Ochoco Divide RNA

The Ochoco Divide Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent forest types typical of the lower slopes of the Blue Mountains in Oregon.    The RNA sits on an uplifted plateau with  rolling hills to the north and south of this divide and is comprised of both forest and grassland communities. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the predominant tree species on south-facing slopes while north-facing slopes are dominated by a mix of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis) and western larch (Larix occidentalis) . Pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) is the dominant understory across these forest communities.  A small grassland community dominated by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and California brome (Bromus carinatus) occupies a portion of the south end of the RNA.  There are also small scattered communities comprised of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) with dense patches of bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) in the understory.