Metolius

The Metolius Research Natural Area (RNA) was the first natural area in the Pacific Northwest and established to represent Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest common to the east slope of the Cascades in Oregon. The RNA lies on two divergent landforms. The western half is a relatively flat bench alongside the Metolius River while the eastern half is a steep, west-facing slope.  Ponderosa pine is the dominant tree species, with occasional patches of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), and western larch (Larix occidentalis).  Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is the predominant shrub species.  Common herbaceous vegetation includes western needle grass with occasional patches of bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) and Ross’ sedge (Carex rossii).  Current management of the RNA includes prescribed burns at regular intervals to mimic the frequent, low-intensity fire events important to this ecosystem.  The Metolius RNA also has a long history of research use helping to inform management of this important forest type in the region.