Effects of flooding on herbaceous species of the white cedar-tamarack woods in Cedarburg Bog

Abstract

A part of the northern lowland forest of Cedarburg Bog was flooded about eight years ago as a result of clogged road culverts. Studies of the effects of flooding on species composition, productivity, hydrology and soils were begun in 1982. Post flooding studies will commence when the natural water levels are restored (ca 1984). This paper compares the frequencies of herbaceous species in the flooded woods with an adjacent portion of unflooded woods. The pattern of species' abundances within the flooded woods is related to the degree of inundation and grazing history of the site. Significantly different frequencies were found for eight species between the flooded and unflooded woods.