The Central Lakes region of Minnesota is known by ecologists as the Chippewa Plains and Pine Moraine-Outwash Plains subsections. This area includes all or parts of Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Mahnomen, Morrison, Otter Tail, Polk, Todd, and Wadena counties.
Here you’ll find complex surface geology, formed over many episodes of glaciation. Mesic forests of sugar maple, basswood, paper birch, aspen, and northern red oak are widespread and occur mostly on moraines (mounds of rocky sediment deposited by glaciers) or till plains. Historically, forests and woodlands of jack pine and red pine were very common on the sandy outwash plains formed by glacial meltwater.
Sandy and gravelly deposits that cap many of the major moraines provide habitat for mixed forests of pine and boreal hardwood species such as quaking aspen and paper birch. Sedge meadows and alder and willow swamps occur along the slow-moving streams draining the flat lake plains and along the Mississippi and Leech Lake rivers.
Recommended trees and plants
*This species of red oak is most susceptible to oak wilt. Check your area’s current oak wilt risk.
**Due to Dutch elm disease, only plant disease-resistant varieties of American elm.
The following plants native to this region are also found further south. They should be well-equipped to adjust to our climate as it becomes warmer and wetter. These native plants also provide diverse benefits to microfauna, such as pollinators, other insects, birds and bats.
Creating climate refugia
Models of the state’s future climate may not favor the survival of some species you currently see in your woods. However, that doesn’t mean these species don’t hold intrinsic ecological, cultural or economic value. You can work to retain these species in your landscape and protect them from the impacts of climate change by creating forest refugia.
Species in this region that may be most vulnerable to climate change, pests and diseases:
- Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is projected to be vulnerable to a changing climate in this ecoregion. Balsam fir is also the preferred host for eastern spruce budworm, a native insect in northeastern Minnesota’s forests. Balsam fir provides many benefits to wildlife including moose and white-tailed deer, but also increases the fuel load for forest fires. In this region, consider diversifying stands with a large component of balsam fir to reduce the impacts of spruce budworm and mitigate fire risk while still maintaining the winter food source and thermal cover provided by balsam fir.
- Black ash (Fraxinus nigra), white ash (Fraxinus americana) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) are projected to do well in warmer and wetter climates but are all extremely vulnerable to emerald ash borer. Black ash is a cultural and ecological keystone species in northern Minnesota and is an essential part of Minnesota’s forests. If ash is present in your woodland, learn more about managing ash woodlands in response to emerald ash borer.
- Red pine (Pinus resinosa) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) are projected to be vulnerable to both a warmer and wetter climate in this ecoregion. Consider thinning existing pine stands to promote sufficient growing space. Harvesting in gaps can also promote a diversity of species, age classes, and structures that will improve the resilience of the stand. Learn more about managing red pine and jack pine stands.
- Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) are projected to be vulnerable to a changing climate in this ecoregion. These species regenerate by root suckering (sprouting), and these aspen stands provide many benefits to wildlife throughout their life cycle. Aspen species are also critical for Minnesota’s forest product industry. Harvesting in gaps can also promote a diversity of species, age classes, and structures that will improve the resilience of the stand. Learn more about managing aspen forests.
- Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is also projected to do well but is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. With no disease-resistant cultivars of slippery elm currently available, landowners should be cautious in choosing where to encourage this species.
- Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is projected to be vulnerable to a changing climate in this ecoregion. This species prefers medium to coarse, well-drained soil. Choose sites with full sun to support the establishment of seedlings, and thin stands of mature trees to promote sufficient growing space.
Potential future tree species
As our climate changes, some tree species might be able to move into new areas as habitat becomes more suitable. Climate scientists with the USDA Forest Service have identified tree species with migration potential in the Chippewa Plains and Pine Moraine-Outwash Plains.
Planting species not historically found in the region does carry some risk. Before you plant, learn more about assisted migration strategies, and work with a forester or another natural resource professional to determine the best options for your land and goals.
Woodlands of Minnesota Handbook
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has created a series of woodland handbooks that provide landowners with information on their region’s conditions, frequent challenges, and advice on setting and reaching management goals. The Chippewa Plains and Pine Moraine-Outwash Plains handbook includes information on wildlife, plants, invasive species, geology, landscape and watershed management for this special region of north-central Minnesota.
Reviewed in 2024