The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Glacier Bay-Admiralty Island
General Description
This biosphere reserve in
southeastern Alaska consists of two units, Glacier Bay and Admiralty Island.
Glacial advance and retreat that have been occurring since the mid Miocene
shaped the landscape of the area. The latest episode of ice recession began only
200 years ago and the ice within the Glacier Bay has withdrawn about 95 km
during this period.
Plant succession led to the establishment of pioneer plants (lichens, moss,
alder, willow, soapberry and cottonwood) closest to the glacier. More mature
forest associations of western helmlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Sitka spruce (Picea
sitchensis) occur at some distance. Admiralty Island comprises one of the
greatest remaining blocks of productive old-growth temperate rain forest in the
world. Shrublands, freshwater marshes and subtidal meadows are other plant
communities found in both units.
The earliest evidence of human occupation in the area dates back some 10,000
years. In the 18th and 19th century, the Tlingits occupied the territory. Then,
sporadic settlements arose in connection with European mining, fur-trading,
logging, commercial fishing and pioneering. However, the area is only little
impacted by humans and therefore gives a unique opportunity to study the plant
succession and animal recolonization that follows glacier retreat. Local people
have been actively involved in the development and review of the management
plans for Glacier Bay National Park and Admiralty Island National Monument.
Last updated: 06/27/2005