Last Chance Meadow

The RNA covers 660 acres (267 ha); however, the study area covers 1769 acres (716 ha), which spreads over portions of three ridges and includes an entire small drainage-head between the ridges. Land varies in elevation from about 9700 to 11,060 ft (2957-3371 m). Significant facets of the area are exposed to all major azimuth angles, but the majority face north and south. Slope angles vary from 75° on the east escarpment to virtually level on the meadows in the southwest portion. Average north slopes are about 25°, whereas average south slopes are about 15°.

Distinctive Features

Foxtail Pine Forests: Foxtail pine is a principal dominant of the southern Sierra subalpine forests, yet little ecological information exists for these forests. Factors limiting growth, structure, productivity, and distribution of the southern Sierra stands are not clearly understood, nor is the role of fire, nor the explanation for the extremely sparse understory characteristic of the type. The extensive stands at this RNA, over a variety of site conditions, could also prove useful in a comparative study with the northern California populations of foxtail pine represented at Crater Creek cRNA, Mount Eddy RNA, and Sugar Creek RNA. The information gathered in this survey and by the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (cited in ecological survey) on growth of foxtail pine suggests that local dominants typically exceed 600 years, attaining ages of 1000-1500 years. The ease of access (edge of RNA only 0.5 mile [0.8 km] from paved road) also will facilitate and encourage research on this typically rather inaccessible forest type.

Stream Study: The inclusion of the entire upper portion of a small, permanent stream drainage makes the RNA useful for watershed-related studies.

Rare and Unusual Plants: Two species, Frasera tubulosa and Ivesia campestris, are listed as rare on the survey list. However, both of these species are now considered by CNPS as too common to warrant special consideration. Sarcodes sanguinea, although not rare, grows in an unusual situation in the very low duff-understory of the foxtail pine forest.

Association Types

Fourteen plots of unlisted area were sampled in the subalpine forest; acreage for associations is not given.

Subalpine Forest (86100, 86300, 86700): This vegetation has been grouped into four types: mixed forest dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana) with foxtail pine subdominant; mixed forest dominated by foxtail pine with lodgepole pine subdominant; mixed forest co-dominated by limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and foxtail pine; and monospecific forest of foxtail pine. These types are not discussed individually.

Lodgepole pine is most common along water courses and at lower elevations, whereas foxtail pine cover is negatively correlated with lodgepole pine cover. Limber pine tends to increase in basal area at higher altitudes (e.g., on ridge south of Last Chance Meadow), while there is a general reduction in basal area of all species as the highest elevations of this ridge are approached. On the south-facing slope of this ridge, foxtail pine occurs in high cover. In the southeast quarter of section 13 on a boulder-strewn plateau, foxtail pine attains high basal area cover in pure stands. Reproduction throughout the subalpine forest is good for all three main species. Based on 14 sampled sites, basal area cover for the three major tree species are (average, with range and sample size): foxtail pine 36 (1-56, n=14) m²/ha; lodgepole pine 9 (0.25-28.5, n=12) m²/ha; and limber pine 4.1 (0.5-10, n=5) m²/ha. Total basal area for the plots averages 43.4 (11-54.25) m²/ha. 

In general, the shrub and herb layers are extremely sparse (<25 plants/100 m²), particularly in the pure foxtail pine areas. The most conspicuous species include Selaginella watsonii and several species of Eriogonum.

Meadow (45210, 45220): Although not specifically discussed, numerous species (at least 36) derived from the species list are typical meadow plants of the high southern Sierra Nevada. These taxa may be divided into moist, wet, and meadow-riparian situations.

Plant Diversity

Seventy-one taxa are listed.

Conflicting Impacts

There has been some grazing by domestic livestock in the meadow area. However, the principal impact comes from recreationists, mainly hikers using the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes along the southern border of the area. As of 1976, an undesignated trail that traverses the meadowy southwest portion of the RNA was experiencing increasing use.