Blacks Mountain

The RNA covers 521 acres (211 ha) at elevations from 5600 to 6400 ft (1707-1951 m). The surrounding area consists of high plateau at 5600 ft (1707 m), with mountains emerging to about 7000 ft (2133 m). Topography is relatively gentle, with slopes seldom exceeding 20-30 percent. 

Distinctive Features

The RNA contains five compartments of virgin ponderosa pine forest, which is rather uncommon in northeast California. Ponderosa pine in the region, commonly called the eastside pine, was heavily logged in the late nineteenth century, then in the late 1920s it suffered severe losses to bark beetles. The RNA includes a good range of representation of ponderosa pine forest, from inclusions of small areas of grassland and sagebrush flats with adjacent pure pine, to higher elevations where white fir (Abies concolor) and incense-cedar (Libocedrus decurrens) are associated commonly with pine.

Association Types

Eastside Ponderosa Pine (84220): Vegetation of the whole RNA is grouped into this type. Most of the RNA contains pure ponderosa pine forest with regenerations of white fir and incense-cedar. One compartment has ponderosa pine forest with openings of grass and sagebrush flats. In small areas of higher elevation, white fir co-dominates with ponderosa pine. Other trees found in the RNA are Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) and western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis). The most prominent brush species are greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), tobacco brush (Ceanothus velutinus), squaw carpet (C. prostratus), basin sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), currants, gooseberries (Ribes spp.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.), stone-fruits (Prunus spp.), and antelope brush (Purshia tridentata). Sedges (Carex spp.) and bunch grasses, predominantly represented by Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), mountain brome (Bromus marginatus), and squirreltail (Sitanion spp.), are important components of the cover. The most characteristic forbs are mints (Monardella spp.), lupines (Lupinus spp.), and mule-ears (Wyethia mollis).

Plant Diversity

There are no plants listed in the establishment report except those mentioned above.

Conflicting Impacts

No major conflicts on the land uses of the RNA are observed. The USDA Forest Service Blacks Mountain Ecological Research Project includes four of the five RNA components in its long-term research. Two of the four RNA units have been prescribed burned, and all are fenced to exclude livestock.