The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Isle Royale
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 allegheniensis)
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.
Last updated: 06/27/2005