Three Creek RNA

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Name: Three Creek
Ownership: FS
Type: RNA
State: Oregon
Ecoregion: West Cascades
Forest: Willamette NF
District Sweet Home RD
Acres: 692

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Three Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent an Alaska-cedar forest mosaic.  The RNA is bounded by the steep, rocky ridgelines of Twin Buttes and Soapgrass Mountain peaks. Below the ridgeline, the RNA is divided into two main drainages that form the headwaters of Three Creek. Slopes range from gently sloping to steep with high cliffs and massive slumping. A steep talus and forested slope descend to the north boundary of the RNA. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and noble fir (Abies procera) dominate lower elevations of the RNA while mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) dominates upper elevations. The shrub layer is predominantly vine maple (Acer circinatum) and thin-leaved blueberry (Vaccinium membranaceum). Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) and dull Oregongrape (Berberis nervosa) are common on drier sites while devil’s club (Oplopanx horridum) and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) dominate riparian areas. Starry solomon-plume (Smilacina stellata), coolwort foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata var. unifoliata), vanillaleaf (Acilys Triphylla), dogwood bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), and queen’s cup (Clintonia uniflora) are common herbs throughout the understory while Oregon oxalis (Oxalis oregana) is common on moist sites.

 


Records and Plans:
Research Publications Associated with this RNA: