Lac La Croix Research Natural Area

State:

Minnesota

County:

St. Louis

Forest:

Superior

District:

Lacroix

Established:

1942

Acres:

973

Description:

Upland boreal forests occupy most of the RNA. The distinguishing feature is the old-growth eatern white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (Pinus resinosa); one of the few remaining, largely unmodified tracts of high quality virgin pine in the Lake States.

Ecological Information

Physical and Climatic Conditions

Nearest weather station, with distance and direction from RNA:

Winton Power Plant is located 24 miles (38.4 km) south-southeast of the RNA.

Annual precipitation (type, seasonal distribution) :

Average annual precipitation is 27.5 inches (69.9 cm), with 11.4 inches (28.9 cm) falling in summer. Average annual snowfall is 43.7 inches (110.9 cm).

Maximum and minimum temperatures:

Maximum: 97 ºF, Minimum: -45 ºF
Annual: 27.4 ºF, 48.4 ºF
January: -7.4 ºF, 14.5 ºF
July: 55.7 ºF, 77.8 ºF.

Elevation:

Elevation ranges from 1200 to 1300 feet (392-425 m).

Geology and Soils:

The topography is rugged, with a number of tall granite cliffs. The soil is variable, ranging from shallow sandy loams to fairly deep glacial deposits of sand.

Aquatic Features:

Nearly ¼ of the site is covered by water. Boulder River transverses the site, and Lake Agnes and Boulder Bay border the site.

Ecological Classification & Inventory

Section:

Northern Superior Uplands (212L)

Subsection(s):

Border Lakes (212La)

Landtype Association:

7B

Plant Communities:

 

Complete Plant List

Common Mammal Species:

Moose (Alces alces), black bear (Ursus americanus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Related Reports and Publications