Goodlow Mountain RNA

Goodlow Mountain Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent Southern Oregon ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests.  The topography is gently rolling to moderately steep with south and east exposures. There is a small meadow complex at the eastern edge of the RNA, located directly above a dry meadow. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the predominant tree species throughout the RNA but there are patches of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) at lower elevations. The lower elevation understory is dominated by bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Ross' sedge (Carex rossii), curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius), low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), and Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) while the understory at higher elevations is dominated by Parry manzanita (Arctostaphylos parryana). Current restoration activities at this RNA include prescribed fire and control of three invasive species—Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula).