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>Map >Satellite This is a transitional area between the species-rich, cool, moist, mixed conifer forests of the mid-elevation Sierra and the species-poor, cold, moist, montane forests of the higher elevations. Old-growth stands of sugar pine, Pinus lambertiana, and white fir, Abies concolor, with the former dominant, mixed with incense cedar, Calocedrus decurrens, and Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, occupy most of the area. Bush chinquapin, Chrysolepis sempervirens, Arctostaphylos patula and Arctostaphylos nevadensis are prominent in the understory.
In the cooler region the white fir, Abies concolor, forms a completely closed, dense canopy. The understory here is primarily Goodyera oblongifolia.
One hundred and eleven species of plants have been found in the area.
Animals are typical of the transition zone.
The area is underlain by Mesozoic granitics. It probably was glaciated during the Tahoe stage (60-75,000 B.P.) but not during the more recent Tioga stage.
Several permanent streams and the South Fork of the American River border the area.
Integrity: Though close to a highway and camp, the area is relatively undisturbed. It has been proposed as a Research Natural Area.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
February 1980
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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