W.B. Critchfield Research Natural Area Establishment Record

The W.B. Critchfield Research Natural Area (WBCRNA) is on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, and consists of the uppermost watershed of Bourland Creek, a glaciated valley opening to the southeast. Exposed south-facing slopes, ridge crests, and open rocky areas primarily support Huckleberry oak scrub. Red fir forest is the predominant cover type on lower slopes and portions of the valley bottom, with lodgepole pine forest and aspen forest also present in these areas. Small stands of pure Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) grow in rocky areas at the head of the valley. Montane meadow and montane freshwater marsh cover much of the valley bottom in the lower part of the WBCRNA, and two smaller meadow areas are present higher in the watershed. Two lakes are present within the WBCRNA: Argo Lake at the source of Bourland Creek, and Heart Lake.