Merriam Lake Basin
Status
Established
Year Established
1991
Location
Station
State
Idaho
National Forest Regions
Intermountain Region (R4)
44.116667, -113.766667
Merriam Lake Basin Research Natural Area
Ecological and Physical Description
Size
740ac (299ha)
Elevation Range
9,580' (2,920m) - 12,065' (3,677m)
Primary Features
Seldom in Idaho is the combination of substrates and moisture gradients at high elevations so varied as occur in the Merriam Lake Basin RNA. As a result, the alpine vegetation is very diverse. Enclosed in a rather small basin are numerous alpine communities, including one area supporting a vegetation typical of tundra over 2,400 miles to the north.
Last updated February 2, 2023