Torrey-Charlton RNA

Torrey-Charlton Research Natural Area (RNA) is comprised of two sections directly adjacent to each other. The west section being in the Willamette National Forest and the east section being in the Deschutes National Forest. The RNA was established to represent terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems including a mountain hemlock/grouse huckleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) community in the mountain hemlock zone, a subalpine lake in the South Cascades, a subalpine pond, and a montane vernal pond. The RNA lies within a broad undulating plateau with scattered volcanic peaks. Most of the RNA has gentle west facing slopes with lakes, ponds, wet meadows, and a mire.  Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) dominates the RNA with occasional stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). Grouse huckleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) is the dominant shrub throughout the RNA with occasional patches of big huckleberry and beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax). A number of long-term monitoring plots have been established in this RNA.