Roger Lake

Roger Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent a subalpine fir forest and sedge-dominated wetland habitat types. The RNA includes the majority of a watershed with its highest elevation in the north along Freezeout Ridge and its lowest point at Roger Lake effluents leading to Bernhardt Creek. Open meadows and open canopy forests are present at the highest elevations while thin rocky soils are present on Freezeout Ridge. Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) are the predominant forest types in the RNA. White bark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is also a common tree species. Lodgepole pine dominates the slope east of the lake, and a sparse lodgepole pine overstory is found on rocky outcrops in the northern portion of the RNA. Subalpine fir is common on forested slopes. Engelmann spruce dominates the forests surrounding Roger Lake wetlands and is also common on elevated dry areas in open bogs, willow (Salix) thickets, and sedge (Carex) dominated wetlands.  Tree willow (Salixarbusculoides)-sedge, blister sedge (Carex vesicaria) and Drummond's willow (Salix drummondiana) are common plant associations surrounding the wetlands.