Little Sink RNA

Little Sink Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent diversity within the foothill Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) forest type occupying an area of marine siltstone which has undergone considerable land sliding. The RNA is located on a northwest-facing slope in upper Teal Creek drainage. The topography is moderate to steep with frequent slump benches, scarps, and basins resulting from frequent mass soil movements. The entire RNA is forested, except the open pond areas. Douglas-fir and scattered stands of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) dominate the forest. Grand fir (Abies grandis) is also common. Vine maple (Acer circinatum) and salal (Gaultheria shallon) are dominant understory. Wetland species, including cattails (Typha latifolia), slough sedge (Carex obnupta), and duckweed (Lemna minor) are present around the ponds. Dotted water-meal (Wolffia Columbiana) is present as a special status species on the RNA.