Chewuch River RNA

Chewuch Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent unique aquatic and terrestrial habitat types located in the RNA. The RNA is dissected by Sheep Creek with many seep areas and low relief terrain. Mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and Pacific willow (Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra) dominate the overstory while prince's pine (Chimaphila) and bladder sedge (Carex intumescens) are dominant understory. The bottomland mixed conifer community is dominated by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and Equisetum species, with mountain lady's slipper (Cypripedium montanum) in drier sites. Rocky cliffs and talus are predominantly vegetated by lichens and mosses while Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and Sitka alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) dominate dense conifer cliffs. Mosses and Brook saxifrage (Saxifraga odontoloma) are dominant species surrounding the high flow spring. Lodgepole pine dominates dry areas within the subalpine zone while subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) communities dominate wetter areas. Cascade azalea (Rhododendron albiflorum) and creeping sibbaldia (Sibbaldia procumbens) dominate subalpine cliffs while diamondleaf willow (Salix planifolia) and saw-leaved sedge (Carex scopulorum var. prionophylla) are also present.