Myrtle Island RNA

Myrtle Island Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent an old-growth stand of California-laurel (Umbellularia californica). The RNA is located on an island in the Umpqua River including a river that flows through a narrow alluvial valley in the interior foothills. Topography is gentle with the only steep slopes located along the edge of the river or as short pitches between terraces. Red alder-Oregon ash/Himalayan blackberry/reed canarygrass (Alnus rubra-Fraxinus latifolia/Rubus armeniacus/Phalaris arundinacea) dominates the floodplain terrace. Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) and exotic Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) dominate the west end of the island. Willow/field horsetail (Salix spp./Equisetum arvense) is the early seral stage plant community following the flooding.