Keeley Creek Natural Area

Keeley Creek Natural Area is a Research Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark that is protected by the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically through the branch of the Forest Service. It is located in Stony River Township, in Lake County, Minnesota, and is part of the Superior National Forest.[1]

Keeley Creek Natural Area
LocationLake County, Minnesota
Coordinates47°47′23.5″N 91°42′22.52″W
Area1,180 acres (4.8 km2)
Established1942
Designated1980

History of Keeley Creek Natural Area

In 1942, 640-acre (2.6 km2) of land was designated a Research Natural Area. The National Park Service describes the area as "a large tract of undisturbed mixed pine and black spruce forest with rare mature jackpine stands and significant upland bogs".[2] In February 1980, the United States Secretary of the Interior designated a 1,180-acre (4.8 km2) area, including Keeley Creek Natural Area, as a National Natural Landmark under the Historic Sites Act.[3][4] This designation recognizes the area as an outstanding example of the United States' natural history.[5]

Ecology

Keeley Creek is a forested area that consists mainly of native fir trees including mostly Jackpine and Black Spruce.[6] White-tailed deer, snowshoe rabbit, and ruffed grouse are common in the area. In the 21st century, the make-up of the Keeley Creek is changing due to fire suppression. Fire benefits Jack pines and black spruce by causing germination of their seeds and by clearing the forest canopy, allowing more direct sunlight for young trees. Without fire, jack pines and spruce can be overtaken by more shade-tolerant plants.[7]

References
  1. "Established Research Natural Areas of Northern Research Station and Eastern Region - USDA Forest Service". www.nrs.fs.fed.us. Retrieved 2017-10-03.
  2. "Keeley Creek Natural Area". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2017-10-03.
  3. McConagha, Al (March 18, 1980). "4 state areas named Natural Landmarks". Star Tribune. p. 22.
  4. "Preliminary supplemental draft environmental impact statement (PSDEIS). Established and candidate research natural areas" (PDF). www.publicrecordmedia.org. NorthMet Mining Project and Land Exchange. pp. 4–322.
  5. "Overview, National Natural Landmarks". Nature & Science. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  6. "Keeley Creek subpage". U. S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
  7. Ney, Jason; Nichols, Terri (November 25, 2009). America's Natural Places: The Midwest. ABC-CLIO. pp. 105–107. ISBN 978-0-313-35317-8.


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