North Fork Nooksack RNA

North Fork Nooksack Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent? The RNA has a wide elevation range and is situated on the steep, south exposed slope of a major mountain ridge. Steep broken slopes, rock bluffs, and small benches are also common in the RNA. Two creeks lie within the tract and numerous seep areas and intermittent streams are present. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western hemlock, western red cedar (Thuja plicata), and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) are dominant tree species throughout the RNA. Sporadic mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) and black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa) are also present. Mixed old-growth forests of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar dominate moderate to steep slopes, while western hemlock, Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and Pacific silver fir dominate cool, moist benches. Douglas-fir and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) dominate young-growth forests located along the western edge of the RNA.