Dry Mountain Research Natural Area Ochoco National Forest , USFS Blue Mountains, Oregon Ecoregion Cell(s): Western juniper/big sagebrush Ponderosa pine/mountain mahogany communities with elk sedge and bunchgrasses if possible Big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass Mountain mahogany/bunchgrass

Access by road

The 893 ha Dry Mountain RNA is located north of the town of Ridley, Oregon in Harney County. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep slopes and elevations range from 1555 to 5909 m. The RNA occupies a transitional area between the Blue Mountains and the Great Basin, and contains elements from both regions. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) communities occupy about two-thirds of the area, and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus) and other shrub associations dominate the remaining third of the tract. Pine associations are found in areas with deeper soils, whereas the mahogany is generally confined to shallow, rocky soil on steeper slopes. Nearly half of the ponderosa pine communities are considered to belong in the ponderosa pine/elk sedge (Carex garberi) association. A related association of ponderosa pine/mountain mahogany/elk sedge occurs on a small hill near the southwest corner of the tract. A ponderosa pine/mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)/Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) community occurs in several small stands on the steep ground below Big Ridge, as well as on moderate slopes along the western boundary. Steeper slopes are dominated by the mountain mahogany/Idaho fescue - bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) association. The mahogany is important forage for big game species, and also provides thermal cover for winter months. A bitterbrush (Purshia)/Idaho fescue community grows only on flat terrain near Trespass Reservoirs near the southern edge of the tract. Recreational use is light and has not seriously impacted the area.