Metolius Research Natural Area Deschutes National Forest , USFS East Cascades, Oregon Ecoregion Cell(s): Ponderosa pine/bitterbrush/Idaho fescue

Access by road

The 581 ha Metolius RNA 29 km northwest of Sisters, Oregon lies on two contrasting landforms in Jefferson County, Oregon. The western half is made up of a relatively flat bench along the Metolius River, and the eastern half occupies the very steep, west slope of Green Ridge. Elevations range form 850 to 1,460 m. Metolius RNA occupies the Ponderosa Pine Zone, and the dominant tree species throughout the area is ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). In areas where ponderosa pine is the sole overstory dominant, ground vegetation is dominated by bitterbrush (Purshia); however, there is also some herbaceous vegetation consisting mostly of western needlegrass (Achnatherum occidentale) with some bottlebrush squirrletail (Sitanion hystrix) and Ross' sedge (Carex rossii). The ponderosa pine/ greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula) community contains abundant Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings, saplings and poles, as well as some grand fir (Abies grandis) and incense-cedar (Calocedrus kurz). In addition, western larch (Larix occidentalis) can be found in some areas of the RNA. Fire scars on ponderosa pine record 10 to 12 ground fire occurrences in the tract, although these fires are believed to have occurred prior to fire control program initiation in 1910. Mule deer make heavy use of the lower bench area, and some vegetation changes have occurred as a result; bitterbrush and many ponderosa pines have been moderately to severely browsed.

The natural area includes a 4.5 ha permanent plot, and parts of the flat have been prescribed burned.