Rigdon Point RNA is a 185 ha tract located 15 air mile southeast of Hills Creek Reservoir in Douglas County, Oregon. The natural area includes three small, south or southwest facing basins that are the sources of tributaries of Staley Creek and three intermittent streams originate in the RNA. The topography varies from steep, rocky slopes to gentler areas, and elevations range from 1359 m to 1849 m. Rigdon Point RNA lies within the Douglas Fir Zone, and most forest stands in the area are dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). In dry sections, knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), grand fir (Abies grandis), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), and incense-cedar (Calocedrus kurz) are also present. A sparse shrub layer of creambush oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), golden chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla), dull Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa) and California hazel (Corylus cornuta var. californica) is found on these sites. In moister areas, western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) can be found with a shrub layer of dull Oregon grape, Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), creambush oceanspray, and baldhip rose (Rosa gymnocarpa). At upper elevations, Douglas fir domination gives way to stands dominated by noble fir (Abies procera) and/or Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis), silver fir, and mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), and possibly lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and western white pine (Pinus monticola). A notable component of the vegetation in the area is knobcone pine, which depends on periodic wildfires for regeneration. Due to fire suppression activities, wildfires have become rare, and knobcone pines located in the natural area appear to be dropping out of stands without regenerating. A 4 ha clearcut dominated by 15 to 20 year old Douglas fir regeneration lies within the RNA boundaries. A small prescribed burn has been done in the RNA to follow effects on knobcone pine regeneration.

In 1992 40 tree mortality permanent plots were established along 4 transects in the RNA.

Township/Range/Section:

Parts of secs 9, 10, and 15 of T25S, R4E.

Latitude:

43,25N

Longitude:

122,19W

Quad Map:

Rigdon Point, Oreg. 7.5

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Pellaea brachyptera (cliff brake) is within the area - a sensitive species. Allotropa virgata (candystick) ia a watch list plant. Spotted owl habitat occurs within the RNA, but the closest owl activity center is 1/3 mile downslope from the RNA.

Exotic Species Present:

Exotic plant species currently are found along the road bordering the RNA and are likely to become established elsewhere in the RNA.

Plant Communities:

There are stands of mature knobcone pine in the RNA, which is uncommon in the area, and at the northern end of its range. The RNA contains examples of dry-site Douglas-fir plant associations. These include: Douglas-fir/creambush ocean-spray-whipplevine, Douglas-fir/creambush ocean-spray-dull oregongrape, Grand fir/dull oregongrape, Western hemlock/dull oregongrape, Western hemlock/dull oregongrape/vanilla leaf, Western hemlock/pacific rhododendron- dull oregongrape. There are stands that contain large specimens (in diameter) of Douglas-fir and incense-cedar.

Aquatic Features Present:

The RNA contains the headwaters of a small perennial creek and three intermittent creeks that flow generally south into Staley Creek. The Draft National Wetland Inventory Map for the RNA shows two of these creeks as wetlands.

Soils:

Eight soil mapping units occur within the RNA, representing 9 landtypes. These include (but are not limited to): 1) Rock outcrop, volcanic breccias and tuffs. 2) Talus, rock outcrop, avalanche chutes, and low-site timber. 3) Loamy-skeletal, mixed Dystric Cryochrept (landtype 21 and 31). 4) Clay, mixed, mesic Typic Haplohumult. 5) Loamy-skeletal Entic Cryumbrept. 6) Cindery Typic Cryorthent.

Other Physical Features:

Past Disturbance History:

Historically, the area has received very little use, primarily because of its inaccessibility. It has not been logged (except for about 10 acres in the southern tip) or grazed, and receives only light recreational use.

Other Comments:

Access by road; roads usually blocked by snow 7 months per year