THE ROUNDLAKE ECOSYSTEM

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THE ROUNDLAKE ECOSYSTEM
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ECOSYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

• Large watershed draining into Great Lakes
• 800 ft. above sea level
• Flat, rolling terrain
• Fertile farms productive forests
• Highlight- 40,000 acre Round Lake

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Major Species/Populations

• Great place to fish for walleye
• Overpopulated with deer (Carrying capacity 22,
  actual capacity 31/sq mile)
• Rich minnow diversity- 5 species of minnow/perch
  found only in Little Lake and Lake Erie
• Prime nesting area for the Bog Turtle
  (widespread but rare turtle)

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Major Species/Populations

• The Radiant Mussel- found only in Little Lake
• Sandhill Crane- rare bird that nests in Little
  Lake area (known for its very unusual courtship
  dance)
• Woolly Adelgid- non-native aphid-like creature
  w/in 100 miles of Round Lake poses threat to
  hemlock populations

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Interesting People

• The human inhabitants of this area are almost as
  diverse as the animals
• Penowan Tribe- Natives w/ a long historical
  connection market a meaty, earthy, wild rice to
  the wealthy townsfolk living in surrounding areas
• City- Many upscale, professional people Round
  Lake is led by a down-to-earth, ambitious mayor

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Special Resources

• Most known for its cranberry crops- area produces
  30 of nations industrial cranberries.
• As mentioned earlier- specific type of wild rice
  growing in the area people are willing to pay
  extra b/c of its texture and earthy taste
• Well-known place to fish for walleye (a tasty and
  desirable fish)

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Problems

• Even a picturesque landscape such as this will
  have its problems
• Aging dams are releasing harmful metals into the
  waterscape- some fish are potentially dangerous
  for human consumption
• Possible Woolly Adelgid invasion
• Overwhelming deer populations making it difficult
  for new shrubs to grow
• Economic Discrepency between Lake City and the
  smaller town of Benson

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Plans

• Two methods to alleviate adelgid problem
  planting genetically resistant trees clear
  cutting areas of infected trees
• Deer problem was actually much worse 20 years
  ago- the thinning of their s has been going well

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Plans

• No concrete plan for dams- fixing them is too
  expensive, so they will probably end up tearing
  them down
• Benson set on building golf resort two 18-hole
  courses, fairway condominiums a large hotel

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How did it get where it is now?

• Lake City Industrial Revolution led to rapid
  growth
• Railways allowed for import/export of
  agricultural and manufactured products
• Diversified economic base allowed for continued
  growth

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How did it get where it is now?

• Benson Railroads allowed for heavy industry
• Creation of interstate phased out railway,
  leading to loss of industry
• Population decline and economic downturn followed

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Would I like to live there?

• Maybe- Area consistently around 50 of the best
  places to live in the country
• A combination of natural and urban landscapes
  (e.g. forests and golf courses)
• Many outdoor recreational opportunities (e.g.
  boating fishing)
• Civic minded townspeople- willing to work hard
  work cooperatively in order to make things better