2007 Summaries of Wildlife Research Findings - Minnesota State ...

northwestern portion to 35 inches (90 cm) in the southeast. Normal annual temperatures range
from 38°F (3°C) in the northwest to 46°F (8°C) in the southeast (MNDNR 2003). Row crop
436
agriculture is one of the major land uses in this province. Recreation and tourism are important
industries, especially surrounding the many lakes and wetlands. Most Minnesotans live in this
province, which encompasses the Twin Cities, St. Cloud and Rochester (MNDNR 2006).
The Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province is home to many wildlife species, including the
red-shouldered hawk, cerulean warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, wild turkey, ruffed grouse,
American woodcock, wood duck, and Blanding’s turtle (scientific names are provided in
Appendix B). Species of greatest conservation need in this province number 205, with 51 unique
to the province (Table 2). Fourteen of the unique SGCN occur in the blufflands of southeastern
Minnesota. Habitat loss (82%) and degradation (88%) are the greatest immediate threats to these
species (MNDNR 2006).
3.2.2.1. Upland forests in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province
Site-specific characteristics such as soil type, evapotranspiration rates, aspect, and slope
may be significant in determining climate-induced shifts in plant communities in this province,
where fire disturbance is less widespread, primarily due to human influence. The western
boundary of the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province is sharply delineated with non-forested areas,
whereas the northeastern edge is a diffuse transition from deciduous to mixed forests. Warmer,
wetter conditions would likely favor mesic hardwood tree species, which are currently common
in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province. Fires would likely be less frequent and intense under
wetter conditions. Species that favor wetter sites include aspen, birch, and sugar maple. Soil
characteristics and nutrients will also change species associations. Emerging combinations of
plant and animals may be new and strongly influenced by invasive species, diseases, and pests.
Several climate change models predict warmer, drier conditions for existing deciduous
forests. Under this scenario, deciduous forests will tend toward savanna types (fire dependent
hardwood systems), if managed with fire, and the range of mesic hardwood forests will likely
contract. If not managed with fire, these areas will likely become brushlands or become
dominated by non-native woody invasive species. Iverson and Prasad (2001) predict expansions
of oak-hickory and oak-pine forests (fire dependent-drier forest types) as well as reductions in
aspen-birch forests (a mesic hardwood type).