Hellhole Lake

Vegetation History

The core from Hellhole Lake dates back to 1,200 cal yr BP. Jack-red pine (Pinus banksiana-Pinus resinosa) pollen is the dominant vegetation type between 1200-640 cal yr BP at 40-50%. Non-arboreal pollen percentages were high at the beginning of this period and decreased after 900 cal. yr BP. Entering the period 640-70 cal. yr BP, jack-red pine vegetation types were dominant with a shared decrease in jack-red pine and increase in white pine pollen. After 350 cal. yr BP, jack-red pine pollen decreased further as birch (Betula spp.) and alder (Alnus spp.) increased slightly.

Fire History

The most recent part of the charcoal record has not been analyzed for Hellhole Lake, but in general, influx rates were low. There are many charcoal peaks from 1200-55 cal. yr BP, but these peaks are considered very small. Clusters of peaks occurred in the periods between 1000-800 cal. yr BP, and 650-600 cal. yr BP.