Watershed Flora
The Yellow Dog River and Salmon-Trout River watersheds are home to a large number of northern boreal forest plant species. Numerous studies have been done to survey the watershed for sensitive species and also to gather scientific information about plant communities. A Northern Michigan University professor conducted one such study in 2005 and compiled the information into a Vegetative Survey.
There are several species that are considered rare that make their home in our watershed. However, there is only one confirmed plant species that is considered threatened. The Narrow Leaved-Gentian was found on YDWP’s property known as the NAWCA property. This property contains the headwaters of the Salmon-Trout River and is a very important piece of land to protect. Further studies will be conducted in the future to expand the study area and to collect more data.
Another indicator of the health of the plant communities comes from the relative absence of non-native invasive plant species (NNIS). On the Yellow Dog Plains, Spotted Knapweed and White Sweet Clover have established small isolated communities but remain under control. Along the river banks of the Yellow Dog River, small populations of Spotted Knapweed and Marsh Thistle have arisen at a slow but increasing pace. YDWP will be monitoring the growth of these communities and determination will be made on whether action is necessary.
Overall, the flora health of the watersheds remains excellent. Though disturbances from logging and development both reduce native species populations and introduce NNIS, the resiliance of the ecosystem has been able to stave off any major threats.
There are several species that are considered rare that make their home in our watershed. However, there is only one confirmed plant species that is considered threatened. The Narrow Leaved-Gentian was found on YDWP’s property known as the NAWCA property. This property contains the headwaters of the Salmon-Trout River and is a very important piece of land to protect. Further studies will be conducted in the future to expand the study area and to collect more data.
Another indicator of the health of the plant communities comes from the relative absence of non-native invasive plant species (NNIS). On the Yellow Dog Plains, Spotted Knapweed and White Sweet Clover have established small isolated communities but remain under control. Along the river banks of the Yellow Dog River, small populations of Spotted Knapweed and Marsh Thistle have arisen at a slow but increasing pace. YDWP will be monitoring the growth of these communities and determination will be made on whether action is necessary.
Overall, the flora health of the watersheds remains excellent. Though disturbances from logging and development both reduce native species populations and introduce NNIS, the resiliance of the ecosystem has been able to stave off any major threats.
Columbines on granite outcropLady Slippers near Eagle Rock
