Dugout Creek RNA

Dugout Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) community with pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) and elk sedge (Carex garberi), and a grand fir (Abies grandis) community with pinegrass. The topography is moderately steep with west-facing slopes above the north fork of the Malheur River. The upslope side of the RNA begins at a broad bench that drops off on all sides to streams, springs and continuous forest. The bench itself includes a mix of scabland and open forest stands. The undulating terrain of the lower slope is covered with deep soils and is broken by several auxiliary ridges. There are several small drainages within the boundaries of the RNA that flow in shallow ravines including Dugout Creek and Stink Creek. Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus spp.) woodlands are restricted to shallow soils and ridges of the RNA while ponderosa pine/elk sedge, ponderosa pine/pinegrass, and grand fir/pinegrass communities are scattered throughout the site.