Further Observations on Forest Invasion and Succession on Basins of Drained Lakes in Northern Minnesota

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Abstract
Additional observations relating to forest invasion and succession on the basins of two catastrophically drained lakes, Bass Lake in St. Louis County and Sunken Lake in Itasca County, 24 and 35 years following drainage are reported. Similar studies were undertaken on East Rabbit Lake, Crow Wing County, which was artificially drained during 1945. The character of the soil and drainage are stressed as they are related to seedling establishment and plant succession. It was concluded that Norway and jack pine, which can establish themselves on inorganic soils and peat, soon after drainage, are not the climax type. It appears likely that the pines will be replaced by, or at least be associated with balsam fir, white spruce, white birch and red oak. There is much overlapping and telescoping of the usual plant succession stages because of soil drainage.