Babbitt Peak Research Natural Area Establishment Record

Babbitt Peak Research Natural Area occupies the highest crests and surrounding slopes of the Bald Mountain Range, one of the most eastward ranges with typical Sierran coniferous vegetation in this part of California. The coniferous vegetation of the RNA not only includes the previously mentioned pure western white pine forest and Washoe pine forest, but also includes extensive stands of white fir-dominated forest and smaller areas of mixed red fir and western white pine forest. Plant communities with Great Basin affinity include several patches of low aspen forest, extensive areas of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) scrub, and equally extensive curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolus) scrub.