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Carolyn's Crown/Shafer Creek Research Natural AreaSalem District , BLMWest Cascades, Oregon EcoregionCell(s):
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Publication: Carolyn's Crown/Shafer Creek Research Natural Area Est. Rpt. or Guidelines |
Carolyn's Crown RNA harbors a magnificent stand of old growth and mature forests of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). It lies approximately 24 km north-northeast of Sweet Home in Linn County, Oregon. The 323 ha RNA also protects a natural watershed within a managed landscape and a diversity of habitats, including talus slopes, rocky cliffs, a deep lake, a shallow marshy lake, a creek, and mossy balds. The strong maritime climate is characteristically wet, with an annual rainfall of 178 cm. Elevation ranges from 850 to 1350 m, and the landscape reflects both volcanism and glaciation. The RNA is situated at the head of a small, glacially carved drainage of very steep headwalls and sidewalls with numerous cliffs and rock outcroppings and an intervening ridge between the sidewalls. Two large monoliths flank the ridge near the eastern boundary. The forest reflects a transition zone between western hemlock and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). Old growth stands are dominated by 600- to 900-year-old Douglas fir. Pockets of noble fir (Abies procera) occur sporadically with the Pacific silver fir at higher elevations. The remaining vegetation consists of young, harvested stands and nonforested communities such as rock outcroppings, cliffs, talus, and wetlands. Soils series represented are Keel, Henline, and Yellowstone. The RNA has experience some grazing, fire, logging, landslides, and mining disturbances in the past. Recreationists use the area around the lake. Old roads within the area used for previous salvage logging are still visible. Researchers from Oregon State University conducted ecological surveys from 1980 to 1985. Permanent vegetation plots were established in 2002, with data on file at the Salem District office of the Bureau of Land Management.
Schuller, Reid. 2003. Carolyn's Crown/Shafer Creek Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 28. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-600. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 22 p. (http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr600.pdf)
Access by private and public gravel roads through a locked gate
Publication: Carolyn's Crown/Shafer Creek Research Natural Area Est. Rpt. or Guidelines