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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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ISLE ROYALE |
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| General Description |
Isle Royale Biosphere Reserve and National Park is a remote island archipelago, situated in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior (Michigan). The park offers outstanding possibilities for research in a remote ecosystem where human influences are limited. In this respect, Isle Royale is world renowned for its long-term wolf (Canis lupus)/moose (Alces alces) predator/prey study. Vegetation is mainly of boreal conifer and northern hardwood forest type. In the cooler and wetter areas near Lake Superior, balsam fir (Abies balsamea), white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper balsam (Betula papyrifera) dominate the mature forest. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) dominate the warmer and drier sites in the interior of the biosphere reserve. The area’s waters contain the most productive native fishery and genetically diverse trout populations in Lake Superior. Timber harvest of white pine (Pinus strobus) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) for syrup has occurred in the past. Acid rain as well as high levels of PCB’s in the lakes may have severe impacts on the natural ecosystems. An atmospheric monitoring station is situated within the national park. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Lake systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | ||||
| Location | 47°48' to 48°16'N; 88°15' to 89°20'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 231,399 | |||
| Core area(s) | ||||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +184 to +425 | |||
| Year designated | 1980 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Isle Royale National Park National Park Service | |||
| Last updated: 3/11/2005 |
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