The 1,077 ha Abbott Creek RNA is located in Douglas and Jackson Counties, Oregon, in the volcanic Western Cascades. The area, which occupies the entire drainage of the main branch of Abbott Creek, is topographically rugged with moderate to steep slopes and many rock outcrops and escarpments. Elevations range from 1,000 m. to 1,869 m. The tract was selected because of the excellent representation of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) in many of the stands. In addition, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), white fir (Abies grandis), and incense-cedar (Calocedrus kurz) can be found throughout the forested 832 ha of the RNA. Other major tree species include Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), western white pine (Pinus monticola) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). The composition of all layers of the forest communities varies with moisture and temperature gradients, which are correlated with soil-land form and elevation, respectively, and with stand history. Past wildfires have influenced the present community mosaic, although none are known to have occurred in recent years. Grazing and logging are the dominant forms of human disturbance within the tract. Approximately 12 to 16 ha of the RNA have been clear cut, and partial cutting has also occurred along the west edge of the tract. Grazing of the higher elevation meadows and open forests still occurs each summer.

Township/Range/Section:

Sec 23, 24, 25, 26 and 36, R2E, T30S and Sec 19, 30 and 31, R3E, T30S.

Latitude:

42,56N

Longitude:

122,31W

Quad Map:

15' Abbott Butte (1944) - scale 1:62,500

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Canis lupus (wolf) may be found here.

Exotic Species Present:

Plant Communities:

Southwestern Oregon Sierra-type mixed conifer forest w/sugar pine. No community type map so probably best to characterize as Ponderosa pine-sugar pine-Douglas fir community. However, individual stands are present which fit White fir; Pacific Douglas fir; and Red fir. Non-forested communities also occur, including several rock outcrop types and scree slopes, and subalpine mosaics of herbaceous stands and tree and shrub patches. Meadows at high elevation occur.

Aquatic Features Present:

The RNA occupies the entire drainage of the main branch of Abbott Creek as well as portions of tributary drainages. Streams and springs occur.

Soils:

Not mapped or described. Great soil groups present include the Lithosol, Brown Podzol, and Alluvial groups and possibly the Western Brown Forest and Gray-Brown Podzol great soil groups.

Other Physical Features:

Numerous rock outcrops and cliffs.

Past Disturbance History:

Other Comments: