North Central Research Station - Experimental Forests

Pike Bay Experimental Forest Chippewa National Forest, MN 3,913 acres, Est. 1932 Contact: Brian Palik Management of aspen and mixed hardwoods.

Brief introduction

Pike Bay Experimental Forest is located on the Chippewa NF just east of Cass Lake, Minnesota. Research began on the forest in the late 1920’s before it was officially designated as an experimental forest in 1932. The forest is adjacent to the “ten-sections” area of the original Chippewa NF. Only dead trees were cut from the “ten-sections” area.

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Climate

The climate is continental. Maximum summer temperatures are 90+ °F with high humidity (80%) and minimum winter temperatures to 40°F below zero. Growing season length is 100-120 days. Annual precipitation is 20-25 inches—snow depths average 2-3 ft. Although prolonged summer droughts occur, there is usually adequate rainfall during the growing season.

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Soil types

Although variable, the soils have developed mainly in Guthrie till plain deposits covered to varying depths by a silt loam loess cap. The soil type is the Warba soil series—a good description can be found in Alban, Perala et al. (1991) and Shadis et al. (1995).

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Vegetation types

Much of the forest is dominated by mature to over-mature aspen (Populus tremuloides, 60 to 80 yrs old). These are among the most productive (site index 75 and higher at base age 50 years) aspen sites in northern Minnesota. Pike Bay once supported large white pine (Pinus strobus) and northern hardwoods; examples of each still remain.

Distributed throughout the forest are seasonal ponds. These areas vary greatly in the depth of water and duration of flooding during the growing season. The forest in these areas is generally more open. Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) is the most common tree species in these areas. Generally these areas are several acres or less in size.

The eastern edge of the forest is adjacent to the Bemidji Sand Plain, an area where fires (assumed to be related to burning by Native Americans) occurred more frequently. At least historically, the eastern side of the forest is believed to have had species more tolerant to burning (for example more white pine and red pine, Pinus resinosa). In the interior and western parts of the forest, fire was less common and vegetation more sensitive to fire. Fire has more or less been eliminated as a factor and the differentiation between these areas is not as obvious in the current vegetation.

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Long-term data bases

Long-term data bases exist for a number of projects. Not all are fully replicated, but the length of record makes them of value. There are a number of long-term records on aspen thinning research started in the 1940’s and 1950’s, but these studies are no longer active, and a number of these sites have been clearcut. Active studies for which long-term records are available (with approximate length of record) are:

• white pine thinning (45+ yrs of intermittent records);
• ABC aspen studies (established about 25 yrs ago, excellent pre-treatment and immediate post-treatment but have been inactive in recent years)
• long-term soil productivity in the aspen forest type (established about 10 yrs ago, excellent pre-treatment and post-treatment data);
• species comparison trials on same soils (established in the 1930’s, these plots were studied intensively in the 1970’s; however, no work is currently active)

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Research – past and current

Research began in the 1930’s, and plantations established then have provided important areas for studying and comparing forest and soil development in aspen, red pine and spruce growing on the same soils. Aspen research has been the most common on Pike Bay. Beginning in the 1940’s, aspen research has included thinning in young stands, prescribed burning, and effects of clearcutting on soil and stand productivity. Currently, the most active work is related to the long-term soil productivity study—this is one of three aspen sites in the study (others are in the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan). There is a small amount of work on white pine and red pine.

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Major research accomplishments

The aspen work over the years has been important in helping to develop and refine silvicultural prescriptions for aspen management. The long-term soil productivity research is important in setting guides regarding impacts of soil compaction on aspen growth. The work on thinning in white pine is the oldest research available in Minnesota for this forest type.

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Collaborators

Chippewa National Forest

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Research opportunities

Aspen research remains a major focus, and significant opportunities exist for continuing the ongoing work and beginning new research on other aspects of aspen silviculture and stand development.

The forest also provides opportunities for research on ecology and silviculture of northern hardwoods and mixtures of northern hardwoods-aspen/birch-white pine.

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Facilities, contact address, location

No on-site facilities—closest town is Cass Lake several miles to the west, and the nearest larger town is Bemidji. About 1 hr drive west of Grand Rapids on U.S. Highway 2.

The forest is located on the Chippewa NF. Road access is via the Cuba Hill Road (east side of forest) or the Pike Bay Loop Road (west side). There is a well-developed system of roads within the forest, but difficult to travel when wet.

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