Fire Mountain

Fire Mountain proposed Research Natural Area (pRNA) was chosen to represent old growth ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)/pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)/pinegrass plant communities. Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is scattered throughout these communities while bearberry (Arctostaphylos) is found on drier, more exposed areas. The smaller draws are dominated by Douglas-fir/snowberry communities and the upper reaches include a Douglas-fir/ninebark (Physocarpus spp.) community and dense thickets of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and spruce. The upper slopes are covered by subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) communities and open rock talus slopes.