Urban development is rapidly expanding into the subsection. Wheeler et al. Drought was found to cause mortality for two of the dominant species of the oak barrens and savannas, northern pin oak and bur oak. It is located between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, three large urban areas. There are many people building homes and businesses throughout the area due to easy access to all three cities.
Wetland conservation is another concern that is tied closely to urban development.
Another concern is a problem with oak wilt, a fungal disease that attacks and kills oak trees. There are numerous pockets of trees killed by oak wilt. Federal, state, county, and local governments are working to eradicate or control this fungal disease. All rights reserved.