Cherry Creek Research Natural Area

Coos Bay District , BLM

Coast Range Ecoregion

Cell(s):

• Western hemlock/rhododendron-Oregon grape
• Western hemlock/oxalis

Access by paved and gravel roads

The 239 ha Cherry Creek RNA in Coos County, Oregon, was established for its old growth coastal forests and its botanical, wildlife, and fish resources. The maritime climate is characterized by wet, mild winters and mild summers, with an annual average precipitation of 203 cm (measured 5 km to the southeast in Sitkum). Elevation ranges from 183 to 451 m with ridge and valley topography bounding a portion of Cherry Creek. Slope gradients are generally moderate to steep on the middle and lower slopes, and gentle to moderate along the ridgetops. Topography on the northern side of the RNA is very complex and dissected. Geologically, the area is composed of sedimentary materials belonging to the Tyee Formation of Middle Eocene Age. Soils are relatively deep, reddish-brown lateritics developed in colluvium and residuum from silt and sandstones, with depth to bedrock typically from 100 to 150 cm. Old growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) stands of approximately 300 years of age are the dominant forest type. Disturbances near the edge of the RNA related to road construction, logging, and a recreation site are evident, but there has been no catastrophic damage by windthrow, insects, or fire for at least 200 years. In 2002, two research projects were completed by the Cooperative Forest Ecosystem Research Program, one on woody debris in stream channels and the other on forest floor arthropods. In addition, bryophytes and lichens have been inventoried in the RNA.