Maple Mountain

Maple Mountain proposed Research Natural Area (pRNA) was chosen to represent a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) –pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) community with bearberry (Arctostaphylos), a western larch (Larix occidentalis) forest, and a stream drainage with mixed conifer forest. The topography is rugged with mixed elevation and a minor stream drainage that joins with Cougar Creek at the northern edge of the pRNA. Douglas-fir and western larch are the predominant tree species in the pRNA while ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and lodgepole pine (P. contorta) are common in dry areas.  Bearberry (Arctostaphylos), dogbane (Apocynum), and serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) are common understory species. Brome grass (Bromus carinatus), buffalo bunchgrass (Festuca scabrella), Koeler’s grass (Koeleria cristata), downy oatgrass (Trisetum spicatum), and pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) are the most common grass species.