Bunchgrass Meadows RNA

Bunchgrass Meadows Research Natural Area (RNA) was chosen to represent a high elevation mountain meadow and associated bog, marsh area, subalpine permanent bog, a subalpine fir/Cascades azalea plant community (Abies lasiocarpa/Rhododendron albiflorum), and masked shrew and northern bog lemming habitat.  The subalpine fir/Cascade azalea plant community dominates northern portions of the RNA with cool-moist upper slopes. The Subalpine Fir/Cascade azalea-beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) plant community dominates upper-westerly slopes with high precipitation.  The subalpine fir/beargrass plant community dominates south or west aspects with relatively rocky soils. The subalpine fir/big huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) dominates cool, relatively dry sites with stands of subalpine fir.  Bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis) is common on bog moss dams as well as the transition from meadows to uplands.  Mud sedge (Carex limosa) and beaked sedge (Carex rostrata) are also common on bog moss dams.  Leafy tussock sedge (Carex aquatilis) and Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utricalatia) are common in large flat fen sites. Holm’s rocky mountain sedge (Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla) plant association is common on large, moderately sloping sub-irrigated bogs. Timber oatgrass (Danthonia intermedia) is dominant in the narrow band of meadow on the edge of the upland forest. Farr’s willow/few-flowered spikebrush (Salix farrige/ Eleocharis quinqueflora) is common on flat tall cottongrass sites where the terrain is slightly hummocky. Tall cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. subarcticum) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) /Holm’s rocky mountain sedge communities are common throughout the RNA.