ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the dynamics of shoreline vegetation with changing water levels and presents qualitative model. It also discusses the flora associated with different vegetation types and considers the effects of long-term fluctuations. Great Lakes wetlands are very complex, with a large number of species capable of dominating local areas. The chapter reviews what is known about the effects of water level fluctuations on vegetation in other North American wetlands and sought some general principles which could likely be applied to Great Lakes shorelines. Wet meadow vegetation develops between the maximum high and present water level. The dynamics of this vegetation are probably similar to the dynamics of vegetation on shores of smaller lakes with fluctuating water levels. The existing shoreline vegetation of the Great Lakes depends upon regular fluctuation in water levels. Fluctuating water levels not only increase the area of shoreline vegetation, but increase the diversity of vegetation types and plant species.
