NPSO 2012 Annual Meeting

Field Trip - Desert Creek Research Natural Area of Crater Lake National Park

Jen Beck

Description

Leaders: Jen Beck (Ecologist) and Calvin Farris (Fire Ecologist), Crater Lake National Park

Difficulty: Moderate Altitude Gain: <800’

Altitude: 5000-5800'

Jen Beck

Description: We will explore the Desert Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) of Crater Lake NP. This RNA was established around 1993 due to its excellent representation of unlogged and ungrazed ponderosa-lodgepole pine forest with antelope bitterbrush steppe. We will hike through the Sharp Desert and climb one of the nearby peaks to get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. We will be discussing forest health issues, including former prescribed fire(1970s-1980s) and upcoming prescribed fire work in the Desert Creek RNA.

Floristic Highlights: Ponderosa pine – bitterbrush vegetation type with long-stoloned sedge.

General Driving Directions: On Highway 138, travel east past the Crater Lake National Park north entrance and past the park boundary (see map). Turn right on Forest Road 70 on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. We will meet just south of the junction of Hwy 138 and Forest Road 70 (look for a light green Ford Escape with government plates), then caravan to the parking site together. Detailed maps to the parking site will be provided at the meeting spot.

Appropriate Foot wear: Hiking boots with ankle support.

Group Size Limit: 20

Time: 12:30 - 4:00 pm

RT Mileage: From Hwy 138, probably around 12-16 miles on dirt roads.

Documents

If you have questions that aren't answered here, send email to annualmeeting12@siskiyou.npsoregon.org.