North Central Research Station - Experimental Forests
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North Central Research Station
1992 Folwell St. (651) 649-5000 |
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![[image:] Map shows location of Big Falls Experimental Forest in North central Minnesota.](/peth04/20041016013055im_/http://ncrs.fs.fed.us/ef/images/maps/BigFalls_1.gif)
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Big Falls Experimental ForestMinnesota DNR land, MN
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Climate
Soil types
Vegetation types
Long-term data bases
Research – past and current
Major research accomplishments
Collaborators
Research opportunities
Facilities, contact address, location
Brief introduction
The Big Falls Experimental Forest was established in 1961 entirely on state land. The land was set aside primarily for management of black spruce swamp stands. Research goals included: silvicultural studies, harvesting and utilization studies, and economic studies.
Climate
The average annual rainfall is 64.3 cm and the average annual temperature is 3.7°C.
Soil types
This information has not been compiled yet.
Vegetation types
Primary overstory species are black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina), with associated understory vegetation: alder (Alnus spp.), bog birch (Betula pumila), blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), calamus (Acorus calamus), sedges, (Carex spp.), grasses (Poa spp., Bromus spp., Calamagrostis spp.), labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), raspberry (Rubus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), and moss (Sphagnum spp.).
Long-term data bases
We are not aware of any.
Research – past and current
Black spruce regeneration, growth and yield, cutting methods, prescribed burning studies, and general wetland ecology.
Major research accomplishments
Review of the research from this Forest has not been completed.
Collaborators
Lake States Forest Experiment Station (now part of the USDA Forest Service North Central Research Station), Minnesota State Division of Forestry.
Research opportunities
No formal program currently exists. Proposals may be directed to the contact person.
Facilities, contact address, location
Contact information:
Dr. Brian Palik
USDA Forest Service
North Central Research Station
1831 Hwy. 169 E
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-7116
Fax: 218-326-7123
e-mail:
Brian Palik
USDA Forest Service - North Central Research Station
Last Modified: Thursday, 19 February 2004