Long Canyon Research Natural Area Establishment Record

The Long Canyon Research Natural Area (LCRNA) is one of two Forest Service areas chosen to preserve populations of this rare species endemic to the Southern Sierra Nevada province. The other area is the Bodfish Piute Cypress Botanical Area, which lies approximately nine miles (14.5 km) west-southwest of the Long Canyon stand. 

As with other cypresses in California, Piute cypress is a fire-adapted, serotinous-coned species, requiring fire for effective dispersal and regeneration. Fire history of each of the approximately 10 stands known varies. Some stands, such as the Back Canyon stand, are relatively old (more than 100 years). The Bodfish stand appears to have a varied fire history with some young and old trees. Other smaller stands are even-aged; e.g. at Hobo Ridge (fire 1966) and Stormy Canyon (fire 1924). 

The stands at Long Canyon, though small in extent, have a varied fire history. This variation in age is one of the most significant aspects of the local population.