(6
qY4
A PLAN FOR THE SILVICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
OF STAR ISLAND IN THE MINNESOTA
NEUE EAU ane
BV TO Sie 0). aso) ce eo ee
GEORGE CHESTER MORBECK®
1915
SUPPLEMENTARY
MATERIAL,
A LLAL
Ox"
FO THT SILVICULTURAL WADACE EL
STAR ISLAND IN Tue WILLS SCTA
NATIONAL #FCRAST.
A
+3
THESIS
FRUSAINTAD FCR THA DEGRES OF
MASTER Of FORTS TRY
by
Geo. C. liorbeck
le Ae C., 1904
—_—_=—-— = aap
1915.
THESIS
Ae
C.
Ll. PRU LIMINARY MATTERS. rage.
STAR ISLAND - Location and Size -------------------- 1
HISTORICAL CONSID=ERé TIONS -------------------------- 2
1. The Creation of the Minnesota National ¥orest -- 2
The “Morris Act" of June 27,1906 ------------ 2
The amendrent to the "Morris Act" ----------- 4.
liay £3, 1908.
The above laws and their effects ------------ 5
briefly summarized.
2. Alienations -----------------------------------.- 6
3. Harly surveyS ---------------------------------- 7
Lan@ office survey lines -------------------- 7
List of lands by tovnship and sections ------ 8
Other SurveyS -----------------------------=- 8
4. Harly Uses of the Forest ---~------------------- 8
5. Present and future Uses of the rorect ---------- 9
6. The Revenucs Derived --------------------------- 10
GONARAL PEYSICGrArHIC FEATURES ------------------ --- 10
1. Topopraphy +------------------------------------ 10
Highland or bluff --------------------------- 11
Swamp and marsn +---------------------------- ll
Tyres (4)
26 sSuriace ---------------------------------------- 12
Se Drainesce --------------------------------------- 13
4. Soil Conditions -------------------------------- 13
5. Climate ---------------------------------------- 14
Temperature and seasons --------------------- 15
trecipitation ------------------------------- 15
WANGS setae een ne rn re te 16
SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CCNSIDTRATIONS --------------- 16
1. Fopulation ------------------------------------- 16
Density - distribution ------------------------- 16
Nativity ------------------------ --------------- 16
Thrift, etc, -----------------------------=------ 17
Occupations -------------------—--------------+--- 17
Lumbering and-milling ----------------------- 1”
Agricultural pursuits ----------------------- 17
Manufecturing, etC@. ~------------ 9-2 --------- 18
£e Decendence of Inhabitants on Forest Industries-- 18
Se The Lumber Industry ---------------------------- 18
a. Logging ----~--------------------------------- 18
Methods --------------------~------------ 18
Cost of each operation ----------------- 19
Tabor, and wages paid ------------------ 20
b. The value of ¢gtumpare and prices paid for logs 21
@. Marxets for forest products ----------------- ce
°
TABLA Ca" CCNDEA™N TS.
G1U2935
B.
Cc.
Ae
de Pilling a ee ee ee ee ee wen wee we ee ee ee oes es ee ee ee ee ee oe ae ee ee oe es ee we ee ee oe os es es £9
sresent milline cperations --------------- RO
Metnods ---------------------------- Lo
COSTS -ne eH anne n- - -- - - - + = - = 24.
e. The tox factory -------~-------------=---=------ £5
Naterial used anc dimensions ------------- £5
The manufecture of fox shooks ------------ 25
Labor employed ----------~----------------- ZO
f. The present prices of lumber at Cass ILaxe ---- 26
Red pine (listed by frades --------------- £
ge. Markets for the manufacture? product --------- 27
Lurber --2-<<<<-<--- sent ne ea eee eee ne -- a7
Local --- --2- 2-2 - - e - - - --- ot
Dietant se-\------------------------ m¢
Box ChooksS #------------------------------ £8
4. Trantyportation Facilities and Freight Rates ----- £8
A DIGZST Of RECOLTTAISSANCZ FIELD AID OFFICE WORK ---- £9
le Time ---«8——-—-+~—..-..--1 ee ee ee ee ee £9
2. Parties «-------------------------~--------------- 29
3e. Primary Control --------------------------------- 29
4. Method of Reconnaissance -----~-<-----~-----------. BO
5. Recording Data (with sheets, etc.) -------------- Zl
Jl. TH! PCREDT.
THe STAND: BY TYIES -------~-------------------------- 33
1. General Conditions ------------------------------ 33
ee The Pure iorway fine Type ----------------------- 34
3. The lure White tine Type ------------------------ 37
4. The liixed Pine Types --------------------—-------- 39
So. The Mixed dardwood Type -~----------------------- 40
6. Pure Hardwood Types ----<-------<----- meme wen 41
Birch se------0- = 92-2 2 ne enn - 5 - 4l
ASPON -3-]- een on ee - -- -- - - 42
THE GROWING STOCK, ----------------<- --- + ---------- + - 42
THES AGS CLASSES ------------------------------------- 42
The age claSS MAP ---- eee rn nee nn - H- - - ee - = 44
Limits of the age classes -----------~----------- 44
Present distribution of age classes ------------ 45
INCREM UND -------------------------------- ----------- 46
quality increment ------------------------------ 46
Frice increment -------------------------------- 46
Lil. TRSATMENT OF THE #SCRAST TO SECURE SUSTAINED YINLD.
THE OBJECTS TO Ba ATTALIIUND IN MANAGENIND #----------- 4”
le. The General Policy of the Forest Service -------- 47
The production of saw logs ------------------- 47
To put the land to its best use -------------- 47
To preserve the present attractiveness ------- 47
B.
C.
THS SEECITS TO FR USSD IN VMANAGREWERN]D ------+----------
1. The Wnite Line ---------------~~-~-~---~--------~-----
26 The Norway Fine #--------------------------------
3. Cther Sjecies «----------------------------------
HW SILVICULTURAL IMPQrObS RICO MND") --------------.-
1. A Discussion of Various lrossible Methods --------
The seed tree method ----~------~-~~~---~..- ~~~
The shelterwood system ---------------------.
Clear cutting and planting ----------------~--
2e The Silvicultural Systems Recormended -----------
3. The Rotation #-------.«-----~---~+--~~-.~... ~~.-~---
Factors affecting the choice of a rotation --
Technical vs. financial rotation ------------
The rotation age -man-8----------------------
4. Marking RuleS ----------------<------------------
5. Brush Disposal ----------------------------------
LV. TH REGULAL LON C# THs YISLD.
THE NCMUAL GROWING STOCK +----------------------------
1. The Determination of the Normal Growing Stock in
a Mature Forest ------- oe ee oe tee a oe ee en ee
£. Discussion of Methods of Determining the Normal
Growing Etoek -----------------------------------
3. The Normal Groving Stock ------------------------
TH: YIELD -------------------------------------------
1. Difficulties in the Determination cf the Yield --
2. Determination of the Annual Yield. ---------------
Se Dietritution of the Surplus Growing Stocx -------
DISTRIBUTICN OF TIT? YIELD ~---------------+-+----------+
le. The Division of the Island into Compartments and
Sub-Compartments -------- --------~------~+---+------
2. The General Stand Tatle --------~------------~-----
Je Cutting Plan for Vorkine Period -----------------
a. Table showing erese and amounts to cut
yearly.
Ve ADMINISTRATIVE FLAN.
Gencral Recommendations for the iroper Administration
on Star Island iinen zlaced under lianagenent as stove
Cutlined ---------- ---- 9-9-2 en en rn -
48
51
Og
o4
o4
D5
26
56
O17
58
58
59
60
63
62
64
65
66
66
67
68
S2CTICN 1.
PRELIMINARY MATTERS.
(A) LOCATICN AND SIZ.
Star Island lies in the midst of Cass Lake in
the Linnesota National Forest. It is located in the west-
ern portion of the lake, and is some distance from the
mainland at all points except in the northwest part where
Only a narrow stretch of shallow water separates the two.
The Island is situated about 2 miles due north of the town
of Cass Lake, the headquarters of the Forest, with which
it is connected ty a sutmerged teleyhone. During the sum-
mer months numerous launches ply tetween various points on
the Island and the docxs at Cass Lake, and in the .inter
communication is maintained on the ice.
Originally the tract was known as Cooper's Is-
land and on many government maps it is still so designated;
to the people living in the vicinity it is generally known
as Star Island, so called from its shape which is roughly
that of a star, having five main prongs extending more or
less prominently into the laxe.
Star Island comprises arproximately 1175.5 acres,
of which 185 acres are included within the boundaries of
Lake Helen, a body of clear, shallow water lying in the
northeastern part. Swamps and marshes occupy an area of
about 186.£ acres. The portion of the Island above high
water and upon which merchantable timber is found, compris-
es 804.3 acres or about 66.5% of the total area within its
boundaries.
ivy. ¥
The shore line is remarxably regular and very ex-
tensive, the latter due to the numerous long projecting
points. To one unfamiliar with the Island, it appears much
larger than it really is. From the end of one point to the
tips of others on the opposite side, is a journey of sever-
al miles.
(B) HISTORICAL CONSID=RATIONS.
Star Island is a very important part of the lMinn-
esota National Forest, for it is one of the tracts upon
which the timber shall remain uncut when the lands now with-
in the Forest boundaries are formally turned over by the
Interior Department to the Forest Service.
The history of the Island, in so far as it is of
importance in forest management, is coincident with that of
the larger unit. The early happenings are of no special in-
terest from a forestry standpoint and will not be considered
in this treatise.
(1) The Creation of the Minnesota National Forest.
The Minnesota National Forest was created by an
act of Congress, approved, June 27, 190c, and enjoys the
distinction of being the only National Forest originating
in that manner. All other Forests were created by presi-
dential proclamations under the Act of March 3, 1891. The
law first above named is known as the ‘Korris Act", and was
& law amending Section 5 of an act approved January 14, 1889,
relating to the affairs of the Chippewa Indians. The
"Morris Act" has been superceded by later legislation but
it is of sufficient historical interest to deserve mention,
and its principal provisions are set forth telow. After
having made provision for the cutting of the pine timber
standing upon the Indian reservations involved there follows:
"Provided further, That in cutting the timber on two
hundred thousand acres of the pine lands, to be selected as
s00n as practicable by the Forester of the Department of
Agriculture, with the approval of the Secretary of the In-
terior, on the following reservations, to wit, Chippewas of
the Mississippi, Leech Lake, Cass Lake, and Winnebigoshish,
which said lands so selected shall be known and hereinafter
described as ‘forestry lands,’ the purchases shall te re-
quired to leave standing five per centum of the pine timber
thereon for the purpose of reforestation, as hereinafter
provided, said five per centum to be selected and reserved
in such manner and under such rules and regulations as may
be prescribed by the Forester of the Department of Agricul-
ture and approved by the Secretary of the Interior: Pro-
vided further, That there shall te reserved from sale or
settlement the timber and land on the islands in Cass Lake
and in Leech Lake, and not less than one hundred and sixty
acres at the extremity of Sugar Point, on Leech Lake, and
the peninsula known as Pine Foint, on which the new Leech
Lake Agency is now located, which peninsula approximates
seven thousand acres, and in addition thereto ten sections
in area on said reservation last aforesaid, to be selected
by the Forester of the Department of Agriculture, with the
approval of the Secretary of the Interior, in lots not less
than three hundred and twenty acres each in contiguous areas,
and nothing herein contained shall interfere with the al-
lotments to the Indians heretofore and hereafter made. The
islands in Cass and Leech laxes and the land reserved at
Sugar Point and Pine Foint Peninsula shall remain as Indian
land under the control of the Department of the Interior."
"Rach purchaser (of Indian timber) ........ shall cut
clean and remove all the merchantable pine timber, whether
green or dead, standing or fallen ....... and to cut no tim-
ber other than pine ....... except such as may te absolute-
ly necessary in the economical conduct of the logging oper-
ations.“
The following is the section creating the Forest:
"After the merchantable pine timber on any tract, sub-
division, or lot shall have been removed, such tract, sub-
division, or lot shall, except on the forestry lands afore-
said, for the purposes of this Act, be classed and treated
as agricultural lands, and shall be open to homestead entry
in accordance with the provisions of this Act: Frovided,
-~ 3 =
That on the forestry lands aforesaid, as soon as the mer-
chantable pine timber now thereon shall have been removed
from any tract, subdivision, or lot, as herein provided,
such tract, subdivision, or lot shall, without further Act,
resolution, or proclamation, forthwith become and be part
of a forest reserve, the same as though set apart by pro-
clamation of the Fresident in accordance with the Act of
Congress avproved March third, eighteen hundred and ninety-
One, and subsequent laws amending and supplementing the
same, and shall be managed and protected in accordance with
their provisions and the rules and resulations made and to
be made in furtherance thereof: And provided further, That
on said forestry lands aforesaid said pine timber shall be
cut clean, except as to the five per centum as hereinbefore
provided, and removed under the supervision and direction
of the Forester of the Departnent of Agriculture, in ac-
cordance with rules and regulations to be prescribed by him
and approved by the Secretary of the Interior, and the said
Forester Snall have power at all times to patrol and protect
said lands and forests, and to enforce all rules and regu-
lations made by him as aforesaid." |
Provision is mace for the tlocking up of the For-
est by allowing the selection of agricultural lands within
the National Forest boundaries to the extent of 25,000 acres,
which land shall not subsequently be opened to settlement
or entry.
The law of January 14, 1989 relating to the af-
fairs of the Chippewa Indians was again amended *y the act
approved, May £2, 190&. This legislation accurately defines
the boundaries of the Minnesota National Forest, and is the
One under which the affairs of the Forest are now being con-
ducted.
The first section of the act sets forth clearly
the Forest boundaries which are as shown on Map A, accompany-
ing this treatise. The 10 sections mentioned in the earlier
law upon wnich the timbef¥ is to be reserved from sale are
expressly confirmed as part of the Forest. The islands and
points in Cass and Leech Laxes, reserved in the original
- 4 -~
act creating the Forest and placed under the juricdiction
of the Interior Departrent, are specifically included with-
in the National Yorest boundaries.
The cutting of the timber within the Forest is
provided for in the following:
"The Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized
to proceed with the sale of the rerchantable pine upon the
above described lands cutside of the 10 sections, said is-
lands and points ......... and reserving 10 per centum of
such timber from sale, said 10 per centum to be designated
by the Forester of the United States Department of Agri-
culture; and as to the timber on said 10 sections and said
islands and points the said Forester is authorized, under
such rules and regulations as he may prescrite from time
to time, to sell and dispose of so much of the standing
timber thereon as he may deem wise and advisable in the con-
duct of a National Forest."
A commission is provided for,which snall appraise
the pine timber left standing on the rorest after lumbering
operations shall have been completed - the 5% and the 10%
left standing for seeding purposes, and the reserved timber
on the 10 sections, islands and points - and the amount
finally determined upon, together with a sum to be paid for
the land at 1.25 per acre shall be paid by the Secretary
of the Treasury into the fund held in trust for the Chippewa
Indians. Provision is made in the law for the purchase of
Indian allotments located within the Forest, out of moneys
derived from the sale of forest products which may proyerly
be disposed of by the Forest Service.
A careful study of the above legislation reveals
the following:
The Minnesota National Forest includes within its
boundaries £94,000 acres of land, from all of which, with
ns
with the exception of the 5% provided in the first act anda
the 10% provided in the act of May 23, 1908, reserved for
seeding purposes, and the 10 sections and the islands and
points in Cass and Leech Lakes, the merchantable pine tin-
ter has been or is now teing removed. The hardwoods on the
entire tract were reserved from sale and this timber goes
with the lard at a total price of 1.25 per acre. Upon the
completion of the cutting of the pine timber within the
boundaries of the Forest, the Indians will be paid for the
pine remaining and the land out of funds in the treasury
of the United States. The cutting of the timber will be
completed in the year 1918, and until that time the work
on the Forest will be largely protective, together with
some nursery and planting work. Larger operations cannot
be undertaken since the area is not yet fully under the
control of the Forest Service. The FPorest has been organ-
ized since its creation in 1902.
(2) Alienations.
Star Island is not all government land. Frior to
the creation of the Forest, two allotments had been made to
Indians on the tract. Fortunately, however, the allotments
are small ones, and they will not seriously interfere with
the proper management of the area. In this working plan
they have been included as part of the tract to be placed
under silvicultural management. Frovision was made in the
act creating the Forest for the purchase of allotments, and
it is quite likely that the Government will subsequently
come into possession of these alienated areas. The allot-
- 6 -«
ments embrace about 50 acres in the south portion of the Is-
land. One is owned by an Indian woman, and the other, occupy-
ing a beautiful hardwood point overlooking the lake, is the
property of the "Soo" railroad. The Company had planned to
erect a summer hotel on the land but have abandoned the pro-
ject. The alienated tracts are shown in color on the topo-
graphy and improvement map accompanying this working plan.
Several small areas on the high point extending
northeastward were cleared for farming purposes by the In-
diams, but have long since been abandoned. The land is now
covered with an oven stand of sumac and other shrubs, and
small trees, but the evidences of cultivation are still plain-
ly visible. These areas are not allottsd but remain a part
of the Forest.
(3) arly Surveys.
The townships within which Star Island lies were
Surveyed years ago, and the original survey lines are dif-
ficult to trace. The corner common to sections 1, <, 35 and
36 on the township line was located almost exactly, since
three of the original bearing trees are yet standing and the
markings upon them may be easily discerned. The quarter cor-
ner one-half mile west was also approximately located. Tie
township line across the entire iSland was retraced and
tagged and made to serve as a base line for the reconnais-
sance work wnich followed. No corners other than the two
mentioned ahove were located.
The Island, although comprising less land than is
contained in 2 full sections, is so located that there are
-~ F-
within its boundaries parts of eight different sections, ly-
ing in two townships. The bulk of the area lies within Cec-
tion 34, Township 146 North, Range 31 Hast, 4th F.l., as may
be observed from the tatle below:
The Land Included within the Roundaries of
otar Island Listed by Legal Subdivisions.
Township 145 North, Range 31 Nast, 4th P. iM.
Section 1 ----------------=-- 19.6 acres.
Section 2 --------~---------- 120.0 "
Total in township -------------------- 139.6 acres.
Township 146 North, Range 31 Fast, 4th P. IM.
section 25 ---------------- 61.5 acres.
Section 26 ---------------- 29.6 +"
Section 27 ---------------- 121.5 "
Section 34 ---------------- 92.0 "
Section 35 ---------------- 551.0 "
Section 36 ---------------- 180.3 "
Total in township -------------------- 1035.9 acres
Total acreage of Island -------------- 1175.5 "
Surveys have been made of Cass and otner laxes at
the headwaters of the Mississippi, to determine treir value
as reservoirs for storage purposes. “Xvidences of th: se sur-
veys are not often encountered, and they have no particular
value in forest managene nt.
(4) Early Uses of the Forest.
The forest on Star Island is a virgin tract of tine
and hardwood timber. irevious to 1902 when it was taken over
by the Forest Eervice the Island was a part of the Cass Lake
=~ § =
Indian Reservation, under the jurisdiction of the Depart-
ment of the Interior. It was simply a tract of wild land
owned by the Indians, and sufficiently out of the path of
beaten travel that it wae only rarely visited. The Indians
along about the middle of the last century cultivated small
patches of land in tr north east corner. The hard maples
on the south side of the Island are badly injured through
the yearly crude tapping of the trees to obtain the sap for
syrup and sugar making. The wooded areas are annually
visited by Indians and others during the berry season and
great quantities of blueberries and raspberries are gathered
for home consumption and the market.
(5) Present and Future Uses of the Forest.
Within recent years the Island has become quite a
popular summer resort. Along the South teach and on the
bluffs of the east and west sides, many summer cottages have
been built by people living in Cass Laxe and other near-rhy
towns. A large hotel affords accommodations to transient
summer visitors. The value of the tract as a resort is
largely due to the primaeval forest vwhich it bears, and it
is the policy of the Forest Service to maintain this con-
dition perpetually. The plan for the silvicultural manage-
ment of the Island as outlined in succee ding pages does not
take into account the valne of the forest from an aesthetic
or recreative standpoint, tut treats the area purely as a
tract upon which timber is to te perpetuated for its prin-
cipal value, that of producing wood supplies. All other
- 9 -«-
uses of the forest will be subordinate to silvicultural
management.
(6) The Revenues Derived.
The revenues derived from tne sale of timber con-
sists in the money received from one sale of dead, down and
diseased timber, a; proximately 1,000,000 feet b.m. made in
1907. Except for one or two small areas cut clean on ac-
count of insect infestation and whic: are not now regenerat-
ing, there are no evidences of this early sale. The money
derived from the Sale was paid into the treasury of the
United States for the benefit of the Indians.
The Forest Service receives an annual rental of
35.00 for each lot upon which summer residences have been
erected. No other revenues are derived from the Island.
The expenditures to date have not been large. A ranger sta-
tion costing about $500.00, a very serviceable dock extend-
ing 60 feet into the lake, a submarine telephone line, and
@ few trails, constitute the principal improvements con-
structed by the Forest Service in recent years.
(C) GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES.
(1) Topography.
Star Island may be divided toporgrarnically into
three general types: highland, lowland or plain, and marsh
land or swamp. Althoush the greatest elevation found is less
than fifty feet above the level of the lake, the tyres are
generally sharply defined.
The highlands comprise the higher parts of the Is-
land, of which there are three main bodies: the long and nar-
- 10 -~
row point which stretches northeastward into the lake; a well
defined area in the southeastern portion; and a wide strip
extending across the central part of the Island, occupying
roughly one=-third of the thole area. Besides these main
bodies there are a few small isolated tracts having lower
elevations. The hishlands are usually flat-topped, or at
least only gently sloping and show but little variation in
elevation. Their slopes are uniformly very abrupt along
the lake shore - much more abrupt than the linee on the
contour map indicate - but landward they are often gentle
and there is no sharp line of demarcation between the hifh-
lands and the flats.
The highland type in the weet half of the island
is badly troken hy numerous small ¢ewamps, marshes and "pot-
holes", and consequently the general toporraihy is very ir-
refular.
The lowland or plains type occupies a much emaller
area than the nighiamds. They comprise all the low flat
areaS which do not normally overflow, anda, therefore, support
a ty.rical dry-land flora. The majority of the flat lands
range in elevation from 15 to 5 feet above the normal lake
level. They are cnaracteristically horizontal or at lees
only gently sloping, snd lie tetween the higher areas, or
at one side along the lakes.
The swamps of the Island may te either artificial
or natural. Dams placed acroces the l*ississiz:pi lower down
in its course have caused the laze to rise several feet and
remain at this stare for long periods. itany areas alongs
~ ll -«=
ye
be ao
Photographed by Prof. G. B. MacDonak
A peat bog with Tamarack and Black Spruce forming an island on Star Island.
Covrtesy, Forest CLue ANNUAL. 15.C.
the shores of the lakes wnicn forrerly supported ty:ical
dry land vegetation are inundated, and are rapidly taxing
on the appearance of true swamps. The majority of the low
areas, however, are natural and support ty:ical swamp vege-~
tation.
There are four distinct tyres of Ewamps on the
Island; (1) the true marsh with its dense srowth of sedges
which constitues the bulk of the low areas; (2) the heath
bog, of which there are only one or two; (3) tne willow
swamp; and (4) the low areas once tree clad, but now semi-
Swamp due to the rise of tre water level. The three types
first names are entirely unproductive from a forestry stand-
point. The overflowed areas can be reclaimed by lowering
the gereral level of the lake.
The swamps are the only areas on the Island in-
capable of producing valuable tree growth. They are found
in all parts of the area, and range in size from the merest
patch of green at the bottom of a pothole, to tracts several
acres in extent, along the lake shores, especially in the
northwestern part. The total amount of swamp land within
the boundaries of the Island is approximately 186.¢é acres.
(2) The Surface.
The surface of the Island is everyvnere smooth.
There are no exposed rocks, cliffs or outcrops, and no
loose surface rocks of any description. At the foot of
the high banks along the lake shore, particularly of the
long point extending northeast, large boulders are numer-
ous but are only noticeable during low stages of water.
- 12 -
The merchantable down timber from windfalls and fire was sold
@® few years ago, and the ground is now comparatively clean
except on certain exposed areas which were badly hit by a
severe storm that blew down large numbers of trees in June,
1914.
(3) Drainage.
The generally low or gently sloping central por-
tion of the Island, which comprises the bulk of the area,
is very poorly drained. There are no evident watercourses
on the tract. The total precipitation, unless very heavy,
is absorbed inimediately by the loose, sandy soil. Erosion
is nowhere serious enough to be noticeable, even on the
steepest slopes. A large part of the rainfall drains into
Lakes Helen and the numerous marshes and swamps, and eventual-
ly into Cass Lake. On account of the very porous condition
of the soil, areas but a few feet above lake level are suf-
ficiently well drained to permit the full development of
forest vegetation.
(4) S011 Conditions.
The soil is fairly uniform in composition on each
of the various sites. It is of glacial origin, and the
coarse sand drift is evident on all parts of the Island.
Sand of various degrees of fineness composes the bulk of
the soil. Gravel is not commonly found on the surface, al-
though the coarser sands are plentiful especially on the
lower areas.
On white pine sites, wrich include all the higher
elevations of better soil, the sand has a large percentage
of clay in mixture and might be termed a light, Sandy loam.
The surface 2 or 3 inches of soil contains much humus in
varying degrees of decomposition, the result of the heavy
leaf fall and litter of the generally dense stand of under-
brush and inferior hardwood species - birch and poplar.
Uprooted trees expose a subsoil of a darker color, compact
and firm, am containing large quantities of clay. fhe sub-
soil lies from a foot to < feet below the surface, and is
often very hard and almost impervious to moisture.
Generally speaking, the best soil on the Island
is found on the high areas covered with hardwoods and white
pine, The hardwood soil is the richer, due to the greater
quantities of humus and its superior physical condition.
On the lowland type the soil is almost pure sand.
Where Norway pine predominates it contains practically no
humus, due in part to the numerous early ground fires. On
areas largely covered with traodleaf species, humus is much
more plentiful and the soil is richer and in good physical
condition.
The swamps and marshes have typical bog soils,
underlain with gravel or sand. The raising of the lais
level by damming the outlet, keeps the areas continuously
boggy and the surface is so soft in many places that it
will not sustain the wight of a man in walking.
(5) Climate.
The climate of northern ‘tinnesota is Similar to
that of other northern regions. The seasons are definite;
the winters are long and severe, the sunmers generally short
- 14 -~
and hot. Spring and Fall are delishtful ceasons; the weather
is fine and the surroundinss beautiful.
The winter temperature often reaches very low marks -
50 and 40 degrees telow zero are not uncommon. Snow falls in
November and covers the ground until March or April, often
tecoming several feet deep. “xcluding periods of extreme
cold weather, the winters are ideal for carrying on logging
operations.
Summer temperatures are extremely variable. fTer-
iods of exceedingly hot weather are common, the thermometer
during these times frequently recording 100 to 110 degrees
Fahrenheit. Cold spells are just as frequent, and for days
at ati.e during the height of the ceason the weather is un-
comfcrtably cool.
The precipitation is not as great as it is farther
south in the state. The normal amountis 25 inches’ for the
region about Cass Lake. The distribution of the precipita-
tion throushout the year varies greatly. eh ;
ey oe
-
PHoTo, ForestRY Derr. 1.S.C.
FIN Excerttentr STAND of Norway AnD Jack
PINES AwoutT BOYVEnRS OLD.
trees are in a thrifty condition and are carrying their
crowns well up above their less fortunate neighbors. the
timber is not of very good quality, owing to its youth and
the many persisting dead branches. There is very little
material in these stands suitable for saw timber, and none
of it should be cut for that purpose at present. A little
later the majority of the jack pine should be removed to
enable the renaining Norway to develop properly.
There is practically no reproduction in this type.
None is needed or desirable until near the end of the rota-
tion, Since the timber on each area is practically even aged.
(5) The Mixed Hardwood Type.
Mixed hardwoods comprise about 31% of the total
productive area of the Island. The principal species are
basswood, maple, elm, ash and oak. The three latter woods
are not abundant and form but a small portion of the stand.
The hardwood type is a typical selection forest with all
ages represented. The Lone point extending northeastward
into the lake is covered with a very thrifty young stand of
basswood, of even age from sprouts. This timber should be
allowed to grow at least through one rotation.
The surface and soil conditions in the mixed hard-
wood areas are Similar to those found in the white pine
types. The soil is of a somewhat better quality, due to
the larger amounts of humus and clay in admixture with the
Sand.
The ground cover is light in the dense stands and
consists mostly of weeds and low herbs. In the more open
a £0“ =
areas, hazel, dogwood, snowberry and other low shruts
often form dense thickets.
The timber is generally young, thrifty and in
good condition. The merchantable trees average about 14"
D.BeH. and will yield two logs. The hard maple is the most
important of the broadleaf species. It is found almost pure
on certain areas in the southeastern part of the Island.
fany of the trees have been badly damaged by the repeated
crude tapping by Indians to obtain the sap, otherwise the
timber is in good condition.
Basswood is the hardwood second in importance and
abundance on the Island. The majority of the trees of this
Species are just under merchantable size. The timber is
usually tall, straight, thrifty and in good conditica.
Oak, elm, hackberry, white ash and cottonwood
occur locally or scattered throughout the hardwood types
and are of little importance in the management of the for-
est.
(6) Pure Hardwood Tyyes.
Areas of pure hardwoods are confined principal-
ly to inferior species, paper birch and poplar.
Pure stands of birch occupy areas several acres
in extent and are found mostly in the central and eastern
portions of the Island. The trees range from 4 inches to
9 inches D. 3B. H. and are often found growing in very dense
stands. The type is temporary only and occupies land which
will eventually produce white or Norway pine through arti-
ficial or natural regeneration. It is quite likely that
a AT
most areas of birch will require stocking with pine artifi-
Gially, since the neightoring trees are mostly too old to
bear seed in abundance. Birch above 4" D. B. H. will even-
tually be used in making box shooks, novelties, for fuel
and for other purposes where it is adapted.
Foplar covers large areas of low-lying lands, and
many small areas of moist uplands. There are two species
of poplar commonly found: the large toothed aspen and the
quaking aspen, Cottonwood occurs at points along the shore.
The balsam poplar is occasionally encountered.
Foplar ranges from 4 inches to 10 inches D. B. Hd.
and from €5 to 50 feet tall. The type occupies sites wich
in many cases might te used more profitably for growing
trees of better species. Poplar tolts above 4" at the small
end are extensively used at the box factory in the manufac-
ture of shooks. In time, most of the areas now occupied by
roplar will te utilized for growing the more valuable crops
of pine timber.
(B) THE GROWING STOCK.
All timber 4" D. B. H. and over on 20% of the area
was actually calipered anc the diameters recorced in even
inch classes. Trees 10 inches and over PD. B. H., except the
poplars and tirches,were considered merchantable for saw |
timber. The smaller trees between 4 inches anc 10 inches
D. Be. He and all bireh and aspen timber were computed in
cubic feet which were afterward converted into cords, using 80
cubic ft.as the converting factor. “=stimates of the total
growing stock were then computed by srecies in toard feet
and cubic feet for every vhole and fractiOnal 10 acre plot
ecm eee
te
on the Island. The volume tables used in computing the es-
timates are tabulated in the appendix. '
A very important part of this working plan is the
maps and tables of the growing stock on the Island. The
following have been accurately prepared and accompany the
text:
1. An Estimate Map, showing the estimates in board
feet and cubic feet for every 10 acre tract or fractional
area on the Island.
Re A Compilation of the estimates by species for the
entire tract, showing the total volume of each species in
board feet and cubic feet.
3.