Coal Mine Basin RNA

Coal Mine Basin Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent a full complement of common, special status and rare species growing on Succor Creek ash formations. The extensive and colorful ash beds in the RNA have highly scenic vistas, fossils of plants and vertebrate animals, as well as diverse plant communities.  Sagebrush/spiny hopsage/bud sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata/Grayia spinosa/Artemisia spinescens) and annual forb communities dominate the RNA. Two special status plant species: smooth mentzelia (Mentzelia mollis) and Cusick's chaenactis (Chaenactis cusickii) are also present throughout the RNA.