Hale Ridge Research Natural Area Establishment Record

The Hale Ridge Research Natural Area (HRRNA) is characterized by the presence of knobcone pine with transitions to mixed conifer forest, dominated by Douglas-fir, to the north and relatively diverse mixed chaparral, with transition to chamise chaparral, on the drier south-facing slopes. The entire RNA is also within a late successional reserve (RC313) to provide and protect habitat for northern spotted owl and other late successional forest dependent species. Graywacke sandstone and shales of the Franciscan Assemblage form the underlying geologic foundation of the HRRNA, with soils consisting of: 1) Sanhedrin-Kekawaka-Speaker complex underlying the densest knobcone stands and Douglas-fir dominated forest to the north, 2) Maymen-Etsel-Speaker association underlying the chaparral on the southerly slopes, and 3) Speaker-Maymen-Marpa association underlying some knobcone and small amounts of Douglas-fir and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). Most of the knobcone stands are 30-60 years old and are a result of extensive fires in the area, typical for this vegetation type and crucial for its regeneration.