Black Canyon RNA

Black Canyon Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent western juniper (Juniperus grandis)/big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate)/bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), stiff sagebrush (Artemisia rigida)/Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) plant communities, as well as a first to third order stream system in the sagebrush zone.   Riparian areas are dominated by coyote willow (Salix exigua) and pacific willow (Salix lucida). The RNA lies on a steep south-facing canyon that drains the uplands directly above the main stem of the Malheur River. An intermittent stream flows through the canyon.