The 510 ha Goodlow Mountain RNA is a low butte located 71 km. east of Klamath Falls in Klamath County, Oregon. This RNA, extending from the summit of Goodlow Mountain to the forest edge, exemplifies the transition from sagebrush steppe through open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) savanna to ponderosa pine - white fir (Abies grandis) forest. The elevations of the area range from 1,490 m. to 1,620 m., and the topography can be described as rolling with slopes of 10 to 20 percent. A small meadow complex occurs at the eastern edge of the area. This moist meadow is unique in that it is located topographically above a dry meadow. The tract occupies the Western Juniper, Ponderosa Pine and Mixed Conifer zones. Lower elevation stands are dominated by western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis). Shallow soils in this area are dominated by low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula) and Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda). The lowest forested elevations represent savannah transitional to sagebrush steppe and are dominated by ponderosa pine. Ground vegetation is generally dominated by bitterbrush (Purshia) and Ross' sedge (Carex rossii) with curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius). Ponderosa pine also dominates the middle elevations with Parry manzanita (Arctostaphylos parryana) and occasional bitterbrush with sedge, while the highest elevations are characterized by old growth ponderosa pine with seedlings, saplings, and poles. The area surrounding the RNA, particularly to the southwest, has been logged, grazed and burned. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), all invasive species, are beginning to move into the RNA. The Fremont National Forest in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Research Station is treating these noxious weeds with herbicides and monitoring the effects.

Township/Range/Section:

Part of sec 4, all of sec 5 and part of sec 6, T39S, R13E.

Latitude:

45,10N

Longitude:

121,15W

Quad Map:

None available at time of brochure publication.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

Plant Communities:

Transition area from sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) steppe through open ponderosa pine savanna to ponderosa pine-white fir forest. Communities are: ponderosa pine/antelope bitterbrush savanna, ponderosa pine/Parry manzanita, ponderosa pine-white fir/Ross sedge, western juniper/big sagebrush, and low sagebrush/Sandberg's bluegrass.

Aquatic Features Present:

None.

Soils:

Not mapped, but under forest stands, upper horizons contain aerially deposited pumice from the Mount Mazama eruption. They tend to have minimum profile development and are not podzolized. Soils under juniper and sagebrush-grass appear to be derived from igneous rock.

Other Physical Features:

Goodlow Mountain is a low butte. Topography is gently rolling to rolling slopes.

Past Disturbance History:

1997- Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula l.) Treatment with herbicide information on file.

Other Comments:

Access by road