Cannon Well RNA is a 270 ha tract within the Winema National Forest, Klamath County, Oregon. Topography is gently rolling with east to northeast exposures, and some minor ridges in the southwest corner. Elevations range from 1699 to 1707 m. Flora is representative of lodgepole forests and the central Oregon pumice zone, being relatively depauperate with few numbers of taxa present. The lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) / bitterbrush (Purshia)/ western needlegrass (Achnatherum occidentale) association occupies more than three quarters of the natural area. Scattered ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) occurs at the higher elevations of the ridges. A variation of this association, characterized by a lack of bitterbrush, occurs on fifteen percent of the tract. Small areas of the buckwheat flat plant associations, characterized by buckwheat species (Eriogonum sp.) and bottlebrush squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix) growing in course pumice, are found in openings of the lodgepole pine/needlegrass community. Most of the lodgepole pine is about 110 years old and 15-17 cm DBH. Patches of older lodgepole pine also exist, apparently bypassed by a stand-replacing fire that occurred 110 years ago. Lichen growth is heavy on the trees dominated by Bryoria sp. and Letharia vulpine. The shrub layer in the tract is relatively low, and where bitterbrush occurs it only has about 10-15% cover. Herbaceous cover is very sparse, and western needlegrass, the dominant shrub, only has about 1% cover. Although not well defined, small areas of herbaceous, pumice desert communities are also present. The area is surrounded by numerous clearcuts and has been affected by blowdown events in the recent past. Mortality from mountain pine beetle is evident.

Township/Range/Section:

Part of secs 26, 27, 34 and 35, T25S, R10E; and part of sec 2, T26S, R10E.

Latitude:

43,21N

Longitude:

121,30W

Quad Map:

Sellers Marsh (1967) and Stams Mountain (1981), both 7.5 minute.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

Plant Communities:

Besides a desert pumice community, the area contains 3 plant associations: lodgepole pine/bitterbrush/western needlegrass, lodgepole pine/western needlegrass, and buckwheat flats (rhyolitic pumice with Eriogonum spp. and Sitanion hystrix). Scattered ponderosa pine occur on the upper slopes of minor ridges.

Aquatic Features Present:

There are no water sources on the RNA, or within approx. one mile.

Soils:

Soils are derived from Mt Mazama pumice and ash that overlay bare lava or soils derived from basaltic lava. The A horizons extend 12-18 inches in depth and consist of gravelly, loamy coarse sands. There is no B horizon evident and the C horizons, consisting of upwards to 70% coarse fragments greater than 2 mm, extend to 5 feet or more where they contact buried soil horizons or bedrock.

Other Physical Features:

Cannon Well RNA is part of a broad, 1102 ha. concave basin in the East Cascades Physiographic Province. Topography is gently rolling with east to northeast exposures.

Past Disturbance History:

Many of the lodgepole pines are suffering from a bark beetle infestation that has resulted in significant numbers of dead and dying trees in the RNA. The infestation is a natural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by fire suppressiion efforts. The site also exhibits infestations of dwarf mistletoe and western gall rust. There is an area which sustained a stand replacement fire approx. 100 years ago. Minor recreation use by hunters.

Other Comments:

Access by trail