ib:CCP, 212Ja:CCP, 212Jb:CCP, 212Jc:CCP, 212Je:CCP, 212Jf:CCP, 212Jj:CCP, 212Jl:CCP, 212Jm:CCC, 212Ka:CPP, 

212La:CPP, 212Mb:C??, 221Ef:CCC, 221Fc:CCC, 221He:CCC, 222Ao:CPP, 222Ch:CPP, 222Gc:CPP, 222Ha:CCC, 222Jg:CCC, 

222Jh:CCC, 222Ji:CCC, 222Jj:CCC, 222Kf:CCC, 222L:CC, 251Aa:???, 251Ba:???

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Effigy Mounds, Indiana Dunes, Isle Royale, Pictured Rocks, Saint Croix, Sleeping Bear 

Dunes, Voyageurs); USFS (Chequamegon, Chequamegon-Nicolet, Nicolet, Shawnee, Superior?)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.017, APIS.110.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: HSV

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Chapman et al. 1989, Curtis 1959, Harris et al. 1996, INAI unpubl. data, Keys et al. 1995, Midwestern Ecology Working 

Group n.d., NDNHI unpubl. data, Swindale and Curtis 1957

6. Nonvascular & Sparse Vascular Rock Vegetation

6.B.2. Temperate & Boreal Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation

6.B.2.a. Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation

MG111. Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation

G340. Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff [Placeholder]

Eroding Clay Bank

Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation

Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002584

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation (6.B.2.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation (MG111)

Group Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff [Placeholder] (G340)

Association (Common name) Eroding Clay Bank
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Ecological System(s): Laurentian-Acadian Lakeshore Beach (CES201.586)

Northeastern Erosional Bluff (CES203.498)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This eroding clay bank type is found localized along banks of rivers and lakes in the midwestern and northeastern 

United States and adjacent Canada. Stands occur on active steep and near-vertical exposures of unconsolidated clays and sands that 

are at least 3 m in height. Stands are subject to active erosional processes. They are typically found along lakes and rivers. Moisture 

and temperature fluctuations can be extreme. The vegetation is typically sparse to absent. Little information is available on species 

that persist in this habitat.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This eroding clay bank type was sampled twice in the park on Oak Island and 

Michigan Island. The sites are a somewhat steep, south-facing bank and steep, southeast-facing beach ridge, respectively. Soils are 

rapidly drained silty clay and clay. The unvegetated surface is dominated by leaf litter (0-77% cover) or bare soil (15-87%) with some 

large rocks (0-2%), small rocks (0-4%), and wood (6-8%). Evidence of disturbance includes severe erosion and the presence of exotic 

many plants.

Global Environment: This eroding clay bank type is found localized along banks of rivers and lakes in the midwestern and 

northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Stands occur on active steep and near-vertical exposures of unconsolidated clays and 

sands that are at least 3 m in height. Moisture and temperature fluctuations can be extreme (Lee et al. 1998).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: This community is dominated by the moderate (60-70% cover) herbaceous layer. 

However, there is also a very sparse (10%) tree layer (5-10 m tall) and a sparse (10-20%) tall-shrub layer (2-5 m) that may include 

Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac), and 

Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar). Dominant herbs include Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint) and Solidago canadensis

(Canada goldenrod); additional herbs include Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass), Elymus 

canadensis (Canada wildrye), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), Solidago gigantea (giant goldenrod), and as a result of the heavy 

erosion at the site, many exotic species.

Global Vegetation: The vegetation is typically sparse to absent. Little information is available on species that persist in this habitat; 

ruderal species tend to be common.

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Rhus typhina (staghorn 

sumac), Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod), Thuja occidentalis (northern white-cedar)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle, exotic, High/Medium), Cirsium vulgare

(bull thistle, exotic, Medium/Low), Phleum pratense (timothy, exotic, Medium), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass, exotic, 

High/Low), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass, exotic, Medium), Sonchus arvensis ssp. uliginosus (moist sowthistle, exotic), 

Trifolium pratense (red clover, exotic, Low/Insignificant), Trifolium repens (white clover, exotic, Medium/Low), Verbascum thapsus

(common mullein, exotic, Medium)

Global: Vulnerable: Cicindela puritana (puritan tiger beetle, G1G2)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: GNR (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 3 - Weak

Global Comments: This type is found along lakes and rivers, but much more rangewide information is needed to characterize this 

type. Its status as a natural ecological community is considered by some to be rather dubious, not because it does not occur in natural 

settings, but because it has been poorly characterized as an association and may include more than one type.

Global Similar Associations:

• Small Eroding Bluffs Midwestern Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002315)

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This eroding clay bank type was sampled on Oak Island and Michigan Island.

Global Range: This eroding bank type is found localized along banks of rivers and lakes in the midwestern and northeastern United 

States and adjacent Canada.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: IN?, MA, MB:SU, MD, ME, MI, NH:S2?, ON:S4, QC, VT:S2, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C, 58:C, 61:C, 63:C, 64:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ea:CCP, 212Ec:CCP, 212Ed:CCP, 212Ee:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 222:?

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks)
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ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.030, APIS.114.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: VEB

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. S.C. Gawler

References: Greenall 1996, Lee et al. 1998, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., Rawinski 1984, Sperduto and Nichols 2004, 

Swain and Kearsley 2001, Thompson 1996, Thompson and Sorenson 2000

G341. Great Lakes Cliff & Shore [Placeholder]

Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore

Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation

Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002507

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation (6.B.2.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation (MG111)

Group Great Lakes Cliff & Shore [Placeholder] (G341)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Acidic Rocky Shore and Cliff (CES201.025)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This sparsely vegetated sandstone bedrock rocky shore community is found on the shores of Lake Superior in the 

United States and Canada. They occur as small inclusions within areas of the larger sandstone cliff communities. Narrow areas of 

pavement occur at less than a meter above the lake levels and are generally moist. Mosses, liverworts, and scattered vascular plants 

may be found. Vascular plants on the pavement are concentrated in cracks in the rock, whereas mosses and liverworts are found where 

seepages flow across the rock. Some of the more common vascular plants include Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), Chamerion 

angustifolium (fireweed), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Campanula rotundifolia (bluebell bellflower), Cystopteris fragilis (brittle 

bladderfern), Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Phegopteris connectilis (long beechfern), Alnus incana (gray alder), 

Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), and Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop). Less common, and more restricted to cracks in 

the pavement, are Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (shrubby fivefingers), Lobelia kalmii (Ontario lobelia), Packera indecora (elegant 

groundsel), Packera paupercula (balsam groundsel), Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark), Primula mistassinica (Mistassini 

primrose), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This sparsely vegetated lakeshore community was sampled at three locations in 

the park: Bear Island (1 site), Outer Island near Lullaby Logging Camp (1), and Sand Island (1). The sites are flat to gentle south- and 

southeast-facing lake terraces from about 2-10 m above the lake level. Elevations range from 186 to 210 m (611-690 feet). The 

substrate is rapidly drained bedrock which dominates (55-99% cover) the unvegetated surface. One plot had 35% cover of standing 

water. Evidence of disturbance includes damage due to high waves and shore ice and remains from the old logging camp.

Global Environment: In Michigan, these bedrock shorelines occur as small inclusions within areas of the larger sandstone cliff 

communities. Narrow areas of pavement occur at less than a meter above the lake levels and are generally moist (Albert et al. 1995).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: What little vegetation there is occurs in cracks and crevices within the bedrock. 

There may be a sparse (5% cover) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m tall) with the sparse (5-10%) herbaceous layer. Shrubs include Diervilla 

lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet) and Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark). The herb 

layer may contain tree seedlings, Agrostis hyemalis (winter bentgrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Campanula rotundifolia

(bluebell bellflower), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Hieracium kalmii

(Kalm's hawkweed), Lobelia kalmii (Ontario lobelia), Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern), and Solidago canadensis (Canada 

goldenrod). Nonvascular species (mosses and lichens) cover 5-60% of the bedrock surface.

Global Vegetation: This community is dominated by nonvascular species with open pavement. Mosses, liverworts, and scattered 

vascular plants may be found. Vascular plants on the pavement are concentrated in cracks in the rock, whereas mosses and liverworts 

are found where seepages flow across the rock. Some of the more common vascular plants include Achillea millefolium (common 

yarrow), Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Campanula rotundifolia (bluebell bellflower), 

Cystopteris fragilis (brittle bladderfern), Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Phegopteris connectilis (long beechfern), Alnus 

incana (gray alder), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), and Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop). Less common, and more 

restricted to cracks in the pavement, are Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (shrubby fivefingers), Lobelia kalmii (Ontario lobelia), Packera 

indecora (elegant groundsel), Packera paupercula (balsam groundsel), Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark), Primula 

mistassinica (Mistassini primrose), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), and Rubus pubescens (dwarf red blackberry) (Albert et al. 

1995).
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CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Agrostis hyemalis (winter bentgrass), Campanula rotundifolia (bluebell bellflower), Diervilla 

lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Exotic/Invasive: Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass, exotic, High/Low), Poa pratensis

(Kentucky bluegrass, exotic, Medium), Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G3G4 (24-Oct-2002). This sandstone bedrock shore community is found in a relatively restricted 

distribution on the shores of Lake Superior in the United States and Canada. They occur as small inclusions within areas of the larger 

sandstone cliff communities. Narrow areas of pavement occur at less than a meter above the lake levels and are generally moist. States 

and provinces that contain this type have yet to provide much information on it. More information on the status of this type is needed.

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Distribution in Minnesota is uncertain.

Global Similar Associations:

• Granite - Metamorphic Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005216)--This is also a non-alkaline shoreline type, 

but composed of granite/metamorphic bedrock.

• Non-alkaline Cobble - Gravel Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002508)--cobble-gravel type.

Global Related Concepts:

• Bedrock Beach - Sandstone Cliff/Lakeshore (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This sparsely vegetated lakeshore community occurs on Bear, Outer, and Sand islands.

Global Range: This sparsely vegetated sandstone bedrock rocky shore community is found in the United States and Canada on the 

Michigan, Wisconsin (Apostle Islands only), and Ontario shores of Lake Superior, and possibly in Minnesota.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, MN, ON, WI:S1

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Ia:CPP, 212Ja:CPP, 212Jb:CPP, 212Jn:CPP, 212Jr:CPP, 212Lb:C??

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks); USFS (Hiawatha)

ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (3 plots): APIS.123, APIS.141, APIS.319.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: VBS

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Albert et al. 1995, Chapman et al. 1989, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. data

Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff

Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation

Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation

Identifier: CEGL002503

NVC CLASSIFICATION

Division Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation (6.B.2.a)

Macrogroup Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation (MG111)

Group Great Lakes Cliff & Shore [Placeholder] (G341)

Association (Common name) Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff

Ecological System(s): Great Lakes Acidic Rocky Shore and Cliff (CES201.025)

ELEMENT CONCEPT

Global Summary: This sandstone cliff community is found in the northern Great Lakes shorelines of the United States and Canada. 

The substrate is Precambrian sandstone, which in Michigan is exposed along the southern shoreline of Lake Superior. Cliffs rise up 

over 50 m in places. Species composition varies somewhat, depending on sandstone type, but sandstone cliffs are very low in 

botanical diversity for a variety of reasons, including lack of soil for rooting, droughtiness on much of the rock surface, exposure to 

waves and ice, and in some places, unstable surface prone to wave erosion. Some portions of the cliff are moist from small streams or 

seepages. Jacobsville sandstone has cliff faces that are largely unvegetated, with mosses, lichens, and herbs concentrated in seeps and 

streams. Two common herbs are Sagina procumbens (birdeye pearlwort) and Stellaria calycantha (northern starwort). Pinguicula 

vulgaris (common butterwort) also grows on moist cliffs.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Environment: This sandstone cliff community was sampled twice on the eastern and western 

sides of Devils Island. The sites are on flat to gently sloping cliffs. The unvegetated surface is made up almost entirely of bedrock (90-

95% cover) with some standing water (5-10%); temporary pools form after storms and rain events.

Global Environment: The substrate is Precambrian sandstone, which in Michigan is exposed along the southern shoreline of Lake 

Superior. Cliffs rise up over 50 m in places. Fog and wavespray are important environmental influences (Albert et al. 1995).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Vegetation: What little vegetation there is occurs in cracks and crevices within the bedrock. 

There may be a sparse (5% cover) short-shrub layer (0.5-1 m tall) with the sparse (5%) herbaceous layer. Shrubs include traces of 

Alnus viridis ssp. crispa (mountain alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Populus balsamifera

(balsam poplar), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash). The herb layer may contain tree 

seedlings, Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa (northern reedgrass), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Fragaria virginiana

(Virginia strawberry), Lobelia kalmii (Ontario lobelia), Lycopodiella inundata (inundated clubmoss), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive 

fern), Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), and Viola macloskeyi (small white violet). Statevulnerable (S3) Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa (northern reedgrass) and Primula mistassinica (Mistassini primrose) were 

recorded in the sampled plots.

Global Vegetation: Species composition varies somewhat, depending on sandstone type, but sandstone cliffs are very low in 

botanical diversity for a variety of reasons, including lack of soil for rooting, droughtiness on much of the rock surface, exposure to 

waves and ice, and in some places, unstable surface prone to wave erosion. Some portions of the cliff are moist from small streams or 

seepages. Jacobsville sandstone has cliff faces that are largely unvegetated, with mosses, lichens, and herbs concentrated in seeps and 

streams. Two common herbs are Sagina procumbens (birdeye pearlwort) and Stellaria calycantha (northern starwort). Pinguicula 

vulgaris (common butterwort) also grows on moist cliffs (Albert et al. 1995).

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Alnus viridis ssp. crispa (mountain alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Calamagrostis 

stricta ssp. inexpansa (northern reedgrass), Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood), Euthamia graminifolia (flat-top goldentop), Fragaria 

virginiana (Virginia strawberry), Lobelia kalmii (Ontario lobelia), Lycopodiella inundata (inundated clubmoss), Onoclea sensibilis

(sensitive fern), Osmunda claytoniana (interrupted fern), Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), 

Primula mistassinica (Mistassini primrose), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), Sorbus decora (northern mountain-ash), Viola macloskeyi

(small white violet)

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Vulnerable: Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa (northern reedgrass, state-vulnerable, 

G5T5), Pinguicula vulgaris (common butterwort, state-imperiled); Primula mistassinica (Mistassini primrose, state-vulnerable, G5); 

Exotic/Invasive: Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion, exotic)

CONSERVATION STATUS RANK

Global Rank & Reasons: G4G5 (3-Oct-1996). 

CLASSIFICATION

Status: Standard

Classification Confidence: 2 - Moderate

Global Comments: Categories of moist versus dry are difficult to apply due to variability on the rock surface and the Great Lakes 

shoreline context. Instead, substrate type is used, with the granite - metamorphic cliffs placed in Granite - Metamorphic Great Lakes 

Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005244).

Global Similar Associations:

• Granite - Metamorphic Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005244)

Global Related Concepts:

• Moist Acid Cliff (Chapman et al. 1989) B

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Range: This sandstone cliff community was sampled on Devils Island.

Global Range: This sandstone cliff community type is found in the northern Great Lakes shorelines of the United States and Canada, 

from Michigan and Wisconsin (Apostle Islands, northern Bayfield County along Lake Superior) to Ontario, possibly eastward to 

Pennsylvania.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: MI, ON, PA?, WI

TNC Ecoregions: 48:C

USFS Ecoregions (1994/95): 212Ha:CCC, 212He:CCP, 212Hi:CCC, 212Hl:CCC, 212Ia:CCC, 212Ib:CCC, 212Ja:CCC, 212Jb:CCP, 

212Jn:CCC, 212Jr:CCC, 212Lb:C??, 222:?

Federal Lands: NPS (Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks); USFS (Hiawatha)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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ELEMENT SOURCES

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Plots: (2 plots): APIS.213, APIS.214.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Map Code: VSC

Local Description Authors: M.J. Russo

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen

References: Albert et al. 1995, Chapman et al. 1989, Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d., WNHIP unpubl. Data

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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WNHIP [Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory Program]. No date. Vegetation classification of Wisconsin and published data. 

Wisconsin Natural Heritage Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison.

Walbridge, M. R. 1982. Vegetation patterning and community distribution in four high-elevation headwater wetlands in West 

Virginia. M.S. thesis, West Virginia University, Morgantown.

Walbridge, M. R., and G. E. Lang. 1982. Major plant communities and patterns of community distribution in four wetlands of the 

unglaciated Appalachian region. In: R. B. MacDonald, editor. Proceedings of the Symposium on Wetlands of the Unglaciated 

Appalachian Region. West Virginia University, Morgantown.

Wanek, W. J., and R. E. Newman. [1976]. The structure, composition, and community dynamics of an orchid bog in the Chippewa 

National Forest. Center for Environmental Studies, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN. 69 pp.

White, J., and M. Madany. 1978. Classification of natural communities in Illinois. Pages 311-405 in: Natural Areas Inventory 

technical report: Volume I, survey methods and results. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Urbana, IL.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types

Printed from Biotics on: 03 Nov 2009 Subset: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore © 2009 NatureServe

B-105

Wovcha, D. S., B. C. Delaney, and G. Nordquist. 1995. Minnesota's St. Croix Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A guide to native habitats. 

University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. 234 pp.

Zimmerman, D. A. 1956. The jack pine association in the lower peninsula of Michigan: Its structure and composition. Ph.D. 

dissertation, University of Michigan.

Zoladeski, C. A., G. M. Wickware, R. J. Delorme, R. A. Sims, and I. G. W. Corns. 1995. Forest ecosystem classification for 

Manitoba: Field guide. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northwest Region, Northern Forestry Center, 

Edmonton, Alberta. Special Report 2.

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-1

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-3

Explanation and Use of the Field Key

This is a field key to natural vegetation types of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS). The 

vegetation types are based on the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) and were

derived from field data collected during the APIS vegetation mapping project. This key depicts 

vegetation types at the association (plant community) level, the lowest level of the NVCS, unless 

otherwise specified. For association types, the Community Global Element code is given,

followed by the association name. A few association names have an additional name listed in 

parenthesis following it. These correlate to map-class phases.

For best results, all assessments of vegetation types in the field should be done on an area of 

5,000 m2 (e.g., 40-m radius around point) and within a single vegetation type. Appendix B: 

Descriptions of Vegetation Types is recommended to complement this key to ascertain correct 

assessment of types.

The term dominance means greater than 60% cover unless otherwise noted. When the term “total 

canopy cover” is used, it is in reference to the absolute canopy cover. All other cover values refer 

to relative canopy cover; e.g., if total cover of the tree canopy is 40%, then a notation of >25% 

cover of jack pine refers to 25% of the 40% total cover.

GENERAL KEY

UPLANDS. Absence of standing water and/or peat soil. Mineral soil that is not saturated 

throughout the growing season. 1

WETLANDS. Presence of standing water. Saturated mineral soil, or peat soil. 39

UPLANDS

1A. Well-drained soils. 2

1B. Poorly drained soils. Canopy dominated by black ash (Fraxinus nigra), northern white-cedar 

(Thuja occidentalis), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), birch (Betula spp.), and/or red maple 

(Acer rubrum). 35

2A. Total canopy cover of trees >10%. 3

2B. Total canopy cover of trees <10%. 29

3A. Total canopy cover of trees <60%. Sparse, open canopy dominated by scattered jack pine 

(Pinus banksiana), red pine (Pinus resinosa) and/or eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) without 

an oak component. Found on beach ridges and dunes. [CEGL005125] Pinus banksiana - (Pinus 

resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation

Note: Total canopy cover of trees 10–25% is barrens phase and 25–60% is woodland phase.

3B. Total canopy cover of trees >60%. 4
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-4

4A. Tree canopy <25% conifers. 5

4B. Tree canopy >25% conifers. 13

5A. Canopy dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), 

northern red oak (Quercus rubra), northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis), bur oak (Quercus 

macrocarpa), and/or American basswood (Tilia americana). 6

5B. Canopy dominated by aspen (Populus spp.) and/or paper birch (Betula papyrifera). 10

6A. Canopy dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), 

and/or American basswood (Tilia americana). Red oak (Quercus rubra) <40% cover in canopy.7

6B. Canopy dominated by oak species, including northern red oak (Quercus rubra), northern pin 

oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). 9

7A. Canopy dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and/or yellow birch (Betula 

alleghaniensis). 8

7B. Canopy >20% American basswood (Tilia americana). [CEGL002458] Acer saccharum -

Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest

8A. Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is >90% of canopy and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) 

<5% of canopy cover. [CEGL005245] Betula alleghaniensis - (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) 

Forest [Provisional]

8B. Tree canopy dominated by deciduous species, particularly sugar maple (Acer saccharum), 

yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and/or American basswood (Tilia americana). American 

basswood <20% in canopy. Most common northern hardwood type at Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore. [CEGL002457] Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest

9A. Canopy >40% northern red oak (Quercus rubra). May be found with or without significant 

sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Not common in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 

[CEGL002461] Quercus rubra - Acer saccharum Forest

9B. Canopy dominated by northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) and/or bur oak (Quercus 

macrocarpa). Not common in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. [CEGL002077] Quercus 

ellipsoidalis - (Quercus macrocarpa) Forest

10A. Canopy 10–25% northern hardwood species such as maple (Acer spp.) and yellow birch 

(Betula alleghaniensis). 11

10B. Canopy contains little to no northern hardwood species. 12
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Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-5

11A. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) >75% in T2 

canopy (not supercanopy) with minor component of northern hardwoods. Paper birch <90% 

canopy cover. [CEGL002468] Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum -

Mixed Hardwoods Forest

11B. Dominated by paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum), quaking aspen 

(Populus tremuloides) less frequent. Found only as deciduous shrub and tree stringers along sand 

ridges and lagoons. Not common at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. [CEGL002467] 

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest

12A. Canopy dominated by aspen (Populus spp.) or paper birch (Betula papyrifera, <90% 

cover). Typically contains balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and/or white spruce (Picea glauca) in the 

shrub or subcanopy. [CEGL002466] Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies 

balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest

12B. Canopy >90% paper birch (Betula papyrifera). [CEGL002463] Betula papyrifera / 

Diervilla lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest

13A. Red pine (Pinus resinosa), eastern white pine (Pinus strobes), and/or jack pine (Pinus 

banksiana) dominant conifers in canopy. 14

13B. Non-pine conifers dominate canopy including black spruce (Picea mariana), northern 

white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and/or eastern hemlock (Tsuga 

canadensis). 23

14A. Tree canopy cover and basal area codominated by a mixture of pine species (Pinus spp.). 

Occurs ONLY on dunes and sand ridges. Includes pine-dominated stringers along lagoons and 

dune ridges. [CEGL002589] Pinus banksiana - Pinus resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest

Note: Compare with Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis

Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005125)

14B. Tree canopy cover and basal area dominated by one or more pine species (Pinus spp.) and 

occurs outside dunes, sand ridges, and stringers along lagoons and dune ridges. 15

15A. Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) is dominant pine. Red pine (Pinus resinosa) or eastern white 

pine (Pinus strobus) may be present but <25% canopy cover. 16

15B. Red pine (Pinus resinosa) and/or eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) dominate. Jack pine 

(Pinus banksiana) may be present but <25%. 18

16A. >25% cover of deciduous species in canopy. [CEGL002441] Pinus banksiana / 

Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest

16B. >25% cover of deciduous species in canopy. 17
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-6

17A. Northern hardwoods—including paper birch, red maple, and quaking aspen (Betula 

papyrifera, Acer rubrum, and Populus tremuloides)—dominate the deciduous component of the 

canopy. This type is uncommon in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. [CEGL002518] Pinus 

banksiana - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest

17B. Pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) dominates the deciduous component of the canopy. Aspen 

(Populus spp.) in canopy <25% cover. This type is uncommon in Apostle Islands National 

Lakeshore. [CEGL002478] Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex 

pensylvanica Forest

18A. Red pine (Pinus resinosa) >75% cover compared to other conifers in canopy; <25% eastern 

white pine (Pinus strobus) in canopy. 19

18B. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobes) >25% of conifers. 20

19A. <25% hardwoods in canopy. [CEGL002443] Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest

19B. >25% hardwoods in canopy. [CEGL002520] Pinus resinosa - Populus tremuloides / 

Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest

20A. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) both >25% in 

canopy and may have significant hemlock in subcanopy. Eastern white pine can be less dominant 

than hemlock and may comprise the supracanopy. [CEGL002590] Pinus strobus - Tsuga 

canadensis Great Lakes Forest

20B. Eastern hemlock <25% of canopy. 21

21A. Canopy >25% hardwoods—aspen (Populus spp.) and/or paper birch (Betula papyrifera).

[CEGL002479] Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest

21B. Canopy <25% hardwoods—aspen (Populus spp.) and/or paper birch (Betula papyrifera). 22

22A. Found mostly on sandscapes and contains little to no shrub layer (<5% cover of shrubs).

[CEGL002444] Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest

22B. Found mostly on bedrock. Mesic with significant shrub layer. [CEGL002445] Pinus 

strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest

23A. Black spruce (Picea mariana) dominates canopy with <25% deciduous trees. Red pine can 

be present but <75%. [CEGL002447] Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest

23B. Tree canopy dominated by northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), balsam fir (Abies 

balsamea) and/or eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). 24
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-7

24A. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) <50% of canopy. Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) 

and/or eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) >25%. 25

24B. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) >50% in uppermost canopy. Other conifer species each <25% 

in canopy. 28

25A. Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) dominant conifer in canopy. 26

25B. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) dominant conifer in canopy or subcanopy just below 

other trees overtopping it slightly. 27

26A. <25% deciduous component in canopy [CEGL002449] Thuja occidentalis / Abies 

balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest (conifer phase) Note: Compare to Thuja occidentalis - (Picea 

mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest (CEGL002456). This type should be more 

mesic, but can grade into CEGL002456

26B. >25% deciduous component in canopy. [CEGL002449] Thuja occidentalis / Abies 

balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

27A. <25% deciduous in canopy. [CEGL002598] Tsuga canadensis - (Betula allegheniensis) 

Forest

Note: Compare with Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis Great Lakes Forest (CEGL002590). 

CEGL002598 should have little to no eastern white pine (Pinus strobes).

Note: Compare with Tsuga canadensis - Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest (CEGL005003),

which can be inclusion to this type.

27B. >25% deciduous in canopy. [CEGL005044] Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula 

allegheniensis Forest

28A. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and other deciduous species <25% cover in canopy.

[CEGL002474] Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera Forest (conifer phase)

28B. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera), or rarely red maple (Acer rubrum) codominates with 

balsam fir (Abies balsamea). [CEGL002474] Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera / Diervilla 

lonicera Forest Mixed (conifer - hardwood phase)

29A. Overall vegetation cover >10%. 30

29B. Overall vegetation cover <10%. 32
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-8

30A. Dominated by herbaceous species, particularly American beachgrass (Ammophila 

breviligulata) and/or little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Shrubs and dwarf-shrubs <25% 

cover. Found mostly on beaches and sandscapes. [CEGL005098] Ammophila breviligulata -

(Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation

30B. Dwarf-shrubs >25% absolute cover. 31

31A. Dwarf-shrubs dominated by juniper (Juniperus spp.) and/or bearberry (Arctostaphylos uvaursi). [CEGL005064] Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis

Dune Dwarf-shrubland

31B. Dwarf-shrubs dominated by woolly beach-heather (Hudsonia tomentosa). [CEGL004024] 

Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland

32A. Underlying substrate is sandstone. 33

32B. Underlying substrate is clay. 34

33A. Sandstone ledge cliffs along margins of islands and mainland. Elevated above Lake 

Superior. May have inclusions of Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation 

(CEGL002507). [CEGL002503] Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation

33B. Sandstone bedrock ledges along edges of islands and mainland near waters (within 3 m of 

lake elevation). May have inclusions of Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation 

(CEGL002503). [CEGL002507] Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation

34A. Tiny seeps on slopes. May be shaded by nearby forests. Can contain sparse vegetation with 

species including water horsetail (Equisetum spp.), lady's slipper (Cypripedium spp.), Parnassus 

(Parnassia spp.), and/or pale touch-me-not (Impatiens pallida). [CEGL005163] Clay Seeps 

Sparse Vegetation

34B. Eroding embankments along island edges above shoreline. Sparsely vegetated. 

Occasionally vegetation may be >10%, but rarely. [CEGL002584] Eroding Clay Bank Sparse 

Vegetation

35A. Deciduous species <25% of canopy cover. 36

35B. Deciduous species >25% of canopy cover. 37
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-9

36A. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) >25% of canopy. Northern white-cedar (Thuja 

occidentalis) must be <50% compared to eastern hemlock. [CEGL005003] Tsuga canadensis -

Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest

Note: Can be an inclusion within the Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest 

(CEGL002598).

36B. Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) >50% of canopy compared to eastern hemlock 

(Tsuga canadensis) and all other conifers. May contain dense shrub layer of gray alder (Alnus 

incana). [CEGL002456] Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana

Forest

Note: Compare to Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest (CEGL002449). 

CEGL002456 should be saturated, but can grade into CEGL002449.

37A. Canopy dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and/or birch (Betula spp.). Black ash 

(Fraxinus nigra) <25%. [CEGL002071] Acer rubrum - Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / 

Cornus canadensis Forest

Note: This type can occur in beaver complex areas.

37B. Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) >25% cover of canopy. 38

38A. Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) >25% cover and codominant with black ash 

(Fraxinus nigra). Northern white-cedar may be overtopped by taller deciduous trees and may 

only occur in subcanopy. [CEGL005165] Thuja occidentalis - Fraxinus nigra Forest

38B. Thuja occidentalis <25% in canopy and/or subcanopy. [CEGL002105] Fraxinus nigra -

Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest

WETLANDS

39A. Non-peatland wetlands, Sphagnum spp. <25% cover. 40

39B. Peatland wetlands, Sphagnum spp. >25% cover. 48

40A. Not permanently flooded. Or, if permanently flooded, then standing water ≤0.5 m deep. 41

40B. Permanently flooded. Standing water ≥0.5 m deep. 45

41A. Total canopy cover of trees >25%. 35

41B. Total canopy cover of trees <25%. 42
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Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-10

42A. Total shrub cover >25%. Gray alder (Alnus incana) >25% shrub cover. [CEGL002381] 

Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland

Note: Compare with Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata

Shrubland (CEGL005227), which only occurs in shorefen areas and has a peat layer associated 

with it.

42B. Total shrub cover <25%. Graminoid- or herb-dominated. 43

43A. Community dominated by Canada bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), reed canarygrass

(Phalaris arundinacea), and/or sedges (Carex spp.). 44

43B. No clear dominant herbaceous species. Obvious indication of beaver or anthropogenic 

disturbance. Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (Map Class; Macrogroup G112)

44A. Community has >25% cover of Canada bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) and/or reed 

canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) compared to sedges (Carex spp.). [CEGL005174] 

Calamagrostis canadensis - Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation

44B. Community has <25% cover of Canada bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) compared to 

sedges (Carex spp.). Bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.) may be common. [CEGL002257] Carex

(rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation

45A. Dominated by sedges (Carex spp.), water horsetail (Equisetum spp.), white beaksedge 

(Rhynchospora fusca), Robbins' spikerush (Eleocharis robbinsii). 46

45B. Dominated by floating aquatic American white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) and/or 

yellow pond-lily (Nuphar lutea), or submergent coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum), 

pondweed (Potamogeton spp.), watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spp.) vegetation. 47

45C. No clear dominant herbaceous species. Obvious indication of beaver or anthropogenic 

disturbance. Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (Map Class; Macrogroup G112)

46A. Dominated by sedges (Carex spp.), in particular woollyfruit sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), 

though some areas dominated by coastal sedge (Carex exilis). [CEGL005229] Carex lasiocarpa

- (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation

Note: This is a shorefen and should occur in that type of setting. May complex with Carex

(rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation

(CEGL002257)

46B. Dominated by Robbins' spikerush (Eleocharis robbinsii). White beaksedge (Rhynchospora 

fusca), and other obligate wetland species. Little to no sedges (Carex spp.). May contain 

watershield (Brasenia schreberi) or yellow pond-lily (Nuphar lutea). Interdunal Wetland

Note: Found only as Interdunal wetlands on Stockton Island tombolo.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-11

47A. Floating aquatics such as American white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) and yellow pondlily (Nuphar lutea) >25% cover with little to no submergent vegetation. [CEGL002562] 

Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar lutea (ssp. pumila, ssp. variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation

47B. Dominated by submergent vegetation (Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton spp., 

Myriophyllum spp.) with little to no floating aquatic species present. [CEGL002282] 

Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation

48A. Total shrub cover >25% AND total canopy cover of trees <25% cover. 49

48B. Total canopy cover of trees >25%. Woodland or forest physiognomy. 52

49A. Gray alder (Alnus incana), willow (Salix spp.), and/or bog birch (Betula pumila) >25% 

absolute cover. 50

49B. Dominated by leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and/or sweetgale (Myrica gale). 51

50A. Gray alder (Alnus incana) dominates. Occurs mostly in basins and does not occur along 

shoreline (shorefen) situations. [CEGL002381] Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland

50B. Dominated by gray alder (Alnus incana) and/or willow (Salix spp.). Occurs in shoreline 

(shorefen) situations or areas with significant lake or stream influence. [CEGL005227] Alnus 

incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland

51A. Dominated by Chamaedaphne calyculata and/or Myrica gale. Occurs mostly in basins and 

does not occur along shoreline (shorefen) situations. [CEGL005277] Chamaedaphne calyculata

/ Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland

51B. Occurs in shoreline (shorefen) situations or areas with woollyfruit sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) 

or coastal sedge (Carex exilis) as the dominant sedge. [CEGL005228] Chamaedaphne 

calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland

52A. Tamarack (Larix laricina) present >25% cover. 53

52B. Tamarack (Larix laricina) absent or present <25% cover. Dominated by black spruce 

(Picea mariana) and/or northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis). 54

53A. Dominated by tamarack (Larix laricina). Other conifers <25% cover. Gray alder (Alnus 

incana) >5% cover. [CEGL002471] Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest

53B. Dominated by mixture of tamarack (Larix laricina) and other conifers—black spruce 

(Picea mariana), northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Other conifers <25% cover. Gray 

alder (Alnus incana) <5% cover. [CEGL005271] Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum 

groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (tamarack phase)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

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Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types C-12

54A. Dominated by northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis). [CEGL002456] Thuja 

occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest

54B. Dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana). [CEGL005271] Picea mariana - (Larix 

laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (black spruce phase)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-1

Appendix D: List of Plant Species

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-3

Explanation of the Species List

Plant species were identified and documented from vegetation sample plots and accuracy 

assessment sites collected for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) vegetation 

mapping project. Plant species, along with other sample data, were entered into the National Park 

Service PLOTS Database Version 2 (NatureServe 2005b) for subsequent analyses (plant 

community descriptions and map assessment). Table D-1 is an export of all plant species 

generated from the PLOTS Database for this project. This list is not intended to be 

comprehensive of every species at the APIS. The plant species list is organized alphabetically,

first by family name and then by scientific name. Nomenclature follows the PLANTS database 

(U.S. Department of Agriculture 2004).

Table D-1. Plant species list of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Acer maple Aceraceae

Acer negundo boxelder Aceraceae

Acer rubrum red maple Aceraceae

Acer saccharinum silver maple Aceraceae

Acer saccharum sugar maple Aceraceae

Acer spicatum mountain maple Aceraceae

Calliergon calliergon moss Amblystegiaceae

Campylium campylium moss Amblystegiaceae

Rhus hirta staghorn sumac Anacardiaceae

Toxicodendron radicans eastern poison ivy Anacardiaceae

Cicuta bulbifera bulblet-bearing water hemlock Apiaceae

Osmorhiza sweetroot Apiaceae

Osmorhiza berteroi sweetcicely Apiaceae

Osmorhiza claytonii Clayton's sweetroot Apiaceae

Apocynum androsaemifolium spreading dogbane Apocynaceae

Ilex verticillata common winterberry Aquifoliaceae

Nemopanthus mucronatus catberry Aquifoliaceae

Calla palustris water arum Araceae

Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla Araliaceae

Panax trifolius dwarf ginseng Araliaceae

Asclepias syriaca common milkweed Asclepiadaceae

Achillea millefolium common yarrow Asteraceae

Anaphalis margaritacea western pearly everlasting Asteraceae

Antennaria pussytoes Asteraceae

Artemisia campestris field sagewort Asteraceae

Artemisia campestris ssp. caudata field sagewort Asteraceae

Aster aster Asteraceae

Bidens beggarticks Asteraceae

Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae

Cirsium vulgare bull thistle Asteraceae

Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata parasol whitetop Asteraceae

Erigeron strigosus prairie fleabane Asteraceae

Eupatorium thoroughwort Asteraceae

Eupatorium maculatum spotted joepyeweed Asteraceae

Eupatorium perfoliatum common boneset Asteraceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-4

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Eurybia macrophylla bigleaf aster Asteraceae

Euthamia graminifolia flat-top goldentop Asteraceae

Hieracium hawkweed Asteraceae

Hieracium aurantiacum orange hawkweed Asteraceae

Hieracium caespitosum meadow hawkweed Asteraceae

Hieracium kalmii Kalm's hawkweed Asteraceae

Lactuca lettuce Asteraceae

Lactuca biennis tall blue lettuce Asteraceae

Packera paupercula balsam groundsel Asteraceae

Petasites frigidus arctic sweet coltsfoot Asteraceae

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. obtusifolium rabbittobacco Asteraceae

Solidago goldenrod Asteraceae

Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod Asteraceae

Solidago gigantea giant goldenrod Asteraceae

Solidago nemoralis gray goldenrod Asteraceae

Solidago uliginosa bog goldenrod Asteraceae

Sonchus arvensis ssp. uliginosus moist sowthistle Asteraceae

Symphyotrichum ciliolatum Lindley's aster Asteraceae

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum ssp. lanceolatum 

var. lanceolatum white panicle aster Asteraceae

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum calico aster Asteraceae

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. lateriflorum calico aster Asteraceae

Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum purplestem aster Asteraceae

Tanacetum vulgare common tansy Asteraceae

Taraxacum officinale common dandelion Asteraceae

Impatiens touch-me-not Balsaminaceae

Impatiens capensis jewelweed Balsaminaceae

Alnus alder Betulaceae

Alnus incana gray alder Betulaceae

Alnus incana ssp. rugosa speckled alder Betulaceae

Alnus viridis green alder Betulaceae

Alnus viridis ssp. crispa mountain alder Betulaceae

Betula birch Betulaceae

Betula alleghaniensis yellow birch Betulaceae

Betula papyrifera paper birch Betulaceae

Betula pumila bog birch Betulaceae

Corylus cornuta beaked hazelnut Betulaceae

Ostrya virginiana Chisos hophornbeam Betulaceae

Brachythecium brachythecium moss Brachytheciaceae

Arabis lyrata lyrate rockcress Brassicaceae

Cardamine debilis roadside bittercress Brassicaceae

Brasenia schreberi watershield Cabombaceae

Campanula aparinoides marsh bellflower Campanulaceae

Campanula rotundifolia bluebell bellflower Campanulaceae

Lobelia kalmii Ontario lobelia Campanulaceae

Diervilla bush honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae

Diervilla lonicera northern bush honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae

Linnaea borealis twinflower Caprifoliaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-5

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Lonicera honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera canadensis American fly honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus elderberry Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis common elderberry Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus racemosa red elderberry Caprifoliaceae

Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa red elderberry Caprifoliaceae

Symphoricarpos albus common snowberry Caprifoliaceae

Viburnum edule squashberry Caprifoliaceae

Viburnum nudum possumhaw Caprifoliaceae

Viburnum opulus var. americanum American cranberrybush Caprifoliaceae

Cerastium mouse-ear chickweed Caryophyllaceae

Stellaria starwort Caryophyllaceae

Ceratophyllum demersum coon's tail Ceratophyllaceae

Hudsonia tomentosa woolly beachheather Cistaceae

Cladina reindeer lichen Cladoniaceae

Cladina stellaris var. aberrans star reindeer lichen Cladoniaceae

Cladonia cup lichen Cladoniaceae

Cladonia cristatella cup lichen Cladoniaceae

Hypericum St. Johnswort Clusiaceae

Hypericum canadense lesser Canadian St. Johnswort Clusiaceae

Triadenum fraseri Fraser's marsh St. Johnswort Clusiaceae

Triadenum virginicum Virginia marsh St. Johnswort Clusiaceae

Cornus dogwood Cornaceae

Cornus canadensis bunchberry dogwood Cornaceae

Cornus sericea redosier dogwood Cornaceae

Cornus sericea ssp. sericea redosier dogwood Cornaceae

Juniperus communis common juniper Cupressaceae

Thuja occidentalis arborvitae Cupressaceae

Carex sedge Cyperaceae

Carex aquatilis water sedge Cyperaceae

Carex arcta northern cluster sedge Cyperaceae

Carex arctata drooping woodland sedge Cyperaceae

Carex brunnescens brownish sedge Cyperaceae

Carex canescens silvery sedge Cyperaceae

Carex chordorrhiza creeping sedge Cyperaceae

Carex communis fibrousroot sedge Cyperaceae

Carex comosa longhair sedge Cyperaceae

Carex crinita fringed sedge Cyperaceae

Carex deweyana Dewey sedge Cyperaceae

Carex disperma softleaf sedge Cyperaceae

Carex echinata ssp. echinata star sedge Cyperaceae

Carex exilis coastal sedge Cyperaceae

Carex gracillima graceful sedge Cyperaceae

Carex gynandra nodding sedge Cyperaceae

Carex intumescens greater bladder sedge Cyperaceae

Carex lacustris hairy sedge Cyperaceae

Carex lasiocarpa woollyfruit sedge Cyperaceae

Carex lenticularis lakeshore sedge Cyperaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-6

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Carex leptalea bristlystalked sedge Cyperaceae

Carex leptonervia nerveless woodland sedge Cyperaceae

Carex limosa mud sedge Cyperaceae

Carex livida livid sedge Cyperaceae

Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua boreal bog sedge Cyperaceae

Carex michauxiana Michaux's sedge Cyperaceae

Carex oligocarpa richwoods sedge Cyperaceae

Carex oligosperma fewseed sedge Cyperaceae

Carex ovalis eggbract sedge Cyperaceae

Carex pedunculata longstalk sedge Cyperaceae

Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge Cyperaceae

Carex retrorsa knotsheath sedge Cyperaceae

Carex rostrata beaked sedge Cyperaceae

Carex scabrata eastern rough sedge Cyperaceae

Carex scoparia broom sedge Cyperaceae

Carex stipata owlfruit sedge Cyperaceae

Carex stricta upright sedge Cyperaceae

Carex tonsa var. rugosperma parachute sedge Cyperaceae

Carex trisperma threeseeded sedge Cyperaceae

Carex utriculata Northwest Territory sedge Cyperaceae

Carex vesicaria blister sedge Cyperaceae

Carex viridula little green sedge Cyperaceae

Carex vulpinoidea fox sedge Cyperaceae

Cladium mariscoides smooth sawgrass Cyperaceae

Dulichium arundinaceum threeway sedge Cyperaceae

Eleocharis spikerush Cyperaceae

Eleocharis obtusa blunt spikerush Cyperaceae

Eleocharis robbinsii Robbins' spikerush Cyperaceae

Eriophorum cottongrass Cyperaceae

Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum tussock cottongrass Cyperaceae

Eriophorum virginicum tawny cottongrass Cyperaceae

Rhynchospora beaksedge Cyperaceae

Rhynchospora alba white beaksedge Cyperaceae

Rhynchospora fusca brown beaksedge Cyperaceae

Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus hardstem bulrush Cyperaceae

Schoenoplectus subterminalis swaying bulrush Cyperaceae

Scirpus bulrush Cyperaceae

Scirpus atrovirens green bulrush Cyperaceae

Scirpus cyperinus woolgrass Cyperaceae

Pteridium aquilinum western brackenfern Dennstaedtiaceae

Dicranum dicranum moss Dicranaceae

Dicranum scoparium dicranum moss Dicranaceae

Drosera intermedia spoonleaf sundew Droseraceae

Drosera rotundifolia roundleaf sundew Droseraceae

Athyrium filix-femina common ladyfern Dryopteridaceae

Athyrium filix-femina ssp. angustum subarctic ladyfern Dryopteridaceae

Cystopteris fragilis brittle bladderfern Dryopteridaceae

Dryopteris woodfern Dryopteridaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-7

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Dryopteris carthusiana spinulose woodfern Dryopteridaceae

Dryopteris cristata crested woodfern Dryopteridaceae

Dryopteris intermedia intermediate woodfern Dryopteridaceae

Gymnocarpium oakfern Dryopteridaceae

Gymnocarpium dryopteris western oakfern Dryopteridaceae

Gymnocarpium robertianum scented oakfern Dryopteridaceae

Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern Dryopteridaceae

Onoclea sensibilis sensitive fern Dryopteridaceae

Equisetum horsetail Equisetaceae

Equisetum arvense field horsetail Equisetaceae

Equisetum fluviatile water horsetail Equisetaceae

Equisetum hyemale scouringrush horsetail Equisetaceae

Equisetum palustre marsh horsetail Equisetaceae

Equisetum scirpoides dwarf scouringrush Equisetaceae

Equisetum sylvaticum woodland horsetail Equisetaceae

Andromeda polifolia bog rosemary Ericaceae

Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla bog rosemary Ericaceae

Arbutus madrone Ericaceae

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi kinnikinnick Ericaceae

Chamaedaphne calyculata leatherleaf Ericaceae

Epigaea repens trailing arbutus Ericaceae

Gaultheria hispidula creeping snowberry Ericaceae

Gaultheria procumbens eastern teaberry Ericaceae

Gaylussacia huckleberry Ericaceae

Gaylussacia baccata black huckleberry Ericaceae

Kalmia laurel Ericaceae

Kalmia polifolia bog laurel Ericaceae

Ledum groenlandicum bog Labrador tea Ericaceae

Vaccinium angustifolium lowbush blueberry Ericaceae

Vaccinium macrocarpon cranberry Ericaceae

Vaccinium myrtilloides velvetleaf huckleberry Ericaceae

Vaccinium oxycoccos small cranberry Ericaceae

Eriocaulon aquaticum sevenangle pipewort Eriocaulaceae

Lathyrus pea Fabaceae

Lathyrus japonicus beach pea Fabaceae

Trifolium pratense red clover Fabaceae

Trifolium repens white clover Fabaceae

Quercus oak Fagaceae

Quercus ellipsoidalis northern pin oak Fagaceae

Quercus rubra northern red oak Fagaceae

Quercus rubra var. ambigua northern red oak Fagaceae

Gentiana andrewsii closed bottle gentian Gentianaceae

Grimmia grimmia dry rock moss Grimmiaceae

Ribes currant Grossulariaceae

Ribes glandulosum skunk currant Grossulariaceae

Ribes triste red currant Grossulariaceae

Vallisneria eelgrass Hydrocharitaceae

Hylocomium splendens splendid feather moss Hylocomiaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-8

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Pleurozium schreberi Schreber's big red stem moss Hylocomiaceae

Ptilium crista-castrensis knights plume moss Hypnaceae

Iris verna dwarf violet iris Iridaceae

Iris versicolor harlequin blueflag Iridaceae

Juncus rush Juncaceae

Juncus balticus Baltic rush Juncaceae

Juncus canadensis Canadian rush Juncaceae

Juncus effusus common rush Juncaceae

Galeopsis tetrahit brittlestem hempnettle Lamiaceae

Lamium deadnettle Lamiaceae

Lycopus americanus American water horehound Lamiaceae

Lycopus uniflorus northern bugleweed Lamiaceae

Lycopus virginicus Virginia water horehound Lamiaceae

Prunella vulgaris common selfheal Lamiaceae

Scutellaria galericulata marsh skullcap Lamiaceae

Scutellaria lateriflora blue skullcap Lamiaceae

Lemna minor common duckweed Lemnaceae

Utricularia bladderwort Lentibulariaceae

Utricularia cornuta horned bladderwort Lentibulariaceae

Utricularia intermedia flatleaf bladderwort Lentibulariaceae

Utricularia macrorhiza common bladderwort Lentibulariaceae

Utricularia minor lesser bladderwort Lentibulariaceae

Bazzania trilobata Lepidoziaceae

Leucobryum glaucum leucobryum moss Leucobryaceae

Clintonia borealis bluebead Liliaceae

Maianthemum mayflower Liliaceae

Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower Liliaceae

Maianthemum racemosum feathery false lily of the vally Liliaceae

Maianthemum racemosum ssp. racemosum feathery false lily of the vally Liliaceae

Maianthemum trifolium threeleaf false lily of the vally Liliaceae

Polygonatum biflorum smooth Solomon's seal Liliaceae

Polygonatum pubescens hairy Solomon's seal Liliaceae

Streptopus amplexifolius claspleaf twistedstalk Liliaceae

Streptopus lanceolatus twistedstalk Liliaceae

Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus twistedstalk Liliaceae

Trillium trillium Liliaceae

Trillium cernuum whip-poor-will flower Liliaceae

Uvularia bellwort Liliaceae

Uvularia perfoliata perfoliate bellwort Liliaceae

Uvularia sessilifolia sessileleaf bellwort Liliaceae

Lobaria pulmonaria lung lichen Lobariaceae

Huperzia lucidula shining clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodiella inundata inundated clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodium clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodium annotinum stiff clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodium clavatum running clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodium dendroideum tree groundpine Lycopodiaceae

Lycopodium digitatum fan clubmoss Lycopodiaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-9

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Lycopodium obscurum rare clubmoss Lycopodiaceae

Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife Lythraceae

Abutilon abutiloides shrubby Indian mallow Malvaceae

Menyanthes trifoliata buckbean Menyanthaceae

Mnium mnium calcareous moss Mniaceae

Monotropa hypopithys pinesap Monotropaceae

Monotropa uniflora Indianpipe Monotropaceae

Myrica gale sweetgale Myricaceae

Nuphar lutea yellow pond-lily Nymphaeaceae

Nuphar lutea ssp. variegata varigated yellow pond-lily Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea odorata ssp. tuberosa American white waterlily Nymphaeaceae

Fraxinus ash Oleaceae

Fraxinus nigra black ash Oleaceae

Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Oleaceae

Chamerion angustifolium fireweed Onagraceae

Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium fireweed Onagraceae

Circaea enchanter's nightshade Onagraceae

Epilobium willowherb Onagraceae

Epilobium ciliatum fringed willowherb Onagraceae

Epilobium leptophyllum bog willowherb Onagraceae

Oenothera evening-primrose Onagraceae

Oenothera biennis common evening-primrose Onagraceae

Oenothera oakesiana Oakes' evening-primrose Onagraceae

Botrychium multifidum leathery grapefern Ophioglossaceae

Calopogon tuberosus tuberous grasspink Orchidaceae

Corallorrhiza coralroot Orchidaceae

Corallorrhiza maculata summer coralroot Orchidaceae

Corallorrhiza striata hooded coralroot Orchidaceae

Cypripedium acaule moccasin flower Orchidaceae

Goodyera rattlesnake plantain Orchidaceae

Goodyera oblongifolia western rattlesnake plantain Orchidaceae

Goodyera repens lesser rattlesnake plantain Orchidaceae

Malaxis unifolia green adder's-mouth orchid Orchidaceae

Platanthera clavellata small green wood orchid Orchidaceae

Platanthera hyperborea northern green orchid Orchidaceae

Pogonia ophioglossoides snakemouth orchid Orchidaceae

Spiranthes ladies'-tresses Orchidaceae

Epifagus beechdrops Orobanchaceae

Osmunda osmunda Osmundaceae

Osmunda cinnamomea cinnamon fern Osmundaceae

Osmunda claytoniana interrupted fern Osmundaceae

Osmunda regalis royal fern Osmundaceae

Oxalis woodsorrel Oxalidaceae

Oxalis montana mountain woodsorrel Oxalidaceae

Usnea beard lichen Parmeliaceae

Peltigera felt lichen Peltigeraceae

Abies fir Pinaceae

Abies balsamea balsam fir Pinaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-10

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Larix laricina tamarack Pinaceae

Picea glauca white spruce Pinaceae

Picea mariana black spruce Pinaceae

Pinus banksiana jack pine Pinaceae

Pinus resinosa red pine Pinaceae

Pinus strobus eastern white pine Pinaceae

Tsuga canadensis eastern hemlock Pinaceae

Agropyron wheatgrass Poaceae

Agrostis bentgrass Poaceae

Agrostis gigantea redtop Poaceae

Agrostis hyemalis winter bentgrass Poaceae

Agrostis scabra rough bentgrass Poaceae

Ammophila breviligulata American beachgrass Poaceae

Brachyelytrum erectum bearded shorthusk Poaceae

Bromus ciliatus fringed brome Poaceae

Bromus inermis smooth brome Poaceae

Calamagrostis canadensis bluejoint Poaceae

Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa northern reedgrass Poaceae

Cinna woodreed Poaceae

Cinna latifolia drooping woodreed Poaceae

Danthonia spicata poverty oatgrass Poaceae

Deschampsia hairgrass Poaceae

Deschampsia flexuosa wavy hairgrass Poaceae

Deschampsia flexuosa var. flexuosa wavy hairgrass Poaceae

Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum western panicgrass Poaceae

Elymus wildrye Poaceae

Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye Poaceae

Elymus hystrix eastern bottlebrush grass Poaceae

Elymus repens quackgrass Poaceae

Elymus trachycaulus slender wheatgrass Poaceae

Festuca fescue Poaceae

Festuca saximontana Rocky Mountain fescue Poaceae

Glyceria mannagrass Poaceae

Glyceria canadensis rattlesnake mannagrass Poaceae

Glyceria grandis American mannagrass Poaceae

Glyceria striata fowl mannagrass Poaceae

Leersia oryzoides rice cutgrass Poaceae

Melica melicgrass Poaceae

Milium effusum American milletgrass Poaceae

Oryzopsis asperifolia roughleaf ricegrass Poaceae

Panicum panicgrass Poaceae

Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass Poaceae

Phleum timothy Poaceae

Phleum pratense timothy Poaceae

Phragmites australis common reed Poaceae

Poa bluegrass Poaceae

Poa annua annual bluegrass Poaceae

Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-11

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Poa palustris fowl bluegrass Poaceae

Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae

Poa sylvestris woodland bluegrass Poaceae

Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem Poaceae

Torreyochloa pallida pale false mannagrass Poaceae

Polygala paucifolia gaywings Polygalaceae

Polygonella articulata coastal jointweed Polygonaceae

Polygonum knotweed Polygonaceae

Polygonum amphibium water knotweed Polygonaceae

Polygonum cilinode fringed black bindweed Polygonaceae

Polygonum hydropiper marshpepper knotweed Polygonaceae

Rumex dock Polygonaceae

Rumex acetosella common sheep sorrel Polygonaceae

Rumex orbiculatus greater water dock Polygonaceae

Polypodium virginianum rock polypody Polypodiaceae

Polytrichum polytrichum moss Polytrichaceae

Polytrichum commune polytrichum moss Polytrichaceae

Polytrichum juniperinum juniper polytrichum moss Polytrichaceae

Heteranthera dubia grassleaf mudplantain Pontederiaceae

Potamogeton pondweed Potamogetonaceae

Potamogeton amplifolius largeleaf pondweed Potamogetonaceae

Potamogeton pusillus ssp. tenuissimus small pondweed Potamogetonaceae

Lysimachia yellow loosestrife Primulaceae

Lysimachia terrestris earth loosestrife Primulaceae

Lysimachia thyrsiflora tufted loosestrife Primulaceae

Primula mistassinica Mistassini primrose Primulaceae

Trientalis borealis starflower Primulaceae

Ptilidium Ptilidiaceae

Chimaphila umbellata pipsissewa Pyrolaceae

Moneses uniflora single delight Pyrolaceae

Orthilia secunda sidebells wintergreen Pyrolaceae

Pyrola wintergreen Pyrolaceae

Pyrola asarifolia liverleaf wintergreen Pyrolaceae

Pyrola elliptica waxflower shinleaf Pyrolaceae

Actaea baneberry Ranunculaceae

Actaea pachypoda white baneberry Ranunculaceae

Actaea rubra red baneberry Ranunculaceae

Anemone quinquefolia nightcaps Ranunculaceae

Caltha palustris yellow marsh marigold Ranunculaceae

Clematis virginiana devil's darning needles Ranunculaceae

Coptis trifolia threeleaf goldthread Ranunculaceae

Ranunculus buttercup Ranunculaceae

Ranunculus acris tall buttercup Ranunculaceae

Thalictrum dasycarpum purple meadow-rue Ranunculaceae

Thalictrum dioicum early meadow-rue Ranunculaceae

Thalictrum thalictroides rue anemone Ranunculaceae

Amelanchier serviceberry Rosaceae

Amelanchier laevis Allegheny serviceberry Rosaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-12

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Comarum palustre purple marshlocks Rosaceae

Fragaria strawberry Rosaceae

Fragaria virginiana Virginia strawberry Rosaceae

Geum avens Rosaceae

Geum aleppicum yellow avens Rosaceae

Physocarpus opulifolius common ninebark Rosaceae

Potentilla norvegica Norwegian cinquefoil Rosaceae

Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry Rosaceae

Prunus pumila sandcherry Rosaceae

Prunus virginiana chokecherry Rosaceae

Rosa rose Rosaceae

Rosa acicularis prickly rose Rosaceae

Rosa blanda smooth rose Rosaceae

Rubus blackberry Rosaceae

Rubus allegheniensis Allegheny blackberry Rosaceae

Rubus hispidus bristly dewberry Rosaceae

Rubus idaeus American red raspberry Rosaceae

Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus grayleaf red raspberry Rosaceae

Rubus occidentalis black raspberry Rosaceae

Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry Rosaceae

Rubus pubescens dwarf red blackberry Rosaceae

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata shrubby fivefingers Rosaceae

Sorbus mountain ash Rosaceae

Sorbus americana American mountain ash Rosaceae

Sorbus aucuparia European mountain ash Rosaceae

Sorbus decora northern mountain ash Rosaceae

Spiraea alba white meadowsweet Rosaceae

Galium bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium asprellum rough bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium circaezans var. circaezans licorice bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium labradoricum northern bog bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium tinctorium stiff marsh bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium trifidum threepetal bedstraw Rubiaceae

Galium triflorum fragrant bedstraw Rubiaceae

Mitchella repens partridgeberry Rubiaceae

Populus cottonwood Salicaceae

Populus balsamifera balsam poplar Salicaceae

Populus grandidentata bigtooth aspen Salicaceae

Populus tremuloides quaking aspen Salicaceae

Salix willow Salicaceae

Salix bebbiana Bebb willow Salicaceae

Salix discolor pussy willow Salicaceae

Salix eriocephala Missouri River willow Salicaceae

Salix exigua narrowleaf willow Salicaceae

Salix lucida shining willow Salicaceae

Salix pedicellaris bog willow Salicaceae

Salix pentandra laurel willow Salicaceae

Salix petiolaris meadow willow Salicaceae
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix D: List of Plant Species D-13

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Salix pyrifolia balsam willow Salicaceae

Salix serissima autumn willow Salicaceae

Comandra umbellata bastard toadflax Santalaceae

Sarracenia pitcherplant Sarraceniaceae

Sarracenia purpurea purple pitcherplant Sarraceniaceae

Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea purple pitcherplant Sarraceniaceae

Scheuchzeria palustris rannoch-rush Scheuchzeriaceae

Chelone glabra white turtlehead Scrophulariaceae

Melampyrum lineare narrowleaf cowwheat Scrophulariaceae

Mimulus ringens Allegheny monkeyflower Scrophulariaceae

Verbascum thapsus common mullein Scrophulariaceae

Sparganium bur-reed Sparganiaceae

Sparganium erectum ssp. stoloniferum simplestem bur-reed Sparganiaceae

Sparganium eurycarpum broadfruit bur-reed Sparganiaceae

Sparganium fluctuans floating bur-reed Sparganiaceae

Sphagnum sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum capillifolium sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum centrale sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum compactum low sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum contortum contorted sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum fallax sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum fuscum sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum girgensohnii Girgensohn's sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum magellanicum Magellan's sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum papillosum papillose sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum rubellum sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum squarrosum sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Sphagnum wulfianum Wulf's sphagnum Sphagnaceae

Taxus canadensis Canada yew Taxaceae

Phegopteris beechfern Thelypteridaceae

Phegopteris connectilis long beechfern Thelypteridaceae

Phegopteris hexagonoptera broad beechfern Thelypteridaceae

Thelypteris palustris eastern marsh fern Thelypteridaceae

Tilia americana American basswood Tiliaceae

Typha cattail Typhaceae

Typha angustifolia narrowleaf cattail Typhaceae

Typha latifolia broadleaf cattail Typhaceae

Laportea canadensis Canadian woodnettle Urticaceae

Urtica dioica stinging nettle Urticaceae

Viola violet Violaceae

Viola macloskeyi small white violet Violaceae

Viola sororia common blue violet Violaceae

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-1

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-3

Explanation of Map-class Descriptions

This appendix to the Main Report of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) vegetation 

mapping project provides descriptions to the 63 map classes we used to map the APIS and 

environs for the National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP). Of these 63

map classes, 59 represent vegetation types within the National Vegetation Classification 

Standard (NVCS) (FGDC 2008), where another four represent non-vegetated units (open water, 

barren land). For those map classes representing associations in the NVCS, we recommend using 

Appendix B: Descriptions of Vegetation Types and Appendix C: Field Key to Vegetation Types 

to complement these map-class descriptions.

Each map-class description provides the formal map-class name and code we used for mapping. 

Names for map classes representing associations in the NVCS are the synonym names as 

provided by NatureServe1

Commencing each map-class description, we provide the official classification name and code 

that the map class represents, whether to the NVCS or, if non-vegetated, to the classification in 

the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) 2001 (Homer et al. 2004). The map class is 

described with a focus to the APIS and immediate environs and not necessarily to the region 

beyond. Also, descriptions are from a mapping perspective more than from an ecologic 

perspective; however, some ecologic concepts are inherent to the descriptions, as one would 

expect when describing the mapping of types in the NVCS. We also discuss how map classes 

relate to other map classes, because many vegetation types transition into each other. 

Furthermore, we discuss briefly the distribution of how a particular map class was mapped 

throughout the APIS and immediate environs. We finally provide a brief explanation of how map 

classes were analyzed by the accuracy assessment.

. (For map-class phases, the phase portion of the name is not part of the 

synonym name.) For map classes representing vegetation types above the floristic level in the 

NVCS and for non-vegetated features, we derived succinct names to describe the feature.

Throughout the map-class descriptions, “RD” refers to relative density and “AA” refers to 

accuracy assessment. Also, when speaking of tree species (e.g., sugar maple, northern whitecedar), it is assumed these are of heights >5 m unless otherwise specified (e.g., shrub-height 

trees). This includes general references to trees as conifers and hardwoods.

Along with describing the map classes via text, representative ground pictures are also provided 

to give a visual concept of what the map classes represent. It is worth noting that the 

representative pictures are a partial representation; to capture all variations within a map class 

would become daunting.

We organized map classes representing vegetation types by hierarchy within the NVCS (FGDC 

2008). We organized map classes representing non-vegetated features (e.g., open water) with the 

classification in the NLCD. Map classification codes, names, and their crosswalk to the NVCS

and the NLCD are listed in Table E-1. The map classification is listed alphabetically by mapclass code in Table E-2 at the end of this appendix.

 

1

One map class, Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW), was renamed differently than the association’s synonym name. The true 

synonym name is Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-4

Minimum Mapping Units

Map classes were generally mapped to the NPS VIP minimum mapping unit (MMU) standard of 

0.5 ha (1.24 acres). For types unique to its immediate surroundings (e.g., herbaceous wetland 

within an upland forest setting), we allowed for mapping below the MMU down to 0.25 ha (0.62 

acres); however, we purposely set an MMU of 0.25 ha (0.62 acres) for the mapping of two sparse 

vegetation map classes–Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore (VBS) and Great Lakes Shore 

Sandstone Cliff (VSC). In addition, we applied a secondary MMU of 2.0 ha (4.94 acres) for 

physiognomic-feature changes within a particular map class (e.g., open versus closed forest). We 

used MMU templates to help us determine minimum polygon size on the photographs during 

mapping. Because of angle distortions inherent to nonrectified aerial photos, and slight scale 

changes from high ridges to valley bottoms, we applied our MMU standards liberally.

Page Reference to Map-classification Descriptions

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) ......................................................... 13

Northern Maple - Basswood Forest (FMT) .................................................................................. 15

Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest (FYB)............................................................................... 16

Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest (FWH)....................................................................... 17

Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest (FBR)..................................................................................... 18

Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM)................................................ 19

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest (FOM).......................................................................... 21

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (FCC and FCM) ...................................................... 22

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase)–FCC ........................................... 23

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)–FCM ....................... 24

Hemlock Mesic Forest (FHC)....................................................................................................... 25

North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM)..................................................................... 26

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO) .................................................................................. 28

Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA)........................................................................................ 29

Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP)........................................................................................ 30

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) ................................................................................... 31

White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM).................................................................... 32

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP) ........................................................................ 33

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest (FPO) ................................................................................ 34

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest (FPD) ........................................................................................... 35

Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) ................................................................................................. 36

Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FMX)................................................................................. 37

Conifer Plantation (FPE)............................................................................................................... 38

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM)........................................................................... 39

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (FBA).............................................................................. 41

White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp (FCA) ...................................................................................... 42
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-5

Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest (FHS)......................................................... 43

Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS)........................................................................................... 44

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (FBS).................................................................................... 45

Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest (FJM)................................................................... 46

Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB)........................................................................ 47

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (FBF and FFB).......................................................................... 48

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase)–FBF.............................................................. 49

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)–FFB .......................................... 51

Paper Birch / Fir Forest (FPB)...................................................................................................... 53

Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (FAC)............................................................................... 54

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (FSS and FTP) ....................................... 55

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase)–FSS .................. 56

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase)–FTP........................ 57

Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp (FTR)....................................................................................... 58

White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS)................................................................. 59

Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX)........................................................................................... 60

Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SMX) .......................................................................... 62

Ruderal Grassland (HMX)............................................................................................................ 63

Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB).......................................................................................... 64

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH)......................................................... 66

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD) ................................................................................ 67

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (HPB and HPW) ....................................................................... 68

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)–HPB ............................................................ 69

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase)–HPW ....................................................... 70

Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW) ................................................................................................ 71

Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (HSS) ............................................................................................... 72

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS).................................................................................... 73

Leatherleaf Poor Fen (DLF).......................................................................................................... 75

Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (HWM).................................................................................... 76

Bluejoint Wet Meadow (HCC)..................................................................................................... 77

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG)........................................................................................... 78

Clay Seeps (N/A).......................................................................................................................... 79

Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland (HFA)............................................................................... 80

Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV)............................................................ 82

Eroding Clay Bank (VEB)............................................................................................................ 84

Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore (VBS) ............................................................................. 85

Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff (VSC) ................................................................................... 86
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-6

Developed Area (NDV)................................................................................................................ 87

Open Space–21 (O).................................................................................................................................87

Low Intensity–22 (L) ..............................................................................................................................88

Medium Intensity–23 (M).......................................................................................................................88

High Intensity–24 (H) ............................................................................................................... 89

Stream & River (NSR).................................................................................................................. 90

Open Water Pond (NWP) ............................................................................................................. 91

Open Water Lake (NWL) ............................................................................................................. 92

Sand & Cobble Beach (NSB) ....................................................................................................... 93
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes

E-7

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Table E-1. Map classification with crosswalk to the National Vegetation Classification Standard (Version 2) for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 

vegetation mapping project.

[NVCS, National Vegetation Classification Standard; NLCD, National Land Cover Database; MMU, minimum mapping unit]

Map-class Code Map-class Name

1. FOREST & WOODLAND CLASS

1.C.2.a. Eastern North American Cool Temperate Forest Division

MG014. Northern Hardwood & Conifer Forest Macrogroup

G163. Northern Hardwood - Hemlock - White Pine Forest Group

Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest Association (CEGL002457)

FMB Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

Acer saccharum - Tilia americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002458)

FMT Northern Maple - Basswood Forest

Betula alleghaniensis - (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) Forest [Provisional] Association (CEGL005245)

FYB Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest

Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis Great Lakes Forest Association (CEGL002590)

FWH Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest Association (CEGL002467)

FBR Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest Association (CEGL002468)

FAM Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

Quercus rubra - Acer saccharum - (Betula alleghaniensis)Forest Association (CEGL002461)

FOM Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest

Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest Association (CEGL002449)

FCC White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase)

FCM White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

Tsuga canadensis - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest Association (CEGL002598)

FHC Hemlock Mesic Forest

Tsuga canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest Association (CEGL005044)

FHM North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-8

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Map-class Code Map-class Name

G025. White Pine - Red Pine - Jack Pine - Oak Forest & Woodland Group

Pinus banksiana-(Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest Association (CEGL002478)

FJO Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest

Pinus resinosa- Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera- Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002520)

FRA Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002443)

FRP Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest

Pinus strobus- Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002479)

FWA White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum- Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002445)

FWM White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest

Pinus strobus / Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002444)

FWP White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest

Quercus ellipsoidalis - (Quercus macrocarpa) Forest Association (CEGL002077)

FPO Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

MG159. Northern Pine - Oak Woodland & Barrens Macrogroup

G160. Great Lakes Pine Barrens Group

Pinus banksiana- Pinus resinosa- Pinus strobus Dune Forest Association (CEGL002589)

FPD Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest

MG013. Eastern North American Ruderal Forest & Plantation Macrogroup

G030. Northern & Central Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group

FDX Hardwood Ruderal Forest

FMX Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest

G032. Northern & Central Conifer & Hardwood Plantation Group FPE Conifer Plantation

1.C.3.a. Northeastern & Central North American Flooded & Swamp Forest Division

MG030. Northern & Central Swamp Forest Macrogroup

G046. Northern & Central Alkaline Conifer & Hardwood Swamp Group

Acer rubrum- Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002071)

FRM Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-9

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Map-class Code Map-class Name

Fraxinus nigra- Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest Association (CEGL002105)

FBA Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp

Thuja occidentalis- Fraxinus nigra Forest Association (CEGL005165)

FCA White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp

Tsuga canadensis- Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest Association (CEGL005003)

FHS Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest

MG160. Northern & Central Tall Shrub Wetland Macrogroup

G167. Northern & Central Shrub Swamp Group

Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland Association (CEGL002381)

SAS Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland

1.D.1.a. North American Lowland Boreal Forest Division

MG037. Eastern & Central North American Boreal Conifer & Hardwood Forest Macrogroup

G047. Jack Pine - Black Spruce Forest Group

Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002447)

FBS Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

Pinus banksiana- Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002518)

FJM Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest

Pinus banksiana / Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002441)

FJB Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest

G048. White Spruce - Balsam Fir Forest Group

Abies balsamea- Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002474)

FBF Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase)

FFB Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera-(Abies balsamea) Forest Association (CEGL002463)

FPB Paper Birch / Fir Forest

Populus tremuloides- Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest Association (CEGL002466)

FAC Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes

E-10

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Map-class Code Map-class Name

1.D.2.a. North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Division

MG038. Central & Eastern Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Macrogroup

G050. Black Spruce - Tamarack Acidic Swamp Group

Picea mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest Association (CEGL005271)

FSS Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase)

FTP Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase)

G051. Tamarack - Conifer Alkaline Swamp Group

Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest Association (CEGL002471)

FTR Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp

Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest Association (CEGL002456)

FCS White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp

2. SHRUBLAND & GRASSLAND CLASS

2.C.1.c. Eastern North American Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Division

MG123. Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup

G059. Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder]

SDX Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

SMX Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

HMX Ruderal Grassland

2.C.3.a. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland Division

MG057. Eastern North American Coastal Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup

G089. Great Lakes Coast Grassland & Shrubland Group

Ammophila breviligulata - (Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005098)

HAB Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL004024)

DBH Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

Juniperus horizontalis - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005064)

DJD Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland

Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) - Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005125)

HPB Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)

HPW Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase)
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes

E-11

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Map-class Code Map-class Name

2.C.4.a. North American Bog & Fen Division

MG062. North American Boreal Bog & Fen Macrogroup

G185. Boreal Alkaline Peatland Group

Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland Association (CEGL005227)

SAW Alder - Willow Shore Fen

Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005229)

HSS Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen

G053. North American Boreal Acidic Peatland Group

Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005228)

DLS Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen

Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005277)

DLF Leatherleaf Poor Fen

2.C.5.a. Eastern North America Freshwater Wet Meadow, Riparian & Marsh Division

MG069. Eastern & North-Central North American Marsh & Wet Meadow Macrogroup

G112. Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group

HWM Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous

Calamagrostis canadensis - Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005174)

HCC Bluejoint Wet Meadow

Carex (rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002257)

HSG Northern Sedge Wet Meadow

G189. Herbaceous Forested Seep Group

Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL005163)

N/A Clay Seeps

5. AQUATIC VEGETATION CLASS

5.B.1.a. North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Division

MG108. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Macrogroup

G114. Eastern North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group [Placeholder]

Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar (microphylla, variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002562)

HFA Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland

Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002282)

HSV Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland
Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-12

Apostle IslandsNational Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

National Lakeshore

Map-class Code Map-class Name

6. NONVASCULAR & SPARSE VASCULAR ROCK VEGETATION CLASS

6.B.2.a. Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Division

MG111. Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation Macrogroup

G340. Eastern North American Lake & River Bluff Group [Placeholder]

Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002584)

VEB Eroding Clay Bank

G341. Great Lakes Cliff & Shore Group [Placeholder]

Sandstone Bedrock Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002507)

VBS* Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore

Sandstone Great Lakes Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002503)

VSC* Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff

8. DEVELOPED VEGETATION CULTURAL CLASS

Herbaceous & Woody Developed Vegetation Cultural Subclass (L2)

Other Developed Urban / Built Up Vegetation Formation (L3)

Developed Area (NLCD 2001; 21-24)

NDV Developed Area

NON-NVCS UNITS

Non-Vegetated Water & Land (<1% vegetated)

Non-Vegetated Water

Open Water (NLCD 2001; 11)

NSR Stream & River

NWP Open Water Pond NWL Open Water Lake

Non-Vegetated Land

Barren Land (NLCD 2001; 31)

NSB Sand & Cobble Beach

*Mapped to a non-standard MMU of 0.25 ha.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-13

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB)

The Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class represents the Acer 

saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - (Tilia americana) Forest Association (CEGL002457) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures the most typical hardwood forest of APIS, found throughout

most of the landscape in a broad range of environmental settings that display a wide range of 

vegetation characteristics. As the matrix forest, it is mostly found within mesic settings, yet it can 

be wet-mesic and is less common to dry-mesic settings. Forest canopy trees consist mostly of 

sugar maple, yellow birch, red maple, and paper birch. Other hardwoods, including American 

basswood, aspens (quaking and big-tooth), and northern red oak, are often present but in lesser 

amounts. Noteworthy is that the yellow birch can be less prominent due to various natural or 

human events (wind throws, logging) and is often replaced with paper birch. Canada yew can be 

of high density in the shrub layer, depending on past land use and deer populations.

Because the FMB map class spans a wide spectrum of environments, it easily transitions toward 

and closely resembles several other forest associations. The following discusses these 

proximities in more detail.

Hardwood Forests

Aspens (quaking and/or big-tooth) and paper birch trees can be a common canopy tree within 

FMB; however, when the combined RD of aspens and paper birch to other hardwoods was

>75%, the Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM) map class was 

considered. (Red maple was also to be part of this >75% RD formula; however, this was not 

understood by the mappers at the time of mapping.) Also, a scattering of American basswood 

trees can often be present. Yet, when the RD of canopy basswood to other hardwoods was >20% 

and yellow birch was essentially lacking, the Northern Maple - Basswood Forest (FMT) map 

class was considered. Furthermore, when the RD of canopy yellow birch to all other hardwoods

was >90%, the Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest (FYB) map class was considered. Lastly, 

we considered the Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest (FOM) map class when dry-mesic 

forests on southwest aspect hillsides or high elevations contained red oak having RD to other 

hardwoods of >25% or when, on all other aspects, dry-mesic forests contained red oak having

RD to other hardwoods of >40%.

Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forests

Common within FMB are conifers, including northern white-cedar, eastern hemlock, and balsam 

fir (white spruce is found less commonly); however, when the RD of conifers to hardwoods was

>25%, with the RD of white-cedar to hemlock >50%, the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic 

Forest map class (two phases; FCC and FCM) was considered. In turn, when the RD of hemlock

to white-cedar was >50%, the North - Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM) map class 

was considered. Balsam fir dominance becomes a factor only when the hardwoods are primarily 

of paper birch, lacking significant sugar maple and yellow birch. For these scenarios, the Balsam 

Fir - Paper Birch Forest map class (two phases; FBF and FFB) was considered. Eastern white 

pine can also be present within FMB, yet it is usually scattered. Typically, when white pine 

becomes more present within hardwood forests, it is met with significantly more aspens and 

paper birch, such that the White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was considered.

Mapping of FMB was frequent throughout APIS, mapped on both the mainland and all islands 

except Gull and Long, which are sandscape-derived islands. In fact, units of FMB are noticeably 
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-14

absent on all sandscape locations. Also noteworthy is that much of the northern half of Devils 

Island—the most boreal-like environment of APIS—lacks units of FMB.

For AA, the FMB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 

South Twin Island

Basswood Island Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-15

Northern Maple - Basswood Forest (FMT)

The Northern Maple - Basswood Forest (FMT) map class represents the Acer saccharum - Tilia 

americana / Ostrya virginiana / Lonicera canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002458) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures a rare mesic hardwood forest of APIS, known only to the North 

Point Overlook area on Oak Island, which is the sole unit of FMT mapped. This forest type 

closely resembles the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class

because it also is dominated by sugar maple; however, with the FMT map class, the RD of 

canopy American basswood to sugar maple and other hardwoods is >20%, while yellow birch is

essentially lacking (allowing for only a minor shrub layer). Ironwood is the more typical shrub 

layer. When the RD of canopy basswood to all other hardwoods was <20%, the FMB map class 

was considered.

Mapping of the FMT map class was rare to APIS, with only one unit mapped—North Point 

Overlook on Oak Island.

For AA, the FMT map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Oak Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-16

Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest (FYB)

The Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest (FYB) map class represents the Betula alleghaniensis

- (Acer saccharum, Picea glauca) Forest [Provisional] Association (CEGL005245) in the NVCS.

This map class captures a rare mesic hardwood forest of APIS, with just one unit mapped near 

the lighthouse on Sand Island. It is likely that more FYB exist, such as at the northern end of

Outer Island; however, none of the FYB stands were determined greater than the area of a MMU. 

The FYB is exceedingly dominant, with the RD of canopy yellow birch to all other hardwoods

>90% RD (with conifers a minor component at most). Very little or no sugar maple is present, 

with a RD to other hardwoods of <5%. When the RD of canopy yellow birch to all other 

hardwoods was <90%, particularly when the RD of sugar maple to all other hardwoods was 

>10%, the Maple-Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FYB map class was rare to APIS, with only one unit mapped near the lighthouse 

on Sand Island.

For AA, the FYB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Sand Island Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-17

Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest (FWH)

The Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest (FWH) map class represents the Pinus strobus -

Tsuga canadensis Great Lakes Forest Association (CEGL002590) in the NVCS. This map class 

captures mesic conifer forests co-dominant with eastern white pine and eastern hemlock, each 

having >25% RD to each other. Hemlock is often greater in dominance, where white pine often 

forms a supracanopy over the hemlock. The RD of hardwoods to conifers is <25%, and red pine 

is a minor component at best. When the RD of red pine to hemlock and white pine was >25% 

RD, the White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM) was considered. Conversely, when

the RD of white pine to hemlock was <25% RD, the Hemlock Mesic Forest (FHC) was 

considered, unless the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >25% RD, in which case the NorthCentral Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM) was considered.

Mapping of the FWH map class was infrequent throughout APIS, mapped nominally on the four

following islands: Bear, Cat, Otter, and Stockton.

For AA, the FWH map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Otter Island Otter Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-18

Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest (FBR)

The Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest (FBR) map class represents the Populus tremuloides -

Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest Association (CEGL002467) in 

the NVCS. This map class captures dry, open forests of mixed deciduous trees and mixed shrubs

on sand-ridge stringers of sandscapes between island lagoons and Lake Superior. Trees are 

usually of red maple and paper birch, with occasional presence of quaking aspen.

When pines (white pine, jack pine, red pine) and hardwoods each had >25% RD to each other, 

the appropriate pine-mixed hardwood map class was considered, depending on RD of the pines 

to each other.

Although mapping of the FBR map class was infrequent throughout APIS, they were most 

commonly mapped on the southeast half of Long Island and nominally mapped on the mainland 

at Sand Bay and on the sandscapes of the following five other islands: Michigan, Outer, 

Raspberry, Rocky, and Stockton.

For AA, the FBR map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Rocky Island

Outer Island

Long Island

Rocky Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-19

Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM)

The Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM) map class represents the 

Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / Acer saccharum - Mixed Hardwoods Forest 

Association (CEGL002468) in the NVCS. This map class captures mesic forests when, as 

canopy trees, the RD of aspens (quaking and/or big-tooth) and paper birch to other hardwoods is

>75% . (Red maple was also to be part of this >75% RD formula; however, this was not 

understood by the mappers at the time of mapping.) Sugar maple, yellow birch, northern red oak, 

and American basswood are minor components. The supracanopy of big-tooth aspen is not 

included in the formula, unless no forest canopy exists below it. Thus, if an aspen supracanopy 

was over a sugar maple-yellow birch canopy, the mapping would capture the forest with the 

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class. If a forest canopy did not 

exist below the aspen supracanopy, the mapping would capture the forest with the FAM map 

class. Also, when forest mixes of aspens, paper birch, red maple, yellow birch, and sugar maple

were ambiguous, the FMB map class was strongly considered because these forests are accepted 

as an early successional stage of FMB. Also, when the RD of paper birch to all hardwoods was

>90% (including aspens and red maples), the Paper Birch / Fir Forest (FPB) map class was 

considered.

The RD of conifer understory trees (usually consisting of balsam fir, northern white-cedar, and 

occasionally white spruce) and shrubs to deciduous trees is typically <20%. When balsam fir and 

white spruce shrubs were >25% total cover, the Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (FAC) 

map class was considered. (The FAC map class was used to capture such scenarios on the 

mainland unit only and not on islands.) However, when the RD of balsam fir to paper birch 

(aspens less common) was >25%, the Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest map class (two phases;

FFB and FBF) was considered. When the RD of white-cedar to aspens, paper birch, and other 

associated hardwoods was >25%, the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest map class (two 

phases; FCC and FCM) was considered.

Pine trees can be scattered throughout FAM; however, when the RD of pines to aspens, paper 

birch, and other associated hardwoods was >25%, a pine-aspen map class was considered. With 

the RD of hardwoods to conifers remaining at >25% RD, and when the RD of eastern white pine 

to other pines was >25% RD, the White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was 

considered, regardless of sandscape or bedrock location. Likewise, when the RD of red pine to 

other pines was >75% RD, the Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA) map class was considered. 

When the RD of jack pine to red pine was >25% RD, yet the RD of white pine to all pines was 

<25% , the Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest (FJM) map class was considered (a 

class that was used only to map mesic sand pockets on Long Island).

Mapping of the FAM map class was intermittent and patchy throughout APIS. Mapping of FAM 

was common to the mainland, often in concert with logging events. Some of these are almost

monotypic fields of short-statured quaking aspen, even shrub-height. (These are attributed with a 

short height modifier.) Much of FAM mapped on the mainland is in the 400-m buffer beyond the 

APIS boundary. FAM was also mapped on a third of the archipelago. Most islands were mapped 

nominally or intermittently with FAM, whereas others, such as the southern half of Oak Island

and the northwest margin of Basswood Island, were mapped more extensively.

For AA, the FAM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-20

 

 

Stockton Island

Stockton Island Michigan Island

Oak Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-21

Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest (FOM)

The Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest (FOM) map class represents the Quercus rubra -

Acer saccharum - (Betula alleghaniensis) Forest Association (CEGL002461) in the NVCS. This 

map class captures dry-mesic forests wherein the RD of northern red oak to other hardwoods is 

>25% when on southwest aspect hillsides and high elevation ridge tops or >40% when on all 

other aspects. Sugar maple is a strong component, with yellow birch, paper birch, and quaking 

aspen commonly present, however, when other mesic indicators existed, such as when balsam 

fir, northern white-cedar, and eastern hemlock became more prevalent in the shrub and 

subcanopy layers, the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was 

likely considered. Recognizing that FOM is not a large matrix forest at the APIS, the mapping 

approach was conservative.

Mapping of the FOM map class was common but patchy throughout APIS. Most mapping of 

FOM was on almost a third of the archipelago. Many islands were mapped nominally or 

intermittently with FOM; however, mapping of FOM was common on islands of higher 

elevations, including Basswood, Oak, and Stockton. Most of all FOM mapped throughout the 

entire Lakeshore are on Oak Island and Stockton Island. FOM was mapped nominally on the 

mainland, with one unit mapped within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary.

For AA, the FOM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Stockton Island Bear Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-22

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (FCC and FCM)

The White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest map class represents the Thuja occidentalis / 

Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest Association (CEGL002449) of the NVCS. This map 

class consists of two phases, the conifer (FCC) and conifer - hardwood (FCM). The White-cedar 

- Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest map class captures mesic to wet-mesic forests wherein the RD of

northern white-cedar and mixed conifers to hardwoods is >25%. The RD of white-cedar to 

balsam fir and white spruce is >25% and to eastern hemlock is >50%. Balsam fir can be a 

primary component. Hardwoods typically consist of yellow birch, paper birch, and red maple and 

can have some element of sugar maple and American basswood. Eastern white pine can be 

scattered but its RD to all conifer trees should be <25%.

When the RD of conifers to hardwoods was <25%, the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern 

Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was likely considered. Also, when the RD of hemlock to 

white-cedar was >50%, the North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM) map class was 

considered if the RD of hardwoods to conifers was also >25% RD. Alternatively, the Hemlock 

Mesic Forest (FHC) map class was considered if the RD of hardwoods to conifers was <25%.

When in wetland sites, either the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS) map class 

or the White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp (FCA) map class was considered, depending on the RD 

of conifers and hardwoods to each other.

The conifer (FCC) phase captures mesic white-cedar forests wherein the RD of conifers to 

hardwoods is >75%. The conifer - hardwood (FCM) phase captures forests wherein the mutual 

RD of conifers and hardwoods is >25%.

For AA, the two map-class phases (FCC and FCM) were combined because they collectively 

represent one association type. They were left, however, as separate entities in the vegetation 

map layer.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-23

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase)–FCC

The conifer (FCC) map-class phase represents, in part, the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic 

Forest map class (as described above) when the RD of the conifer component to hardwoods is 

>75%. When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >25% RD, the conifer - hardwood (FCM) 

phase of this same map class was considered. A significant amount of balsam fir may be present 

in the FCC phase, but its RD to northern white-cedar is <75%. Eastern hemlock may also be 

present, but its RD to white-cedar is <50%. Forests in the FCC phase are often dense with a 

shaded understory and a ground layer of sparse vegetation. The few hardwoods present are 

mostly of yellow birch and paper birch.

Mapping of the FCC map-class phase was somewhat infrequent throughout APIS. It was mapped 

somewhat commonly midway on the mainland and mapped in varying amounts to about half of 

the archipelago. Some islands have only nominal mapping of FCC, with only one or two units 

mapped. Other islands have intermittent mapping of FCC, some with areas mapped extensively,

such as the northern portions of Cat and Raspberry Islands. Mapping of the FCC phase was not 

as extensive as that of the FCM phase.

 Cat Island Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-24

White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)–FCM

The conifer - hardwood (FCM) map-class phase represents, in part, the White-cedar - Boreal 

Conifer Mesic Forest map class (as described above) when the mutual RD of conifers and 

hardwoods is >25%. When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was <25%, the conifer (FCC) phase 

of this same map class (as described above) was considered. Forests in the FCM phase are often 

less dense and more open than forest in the FCC phase and, thus, have richer understory 

vegetation.

Hardwood trees consist primarily of yellow birch and paper birch, although yellow birch can be 

less prominent because of various natural or human events (e.g., wind throws, logging) and is

often replaced with paper birch. The hardwood tree canopy typically covers and obscures the 

conifer trees. To determine the correct forest type, it was essential to refer to spring, leaf-off 

aerial photographs during the mapping of the FCM phase in order to determine not merely the 

conifer component but also the RDs among conifer species (e.g., the RD of northern white-cedar

to balsam fir).

Mapping of the FCM map-class phase was fairly frequent throughout APIS. The mapping of 

FCM was considerably more extensive than of FCC. Only four islands lack units of FCM, 

including Eagle, Gull, Long, and North Twin. Some islands have only nominal mapping of

FCM, with only one or a few units mapped. Other islands have frequent mapping of the FCM 

phase, in some areas even indicating that FCM co-dominates with the matrix forest, the Maple -

Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB). On the mainland, mapping was spotty, with 

units of FCM frequently mapped in the midway and eastern sections.

Basswood Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-25

Hemlock Mesic Forest (FHC)

The Hemlock Mesic Forest (FHC) map class represents the Tsuga canadensis - (Betula 

alleghaniensis) Forest Association (CEGL002598) in the NVCS. This map class captures mesic 

to wet-mesic conifer forests wherein the RD of eastern hemlock to northern white-cedar is

>50%, the RD of eastern white pine to other conifers is <25%, and the RD of hardwoods to all 

conifers is <25%. When the RD of white pine to conifers with little or no red pine (a rare 

occurrence) was >25%, the Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest (FWH) map class was 

considered. When the RD of white-cedar to hemlock was >50% RD, the conifer (FCC) phase of 

the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest map class was considered. Hardwoods consist

mostly of yellow birch but can have some elements of red maple, paper birch, and sugar maple. 

When the collective RD of those hardwoods to conifers was >25%, the North-Central Hemlock -

Hardwood Forest (FHM) map class was considered. Small pocket inclusions of the Hemlock -

Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest (FHS) are most probable within FHC.

Mapping of the FHC map class was infrequent throughout APIS, mapped nominally and 

intermittently on just over a third of the archipelago and on the mainland. The most distinguished

stands of FHC were mapped on the northern end of Outer Island as part of the lighthouse 

preserve, which has never been logged. Notably, these stands are some of the only forests

mapped at the APIS that received the 30–50-m height modifier (refers to average height of forest 

canopy). The other forests mapped with this height modifier were of FHM, again on the northern 

end of Outer Island.

For AA, the FHC map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Michigan Island Oak Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-26

North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM)

The North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest (FHM) map class represents the Tsuga 

canadensis - Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis Forest Association (CEGL005044) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures mesic to wet-mesic conifer-hardwood forests wherein the RD of 

eastern hemlock to northern white-cedar is >50%, the RD of eastern white pine to other conifers 

is <25%, and the RD of hardwoods to all conifers is >25% RD. Hardwoods consist mostly of 

yellow birch and sugar maple, and elements of red maple, paper birch, and quaking aspen are 

often present. 

When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >75%D, the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern 

Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was likely considered. When the RD of white pine to 

conifers was >25%, the White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was considered, 

even when the aspen component might be nominal. When the RD of white-cedar to hemlock was

>50%, the conifer - hardwood (FCM) phase of the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest 

map class was considered. When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was <25%, the Hemlock 

Mesic Forest (FHC) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FHM map class was much more common throughout APIS than of FHC and was

mapped on almost two-thirds of the archipelago and on the mainland. Some islands are only 

nominally mapped with FHM, such as on Hermit and York. Others are more commonly mapped 

with FHM throughout the island, such as on Manitou, Oak, and Stockton, and then there are 

other islands intermittently mapped (patchy yet significant) with FHM, such as on Basswood, 

Bear, Cat, Ironwood, Michigan, Otter, and Sand. The more distinguished units mapped of FHM

are the on northern end of Outer Island, most as part of the lighthouse preserve, which has never 

been logged. Notably, these FHM units are some of the only forests mapped of APIS that 

received the 30–50-m height modifier (refers to average height of forest canopy). The other 

forests mapped with this height modifier were of FHC, again on the northern end of Outer Island.

Prominent as well on Outer Island is the apparent change in forests running east to west through

the middle of the island, with FHM frequent to the north and only intermittent to the south. This 

pattern of cover is largely in response to the southern half of the island being logged, clearcutted, and subsequently burned during the early 20th century. The northern half of the island 

was selectively cut for hardwoods near the middle of the century, leaving numerous relic stands 

of hemlock (Howk 2001).

For AA, the FHM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-27

 Basswood Island Oak Island

Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-28

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO)

The Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO) map class represents the Pinus banksiana -

(Pinus resinosa) - Quercus ellipsoidalis / Carex pensylvanica Forest Association (CEGL002478)

of the NVCS. This map class captures dry, open forests on the sand ridges of Long Island that 

are dominated by jack pine and northern pin oak, even when oak trees are scrub and subcanopy. 

FJO is known to be present only to the far western end of Long Island. The mutual RD of 

conifers and hardwoods is >25%, with a RD of jack pine to eastern white pine and red pine of

>50%, yet with a RD of white pine to all pines of <25%. With the RD of hardwoods to conifers 

remaining >25%, when the RD of eastern white pine to all pines was >25%, the White Pine -

Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was considered, particularly when the hardwoods were

more dense with paper birch and red maple and less so with pin oak. Likewise, with jack pine 

remaining the dominant pine, when hardwoods were less with northern pin oak and more with

paper birch, red maple, and quaking aspen within wet-mesic sand pockets having wetland 

vegetation (e.g., gray alder, sweetgale, sedge, bluejoint), the Jack Pine - Aspen / Bushhoneysuckle Forest (FJM) map class was considered.

The FJO is in close proximity with the Jack Pine / Blueberry /Feathermoss Forest (FJB) and the

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest (FPO), both known only on the western half of Long Island 

as well. When the RD of pin oak to jack pine was <25% and blueberry shrubs were more 

prominent within the sand swales on Long Island, the FJB map class was considered. When the 

RD of jack pine to pin oak was <25% and when the RD of other hardwoods to the pin oak was

<25%, the FPO map class was considered.

Not only was mapping of the FJO map class rare to APIS as a whole, but also to Long Island (the 

only island mapped with FJO). Only a handful of FJO units were mapped on the western half of 

the island.

For AA, the FJO map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Long Island Long Island Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-29

Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA)

The Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA) map class represents the Pinus resinosa - Populus 

tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002520) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures dry-mesic mixed conifer and hardwood forests wherein the RD 

of red pine to other conifers is >75% RD. The RD of hardwoods to conifers is >25%, and

hardwoods consist of varying amounts of red maple, aspens (quaking and/or bigtooth), paper 

birch, and some northern red oak. Although these forests tend to be dry-mesic, an element of 

balsam fir can be present.

When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >75%, either the Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple -

Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM) map class or the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods 

Forest (FMB) map class was considered. Conversely, when the RD of hardwoods to conifer trees 

was <25%, with the RD of red pine to other conifers remaining at >75%, the Red Pine / 

Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP) map class was considered. However, when the RD of red pine to 

other conifers was <75%, then other mixed conifer-hardwood map classes were considered, 

including White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) and Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle 

Forest (FJM).

Mapping of the FRA map class was rare throughout APIS, mapped on just two islands, Oak and 

Stockton. On Oak Island, one mapped unit of FRA is on bedrock located on the far southwest 

corner of the island. Three other units of FRA are mapped on Stockton Island just within the 

tombolo sandscape. Noteworthy is that vegetation plots of FRA were collected in both sandscape 

and bedrock locations, although mapping did not capture these plot locations because they were 

less than the area of a MMU.

For AA, the FRA map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-30

Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP)

The Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP) map class represents the Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium 

spp. Forest Association (CEGL002443) in the NVCS. This map class captures dry to dry-mesic 

forests that are strongly dominated by red pine, either on bedrock or sandscapes. The RD of Red 

pine to other conifers is >75%, with a RD of hardwoods to conifers <25%. An element of aspens 

(quaking and/or bigtooth) and paper birch can be in the subcanopy.

When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >25% while the RD of red pine to other conifers was 

>75%, the Red Pine-Aspen-Birch Forest (FRA) map class was considered. Otherwise, when the 

RD of red pine to all conifers was <75%, other conifer-forest map classes were considered as 

follows: (1) the White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM) map class was considered 

when the RD of eastern white pine to conifers was >25% and the forest was on bedrock; (2) the 

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP) map class was considered when the RD of 

eastern white pine to red pine and jack pine was >25% and the forest was on sandscape; (3) the 

Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB) map class was considered when jack pine was 

dominant and the forest was on sandscape; and (4) the Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (FBS)

map class was considered when the RD of black spruce to red pine was >25%, a scenario 

common to higher sands of the Stockton Island tombolo. Furthermore, the Great Lakes Dune 

Pine Forest (FPD) was considered when red pine-dominant forests were on active sand dunes, 

foredunes, and sand ridge stringers.

Mapping of the FRP map class was intermittent throughout APIS. On the mainland, units of FRP 

were mapped rarely, with one forest on bedrock above some sea caves and another two forests in 

sandscape settings. On islands, units of FRP were mapped only to sandscape environments on 

the following three islands: Long, the sandspit of Michigan, and the tombolo of Stockton.

For AA, the FRP map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Mainland Stockton Island Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-31

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA)

The White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class represents the Pinus strobus - Populus 

tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002479) in the NVCS. This map class 

captures mesic to dry-mesic mixed conifer and hardwood forests wherein the RD of eastern 

white pine to other conifers is >25%. The RD of hardwoods to conifers are >25%, and

hardwoods consist of paper birch with varying amounts of red maple, sugar maple, basswood, 

and aspens (quaking and/or big-tooth). Northern red oak is only nominally present or absent. 

White pine is often supracanopy above the hardwood forest canopy. A significant amount of red 

pine can be present, particularly in the dry-mesic sites. These forests often have an element of 

balsam fir and northern white-cedar present.

When the RD of red pine to other conifers was >75%, the Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA)

map class was considered. When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >75%, either the Aspen -

Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest (FAM) map class or the Maple - Yellow Birch 

Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was considered. Conversely, when the RD of 

hardwoods to conifers was <25%, either the White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP) 

map class (when on sandscape) or the White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM) map 

class (when on bedrock) was considered.

Mapping of the FWA map class was intermittent throughout APIS, mapped on the mainland and 

on over half of the archipelago. FWA mapping was frequent to sandscape environments and to

bedrock sites along the margins of several islands. Rarely was FWA mapped landward on 

islands, although it was intermittently mapped landward on the mainland.

For AA, the FWA map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Outer Island Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-32

White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM)

The White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM) map class represents the Pinus strobus / 

Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest Association (CEGL002445) in the NVCS. This map 

class captures eastern white pine mesic forests on bedrock wherein the RD of white pine to other 

conifers (particularly other pines) is >25% and wherein the RD of hardwoods to conifers is

<25%. Other component trees often consist of red pine (in dryer sites) and hemlock and northern 

white-cedar (in moister sites). Characteristic of the FWM map class is balsam fir and a

significant tall-shrub layer.

When the RD of red pine to all conifers was >75%, the Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP) 

map class was considered. When the RD of eastern hemlock to white pine was >25%, the Great 

Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest (FWH) map class was considered. When occurring on 

sandscape locations and when the RD of white pine to conifers (particularly red pine and jack 

pine) was >25%, the White Pine / Blueberry Dry - Mesic Forest (FWP) map class was 

considered. Furthermore, when the RD of hardwoods to conifers was >25%, the White Pine -

Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FWM map class was rare to APIS, with only two units mapped—one on Devils 

Island and one on Otter Island.

For AA, the FWM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

No representative pictures were available.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-33

White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP)

The White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP) map class represents the Pinus strobus / 

Vaccinium spp. Forest Association (CEGL002444) in the NVCS. This map class captures eastern 

white pine dry-mesic to dry forests on sandscape locations, barring active dunes and sand-ridge 

stringers between lagoons and Lake Superior. When occurring on bedrock locations, the White 

Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (FWM) map class was considered. The FWP can be both

open and closed canopy and lacks a tall-shrub understory. The RD of hardwoods to conifers is

<25%, and the RD of white pine to all conifers (particularly other pines) is >25%.

When the RD of white pine to red pine and/or jack pine was <25%, either the Red Pine / 

Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP) map class (when the RD of red pine to all other conifers was > 75%) 

or the Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB) map class (when the RD of jack pine to 

other conifers, primarily pines, was >25%) was considered. Furthermore, when the RD of 

hardwoods to conifers was >25%, the White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA) map class was 

considered, regardless of whether or not the forest was located in a sandscape location. 

When tree canopy was >60% cover, regardless of pine component densities, and were on active 

sand dunes or sand ridge stringers between sandscape lagoons and Lake Superior, the Great 

Lakes Dune Pine Forest (FPD) map class was considered. Likewise, when tree canopy was

<60% cover, either the woodland (HPW) phase or the barrens (HPB) phase of the Great Lakes 

Coast Pine Barrens map class was considered, depending on density of canopy cover.

Mapping of the FWP map class was infrequent throughout APIS. FWP was mapped only in 

localized sandscape areas of the following four islands: Bear, Long, Outer, and Stockton. FWP 

mapped on Stockton Island were associated with the tombolo, whereas those on Bear Island and 

Outer Island are part of the sand spit at the southern tip of each of those islands. Those on Long 

Island are located on the western half near the lighthouse.

For AA, the FWP map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Bear Island Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-34

Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest (FPO)

The Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest (FPO) map class represents the Quercus ellipsoidalis -

(Quercus macrocarpa) Forest Association (CEGL002077) in the NVCS. This map class captures 

dry to dry-mesic forests wherein northern pin oak dominates, which are only known to exist on

the west half of Long Island at the APIS. The RD of northern pin oak to other hardwoods 

(including paper birch and red maple) is >75%. Forests in the FPO map class are in close 

proximity to those in the Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO) map class, because they 

share much the same environmental regime on Long Island. When the RD of jack pine to 

northern pin oaks was >25% and the RD of other hardwoods to the pin oaks was <25% RD, the 

FJO map class was considered. Likewise, on Long Island when the RD of pines to the 

hardwoods was >25% and the RD of eastern white pine to all other pines was >25%, the FWA 

map class was considered, particularly when the hardwoods were more dense with paper birch

and red maple and less so with northern pin oak.

Not only was mapping of the FPO map class rare to APIS as a whole, but also to Long Island

(the only island mapped with FPO). Only two FPO units were mapped on the western half of 

Long island.

For AA, the FPO map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Long Island Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-35

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest (FPD)

The Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest (FPD) map class represents the Pinus banksiana - Pinus 

resinosa - Pinus strobus Dune Forest Association (CEGL002589) of the NVCS. This map class 

captures red pine, eastern white pine, and/or jack pine forests with tree canopy >60% cover and 

are on active sand dunes, foredunes, and sand ridges, including the built-up sand ridges 

(stringers) between island lagoons and Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map 

class (two phases, HPB and HPW) captures those stands with tree canopy <60% cover. The 

understory vegetation is of typical sandscape species, such as American beachgrass, sand cherry, 

common juniper, bearberry, and woolly beach-heather. The RD of the hardwood tree component 

to conifer trees is <25%.

When pine forests on sandscapes were elsewhere than on active sand dunes and on built-up sand 

ridges (inland sands), other pine-dominant map classes associated to sandscapes were 

considered, including White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest (FWP), Jack Pine / Blueberry / 

Feathermoss Forest (FJB), and Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP), depending on RD of 

pines. When pine forests anywhere on sandscapes were mixed with hardwoods such that the RD 

of the latter was >25%, mixed map classes of pine and hardwoods were considered, including 

Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO), Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest (FJM), 

White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FWA), and Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (FRA).

Mapping of the FPD map class was rare to APIS, with three units mapped on the sandspit of 

Outer Island and a pair of units mapped on the tombolo of Stockton Island.

For AA, the FPD map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Stockton Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-36

Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX)

The Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) map class represents, in part, the Northern & Central 

Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group (G030) of the NVCS. Due to disturbance from 

human activity and the inherent variability of floristic vegetation of these early successional 

forests, an association type could not be determined. This map class captures ruderal forests with

>25% tree cover and wherein the RD of hardwoods to conifers is >75%. Hardwoods consist of 

deciduous tree species, some common to other areas and some unique to APIS area. These 

ruderal forests can be open or closed canopy.

When the RD of conifers to hardwoods was >25%, the Conifer-Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FMX)

map class was considered, which also represents, in part, the Northern & Central Hardwood & 

Conifer Ruderal Forest Group (G030) of the NVCS. Also, when trees made up <25% cover, 

either the Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX) map class or the Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal 

Shrubland (SMX) map class was considered, depending on RD of conifer and deciduous shrubs. 

Furthermore, when trees and shrubs together made up <25% cover, the Ruderal Grassland 

(HMX) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FDX map class was somewhat uncommon throughout APIS, with units mapped 

on the mainland mostly in the 400 m buffer beyond the APIS boundary; most of these locations 

are in response to logging events. When mapped on islands, mapping of FDX was of 

successional forests associated to homestead sites or APIS structures (e.g., behind the lighthouse 

on Raspberry Island). Of most unique is the ruderal successional forest of the old air strip on 

South Twin Island.

Because of the variability of vegetation inherent to ruderal forests, the FDX map class was not 

assessed for accuracy.

No representative pictures were available.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-37

Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FMX)

The Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FMX) map class represents, in part, the Northern & 

Central Hardwood & Conifer Ruderal Forest Group (G030) in the NVCS. Due to disturbance 

from human activity and the inherent variability of floristic vegetation of these early successional 

forests, an association type could not be determined. This map class captures ruderal forests 

having >25% tree cover with conifers and hardwoods, each having RD of >25% to each other. 

Conifers and hardwoods consist of some tree species common to other areas and some unique to 

the APIS area. These ruderal forests can be open or closed canopy.

When the RD of conifers to hardwoods was <25%, the Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) map 

class was considered, which also represents, in part, the Northern & Central Hardwood & 

Conifer Ruderal Forest Group (G030) in the NVCS. Also, when trees made up <25% cover, 

either the Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX) map class or the Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal 

Shrubland (SMX) map class was considered, depending on RD of conifer and deciduous shrubs. 

Furthermore, when trees and shrubs together made up <25% cover, the Ruderal Grassland 

(HMX) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FMX map class was somewhat uncommon throughout APIS, with units mapped 

on the mainland mostly in the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary (most of these locations 

are in response to logging events). When mapped on islands, FMX was of successional forests 

associated to homestead sites. The most unique mapping of FMX was of the ruderal successional 

forest on the old air strip on South Twin Island.

Because of the variability of vegetation inherent to ruderal forests, the FMX map class was not 

assessed for accuracy.

South Twin Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-38

Conifer Plantation (FPE)

The Conifer Plantation (FPE) map class represents the Northern & Central Conifer & Hardwood 

Plantation Group (G032) in the NVCS. The FPE map class captures one conifer evergreen tree 

plantation consisting of spruce. The sole unit of FPE was mapped in the 400-m area beyond the 

APIS boundary just west of Meyers Beach.

Because of the cultivated disposition of being a plantation, the FPP map class was not assessed

for accuracy.

No representative pictures were available.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-39

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM)

The Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM) map class represents the Acer rubrum -

Fraxinus spp. - Betula papyrifera / Cornus canadensis Forest Association (CEGL002071) in the 

NVCS. This map class typically captures wetland forests along peatland-basin margins and 

within beaver meadows, often as they become inactive. Hardwoods consist of red maple,

commonly with yellow birch and paper birch. Some northern white-cedar and eastern white pine 

may be present. A wetland forest, the canopy is usually open, and trees are often of short stature. 

The understory vegetation is often of bluejoint and sedges, with some element of alder shrubs; 

however, because of hydrology changes from beaver influence, floristic vegetation can be highly 

variable from one stand to another.

When the RD of black ash to all hardwoods was >25%, the Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood 

Swamp (FBA) map class was considered. When the RD of white-cedar to hardwoods was >25%, 

the White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp (FCA) map class was considered. When hardwoods made 

up <25% canopy cover, then shrub and herbaceous map classes were considered, including Gray 

Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS), Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (HWM), Bluejoint Wet 

Meadow (HCC), and Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG).

Mapping of the FRM map class was intermittent and scattered throughout APIS, mapped in 

varying amounts on less than a third of the archipelago and nominally on the mainland. 

Interestingly, mapping of FRM was most extensive on Outer Island, where many beaver 

meadows have become inactive. On Sand Island and Stockton Island, FRM was mapped almost 

as extensively as on Outer Island, yet in these locations FRM was more associated with margins 

of peatland basins. On the eastern half of Michigan Island, FRM was mapped at sites associated 

with beaver meadows and margins of peatland basins. Other than these locations, FRM was 

mapped nominally on Rocky Island (southern edge) and on the mainland (within Sand Bay).

For AA, the FRM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Outer Island Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-40

Outer Island

Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-41

Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (FBA)

The Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (FBA) map class represents the Fraxinus nigra -

Mixed Hardwoods - Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest Association (CEGL002105)

of the NVCS. This map class captures wetland forests wherein the RD of black ash to other 

hardwoods is >25% and the RD of conifers to hardwoods is <25%. Other present hardwoods 

may consist of red maple, yellow birch, and paper birch. Conifers may consist of northern whitecedar and balsam fir and are often of short stature, yet all conifer trees have a RD to hardwoods

of <25%. The forest canopy can be open, with a significant gray alder shrub understory. Typical 

settings range from wet-mesic drainages to wetland margins of peatland basins.

When the RD of black ash to other hardwoods (with red maple being primary) was <25%, the 

Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM) map class was considered; however, when 

hardwoods made up <25% canopy cover and alder shrubs made up >25% cover, the Gray Alder 

Swamp Shrubland (SAS) map class was considered. When the RD of conifers to hardwoods was

>25% and the RD of white-cedar to conifers was >25%, the White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp 

(FCA) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FBA map class was intermittent and scattered throughout APIS, mapped in 

varying amounts on less than a third of the archipelago, yet extensively mapped within three 

localized areas on the mainland. The largest mapping extent of FBA was on the mainland in the 

Sand Bay area. Mapping of FBA was somewhat extensive to several small drainage corridors 

located among the western and the eastern portions of the mainland. A significant amount of 

FBA was also mapped on the eastern half of Sand Island—just north of the mainland. Otherwise, 

nominal expressions of FBA were mapped on only a few other islands, including Basswood, Cat, 

Michigan, and Stockton.

For AA, the FBA map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Sand Island Cat Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-42

White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp (FCA)

The White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp (FCA) map class represents the Thuja occidentalis -

Fraxinus nigra Forest Association (CEGL005165) in the NVCS. This map class captures mixed 

conifer and hardwood wetland forests wherein the RD of northern white-cedar to other conifers 

is >25% and the RD of black ash to other hardwoods is >25% (although the black ash is 

sometimes diminished and more dominant with red maple). Typical settings range from wetmesic drainages to wetland margins of peatland basins. Red maple, yellow birch, paper birch, 

and balsam fir are common component trees, with gray alder a common shrub, particularly when 

forest canopy is open. The white-cedar can often be obscured by a slightly taller black ash 

canopy; therefore, the use of spring, leaf-off aerial photographs was helpful in determining FCA 

from Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (FBA) during mapping.

When the RD of hardwoods to conifers was <25%, the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder 

Swamp (FCS) map class was considered. Likewise, when the RD of conifers to hardwoods was

<25%, the Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (FBA) map class was considered. Also, within 

mesic-wet sites, when black ash was diminished and replaced with yellow birch and paper birch, 

the conifer - hardwood (FCM) phase of the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest map class 

was considered.

Mapping of the FCA map class was infrequent throughout APIS—much less frequent than of 

FBA, although often in close proximity to FBA. The largest extent of FCA was mapped on the 

mainland in the Sand Bay area. Otherwise, nominal expressions of FBA were mapped of other 

locations on the mainland and only on two islands, including Sand and Cat.

For AA, the FCA map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Mainland Cat Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-43

Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest (FHS)

The Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest (FHS) represents the Tsuga canadensis -

Betula alleghaniensis Saturated Forest Association (CEGL005003) in the NVCS. This map class 

captures eastern hemlock wetland forests wherein the RD of hemlock cover to all other trees is 

>25%, with the RD of northern white-cedar to hemlock is <50%, and the RD of black spruce to 

hemlock is <25%. Other trees in addition to white-cedar are typically present, including red 

maple, white pine, black spruce, and yellow birch. Typical settings range from saturated wet 

drainages to small wetland basins. Sphagnum and other peatland vegetation such as Labrador-tea 

is often a common component of the ground layer.

When the RD of white-cedar to hemlock was >50%, the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder 

Swamp (FCS) map class was considered. Likewise, when the RD of black spruce to all other 

conifers within these wetland settings was >25%, the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea 

Poor Swamp map class (two phases, FSS and FTP) was considered. Particularly within wetmesic settings, there can be a subtle transition between FHS and upland hemlock forests, such 

that when mapping FHS, both the Hemlock Mesic Forest (FHC) and the North-Central Hemlock 

- Hardwood Forest (FHM) map classes were kept in mind, depending on the amount of 

hardwoods present. Pockets of FHS smaller than the area of a MMU likely exist within areas 

mapped as FHM.

Mapping of the FHS map class was somewhat unique throughout APIS, mapped mostly on 

Stockton Island, with nominal examples on a few other islands, including Bear, Cat, Manitou, 

Oak, and Outer. Interestingly, the FHS on Oak Island is located near center of the island at one 

the higher elevations within APIS. No units of FHS were mapped on the mainland.

For AA, the FHS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Oak Island Cat Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-44

Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS)

The Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS) represents the Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland 

Association (CEGL002381) in the NVCS. It is worth pointing out that although SAS is a 

shrubland, it is located within the Forest & Woodland Class hierarchy of the NVCS. This map 

class captures wetland shrublands having >25% shrub cover, with a RD of gray alder to shrubs 

of >25%. These alder shrub wetlands are common to saturated drainages and margins of peatland 

basins; however, when in shore fen environments (e.g., sandscapes), the Alder-Willow Shore 

Fen (SAW) map class was considered.

The typic expression of these shrub wetlands are tall, dense stands of monotypic alder, with a 

few other shrub species (such as willows). Hardwoods, such as red maple and black ash, can be 

present, along with yellow birch and paper birch; however, when hardwoods made up >25% 

cover, the Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM) or the Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood 

Swamp (FBA) map class was considered, depending on RD of hardwood components. Likewise, 

when conifers made up >25% cover and the RD of northern white-cedar to other conifers (e.g., 

black spruce, tamarack, balsam fir) was >25%, the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder 

Swamp (FCS) map class was considered. Also, when conifers and hardwoods combined made up

>25% cover, and black ash and white-cedar each met their density criteria for the White-cedar -

Black Ash Swamp (FCA), the FCA map class was considered.

Mapping of the SAS map class was intermittent throughout APIS, mapped at three localized 

areas on the mainland in varying amounts and on the four following islands: Michigan, Outer, 

Sand, and Stockton. On the mainland, SAS was mapped extensively in the Sand Bay area, as it 

intertwines with black ash swamps. SAS was also mapped at the Little Sand Bay and Meyers 

Beach areas, although not as extensively. As for islands, SAS was mapped somewhat occasional

on the following three islands: the eastern half of Michigan Island, in close association with the

peatland and beaver complexes; Sand Island; and Stockton Island. Most notable on Sand Island 

is the extensive moat of alder surrounding the large complex of black spruce-tamarack peatland 

located at the northeastern corner of the island, south of the lighthouse. SAS was mapped 

nominally on Outer Island, associated with beaver meadows.

For AA, the SAS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Sand Island Sand Island Sand Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-45

Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (FBS)

The Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (FBS) map class represents the Picea mariana / 

Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002447) in the NVCS. This map class captures 

black spruce forests in upland settings with a prominent feathermoss ground layer. The RD of

eastern white pine to all conifers is <25%, and the RD of black spruce to conifers is >25%. Red 

pine is a common associate; however, when the RD of red pine to conifers was >75%, the Red 

Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (FRP) map class was considered. At the APIS, FBS is known only to 

Stockton Island on the tombolo.

When sites were made up of floristics common to peatlands (e.g., sphagnum, ericads), even on

wet-mesic to mesic sites (e.g., on Devils Island), the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea 

Poor Swamp map class (two phases, FSS and FTP, with FSS most probable in this scenario) was 

considered.

Mapping of the FBS map class was rare to APIS and was mapped only at the more developed 

areas of the double tombolo on Stockton Island.

For AA, the FBS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Stockton Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-46

Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest (FJM)

The Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest (FJM) map class represents the Pinus 

banksiana - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002518) of the 

NVCS. This map class captures jack-pine mixed hardwood forests of wet-mesic sand pockets

and is known to exist only at the far western end of Long Island. The mutual RD of conifers and 

hardwoods is >25%; the RD of jack pine to eastern white pine and red pine is >50%; and the RD 

of white pine to all pines is <25%. Hardwoods consist mostly of paper birch and red maple, with 

some quaking aspen; however, aspen is not always present. Northern pin oak is lacking or 

minimal at best.

The FJM can range from open canopy, shrub-height trees that are scattered evenly throughout 

the basin to closed canopy, mid-sized trees at the margins of smaller shrub wetland pockets 

(consisting of gray alder, sweetgale, sedges, bluejoint). These wetland pockets are smaller than 

the area of a MMU; thus, areas of Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW) may be found within 

mapped areas of FJM.

When the RD of northern pin oak to all other hardwoods (particularly on dry sites) was >25%, 

the Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO) map class was considered. Similarly, at dry sites 

within sandy swales and with a blueberry understory, the Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss 

Forest (FJB) map class was considered when the RD of hardwoods to conifers (dominated by

jack pine) was <25%. It is worth noting, however, that like FJM, FJO and FJB are only known to 

exist at the western half of Long Island. Also on Long Island, sites on sandy ridge-like dunes

wherein the RD of hardwoods to conifers was <25%, either the woodland (HPW) phase (when 

canopy was >25% cover) or the barrens (HPB) phase (when canopy was 25–60% cover) of the 

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class was considered.

Not only was mapping of the FJM map class rare to APIS as a whole, but also to Long Island 

(the only island mapped with FJM). Only a handful of FJM units were mapped on the western 

half of the Long Island.

For AA, the FJM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-47

Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB)

The Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB) map class represents the Pinus banksiana / 

Vaccinium spp. / Pleurozium schreberi Forest Association (CEGL002441) of the NVCS. This 

map class captures dry to dry-mesic forests within sandy swales that are dominated by jack pine

and that are only known to exist at the western end of Long Island. The RD of Jack pine to 

eastern white pine and red pine is >50%, and the RD of white pine to all other pines is <25%. 

When the RD of white pine to other pines is >25%, the White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest 

map class was considered. The FJB is typically open canopy with significant blueberry

vegetation in the understory. FJB forests surround or are surrounded by deeper swale shrub 

wetlands of gray alder, sweetgale, and leatherleaf. Likewise, FJB forests flank the Great Lakes 

Coast Pine Barrens, both the woodland (HPW) and the barrens (HPB) phases. The RD of 

hardwoods to conifers is <25%.

When sites were on sandy ridge-like dunes with more sandscape vegetation (e.g., woolly beachheather, common juniper), even with jack pine as the dominant pine, either the HPW phase of 

the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class (when tree canopy was 25–60% cover) or the HPB

phase of the same map class was considered (when tree canopy was <25% cover). When the RD 

of dominant northern pin oak hardwoods to dominant jack pine conifers was >25%, the Jack Pine 

- Northern Pin Oak Forest (FJO) map class was considered; however, when hardwoods were of 

paper birch, red maple, and quaking aspen within wet-mesic sand pockets having wetland 

vegetation (e.g., gray alder, sweetgale, sedges, bluejoint), the Jack Pine - Aspen / Bushhoneysuckle Forest (FJM) map class was considered. Like FJB, FJO and FJM are only known to 

exist at the western half of Long Island.

Not only was mapping of the FJB map class rare to APIS as a whole, but also to Long Island (the 

only island mapped with FJB). Only a handful of FJB units were mapped at the western half of 

Long Island.

For AA, the FJB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Long Island Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-48

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (FBF and FFB)

The Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest map class represents the Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera 

/ Diervilla lonicera Forest Association (CEGL002474) in the NVCS. This map class consists of 

two phases, the conifer (FBF) and conifer - hardwood (FFB). The Balsam Fir - Paper Birch 

Forest map class captures mesic to wet-mesic forests wherein the RD of conifers to hardwoods is

>25% and the RD of balsam fir to other conifers (including northern white-cedar, eastern 

hemlock, and white pine) is >75%. White spruce can be present but should be sparse. The 

hardwood component is dominated by paper birch.

When the RD of sugar maple and yellow birch to paper birch (regardless of the density of balsam 

fir) was >25%, the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was 

considered. When the RD of paper birch to other hardwoods was >90%, the forest was lacking 

conifer trees, and balsam fir was primarily of a sparse shrub-height, the Paper Birch / Fir Forest 

(FPB) map class was considered. Furthermore, when the RD of white cedar to balsam fir was 

>25%, the conifer - hardwood (FCM) phase of the White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest 

map class was considered.

The conifer (FBF) phase captures the balsam fir-paper birch forest wherein the RD of conifers 

(with balsam fir strongly dominant) to hardwoods is >75%. The conifer - hardwood (FFB) phase 

captures the forest wherein the mutual RD of conifers (again, with balsam fir strongly dominant) 

and hardwoods is >25%. The two map-class phases were often mapped in close proximity to 

each other.

For AA, the two map-class phases (FBF and FFB) were combined because they collectively 

represent one association type. They were left, however, as separate entities in the vegetation 

map layer.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-49

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase)–FBF

The conifer (FBF) map-class phase represents, in part, the Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest map 

class (as described above). In this phase, the RD of conifers to hardwoods is >75%, with a RD of 

balsam fir to all other conifers (including northern white-cedar, eastern hemlock, and white pine) 

of >75%. White spruce can be present but should be sparse. Hardwoods are often present to 

some degree and are often at the same canopy height as the conifers; however, when the RD of 

hardwoods to conifers was >25% and the RD of paper birch to all hardwoods was >75%, the 

hardwood-conifer (FFB) phase of this same map class was considered. It is also possible Spruce 

- Fir / Mountain Maple Forest (CEGL002446, not documented for APIS) in the NVCS may 

occur within the FBF phase when white spruce is in greater densities with the balsam fir.

The FBF phase is common to margins of beaver meadow complexes where beaver have removed 

hardwoods, leaving the balsam fir. Several instances of this scenario were mapped on the 

southern half of Outer Island. It is also common at locations having wind-thrown hardwoods 

caused by heavy winds from Lake Superior. In these scenarios, the canopy tends to be more 

clumped open.

On Devils Island, particularly the northern half, the floristics of wet-mesic sites may have 

components of sphagnum and ericads (e.g., Labrador-tea) common to peatland basins. When this 

floristic vegetation was coupled with a RD of black spruce to conifers of >25%, the black spruce 

(FSS) phase of the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class was 

considered, even when not in an obvious peatland-basin site. Such scenarios seem to be unique 

to Devils Island and possibly North Twin Island, which are perhaps the most boreal-like 

locations of APIS.

Mapping of the FBF map-class phase was intermittent throughout APIS and was mapped 

infrequently on the mainland and in varying amounts on about half of the archipelago. For most 

islands, mapping of FBF was interior, along margins of beaver meadow complexes. 

Occasionally, FBF was mapped along landward margins to Lake Superior, although these 

scenarios were more frequently mapped as FFB. Most notable is that much of Devils Island 

(having the most boreal-like environment at the APIS) was mapped with FBF in concert with 

FFB–over three-fourths of Devils Island was mapped FBF and FFB combined.

Devils Island Outer Island Devils Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-50

 Outer Island

Outer Island

Rocky Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-51

Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)–FFB

The conifer - hardwood (FFB) map-class phase represents, in part, the Balsam Fir - Paper Birch 

Forest map class (as described above). In this phase, the RD of conifers (with balsam fir strongly

dominant) to hardwoods is <75%, yet the mutual RD of conifers and hardwoods is >25%. The 

RD of balsam fir to all other conifers (including northern white-cedar, eastern hemlock, and 

white pine) is >75%. White spruce can be present but should be sparse. The RD of paper birch to 

other hardwoods is >75%; however, when the RD of conifers to hardwoods was >75%, with a 

RD of balsam fir to other conifers of >75%, the conifer (FBF) phase of this same map class was 

considered.

Often the paper birch canopy is above the balsam fir subcanopy, obscuring it from view. To 

determine the correct forest type, it was essential to refer to spring, leaf-off aerial photographs

during the mapping of FFB to determine not merely the conifer component, but also the RD 

between conifer species (e.g., the RD of balsam fir to white-cedar). It is also possible that areas 

of Spruce - Fir - Aspen Forest (CEGL002475, not documented for APIS) may occur within the 

FFB map-class phase when balsam fir and white spruce make up >25% of the forest canopy.

Mapping of the FFB map-class phase was common throughout APIS, particularly from landward 

margins to Lake Superior, on both the mainland and all islands except Gull and Long. Perhaps 

over two-thirds of the mainland was mapped as FFB above the shoreline. Likewise, landward 

margins of most the northern islands of the archipelago were mapped as FFB, nearly encircling 

these islands and, thus, giving credence to the effect of wind on these islands. More interior to 

islands, some margins of beaver meadow complexes were mapped as FFB, although these 

scenarios were more frequently mapped as FBF. Noteworthy is that much of Devils Island 

(having the most boreal-like environment at the APIS) was mapped as FFB in concert with FBF–

over three-fourths of Devils Island was mapped as FFB and FBF combined. The area of FFB 

mapped at the northern tip of the island was mapped with a shrub-height modifier, a reflection of 

the harsh wind environment of that location.

 Rocky Island Rocky Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-52

Devils Island (south end)

Devils Island (north end)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-53

Paper Birch / Fir Forest (FPB)

The Paper Birch / Fir Forest (FPB) map class represents the Betula papyrifera / Diervilla 

lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest Association (CEGL002463) in the NVCS. This map class 

captures nearly monotypic stands of paper birch in dry mesic to mesic forests wherein the RD of

paper birch to other hardwoods is >90%. A sparse layer of balsam fir can be part of the shrub 

layer but is uncommon to the forest canopy. Typical locations of FPB are along the landward 

margins to Lake Superior. 

When the RD of conifers (mostly of balsam fir) to paper birch was >10%, the conifer - hardwood 

(FFB) phase of the Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest map class was considered; however, when 

the RD of other hardwoods (such as sugar maple and yellow birch) to paper birch was >10%, 

even with dense balsam fir, the Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map 

class was considered. Likewise, when the RD of aspens and red maple to the paper birch (with 

other hardwoods nominally present) was >10%, the Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed 

Hardwoods Forest (FAM) or the Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (FAC) map classes were 

considered, depending on location (FAC only on the mainland) and the amount of conifer shrub 

present in the understory.

Mapping of the FPB map class was infrequent throughout APIS and was mapped occasionally on 

the mainland and about a third of the archipelago. Units of FFB were essentially mapped at

landward margins to Lake Superior.

For AA, the FPB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Outer Island Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-54

Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (FAC)

The Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (FAC) map class represents the Populus tremuloides -

Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest Association (CEGL002466) of the 

NVCS. This map class captures mesic forests on the mainland only. FAC is often co-dominated 

by aspens and paper birch and has an obvious conifer understory made up of mostly balsam, with 

white spruce occasionally present. In this class, conifers are short-tree or shrub height. Red 

maple is often a common component, and a scattering of northern white-cedar may be present. 

When the conifer understory made up <25% cover, the Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed 

Hardwoods Forest (FAM) map class was considered, which was mapped both on the mainland 

and on the islands; however, when the RD of other hardwoods (such as sugar maple and yellow 

birch) to aspens and paper birch was >25%, regardless of the amount of conifers present, the 

Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest (FMB) map class was considered. 

Furthermore, it is also possible Spruce - Fir - Aspen Forest (CEGL002475, not documented for 

APIS) may occur within the FAC map class when balsam fir and white spruce together make up 

>25% of the forest canopy.

Mapping of the FAC map class was infrequent throughout APIS and was only mapped on the 

mainland. Mapping of FAC was most frequent at the most western portion of the mainland in the 

Meyers Beech area. FAC was mapped occasionally on the remaining western half of the 

mainland and nominally on the eastern half. 

For AA, the FAC map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-55

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (FSS and FTP)

The Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class represents the Picea 

mariana - (Larix laricina) / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest Association 

(CEGL005271) in the NVCS. This map class consists of two phases, the black spruce (FSS) and 

tamarack (FTP). The Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class typically 

captures black spruce and/or tamarack in nutrient-poor peatland settings (receiving little

minerotrophic waters from the adjacent landscape). Eastern white pine, hemlock, and northern 

white-cedar enter these poor swamps, particularly along the margins. Tree cover is >25%, 

including trees even as short as tall-shrub height. When tree cover was <25%, the Leatherleaf 

Poor Fen (DLF) map class was considered. Sphagnum and peatland ericads, including leatherleaf 

and Labrador-tea, dominate the ground flora, along with other vegetation common to peatlands, 

such as cranberry, blueberry, bog rosemary, pitcher plant, and thin-leaved sedges.

Most often, the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp occurs within wellestablished peatland complexes, yet they can also occur on sandscapes, such as more interior 

zones of the tombolo on Stockton Island. There are occasions, however, where this poor swamp 

occurs on less developed peatland formations that have more wet-mesic characteristics, such as 

on the northern tip of Devils Island where boreal-like conditions are most evident at the APIS.

When the RD of black spruce and/or tamarack RD to other conifers was <25% and the RD of 

eastern hemlock to white-cedar was >50%, the Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic 

Forest (FHS) map class was considered. Likewise, when the RD of white-cedar to eastern 

hemlock was >50%, the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS) map class was 

considered.

Mapping of the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class was intermittent

throughout APIS–mapped locally to peatland complexes on both the mainland and a third of the 

archipelago. The Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp was mapped more

commonly at Devils Island, Sand Island, and Stockton Island, and somewhat at Outer Island. The 

map class was mapped nominally on Bear Island, Michigan Island, and Otter Island, and only 

locally at Sand Bay on the mainland. Overall, the FSS phase was more commonly mapped 

(occurring on all islands identified above but Otter) than the FTP phase.

The black spruce (FSS) phase captures the poor swamp wherein the RD of black spruce to all 

other conifers is >25%. The tamarack (FTP) phase captures the poor swamp wherein the RD of 

tamarack to all other conifers is >75%. The two map-class phases were often mapped in close 

proximity to each other.

For AA, the two map-class phases (FSS and FTP) were combined because they collectively 

represent one association type. They were left, however, as separate entities in the vegetation 

map layer.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-56

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase)–FSS

The black spruce (FSS) map-class phase represents, in part, the Black Spruce - Tamarack / 

Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class (as described above). This phase captures poor swamp 

peatlands wherein the RD of black spruce to all other conifers (including tamarack, white pine, 

eastern hemlock, and northern white-cedar) is >25%. The FSS phase was mapped in close 

proximity to the tamarack (FTP) phase of this same poor swamp type. When the RD of tamarack 

to all other conifers was >75%, the FTP phase was considered.

Mapping of the FSS phase was mapped usually in concert with FTP and was mapped two to 

three times more than that of the FTP phase. FSS is usually the dominant phase of the poor 

swamp of an area.

 

 Sand Island Devils Island

Stockton Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-57

Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase)–FTP

The tamarack (FTP) map-class phase represents, in part, the Black Spruce - Tamarack / 

Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class (as described above). This phase captures poor swamp 

peatlands wherein the RD of tamarack to all other conifers (including black spruce, white pine, 

eastern hemlock, and northern white-cedar) is >75%. When gray alder shrub was present along 

with typical peatland flora of sphagnum and when ericads were depleted, the Northern Tamarack 

Rich Swamp (FTR) map class was considered, as these sites are more minerotrophic rich. The 

FTP phase was mapped in close proximity to the black spruce (FSS) phase of this same poor 

swamp type. When the RD of black spruce to all conifers was >25%, the FSS phase was 

considered.

Of all instances mapped with the Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map 

class (FTP and/or FSS phases), mapping of the FTP phase was mapped usually in concert with 

FSS. The FTP phase was mapped two to three times less than that of the FSS phase. Rarely is 

FTP the dominant phase of the poor swamp of an area. Only one island (Otter) received mapping 

of FTP without any units of FSS mapped.

Stockton Island

Sand Island

Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-58

Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp (FTR)

The Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp (FTR) map class represents the Larix laricina / Alnus 

incana Forest Association (CEGL002471) in the NVCS. This map class captures minerotrophicrich swamp forests dominated by tamarack and having gray alder in the shrub understory. 

Sphagnum and peatland ericads are lacking or only nominally present. When alder was lacking 

and peatland flora was more developed, the tamarack (FTP) phase of the Black Spruce -

Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class was considered.

The RD of Black spruce to all other conifers is <25%, and the RD of tamarack to other trees 

(which may consist of northern white-cedar, red maple, black ash, yellow birch, and even some 

paper birch and eastern white pine) is >50%. When the RD of white-cedar to tamarack was 

>50%, the White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS) map class was considered.

Mapping of the FTR map class was rare to APIS and was mapped in only three locations–a few 

units at Sand Bay on the mainland, one unit of the western end of Michigan Island, and a few 

units within the older portion of the tombolo on Stockton Island.

For AA, the FTR map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Stockton Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-59

White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS)

The White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (FCS) map class represents the Thuja 

occidentalis - (Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest Association 

(CEGL002456) in the NVCS. This map class captures conifer swamp forests wherein the RD of

conifers to hardwoods is >75% and eastern white-cedar is the dominant conifer. The understory 

shrub is often of gray alder. Sphagnum and other peatland flora are common. Hardwoods, such 

as red maple, yellow birch, paper birch, and black ash, are sometimes present; however, when

the RD of black ash and red maple hardwoods to conifers was >25%, the White-cedar - Black 

Ash Swamp (FCA) map class was considered. 

FCS swamps can be open or have closed tree canopy. They are saturated wet, often part of 

peatland and beaver complexes, yet can easily grade into a wet-mesic version of White-cedar -

Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (two map-class phases–FCC and FCM, with FCC most probable). 

In FCS swamps, the RD of White-cedar to eastern hemlock and tamarack is >50%, and RD of 

black spruce to all conifers is <25%. When RD of hemlock to white-cedar was >50%, the 

Hemlock-Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest (FHS) map class was considered. Likewise, 

when the RD of tamarack to white-cedar with an alder understory was >50%, the Northern 

Tamarack Rich Swamp (FTR) map class was considered. When the RD of black spruce and/or 

tamarack to all conifers was >25% RD and peatland flora was well established, the Black Spruce 

- Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp map class (two phases, FSS and FTP) were considered.

Mapping of the FCS map class was infrequent throughout APIS. Only a few units were mapped 

on the mainland, mostly of the Sand Bay area. For islands, the most extensive mapping of FCS 

(yet still considered infrequent) was on Outer Island, mostly associated with beaver pond 

complexes. A few units of FCS were mapped on Stockton Island within the older portion of the 

tombolo, and a few more were mapped on the eastern end of Michigan Island, associated with 

beaver meadow complexes and peatland basins. FCS was mapped nominally on Sand Island.

For AA, the FCS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-60

Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX)

The Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX) map class represents, in part, the Eastern Ruderal 

Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder] (G059) in the NVCS. An association type could not 

be determined because disturbances from human activities (e.g., logging, homestead) and natural 

factors (e.g., wind-throw) lead to variability of floristic vegetation in these shrublands. Most 

occurrences of SDX are caused more by human activity than by natural factors. This map class 

captures ruderal upland shrublands wherein shrubs contribute >25% cover, and the RD of

deciduous shrubs to conifer shrubs is >75%. Shrubs consist of any deciduous species common or 

unique to the APIS area. These shrublands can be open or have closed canopy, with trees

contributing <25% cover. 

When the RD of conifer shrubs to deciduous shrubs was >25%, the Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal 

Shrubland (SMX) map class was considered, which also represents, in part, the Eastern Ruderal 

Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder] (G059) in the NVCS. Also, when trees made up

>25% cover, either the Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) map class or the Conifer - Hardwood 

Ruderal Forest (FMX) map class was considered, depending on the RD of conifers and 

hardwoods to each other. Furthermore, when shrubs contributed <25% cover, the Ruderal 

Grassland (HMX) map class was considered.

Mapping of the SDX map class was uncommon throughout APIS, mapped more on the mainland

than on islands. The distribution of SDX is due to logging events occurring on the mainland in

the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary. On islands, SDX was mapped nominally on a third 

of the archipelago. A few SDX units were mapped in shrub fields cleared for lighthouses 

(Raspberry Island) or homesteads (whether active inholdings or abandoned) and also at a couple 

locations receiving natural disturbance, most notably the shrubland on Gull Island, which has a 

dynamic and harsh environment.

Because of the variability of vegetation inherent to ruderal shrublands, the SDX map class was 

not assessed for accuracy.

 Basswood Island Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-61

Outer Island

Devils Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-62

Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SMX)

The Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SMX) map class represents, in part, the Eastern 

Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder] (G059) in the NVCS. An association type 

could not be determined because disturbances from human activities (e.g., logging, homestead) 

and natural factors (e.g., wind-throw) lead to variability of floristic vegetation in these 

shrublands. Most occurrences of SMX are caused more by human activity than by natural 

factors. This map class captures ruderal upland shrublands wherein shrubs contribute >25% 

cover and the mutual RD of conifer and deciduous shrubs is >25%. Shrubs consist of any species 

common or unique to the APIS area. These shrublands can be open or have closed canopy, with 

trees contributing <25% cover.

When the RD of conifer shrubs to deciduous shrubs was <25%, the Deciduous Ruderal 

Shrubland (SDX) map class was considered, which also represents, in part, the Eastern Ruderal 

Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder] (G059) in the NVCS. Also, when trees made up

>25% cover, either the Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) map class or the Conifer - Hardwood 

Ruderal Forest (FMX) map class was considered, depending on the RD of conifers and 

hardwoods to each other. Conversely, when shrubs contributed <25% cover, the Ruderal 

Grassland (HMX) map class was considered.

Mapping of the SMX map class was uncommon throughout APIS. A few SMX units were

mapped on the mainland within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary. These are shrub 

fields resulting from logging events. On islands, a couple SMX units were mapped in shrub 

fields cleared for lighthouses (Devils Island and Sand Island) or homesteads (whether active 

inholdings or abandoned) and also at a couple locations receiving high winds that cause forest 

wind-throws (Eagle Island and York Island). The evergreen shrub component of these areas 

could likely be Canada yew.

Because of the variability of vegetation inherent to ruderal shrublands, the SMX map class was 

not assessed for accuracy.

Devils Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-63

Ruderal Grassland (HMX)

The Ruderal Grassland (HMX) map class represents, in part, the Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & 

Grassland Group [Placeholder] (G059) in the NVCS. An association type could not be 

determined because disturbances from human activities (e.g., logging, homestead) lead to

variability of floristic vegetation in these shrublands. This map class captures ruderal upland 

herbaceous fields wherein shrubs and trees each contribute <25% cover. Herbaceous vegetation 

consists of various grasses and herbs common or unique to the APIS area; however, the emphasis 

is non-native vegetation.

When trees contributed >25% cover, either the Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FDX) map class or the 

Conifer-Hardwood Ruderal Forest (FMX) map class was considered, depending on the RD of 

conifers and hardwoods to each other. Likewise, when trees made up <25% cover yet shrubs 

contributed >25% cover, either the Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SDX) map class or the 

Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland (SMX) map class was considered, depending on the RD 

of conifer and deciduous shrubs to each other. Like the HMX map class, the SDX and SMX map 

classes also represent, in part, the Eastern Ruderal Shrubland & Grassland Group [Placeholder] 

(G059) in the NVCS.

Mapping of the HMX map class was uncommon throughout APIS. A few HMX units were

mapped on the mainland within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary. These herbaceous

fields are of clearings used for pasture, hay, and logging activity. HMX was mapped nominally 

on just the four following islands: Basswood, Oak, Sand, and Stockton. Most of these areas were 

open fields that reflect some type of human occupation, whether associated with current 

inholdings or having been abandoned and remaining as fallow fields.

Because of the variability of vegetation inherent to ruderal herbaceous fields, the HMX map 

class was not assessed for accuracy.

Basswood Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-64

Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB)

The Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB) map class represents the Ammophila breviligulata -

(Schizachyrium scoparium) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005098) in the NVCS.

This map class captures American beachgrass as the primary vegetation component on sandy 

shorelines, active sand dunes and foredunes, sandspits, and sand ridges, including the built-up 

sand ridges (stringers) between island lagoons and Lake Superior. The herbaceous cover can be 

low but usually contributes >10% of total cover. Other herbaceous components may consist of 

beach-pea, Canada wildrye, and scouringrush horsetail.

Total tree canopy is <10% cover, as environments of HAB restrict tree propagation because of

the constant moving of sands by winds off of Lake Superior. When tree cover made up 10–60% 

cover, consisting of red pine, eastern white pine, and/or jack pine, the Great Lakes Coast Pine 

Barrens map class (two phases, HPB and HPW) was considered.

Within HAB, shrubs of woolly beach-heather, common juniper, bearberry, and sand cherry may 

persist, yet they should contribute <25% total cover. When shrubs were >25% cover, either the 

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH) map class (when beach heather was 

dominant) or the Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD) map class (when juniper was

dominant) was considered. It is noteworthy, however, that these two types of shrubland were

often mapped as inclusions to HAB because they were commonly found in areas less than the 

size of a MMU. Dynamic interdunal wetlands and non-vegetated sands were also found as 

inclusions within HAB. When vegetation cover was absent or nominal at best, the Sand & 

Cobble Beach (NSB) map class was considered (these are on the Lake Superior shores where 

vegetation is prevented to persist).

Beachgrass, and the density thereof, was difficult to discern on the aerial photographs because

the sand dunes would overexpose the CIR imagery, diffusing even moderate density covers of 

herbaceous vegetation, as well as short-shrubs such as sand cherry. Subtle clues were vital to 

mapping HAB–even the faintest of vegetative appearance on the aerial photos proved to be a 

significant amount (>25% cover) of beachgrass. Thus, the mapping of HAB was aggressive in 

order to capture it.

Mapping of the HAB map class was intermittent throughout APIS–mapped commonly at sandy 

shorelines and sandspits on half of the archipelago, as well as along the shorelines of the 

mainland. Several HAB units were mapped on every island that has an established sandspit. 

HAB was also mapped on the mainland at both Sand Bay and Little Sand Bay. The most 

extensive mapping of HAB was on and throughout Long Island, consistent with the nature of this 

entire island being sandscape.

For AA, the HAB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-65

 

Long Island

Stockton Island Long Island

Outer Island

Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-66

Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH)

The Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH) map class represents the 

Hudsonia tomentosa Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL004024) in the NVCS. This map 

class captures open dwarf-shrublands on active sand dunes and foredunes, with woolly beachheather as the dominant shrub. American beachgrass, common juniper, bearberry, and sand 

cherry are often present. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25%, and the RD of beach-heather to all other 

shrubs (including juniper) is >50%. When the RD of juniper to all other shrubs was >50%, the 

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD) map class was considered; however, when dwarfshrubs contributed <25% cover, the Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB) map class was 

considered.

Tree canopy contributes <10% cover because the environment limits tree propagation from 

moving sands and winds off of Lake Superior. When tree cover contributed 10–60% cover and 

consisted of red pine, eastern white pine, and/or jack pine, the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens 

map class (two phases, HPB and HPW) was considered.

Often, DBH was found in areas less than a MMU in size and was, thus, mapped as inclusions to 

HAB, DJD, HPB, and HPW, which are often in close proximity to each other.

Mapping of the DBH map class was rare to APIS, with one unit mapped on the far western end 

of Long Island and three units mapped on the active dunes along the eastern shores of the 

Stockton Island tombolo.

For AA, the DBH map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-67

Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD)

The Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD) map class represents the Juniperus horizontalis

- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Juniperus communis Dune Dwarf-shrubland Association 

(CEGL005064) of the NVCS. This map class captures open short-shrublands on active sand 

dunes and foredunes with common juniper as the dominant shrub. American beachgrass, woolly 

beach-heather, bearberry, and sand cherry are often present. These shrublands are common 

between the beachgrass along the lake shorelines and the more established inland sandscapes. 

Shrub cover is >25%, with a RD of juniper to all shrubs (including beach-heather) of >50%. 

When the RD of beach-heather to all other shrubs was >50%, the Great Lakes Beach-heather 

Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH) map class was considered; however, when shrubs were <25% 

cover, the Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB) map class was considered.

Tree canopy is <10% cover because the environment limits tree propagation from moving sands 

and winds off of Lake Superior. When tree cover was 10–60% and consisted of red pine, eastern 

white pine, and/or jack pine, the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class (two phases, HPB 

and HPW) was considered.

Often, DJD is found in area smaller than a MMU was, thus, mapped as inclusions to HAB, DBH,

HPB, and HPW, as well as Jack Pine/Blueberry/Feathermoss Forest (FJB) on Long Island, most

of which are often in close proximity to each other.

Mapping of the DJD map class was rare to APIS and was mapped locally at sandscapes on the 

following four islands: the sandspits on Michigan and Outer, the tombolo on Stockton, and 

western half on Long.

For AA, the DJD map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-68

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (HPB and HPW)

The Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class represents the Pinus banksiana - (Pinus resinosa) 

- Pinus strobus / Juniperus horizontalis Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation Association 

(CEGL005125) in the NVCS. This map class consists of two phases, barrens (HPB) and 

woodland (HPW). The Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class captures red pine, eastern 

white pine, and/or jack pine forests that are on active sand dunes, foredunes, and sand ridges, 

including the built-up sand ridges (stringers) between island lagoons and Lake Superior. Tree 

canopy contributes 10–60% cover. When tree canopy was >60% cover on active sand dunes, the 

Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest (FPD) map class was most likely considered, unless one of the 

pine species dominated the forest, in which case other pine-forest map classes were considered.

The understory vegetation is of typical sandscape species, including American beachgrass, sand 

cherry, common juniper, bearberry, and woolly beach-heather. It is common to find small 

pockets (in areas smaller than a MMU) of Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune (HAB), Great Lakes 

Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland (DBH), and Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland (DJD)

within the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens. The RD of hardwoods to conifers is <25%.

When pine forests on sandscapes were more inland and not on active sand dunes, other pinedominant map classes were considered, including White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest 

(FWP) and Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest (FJB). These forests can have a somewhat 

open tree canopy.

Mapping of Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map class was somewhat rare to APIS, with both 

phases—HPB and HPW—mapped on the same three islands, with each island providing a 

slightly different sandscape environment. Areas of this class were mapped on the western half of 

Long Island (which in its entirety is a sandscape), both sides the double tombolo on Stockton 

Island, and the sandspit and lagoon margin of the southern tip on Outer Island. The HPW phase 

was mapped about three times as much as the HPB phase.

The barrens (HPB) phase captures the pine barrens wherein the tree canopy contributes 10–25% 

cover. The woodland (HPW) phase captures the pine barrens wherein the tree canopy contributes 

25–60% cover.

For AA, the two map-class phases (HPB and HPW) were combined because they collectively 

represent one association type. They were left, however, as separate entities in the vegetation 

map layer.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-69

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)–HPB

The barrens (HPB) map-class phase represents, in part, the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens map 

class (as described above). In this phase, tree canopy contributes 10–25% cover. When canopy 

was 25–60% cover, the woodland (HPW) phase of this same map class was considered.

Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-70

Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase)–HPW

The woodland (HPW) map-class phase represents, in part, the Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens

map class (as described above). In this phase, tree canopy contributes 25–60% cover. When 

canopy was 10–25% cover, the barrens (HPB) phase of this same map class was considered.

 Stockton Island

Stockton Island

Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-71

Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW)

The Alder - Willow Shore Fen (SAW) map class represents the Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula 

pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland Association (CEGL005227) of the NVCS. This is 

the one case where the map class was named differently than the official common association 

name found in the NVCS, which is Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen. We chose to deviate from the 

name in the NVCS in this case because, at the APIS, gray alder is a primary shrub of this type, 

along with willows, but bog birch is not nearly as common.

The SAW map class captures seasonally saturated shore fen shrublands wherein tall-shrubs 

consisting primarily of alder and willows, with some dogwoods, contribute >25% cover. This 

minerotrophic-rich shrub shore fen is on sphagnum peat with common ericads present, including 

sweetgale, leatherleaf, bog rosemary, and Labrador-tea. Sedges and bluejoint are common 

herbaceous components. These shrub shore fens are typical to sandscape positions where the 

underlying water table of Lake Superior impacts the hydrology of the wetland. This is unlike 

Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS), which are common to saturated drainages and margins of 

peatland basins, which receive no hydrologic influence from Lake Superior. When the tall-shrubs 

of alder, willows, and dogwoods were less prominent and sweetgale and leatherleaf were more 

dominant, the Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS) map class was considered.

Mapping of the SAW map class was uncommon throughout APIS, yet was mapped on several

islands with sandspits, including Bear, Michigan, Outer, Raspberry, and Rocky. SAW was also 

mapped within sandy bays, including Sand Bay on the mainland and the north shore bay on York 

Island. On Stockton Island, SAW was mapped nominally, with one unit within the tombolo 

complex and another unit across the island on the north shore. The most extensive mapping of 

SAW was on the southern shores of Long Island. Nearly half of all SAW units were mapped on 

Long Island. Furthermore, on Long Island, small pockets of SAW located in areas smaller than a 

MMU exist and are left as inclusions within the Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest 

(FJM), which is a wet-mesic jack pine forest with mixed hardwoods known to exist at the APIS

on the far western end of Long Island.

For AA, the SAW map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Outer Island Mainland
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-72

Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (HSS)

The Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (HSS) map class represents the Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex 

rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005229) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures seasonally saturated sedge shore fens on sphagnum peat. These 

minerotrophic-rich herbaceous shore fens are typical to sandscape positions where the 

underlying water table of Lake Superior impacts the hydrology of the wetland. Woollyfruit sedge 

is the herbaceous component best characterizing HSS, especially when it is dominant, as one 

vegetation plot at Sand Bay on the mainland exhibits. Woollyfruit sedge can be, however, a

minor component and even absent, as one site at the tombolo on Stockton Islands exhibits (at 

that site, coastal sedge and smooth sawgrass dominate the herbaceous layer).

Dwarf-shrubs, including leatherleaf, are typically present but contribute <25% cover. When 

shrubs contributed >25% cover and consisted primarily of sweetgale and/or leatherleaf, the 

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS) map class was considered. However, when dwarfshrub ericads and sphagnum peat were absent and there was wetland substrate more of muck, the 

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG) map class was considered, particularly when more broadleaved sedge species were thought to be present. The distinction between herbaceous types and 

dwarf-shrub types was not always an easy determination because ericad can be shorter than the 

herbaceous layer, even to the point of hindering ericad appearance on aerial photographs. In 

these cases, various cues were considered, including environmental position and water 

inundation. When extensive inundation occurred, the HSG map class was usually considered. 

From a mapping perspective, HSS and HSG can easily mosaic with each other.

Mapping of the HSS map class was rare to APIS–mapped nominally on the sandspits of 

Michigan Island and Raspberry Island and more extensively at the tombolo on Stockton Island. 

Vegetation plots were collected of HSS elsewhere, such as at Sand Bay on the mainland. These 

locations, however, were either determined to be smaller than a MMU, thus mapped as an

inclusion within a DLS unit, or they were not easily distinguished from HSG.

For AA, the HSS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Stockton Island Raspberry Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-73

Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS)

The Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS) map class represents the Chamaedaphne 

calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005228) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures seasonally saturated short-shrub shore fens on sphagnum peat. 

Short-shrubs contribute >25% cover, consisting primarily of sweetgale and/or leatherleaf. These 

minerotrophic-rich shore fens are typical to sandscape positions where the underlying water table 

of Lake Superior impacts the hydrology of the wetland. They also occur along streamsides and 

within beaver pond complexes receiving seasonal flooding. Other dwarf-shrub ericads may 

include some bog rosemary and cranberry. Tamarack, black spruce, and white pine may be 

scattered, with canopy contribution of <25% cover. Also, tall-shrubs including gray alder and 

willows may be present but should contribute <25% cover. 

Within these shore fen environments, when tall-shrubs contributed >25% cover, the Alder -

Willow Shore Fen (SAW) map class was considered. When all shrub strata each contributed

<25% cover, the Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (HSS) map class was considered. The distinction 

between herbaceous types and dwarf-shrub types was not always an easy determination because

ericads can be shorter than the herbaceous layer, even to the point of hindering the ericad 

appearance on aerial photographs. Furthermore, when short-shrubs were essentially all dwarfshrub ericads—leatherleaf, Labrador-tea, bog-rosemary, cranberry, but not sweetgale—and in 

poor fen environments not receiving minerotrophic waters either indirectly from Lake Superior

or directly from river or beaver pond flooding, the Leatherleaf Poor Fen (DLF) map class was 

considered.

Noteworthy is that units mapped as DLS received one of two possible height modifiers to the 

map class attribute. Normally, dwarf-shrub map classes receive a height modifier of <0.5 m;

however, sometimes sweetgale dominates these short-shrub shore fens. Thus, in those units 

mapped as DLS wherein sweetgale was dominant over leatherleaf, the 0.5–5-m height modifier 

was assigned. Alternatively, when leatherleaf dominated over sweetgale, the <0.5-m height 

modifier was assigned.

Mapping of the DLS map class was somewhat infrequent and intermittent throughout APIS. On 

the mainland, DLS was mapped at Sand Bay, Little Sand Bay, and just west of Meyers Beach. A 

small floating mat of DLS within a beaver pond complex was mapped within the 400-m buffer 

beyond the APIS boundary. Mapping of DLS occurred on five islands, including the sandspits on 

Michigan, Outer, and Rocky; the double tombolo plus another small sandscape on Stockton; and 

the throughout the entire length of Long Island. The most extensive mapping of DLS is of Long 

Island and the Stockton Island tombolo. Also on Stockton Island, DLS was mapped in 

connection to a beaver pond complex.

For AA, the DLS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-74

Stockton Island

Long Island

Long Island

Long Island

Stockton Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-75

Leatherleaf Poor Fen (DLF)

The Leatherleaf Poor Fen (DLF) map class represents the Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex 

oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. Poor Fen Dwarf-shrubland Association (CEGL005277) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures poor fens within peatlands dominated by leatherleaf and other 

ericads, including Labrador-tea, cranberry, and bog-rosemary. These peatlands are within basins 

receiving low minerotrophic influence from surrounding water sources, either directly, as with 

seasonal flooding from beaver pond complexes or rivers, or indirectly, as with sandscapes of 

Lake Superior. When sites dominated with leatherleaf were near and influenced by water 

sources, the Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen (DLS) map class was considered, in which 

sweetgale is a common associate to the leatherleaf.

Scattered black spruce, tamarack, and white pine are commonly present, even as short-tree or 

tall-shrub, but their canopy contribution should be <25% cover. When black spruce and/or 

tamarack contributed >25% cover over the ericad layer, the Black Spruce-Tamarack/Labradortea Poor Swamp map class (two phases, FSS and FTP) was considered.

Mapping of the DLF map class was somewhat rare and unique to APIS and was mapped on four 

islands, including Devils, Michigan, Outer, and Stockton.

For AA, the DLF map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Michigan Island Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-76

Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (HWM)

The Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous (HWM) map class represents mixed herbaceous wetlands 

within the Eastern North American Wet Meadow Group (G112) of the NVCS. This map class 

captures wetland meadows with a diverse mix of emergent herbaceous vegetation—pioneering 

and persistent—receiving disturbance from dynamic hydrologic changes because of beaver 

activity. The disturbance is such that the community of vegetation is non-distinct to any one 

established herbaceous vegetation type, particularly Bluejoint Wet Meadow (HCC) and Northern 

Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG). Although bluejoint and sedges are common to HWM, they each 

have a RD to the mix of herbaceous vegetation of <25%. Woolgrass can be a common 

component of HWM. The soil substrate of HWM, similar to HCC and HSG, is of muck with 

little (if any) peat. Noteworthy is that herbaceous beaver meadows can be classified as HWM, 

HCC, or HSG, depending on beaver activity and subsequent vegetation response. Those beaver 

meadows having frequent or recent changes likely received the HWM map class during 

mapping.

Trees and shrubs are often present, each contributing <25% cover. When shrubs contributed

>25% cover and consisted predominantly of gray alder, the Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland (SAS) 

map class was considered. When tree canopy made up >25% cover, with red maple, yellow 

birch, and paper birch most prominent, the Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest (FRM) map 

class was considered.

Mapping of the HWM map class was somewhat uncommon and intermittent throughout APIS. A 

few units of HWM were mapped on the mainland within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS

boundary. Otherwise, mapping of HWM occurred on five islands, including Michigan

(intermittently), Sand and South Twin (nominally), Stockton (intermittently), and Outer (most 

notably because of its plethora of beaver meadows).

For AA, the HWM map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Michigan Island Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-77

Bluejoint Wet Meadow (HCC)

The Bluejoint Wet Meadow (HCC) map class represents the Calamagrostis canadensis -

Eupatorium maculatum Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL005174) of the NVCS. This 

map class captures herbaceous wetland meadows dominated by bluejoint and are commonly 

receptive to beaver activity. Sedges are often present, but should have a RD to all herbaceous 

vegetation of <25%. Barring sedges, the RD of bluejoint to all other emergent herbaceous 

vegetation is >25%. When the RD of sedges to bluejoint was >25%, the Northern Sedge Wet 

Meadow (HSG) map class was considered. Also, when the amount of bluejoint component to 

sedges could not be determined from the aerial photographs, the HSG map class was typically 

the default assignment. When herbaceous vegetation consisted more of a diverse mix, with the 

RD of bluejoint and sedges to herbaceous vegetation each <25%, the Wet Meadow Mixed 

Herbaceous (HWM) map class was considered. The soil substrate of HCC, similar to HSG and 

HWM, is of muck with little peat, at the most.

Mapping of the HCC map class was rare to APIS–mapped nominally on five islands, including

Long, Michigan, Outer, Sand, and Stockton.

For AA, the HCC map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

 Outer Island Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-78

Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG)

The Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (HSG) map class represents the Carex (rostrata, utriculata) -

Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002257). This 

map class captures emergent herbaceous wetland meadows wherein the RD of sedges to 

herbaceous vegetation (including bluejoint) is >25%. These sedge wetland meadows can occur 

on sandscapes and within bays in close proximity to shore fens or can occur more inland when

associated with beaver meadows. When the RD of sedges to herbaceous vegetation was <25%, 

either the Bluejoint Wet Meadow (HCC) map class or the Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous 

(HWM) map class was considered, depending on the density of herbaceous components present.

When we were unable to determine the amount of bluejoint component to sedges by examining

the aerial photographs, HSG was typically the default map class assigned.

The soil substrate of HSG, similar to that of HCC and HWM, is mostly muck; however, some 

peat build-up is common to HSG. When the substrate was more peat-based and less muck or

when herbaceous wetland was located on sandscapes receiving minerotrophic water influence 

from Lake Superior—indirectly as it might be—the Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (HSS) map class 

was considered.

Mapping of the HSG map class was uncommon throughout APIS. Although nominal throughout 

the mainland, HSG was mapped a bit more extensively within Sand Bay. Mapping of HSG 

occurred with varying frequency on a third of the archipelago. Of all HSG that was mapped, it 

was mapped most commonly on Outer Island, in close association with beaver meadows.

For AA, the HSG map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Long Island Long Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-79

Clay Seeps (N/A)

Because areas of clay seeps are too small to map (well below the size of a MMU), no map class 

was derived for this vegetation type, which is the Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation Association 

(CEGL005163) in the NVCS; therefore, other map classes capture the Clay Seeps type as an 

inclusion. It is thought that this vegetation type was mapped most frequently as an inclusion 

within the Eroding Clay Bank (VEB) map class, which represents the Eroding Clay Bank Sparse 

Vegetation Association (CEGL002584) in the NVCS. Clay seeps are diminutive seeps on slope, 

often of the toeslope. They are commonly seen on the edges of islands where the clay banks are 

exposed, thus within VEB.

Because of the lack of a map class for this vegetation type, the Clay Seeps type was not assessed

for accuracy.

Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-80

Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland (HFA)

The Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland (HFA) map class represents the Nymphaea odorataNuphar (microphylla, variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation Association (CEGL002562) in the 

NVCS. This map class captures deep water marshes with floating-leaved aquatic vegetation 

(mostly of watershield, but also American white waterlily and yellow pond-lily) that contributes 

>10% cover and emergent vegetation that contributes <10% cover. Submergent vegetation,

including pondweeds, coon's-tail, bladderwort, and floating bur-reed, may be of high density. 

Although rare to APIS as a whole, HFA is customary to the few deeper beaver ponds found 

landward on some islands and the mainland, as well as to deeper lagoons and interdunal swales

of some sandscapes (again of islands and the mainland).

Much of the floating aquatic and submergent vegetation had senesced before aerial photography 

was collected in October; thus, observable appearances on the aerial photographs were minimal. 

Sites of HFA were mapped when floating aquatic vegetation was observable on the fall aerial 

photographs. Based on field experience, it is expected that more HFA covering areas larger than 

the size of a MMU existed at the time photography was acquired than what could actually be 

observed on the photographs. It is most likely that these unveiled areas of HFA are captured with 

the Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV) map class, because HSV shares the 

same deep water marsh environment. Readers should refer to the HSV map class description to 

understand the aggressive approach we took in mapping HSV and how HFA might be further 

represented.

Mapping of the HFA map class was somewhat rare and intermittent throughout APIS. HFA was 

mapped on the mainland and three islands, including Michigan, Outer, and Stockton. All those

areas mapped on Stockton Island were on the eastern half of the double tombolo, within the large 

sandscape lagoon. This is perhaps the most extensive mapping of HFA at the APIS. More HFA 

was mapped within sandscape lagoons on Michigan Island and on the mainland at Little Sand 

Bay. A few units of HFA were mapped within deeper beaver ponds on the mainland above Sand 

Bay, within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary, and on Michigan Island and Outer 

Island (all mapped in the interior of those islands).

For AA, the HFA and HSV map classes were assessed together because of the senesced 

vegetation of both classes, which are found within the same setting of deep marsh environments.

HFA and HSV are left, however, as separate map classes in the vegetation map layer. When 

using the vegetation map layer, one should not assume the reported accuracy pertains to each 

map class independently, but rather collectively. This is the only case where two map classes that 

are assigned to separate vegetation types were assessed together. Other instances where phases 

are assessed together are actually within a particular map class.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-81

Michigan Island

Stockton Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-82

Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV)

The Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV) map class represents the 

Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation Association 

(CEGL002282) in the NVCS. This map class captures deep water marshes wherein submergent 

vegetation, including pondweeds, coon's-tail, bladderwort and floating bur-reed, contributes 

>10% cover. In addition, herbaceous emergent vegetation and floating-leaved aquatic vegetation 

each contribute <10% cover. Although rare to APIS as a whole, HSV is most common to deep 

beaver ponds found landward on three islands and the mainland.

Much of the submergent and floating aquatic vegetation had senesced before aerial photography 

was collected in October; thus, observable appearances on the aerial photographs were minimal. 

Sites of HSV were mapped when submergent vegetation was observable on the fall aerial 

photographs. Based on field experience, it is expected that more HSV was present in areas larger 

than a MMU at the time photography was obtained than what could actually be observed on the 

photographs. Thus, the approach in mapping most ponds was to assign the HSV map class even 

when appearance of submergent vegetation was lacking. This was an aggressive effort to map 

HSV based on likely locations. Again, this decision was based on field experience where most 

ponds were observed to have submergent vegetation. When the HSV map class was assigned to 

ponds appearing as open water on the aerial photographs, the physiognomic modifier of 10–25% 

cover density was applied to the map-class attribute.

When open water bodies smaller than 8 ha in area were determined to be too deep for 

submergent and floating aquatic vegetation to grow, the Open Water Pond (NWP) map class was 

considered. In areas larger than 8 ha, the Open Water Lake (NWL) map class was considered. 

The NWP and NWL map classes are not included in the NVCS.

Because floating aquatic vegetation was also senesced at the time photography was obtained, it is 

anticipated that some Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland (HFA) areas were captured within

the HSV map class, because HFA shares the same deep water marsh environment.

Mapping of the HSV map class was rare and intermittent throughout APIS. HSV was mapped on 

the mainland and three islands, including Outer, Sand, and Stockton (with Outer mapped most 

commonly with HSV). On the mainland, HSV was mapped within Sand Bay, where the Sand 

River enters Lake Superior. One other unit of HSV was mapped on the mainland at a beaver 

pond, located within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary.

For AA, the HSV and HFA map classes were assessed together because of the senesced 

vegetation of both, which are found within the same type of deep marsh environments. These 

classes are left, however, as separate map class entities in the vegetation map layer. When using 

the vegetation map layer, one should not assume the reported accuracy pertains to each map class 

independently, but rather collectively. This is the only case where two map classes that are 

assigned to separate vegetation types were assessed together. In other instances where phases 

were assessed together, the vegetation types were actually within the same map class.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-83

 Outer Island Outer Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-84

Eroding Clay Bank (VEB)

The Eroding Clay Bank (VEB) map class represents the Eroding Clay Bank Sparse Vegetation 

Association (CEGL002584) in the NVCS. This map class captures exposed eroding clay 

embankments along margins of islands above the Lake Superior shoreline. Vegetation, which 

consists of herbaceous vegetation, shrubs, and trees, fluctuates in terms of contribution to total 

cover. Although VEB cover tends to increase to >10%, it is in a constant cycle of erosion; 

therefore, VEB usually contributes <10% cover. Vegetation consists of herbaceous clumps with 

a sparse scattering of shrubs and trees. Trees often consist of northern white-cedar, balsam fir, 

red maple, and paper birch. When contribution of tree canopy is >25% cover, signifying a more 

stable soil condition, the appropriate forest map class was considered.

Commonly found within VEB areas are Clay Seeps, which is the Clay Seeps Sparse Vegetation 

Association (CEGL005163) in the NVCS. No map class was derived for Clay Seeps because 

areas are much too small to map (well below the size of a MMU); however, most Clay Seeps are 

mapped within the VEB map class.

Mapping of the VEB map class was intermittent throughout APIS, common to only a few 

locations. VEB was mapped on almost half of the archipelago, with most islands having a 

nominal presence; however, VEB was mapped more prevalently on two islands, including

Michigan and Outer. Much of the northwestern margin of Outer Island is mapped as VEB, and 

barring the sandspit, over three-fourths the perimeter of Michigan Island was mapped as VEB. 

Only a single unit of VEB was mapped on the mainland shores.

For AA, the VEB map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Raspberry Island Michigan Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-85

Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore (VBS)

The Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore (VBS) map class represents the Sandstone Bedrock 

Great Lakes Shore Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002507) in the NVCS. This map class 

captures sandstone bedrock ledges along the shores of Lake Superior. These flat ledges are near 

level in elevation to Lake Superior (usually within 3 m), thus receive direct lake moisture from 

wave action and the splashing thereof. Although with sparse vegetation that contributes <10% 

cover, these bedrock shores are home to a variety of plants, mostly herbaceous, but also of 

dwarf-shrubs, mosses, and lichens. These plants take hold in small cracks and crevices within the

sandstone bedrock ledges.

Because most VBS areas are small, the standard MMU of 0.5 ha was reduced to 0.25 ha. Even at 

this reduced MMU size, however, several small VBS units remain as inclusions to neighboring 

vegetation types (often forests) further inland. Furthermore, inclusions of the Great Lakes Shore 

Sandstone Cliff (VSC), which are sandstone cliff ledges elevated >3 m directly above the shores 

of Lake Superior, are common within VBS. (An MMU of 0.25 ha was applied to VSC as well.)

Likewise, when VSC was mapped, often inherent were inclusions of VBS. In addition, there 

were occasions when VBS and VSC met the MMU criteria only when they were combined, in 

which cases they were mapped together and the unit assigned was the map class best 

representing the majority of the area. The idea here was to map as much VBS and VSC within

the sparse vegetation map classes as possible, even if it meant combining the two in order to

reach an MMU. Otherwise, these two classes would be lost as inclusions within various mapclass units landward.

Mapping of the VBS map class was somewhat rare to APIS–mapped on only a half dozen 

islands. VBS was mapped nominally on Bear, Devils, Sand, and Stockton and more prevalently

on the eastern shores of both North Twin and Outer. No VBS was mapped on the mainland 

shores.

For AA, the VBS map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Devils Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-86

Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff (VSC)

The Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff (VSC) map class represents the Sandstone Great Lakes 

Shore Cliff Sparse Vegetation Association (CEGL002503) in the NVCS. This map class captures 

sandstone bedrock cliff ledges directly above the shores of Lake Superior. Ledges are elevated 

>3 m above the lake and thus receive little direct lake moisture. Although with sparse vegetation 

that contributes <10% cover, these bedrock cliffs are home to a variety of plants that are mostly 

herbaceous but that also includes dwarf-shrubs, mosses, and lichens. These plants take hold in 

small cracks and crevices within the sandstone bedrock ledges.

Because most VSC areas are small, the standard MMU of 0.5 ha was reduced to 0.25 ha. Even at 

this reduced MMU size, however, several small VSC remain as inclusions within neighboring 

vegetation types (often of forests) further inland. Furthermore, inclusions of the Great Lakes 

Sandstone Bedrock Shore (VBS), which are sandstone ledges nearer the elevation of Lake 

Superior, are common within VSC. (An MMU of 0.25 ha was applied to VBS as well.) 

Likewise, when VBS was mapped, often inherent were inclusions of VSC. In addition, there 

were occasions when VSC and VBS met the MMU criteria only when they were combined, in 

which cases they were mapped together and the unit assigned was the map class best 

representing the majority of the area. The idea here was to map as much of VSC and VBS within

the sparse vegetation map classes as possible, even if it meant combining the two in order to 

reach an MMU. Otherwise, these types would be lost as inclusions within various map-class 

units landward.

Mapping of the VSC map class was rare to APIS–mapped only on four islands. VSC was 

mapped nominally on Bear and York and more prevalently on the northeastern and eastern 

shores of Stockton and the eastern and western shores of Devils. No VSC was mapped on the 

mainland shores.

For AA, the VSC map class was assessed independently of all other map classes.

Devils Island
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-87

Developed Area (NDV)

The Developed Area (NDV) map class falls under the Developed Vegetation Cultural Class (8)

of the NVCS and is defined in the NVCS to Level 3, Other Developed Urban / Built Up 

Vegetation Formation. From there, finer break outs are defined with the use of modifiers to 

depict varying amounts of impervious surface in developed areas. These modifiers represent 

classes 21–24 in the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) 2001. The NDV map class captures 

areas having regular human use. Examples at the APIS include roads and their right-of-ways,

homesteads and farmsteads, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launches, and various APIS 

grounds, such as lighthouses, ranger stations, visitor centers, and building structures.

Mapping of the NDV map class was mostly nominal on islands and common on the mainland. 

NDV mapping on the mainland consisted mostly of roads. Mapping of NDV occurred on about 

half of the archipelago, with many islands having only one unit mapped, often the lighthouse and 

grounds. Of the islands, Sand Island received the most mapping of NDV (infrequent as it still 

remains), with several private inholdings scattered along portions of the island’s shores.

Because NDV is a cultural vegetation map class, it was not assessed for accuracy.

The following sections describe NLCD classes 21–24, which were used to further attribute

(using a special modifier) the NDV map class. The High Intensity (24) class was not used for the 

mapping of APIS, yet remains included here for completeness and comparison purposes.

Definitions are taken from the NLCD.

Open Space–21 (O)

This class includes areas consisting mostly of vegetation in the form of lawn grasses but that also

have a mixture of some constructed materials. Impervious surfaces account for less than 20% of 

total cover. These areas most commonly include large-lot, single-family housing units, parks, 

golf courses, and vegetation planted in developed settings for recreation, erosion control, or 

aesthetic purposes.

Mainland–near Little Sand Bay
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-88

Low Intensity–22 (L)

This class includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Impervious 

surfaces account for 20–49% of total cover. These areas most commonly include single-family 

housing units.

Medium Intensity–23 (M)

This class includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Impervious 

surfaces account for 50–79% of total cover. These areas most commonly include single-family 

housing units.

Raspberry Island–Lighthouse Grounds

Mainland–Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-89

 

High Intensity–24 (H)

This class includes highly developed areas where people reside or work in high numbers. 

Examples include apartment complexes, row houses, and commercial/industrial facilities. 

Impervious surfaces account for 80–100% of the total cover.

No representative pictures were available.

Mainland–Little Sand Bay Recreation Area Mainland–Park Road
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-90

Stream & River (NSR)

The Stream & River (NSR) map class represents, in part, the Open Water (11) class in the NLCD 

2001. This map class captures open water streams and rivers. Sparse aquatic, submergent 

vegetation may be present (usually in shallower waters close to shorelines), but vegetation 

contributes <10% cover. When submergent vegetation contributed >10% cover, the Midwest 

Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV) map class was considered.

Mapping of the NSR map class was rare to APIS–mapped only on the mainland, including two 

small units near Meyers Beach and another unit of the Sand River above the Sand Bay complex.

The two units mapped near Meyers Beach are of two separate, small streams. These streams are 

of mappable width only as they meet the shores of Lake Superior, where they are semiimpounded by built-up sand along the lake’s shoreline. The one unit mapped of the Sand River is 

within the 400-m buffer beyond the APIS boundary. As it nears the Sand Bay wetland complex, 

the river becomes too narrow to map as it diffuses into the surroundings.

Because NSR is a non-vegetation map class, it was not assessed for accuracy.

Mainland – Saxine Creek
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-91

Open Water Pond (NWP)

The Open Water Pond (NWP) map class represents, in part, the Open Water (11) class in the 

NLCD 2001. This map class captures open water bodies that are <8 ha in area. When >8 ha, the 

Open Water Lake (NWL) map class was considered, which also represents, in part, the Open 

Water (11) class in the NLCD. These ponds are usually deep enough that vegetation is unable to 

take root. Wetland vegetation (emergent and/or aquatic) may be present, usually in shallower 

waters close to shorelines, but contributes <10% cover.

Usually, shallow ponds within beaver meadows and sandscape lagoons provide an environment 

for wetland vegetation and some aquatic vegetation to thrive. With aerial photography collected 

in October, much of the aquatic vegetation had senesced. In many instances, observable 

occurrences of aquatic vegetation were lacking on the aerial photographs. This posed a problem 

for mapping Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV) and Northern Water-lily 

Aquatic Wetland (HFA). Based on field experience, most shallow ponds appearing as open water 

on the aerial photographs were found with aquatic vegetation. Thus, the approach in mapping 

most shallow ponds appearing as open water on the aerial photographs was to assign the HSV 

map class. This was an aggressive effort to map aquatic vegetation based on likely locations.

One pond within the lagoon of the tombolo on Stockton Island provided an exception to the 

above convention. From field observation, it was determined that submergent vegetation was not 

present, as this open water body was too deep for vegetation to take root; therefore, this pond 

was classified as NWP.

Mapping of the NWP map class was rare to APIS–mapped only of the one small pond within the 

lagoon of the tombolo on Stockton Island.

Because NWP is a non-vegetation map class, it was not assessed for accuracy.

No representative pictures were available.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-92

Open Water Lake (NWL)

The Open Water Lake (NWL) map class represents, in part, the Open Water (11) class in the 

NLCD 2001. This map class captures open water bodies that are >8 ha in area and have <10% 

vegetation present. When areas were <8 ha in size, the Open Water Pond (NWP) map class was 

considered, which also represents, in part, the Open Water (11) class in the NLCD. The NWL

captures the Lake Superior waters along the mainland and surrounding every island of the 

archipelago. One other location thought to meet NWL criteria is the larger, shallow water body 

within the Outer Island sandscape lagoon. Usually, shallow ponds—particularly those of beaver 

meadows, but also within sandscape settings, too—provide an environment for wetland 

vegetation and some aquatic, submergent vegetation to thrive.

With aerial photography collected in October, much of the submergent and floating-leaved 

aquatic vegetation had senesced. In many instances, observable occurrences of aquatic 

vegetation were lacking on the aerial photographs. This posed a problem for mapping Midwest 

Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (HSV) and Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland 

(HFA). Based on field experience, most shallow ponds appearing as open water on the aerial 

photographs were found with aquatic vegetation. Thus, the approach in mapping most shallow 

ponds appearing as open water on the aerial photographs was assigned to the HSV map class. 

This was an aggressive effort to map aquatic vegetation based on likely locations.

The Outer Island sandscape lagoon is the exception to the above convention. From field 

observation, it was determined that submergent vegetation was not evident in this large, open 

body of water within a sandscape setting.

Mapping of the NWL map class was common throughout APIS–mapped around every island and 

the mainland. Only one unit of NWL was mapped interior to an island, the sandspit lagoon on 

Outer Island.

Because NWL is a non-vegetation map class, it was not assessed for accuracy.

Stockton Island–Presque Isle Bay
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-93

Sand & Cobble Beach (NSB)

The Sand & Cobble Beach (NSB) map class represents the Barren Land (31) class in the NLCD 

2001. This map class captures sand, cobble, and rock-boulder shorelines of Lake Superior that

largely lack vegetation. These locations have persistent and direct impacts from Lake Superior 

such that vegetation types cannot establish. When vegetation was present, particularly on sandy 

beaches with American beachgrass as the primary vegetation, the Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

(HAB) map class was considered.

Mapping of the NSB map class was intermittent throughout APIS–mapped commonly at sandy 

shorelines and sandspits on two-thirds of the archipelago, as well as the shorelines of the 

mainland. NSB was mapped nominally on many of the islands, whereas it was mapped more 

extensively on others. The northern perimeter of Long Island and the eastern perimeter of Rocky 

Island were almost completely mapped as NSB. Sandscapes, large or small, were typically 

mapped as NSB along their shores–most notably, the double tombolo of Stockton Island and the 

sandspits of Michigan Island and Outer Island. About a third of the shoreline (the longest stretch 

of the Meyers Beach area) of the mainland was mapped as NSB.

Because NSB is a non-vegetation map class, it was not assessed for accuracy.

 Michigan Island–near lagoon Rocky Island–western shoreline
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-94

 Mainland–Sand Bay Stockton Island–Tombolo (Julian Bay)

Stockton Island–Tombolo (Julian Bay)
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-95

Table E-2. Map classification listing, sorted alphabetically by map-class code, used for the Apostle 

Islands National Lakeshore vegetation mapping project.

Map-class Code Map-class Name

DBH Great Lakes Beach-heather Dune Dwarf-shrubland

DJD Great Lakes Juniper Dune Shrubland

DLF Leatherleaf Poor Fen

DLS Leatherleaf - Sweetgale Shore Fen

FAC Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest

FAM Aspen - Birch / Sugar Maple - Mixed Hardwoods Forest

FBA Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp

FBF Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer phase)

FBR Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest

FBS Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest

FCA White-cedar - Black Ash Swamp

FCC White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer phase)

FCM White-cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

FCS White-cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp

FDX Hardwood Ruderal Forest

FFB Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (conifer - hardwood phase)

FHC Hemlock Mesic Forest

FHM North-Central Hemlock - Hardwood Forest

FHS Hemlock - Yellow Birch Swamp Wet-Mesic Forest

FJB Jack Pine / Blueberry / Feathermoss Forest

FJM Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush-honeysuckle Forest

FJO Jack Pine - Northern Pin Oak Forest

FMB Maple - Yellow Birch Northern Hardwoods Forest

FMT Northern Maple - Basswood Forest

FMX Conifer - Hardwood Ruderal Forest

FOM Northern Red Oak - Sugar Maple Forest

FPB Paper Birch / Fir Forest

FPD Great Lakes Dune Pine Forest

FPE Conifer Plantation

FPO Northern Pin Oak - (Bur Oak) Forest

FRA Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

FRM Red Maple - Ash - Birch Swamp Forest

FRP Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest

FSS Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (black spruce phase)

FTP Black Spruce - Tamarack / Labrador-tea Poor Swamp (tamarack phase)

FTR Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp

FWA White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest

FWH Great Lakes White Pine - Hemlock Forest

FWM White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest

FWP White Pine / Blueberry Dry-Mesic Forest
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes E-96

Map-class Code Map-class Name

FYB Yellow Birch - (White Spruce) Forest

HAB Great Lakes Beachgrass Dune

HCC Bluejoint Wet Meadow

HFA Northern Water-lily Aquatic Wetland

HMX Ruderal Grassland

HPB Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (barrens phase)

HPW Great Lakes Coast Pine Barrens (woodland phase)

HSG Northern Sedge Wet Meadow

HSS Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen

HSV Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland

HWM Wet Meadow Mixed Herbaceous

NDV Developed Area

NSB Sand & Cobble Beach

NSR Stream & River

NWL Open Water Lake

NWP Open Water Pond

SAS Gray Alder Swamp Shrubland

SAW Alder - Willow Shore Fen

SDX Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

SMX Conifer - Deciduous Ruderal Shrubland

VBS Great Lakes Sandstone Bedrock Shore

VEB Eroding Clay Bank

VSC Great Lakes Shore Sandstone Cliff
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form F-1

Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form

Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form F-3

NATIONAL PARK VEGETATION MAPPING PROGRAM: ACCURACY ASSESSMENT POINT FORM

IDENTIFIERS/LOCATORS

Field Point Code ______________________________________ Database Point Code ____________________________________

State _____ Park Name _______________________________________ Park Site Name ________________________________

Quad Name _________________________________________________________ Quad Code _____________________________

Primary Veg Assoc Name _____________________________________________________________________________________

Secondary Veg Assoc Name ___________________________________________________________________________________

Other Veg Assoc within 50 m __________________________________________________________________________________

Classification Comments:

GPS file name ______________ Field UTM X ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m E Field UTM Y ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m N

 GPS Error ________________ m

please do not complete the following information when in the field

Corrected UTM X ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m E Corrected UTM Y ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ m N UTM Zone________

Survey Date _____________ Surveyors ___________________________________________________________________________

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Elevation ____________________________ Slope _____________________________ Aspect _____________________________

Topographic Position

Landform

Environmental Comments (including hydrology): Unvegetated Surface: (please use the cover scale below)

___Bedrock

___Litter, duff

___Wood (> 1 cm)

___Large rocks (cobbles, boulders > 10 cm)

___Small rocks (gravel, 0.2-10 cm)

___Sand (0.1-2 mm)

___Bare soil

___Other: ___________________________________

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

Leaf phenology 

(of dominant stratum)

Trees and Shrubs

___Evergreen

___Cold-deciduous 

___Drought-deciduous

___Mixed evergreen - cold-deciduous

___Mixed evergreen - drought-deciduous

Herbs

___Annual

___Perennial

Leaf Type

(of dominant stratum)

___Broad-leaved

___Needle-leaved

___Mixed broad-leaved/Needle leaved

___Microphyllous

___Graminoid

___Forb

___Pteridophyte

Physiognomic class

___Forest

___Woodland

___Shrubland

___Dwarf Shrubland

___Herbaceous

___Nonvascular

___Sparsely Vegetated

Cover Scale for 

Unvegetated Surface

01 5%

02 10%

03 20%

04 30%

05 40%

06 50%

07 60%

08 70%

09 80%

10 90%

11 100%
Appendix F: Accuracy Assessment Form F-4

Strata Height Cover Dominant species (mark any known diagnostic species with a * ) Cover

Class Class

T1 Emergent _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

T2 Canopy _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

T3 Sub-canopy _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

S1 Tall shrub _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

S2 Short Shrub _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

S3 Dwarf-shrub _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

H Herbaceous _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

N Non-vascular _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

V Vine/liana _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

E Epiphyte _____ _____ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Comments

Cover Scale: Height Scale:

Strata and Species Strata

01 5% 0 <0.5 m

02 10% 02 0.5-1 m

03 20% 03 1-2 m

04 30% 04 2-5 m

05 40% 05 5-10 m

06 50% 06 10-15 m

07 60% 07 15-20 m

08 70% 08 20-35 m

09 80% 09 35-50 m

10 90% 10 >50 m

11 100%
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table G-1

Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table

National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table G-3

Explanation of the Contingency Matrix

The accuracy assessment contingency matrix for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

vegetation map layer is an array of numbers set out in rows and columns to compare results of 

vegetation types represented on the map layer to vegetation types as verified on the ground.

Map-class codes are used to identify vegetation types for ease of comparison during the analysis.

(A crosswalk between map classes and vegetation types is provided in the main report and in 

Appendix E: Descriptions of Map Classes. The crosswalk reveals the various vegetation types 

assigned to the map-class codes that are used to label vegetation types in this contingency table.)

The columns represent vegetation types in the National Vegetation Classification Standard 

(NVCS). These columns tabulate the producer’s accuracy by showing errors of exclusion 

(omission errors) present in the map. The rows represent the map classes listed by their 

respective map-class codes. (Again, refer to the crosswalk for map class-names and links to 

vegetation types.) These rows tabulate the users’ accuracy by showing errors of inclusion

(commission errors) present in the map.

The following contingency matrix is formatted to a tabloid-size page (11” x 17”) in landscape 

orientation.
National Park Service Vegetation Inventory Program Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Appendix G: Accuracy Assessment Contingency Table G-4

MAP CODES FPD FJB FRP FWH FWP FWM FCC, 

FCM FBS FFB, FBF FSS, FTP FCS FHS FMB FYB FMT FPO FOM FPB FBR FAC FAM FBA FRM FTR FJM FJO FRA FWA FHC FHM FCA SAS SAW DBH DJD DLS DLF HAB HWM HCC HSG HSS HPB, 

HPW HSV, HFA VSC VBS VEB TOTAL

USERS' 

ACCURACY

FPD 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FJB 4 1 5 80% 41% 119%

FRP 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FWH 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FWP 1 3 4 75% 27% 123%

FWM 2 2 100% 75% 125%

FCC, FCM 49 2 1 1 1 4 58 84% 76% 93%

FBS 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FFB, FBF 1 1 23 1 2 1 29 79% 65% 93%

FSS, FTP 28 1 1 30 93% 84% 102%

FCS 3 2 5 60% 14% 106%

FHS 1 1 3 5 60% 14% 106%

FMB 43 1 1 2 47 91% 84% 99%

FYB 1 1 100% 50% 150%

FMT 1 1 100% 50% 150%

FPO 2 2 100% 75% 125%

FOM 4 22 1 27 81% 67% 96%

FPB 1 1 2 4 25% -23% 73%

FBR 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FAC 20 20 100% 98% 103%

FAM 2 27 29 93% 84% 103%

FBA 1 3 19 1 24 79% 63% 95%

FRM 2 1 24 27 89% 77% 101%

FTR 5 5 100% 90% 110%

FJM 3 3 100% 83% 117%

FJO 4 4 100% 88% 113%

FRA 4 4 100% 88% 113%

FWA 1 1 2 1 15 3 5 28 54% 36% 71%

FHC 1 15 16 94% 81% 107%

FHM 31 31 100% 98% 102%

FCA 1 1 3 5 60% 14% 106%

SAS 1 27 1 1 30 90% 79% 101%

SAW 1 20 21 95% 85% 105%

DBH 4 4 100% 88% 113%

DJD 5 5 100% 90% 110%

DLS 1 4 23 1 1 30 77% 62% 91%

DLF 7 7 100% 93% 107%

HAB 30 30 100% 98% 102%

HWM 29 2 31 94% 85% 102%

HCC 4 1 5 80% 41% 119%

HSG 2 2 15 19 79% 61% 97%

HSS 4 4 100% 88% 113%

HPB, HPW 5 5 100% 90% 110%

HSV, HFA 2 13 15 87% 69% 104%

VSC 2 2 4 50% -4% 104%

VBS 3 1 4 75% 27% 123%

VEB 18 18 100% 97% 103%

Total 5 4 6 7 3 2 52 6 27 29 9 4 50 2 1 2 24 3 5 25 31 21 25 6 3 4 4 16 19 42 3 30 25 4 5 23 8 30 33 8 17 4 7 13 2 5 19 673

PRODUCERS' ACCURACY 100% 100% 83% 71% 100% 100% 94% 83% 85% 97% 33% 75% 86% 50% 100% 100% 92% 33% 100% 80% 87% 90% 96% 83% 100% 100% 100% 94% 79% 74% 100% 90% 80% 100% 100% 100% 88% 100% 88% 50% 88% 100% 71% 100% 100% 60% 95%

90% Confidence Interval - 90% 88% 50% 36% 75% 99% 88% 50% 72% 89% 2% 27% 77% -33% 50% 75% 80% -28% 90% 65% 76% 78% 88% 50% 83% 88% 88% 81% 61% 61% 83% 79% 65% 88% 90% 98% 62% 98% 77% 15% 72% 88% 36% 96% 75% 14% 84%

90% Confidence Interval + 110% 113% 117% 107% 125% 101% 101% 117% 98% 104% 65% 123% 95% 133% 150% 125% 103% 95% 110% 95% 99% 103% 104% 117% 117% 113% 113% 107% 97% 86% 117% 101% 95% 113% 110% 102% 113% 102% 99% 85% 104% 113% 107% 104% 125% 106% 106%

OVERALL ACCURACY = 87.7% KAPPA INDEX = 87.2 KAPPA INDEX LOWER 90% CONFIDENCE LEVEL = 85.0 KAPPA INDEX UPPER CONFIDENCE LEVEL = 89.4

FIELD SAMPLES - REFERENCE DATA COMISSION

90% Confidence 

Intervals

MAP DATA - PREDICTION DATA OMISSION

589

Total Samples = 673

Total Correct = 590
The Department of the Interior protects and manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and 

other information about those resources; and honors its special responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated 

Island Communities.

NPS 633/102524, May 2010
National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Natural Resource Program Center

1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 150

Fort Collins, CO 80525

www.nature.nps.gov

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