Swans in a "disappearing lake" near Gardiner Creek in early May. Photo Credit: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore |
The Refuge is characterized by extensive wetlands and thousands of water bodies ranging from less than 1 acre to several square miles in size often bordered by poorly drained upland areas. The Black Hills roughly bisect the refuge into the Tetlin- Northway flats to the north and less continuous wetlands and pothole ponds south of the hills. The southwest corner of the Refuge contains a portion of the Mentasta Mountains and associated foothills. Elevation ranges from 1650 feet in the northwest corner along the Tanana River to 8040 feet in the peaks of the Mentasta Mountains.
The vegetation is typical of much of interior Alaska. Upland vegetation is boreal forest taiga consisting primarily of black spruce (Picea mariana) in wet and poorly drained areas and white spruce (P. glauca) on drier sites. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) commonly occurs on well drained south facing slopes, and along with paper birch (Betula papyrifera) often occur in recently burned or disturbed areas. Balsam poplar (P. balsamifera) is common along water courses. As elevation increases, dense spruce gives way to open spruce woodlands mixed with tall shrubs, then dwarf-shrub communities, and finally alpine tundra. Shrubs are most common along streams and water bodies, within recently burned areas, and along gullies that drain subalpine tundra. The shrub component is primarily willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), and dwarf birch (B. spp.).
The major forces shaping the diversity of habitat on the Refuge are fire, flooding and insects, all of which interact in a complex way. The interior Alaska boreal forest eco-region, which encompasses the Refuge, is fire-adapted.
Last updated: September 21, 2010 |
Aerial view of wetlands Photo Credit: Steve Hildebrand |
