North Central Research Station - Experimental Forests

Argonne Experimental Forest Nicolet National Forest, WI 6,570 acres, Est. 1947 Contact: Terry Strong Management of second-growth northern hardwoods and balsam fir/aspen stands

Brief introduction

The Argonne Experimental Forest is located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest about 15 miles southeast of Three Lakes Wisconsin. The Experimental Forest was established in 1947. The forest is administered by Research Work Unit 4101 (Northern Forest Silviculture) at Grand Rapids, MN.

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Climate

The climate is continental. Average annual temperature is 40°F. Summer maximums of 90°F are common and winter minimums can reach -40°F. Average annual rainfall is 32 inches most of which occurs during the growing season. Snowfall averages 60 inches/year. The growing season averages about 100 days.

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Soil types

Three soil types dominate the Experimental Forest. They include: Iron River Loam, Carbondale peat, and Tawas sand.

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Vegetation types

The vegetation types vary according to the soil type. The Iron River loam supports northern hardwoods dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), basswood (Tilia americana), and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Other species found mixed in this type are white ash (Fraxinus americana), aspen (Populus tremuloides), black cherry (Prunus serotina), red oak (Quercus rubra), and ironwood (Ostrya virginiana). The Carbondale peat supports mixed lowland conifers dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina). Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and red pine (Pinus resinosa), aspen, and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) dominate the Tawas sand. Most stands of trees on the Experimental Forest are second-growth and even-aged. There are small areas of old growth northern hardwoods on the Forest.

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Long-term data bases

Many long-term data bases occur from projects on the Experimental Forest. However, only a few of these are currently active. The active studies include the Farm Woodlot Study, Cutting Methods Study, and the Red Maple Growth and Yield Study.

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Research – past and current

Research began in 1947. The primary objectives of most studies in the past and currently are to learn how to bring second-growth northern hardwoods under management. The Cutting Methods study (comparing 9 different types of cutting) is replicated, and is the highest priority study on the Experimental Forest. Research Projects at the Argonne:

• Cutting methods study. Effects of harvesting on ground flora, soil changes (carbon storage), tree growth and quality, biodiversity, forest health, regeneration and economics.
• Farm woodlot study. Currently, half of the study site is being managed to grow larger diameter trees, with an emphasis on cavity nesting wildlife.
• Shelterwood cutting near winter deeryards.
• Prescribed burning to regenerate yellow birch.
• Effects of deer exclosures on regeneration.
• Growing stock level experiment.
• Long-term seed production study on white spruce and larch.

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Major research accomplishments

Information from studies on the Experimental Forest have been used to develop management guides for northern hardwood forests in the Lake States. These guides are widely applied throughout the region. The Experimental Forest also serves as excellent demonstration to landowners and land managers interested in managing northern hardwoods.

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Collaborators

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,
Wisconsin DNR,
Menominee Tribal Enterprises, and
many industries and universities.

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Research opportunities

The Experimental Forest provides an opportunity to study the silviculture and ecology of the three main vegetation types. The active studies provide opportunities to make comparisons among treatments of many components of the forest.

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Facilities, contact address, location

There is a small field station located on the Experimental Forest. Currently, the building has no heat, water, or bathroom facilities. The primary access road to the Experimental Forest is Experimental Rd. (Forest Road 2184) about 1 mile northeast of Hiles, WI off of Hwy 32.

Contact information:
Terry Strong
Forestry Sciences Lab
5985 Highway K
Rhinelander, WI 54501
phone: 715-362-1124
e-mail: Terry Strong

USDA Forest Service - North Central Research Station
Last Modified: Thursday, 19 February 2004