Download The Superior Mixed Forest Ecoregion: A Conservation Plan
This ecoregion is a transition zone between the mixed hardwood forest to the south, the boreal forest to the north and the western Great Plains. Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are in this physiographic area, as are the southern portion of northwestern Ontario and a small area of southeast Manitoba.
The Great Lakes are a prominent ecological force in some parts of this area, affecting microclimates and forest community composition. These forest communities are a heterogeneous matrix with various oaks, maples, birch, and pines representing the southern element and spruces, tamarack, and Balsam Fir of boreal origin. Aspen is a common early successional species throughout. Wetlands are widespread in this ecoregion, with conifers dominating most of the wetlands, although hardwoods still grow along stream margins and well-aerated wetlands in stream headwater areas.
Characteristic wildlife of the Superior Mixed Forest include Moose, Black Bear, Timber Wolf, Canada Lynx, White Pelican and Bald Eagle.
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy of Canada published a conservation blueprint for the Superior Mixed Forest ecoregion available here.
