Canyon Creek RNA

CanyonCreekRNAMay2013TWilson (13)
CanyonCreekRNAMay2013TWilson
CanyonCreekRNAMay2013TWilson
CanyonCreekRNAMay2013TWilson
Name: Canyon Creek
Ownership: FS
Type: RNA
State: Oregon
Ecoregion: Blue Mountains
Forest: Malheur NF
District Blue Mountains RD
Acres: 738

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Canyon Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent virgin ponderosa pine ecosystems in the Blue Mountains of central and northeastern Oregon.  The RNA has a gentle-slope, southerly facing enclosed basin which rises from Canyon Creek to moderately steep ridges on the northern and western edges. Both granitic and andesitic parent rocks with some volcanic ash are deposited on the upper slopes. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the most common tree species throughout the RNA while Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) and grand fir (Abies grandis) become increasingly dominant with increasing elevation. Pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens), elk sedge (Carex garberi), strawberry (Fragaria spp.), tailcup lupine (Lupinus caudatus), woolly weed (Hieracium scouleri), heartleaf arnica (Arnica cordifolia), and grouseberry (Vaccinium scoparium) are the most common understory species.  On more open areas of the RNA, western juniper (Juniperus grandis) and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus) are the dominant tree species along with bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), cheatgrass brome (Bromus tectorum), elk sedge (Carex garberi), and snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus).

 


Records and Plans:
Research Publications Associated with this RNA: