The Bluejay RNA is an 85 ha tract located in Klamath County, Oregon approximately 36 miles northeast of Chiloquin. The RNA is situated on a plateau, with elevations ranging from 1,380 to 1,430 m. The plateau is covered by 2 to 25 dm. of dacite type pumice, which was aerially deposited following the eruption of Mount Mazama. Pumice particles vary in size from coarse sand to pea gravel. Sixty-five ha of the tract are comprised of the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)/bitterbrush (Purshia)/needlegrass (Achnatherum) community. Ponderosa pine crown cover varies from 10 to 30 percent of this area. All pines are growing slowly, indicating maximum stocking for the site. A Wickiup type soil supports the 20 ha of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)/bitterbrush/needlegrass found on the area's western edge in a swale topographic position. This area represents moderate productivity. The tract's history of disturbance includes wildfire, with fire scars indicating that the last wildfire occurrence was around 1916.

Four permanent transects running across the grassland-forest ecotone were established in 1993. Tree, shrub, and herb vegetation were measured.

Township/Range/Section:

E1/2 of sec 33, T30S, R10E. expansion: Parts of secs 28, 29, 32 and 33, T30S, R10E.

Latitude:

42,55N

Longitude:

121,30E

Quad Map:

None as of Guidebook publication date.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

Plant Communities:

Ponderosa pine/bitterbrush/needlegrass and lodgepole pine/bitterbrush/needlegrass communities. Plant communities in expansion include: ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush/western needlegrass; lodgepole pine/antelope bitterbrush-manzanita/western needlegrass; lodgepole pine/antelope bitterbrush/western needlegrass; Lodgepole pine/bearberry forest; an upland community Poa secunda bluegrass scabland and Cusick's bluegrass-cutting wheatgrass dry meadow.

Aquatic Features Present:

Soils:

Mapped at a reconnaissance level. Lapine loamy coarse sand, moderately deep phase. Also a representative of the Wickiup series is present in swale topography. Pumice particles vary from coarse to pea gravel in Lapine series. Description - see guidebook. In expansion: Two soil series have been documented on the RNA: a Lapine loamy coarse sand, moderately deep phase, and a Wickiup type soil.

Other Physical Features:

Located on a large plateau.

Past Disturbance History:

Other Comments:

expanded 1997

Access by gravel road; difficult in winter due to snow