Brewer Spruce RNA

Brewer Spruce Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent high-elevation, mixed conifer communities including dense stands of Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana) and associated brushfields. The RNA lies on a small mountain peak and the crest of a downward-trending ridge. The topography is very rugged with steep slopes and rock outcrops, primarily on north aspects. The RNA includes a small, shallow cirque pond and saddles at the west and east ends. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), white fir (Abies concolor), Brewer spruce, Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis), western white pine (Pinus monticola), Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), and Port Orford cedar (Cupressus lawsoniana) are the dominant tree species within the RNA while there are also occasional patches of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens).