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Home , Desmanthus bicornutus, Uinta National Forest

...... PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

he mission of the USDA Service, state#- simply, is “Caring for the land and serving the people.” In this era of growing environmental awareness and shrinking natural resources, living Tup to this mission becomes a more complex task than the founders of the Forest Service could ever have foreseen. Research natural areas (RNA’s) help the Forest Service achieve that mission, by preparing today for the changing realities of tomorrow.

This brochure celebrates the establishment of the Forest Service’s 250th research natural area and the increasingly important role played by the RNA network in preserving natural areas across the Nation.

COVER:Western larches, , Montana. Opposite: , Saddle Mountain RNA, , Colorado. ABOVE,TOP Wheeler Creek RNA, Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon. ABOVE,BOTTOM: Yellow ladyslipper, Wisconsin. LEFT Prescribed burning, , ...... North Carolina...... , ...... PREPARINGFOR THE FUTURE

RESEARCHNATURAL AREAS: WHATARE THEY?

esearch natural areas (RNA's) way-perhaps the only way-to con- of the Forest Service are lands serve is to protect intact R that are permanently pro- ecosystems and their natural processes, tected for the purposes of maintaining few of which we completely under- biological diversity, conducting non- stand. manipulative research and monitor- ing, and fostering education. The WHY ARE THEY Forest Service's national network of IMPORTANT? more than 250 RNA's is designed to contain unique ecosystems as well as a At the most basic level, RNA's help , representative array of widespread preserve our Nation's natural heritage ' ecosystem types. In RNA's throughout for future generations. What we do the country, natural conditions are not save today may soon be gone for- allowed to prevail, usually by elimi- ever. The permanent protection nating or limiting human interven- afforded RNA's is a critical step in tion. (In many ecosystems, however, maintaining a range of biological human activities have interrupted diversity of native ecosystems and natural processes for several decades or species, many of them rare, sensitive, more. In these cases, prescribed man- or endangered. Because they are pro- agement actions are used to restore tected in a natural state, RNA's also the processes upon which the natural provide valuable opportunities for communities and species depend. nonmanipulative research, monitoring RNA's prone to natural fires, for of long-term ecological change, com- example, may need to be managed parison of the effects of resource man- with prescribed fire; others may agement activities against unmanaged require fencing to exclude grazing ani- controls, and education. For these rea- mals.) Supporting the RNA concept is sons, they are fast becoming an inte- a scientific consensus that the best gral part of forest land and resource management plans.

ABOVE, TOP Contemplation at Elk Creek RNA, Ner Perce National Forest. Idaho. ABOVE,BOTTOM: Transporting osprey nestlings, Croatan National Forest, North Carolina. RIGHT:Pitcher , Florida.

BIOLOGICALDIVERSITY

RNA's play an important role in main- taining biological diversity on National Forest System lands by con- serving unique natural ecosystems and representative ecosystems. The rapidly evolving field of conservation biology has helped emphasize the importance of landscape-level relationships and processes. Recognition of this fact has led to greater cooperation between the Forest Service and nearby landowners, including individuals, conservation organizations, and other public agen- cies.

NONMANIPUL AT IVE RESEARCH

The relatively undisturbed state of RNA's provides unparalleled opportu- nities to advance our understanding of the structure, composition, and func- tion of numerous native ecosystems. Researchers from the Forest Service and elsewhere use RNA's for studies that do not modify natural conditions, which are possible only in protected areas. (For example, Fern Canyon RNA, on the in California, was established specifi- cally for the study of watersheds, an increasingly important consideration in conservation biology.) From the resulting basic ecological information, natural resource managers are able to develop better biological evaluations and prescriptions for land manage- ment practices. Of equal importance is the role of RNA's as biological reposi- tories, safeguarding ecosystems, species, and natural processes for the 2 future.

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MONITORINGLONG-TERM from Douglas-fir to western hemlock; ECOLOGICAL CHANGE simultaneously, true firs and westem redcedar were increasingly represented Life is not static, and living ecosystems in the lower crown classes. The follow- yield many of their most important ing conclusion underscores the value of secretS over time. One long-term study, this kind of long-term monitoring: conducted on the Thomton T. Munger RNA within the Wind River Demonstration of the em-changing Experimental Forest, Gifford Pinchot nature of old-growth stands is probably National Forest, makes this point. The the most important contribution of this report of this study, entitled “Old- 36-year record. Although the net Growth Douglas-Fir and Western change in timber uolumes was nil, pro- Hemlock: A 36-Year Record of Growth cesses and changes are as dynamic as and Mortality,”by scientists of the those obserwd in many much younger Forest Service Pacific Northwest stands. Hence, characteristics orfunc- Research Station, was published in tiom of old-growth stands cannot be 1987. Growth and mortality in a 1,180- guaranteed in perpetuity simply ere- acre old-growth stand in southwestern seruing existing old-growth tracts Washington were measured at 6-year Where desired old-growth ’ intervals. The study found that from attributes are transient, long-term man- 1947 to 1983, net growth was minimal agement strategies must include plans to and total stand volume remained re-create studs with those attributes. almost constant; however, characteris- More information on patterns and rates tics of this stand changed significantly. of change in old-growth forests is clearly The stand was found to be shifting essential for identifying the nature and gradually in upper canopy dominance intensity of such problems

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MONITORINGRESOURCE EDUCATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES RNAls provide opportunities to educate Without baseline data from ecosystems people-those who have a voice in that are governed primarily by natural today’s decisions about wise steward- processes4ata provided by the kind ship of natural resources and those who of long-term monitoring study cited will make tomorrow’s decisions. Within above-we cannot understand the some RNAls, supervised educational effects of resource management prac- activities may take place, such as inde- tices. Reference areas are required to pendent instruction, field trips for grad- assess the effects of the Forest Service’s uate-level students, and special tours management practices on ecosystem for native plant societies and other composition, structure, and function. responsible groups. RNAls also func- RNA’s address this need. From RNAls tion as outdoor laboratories for formal nationwide come findings that are education classes and graduate invaluable in validating the effective- research projects. Such activities not ness of specific project prescriptions, only expand the body of scientific standards, and guidelines in national knowledge, they enlist community forest land and resource management support and enhance awareness and plans and in determining when such goodwill, valuable commodities in plans should be amended. themselves.

...... om ABOVE:Plant monitoring, Lewis and , Montana. OPPOSITEFlowers on Echo Lake RNA, Humboldt National Forest, California. d ...... PREPARINGFOR THE FUTURE

ESEARCH NATURAL AREAS:1927-92 I

AN UNLIKELY BEGINNING growth." Forest cover types were the sole focus of RNA selection for The protection of natural areas decades. through RNA designation was trig- gered by a distinctly nonconservation THEMOMENTUM GROWS concern: homesteading. A 1912 Act of Congress directed the Secretary of Other RNA's were designated at a ' Agriculture to select, classify, and seg- slow pace until 1976, when the regate lands within the national National Forest Management Act forests that were suitable for home- directed the Forest Service to monitor stead entry. Complying with that act the effects of resource management : in 1926, Forest Ranger J. A. Friebom activities on site productivity, thus examined a 4,464-acre tract adjacent accelerating the process. Also con- 3 to the Mt. Leininon Recreational tributing to this acceleration were fac. Y Area in 's Coronado National tors such as the growth of the Forest. He concluded that the land environmental movement and contin- was not suitable for agriculture and uing loss of natural landscapes. Since therefore not subject to be set aside then, RNA coordinators and scientists under the act, but he did find that it in all Forest Service regions and was valuable for timber production, research stations have achieved mea- streamflow protection, and botanical surable success in establishing RNA's: study. On March 23 of the following The landmark 250th RNA has been year, R. W. Dunlap, Acting Secretary designated, and many more that have of Agriculture, issued a Land been proposed are on the path to offi- 8a Classification Order designating this cia1 designation. I tract as the Santa Catalina Natural Formal establishment offers only a G Area-the Forest Service's first measure of the permanent protection RNA-which was to be "so managed promised by the RNA designation; as to permit scientific studies of forest careful monitoring and resource stew- ardship are critical to fulfilling that promise. Therefore, RNA's require management prescriptions developed specifically for each area.

TOP:Alpine hulsea, Kenney Creek RNA, Salmon National Forest, Idaho. BOTTOM:Research at Croatan National ...... Forest, North Carolina...... PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

To obtain, through scientific education and research, infor- mation about natural system components, inherent processes, and comparisons with represen- tative manipulated systems.

In simpler language, these purposes translate into collection of baseline data, long-term research on ecological change, and monitoring of the effects of management activities, all of which are essential for effective natural resource management. The national forests are required by the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to monitor all resource management activities to emure the continued pro- ductivity of managed sites and biologi- cal diversity. As such, they are obvious beneficiaries of the information gleaned from baseline data and moni- toring activities on RNA’s, as are many other groups and agencies involved in resource management. For this reason, RNA’s-which help pro- tect biological diversity and foster understanding of natural ecosystem processes-an become more impor- tant to the Forest Service’s two- pronged mission to care for the land and serve the people. By helping to keep the land, , watersheds, and their species intact, RNA’s help safe- guard natural resources for the benefit and scientific knowledge of Americans today, and for generations to come...... *.. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

THEFOCUS BROADENS

In the early days of the program, when the focus was on capturing representa- tive areas and ecosystems before their pristine condition was lost, one RNA per major forest type was considered adequate for this purpose. As iinder- standing of the variety and vulnerabil- ity of natural systems grew, the Forest Service RNA program changed in two significant ways:

It recognized that ecosystems other than forested types, as well as habitats for rare and animals, needed special protec- tion, and aquatidriparian, shrubland, , subalpine, and alpine ecosystems were added to the RNA network.

It began to emphasize replica- tion of ecosystem types already represented within the RNA network, to guard against the very real threat of permanent loss of unique natural systems.

“A Directory of Research Natural Areas on Federal Lands of the ,” published in 1977, stated two dominant purposes for developing a comprehensive system of RNA’s:

To preserve a representative array of all significant natural ecosystems and their inherent processes as baseline areas. PARTNERS

fter the Forest Service estab- most ardent cooperator in neiping to lished the first RNA in 1927, identifj and establish RNA's. This rela- Aother Federal agencies fol- tionship is an obvious one, for the lowed suit, among them the Bureau of Conservancy's mission-to preserve lndian Affairs, Bureau of Land plants, animals, and natural communi- Management, National Park Service, ties that represent the diversity of life and US. Fish and Wildlife Service on Earth4ovetails closely with the within the Department of Interior, as goals of the RNA program. AS owner well as the Department of Defense, or manager of some 1,400 preserves, Department of Energy, Tennessee the Conservancy has extensive practi- Valley Authority, and US. Army cal experience to share with the Forest Corps of Engineers. Although criteria Service on many stewardship issues. for establishing and managing RNA's Additionally, the computer-linked net- may differ among these agencies, the work of 50 State natural heritage pro- objectives for which RNA's are estab- grams established by the Conservancy, lished remain the same. which collects and maintains detailed As the focus of its RNA's has broad- data on the distribution of species and ened, the Forest Service has moved to natural communities throughout the involve multiple parmers in the estab- country, helps the Forest Service iden- lishment, management, and use of its tify potential RNA's. RNA's. Numerous groups outside the Federal Government are interested in THENATURAL AREAS the preservation of natural areas, and ASSOCIATION the Forest Service enlists their aid to help maintain and extend its growing As the number of protected natural RNA system. These partners include areas on public and private lands has State agencies, private organizations, grown, so has the number of natural universities, and interested individuals resource professionals involved in natu- who have supported RNA's through ral area identification, management, activities such as building fences, gath- and research activities. Bringing these ering data, and setting up baseline professionals together is the Natural monitoring programs. They also Areas Association, a nonprofit organi- include conservation and professional zation founded in 1978 to provide sup- organizations, such as The Nature port and informational services to Conservancy and the Natural Areas persons concerned.with the protection ...... 0.0 Association. and long-term stewardship of natural THISPACE Common loan, Michigan. areas. Its mission makes the Natural OPPOSITE Aspen wods, Bridger-Teton National THENATURE Areas Association another logical Forest, Wyoming. CONSERVANCY cooperator for the Forest Service, and it has been an active ally in the RNA The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit program. conservation organization incorporated in 195 1, has been the Forest Service's Service, and outside it. rowing numbers of informal cooperative

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WHEREDO WE GO FROM HERE?

n 65 years, the RNA program has which is one of the southernmost ski already covered a lot of ground, regions and one of the southernmost Iliterally and figuratively. In 1927 spruce-fir communities in the United there was one Forest Service RNA; States, with many endemic plant and beyond 1992 the number will greatly animal species. These distinctions at exceed 250. Human pressures on the first seemed incompatible. The ski natural landscape have increased operators saw the land’s irreplaceable markedly in those 65 y ars and can commercial values; the Forest Service only be expected to gr 1.w These pres- saw its equally irreplaceable natural sures not only will affect the availabil- values. ity of land for future RNA‘s but will The campaign to reach a compro- Imake it increasingly difficult to pro- mise, spearheaded by the district tect and maintain natural processes ranger, took several years hut ulti- within RNA boundaries. Because the mately succeeded: the originally pro- future of many RNA’s will be deter- posed RNA site of some 1,300 acres mined in part by conditions beyond was reduced to 797 acres and the orig- their borders, effective management of inally requested three new ski lifts RNA‘s will require a cooperative and were reduced to one. The proposed interdisciplinary approach. RNA and the ski operation, neighbors by unyielding geography, have come COOPERATIONAND to a better understanding of each COMPROMISE IN ACTION other’s differences and learned the value of yielding something in the The proposed William G. Telfer RNA name of compromise. Thanks to that on the in lesson, boundaries of the proposed New demonstrates this kind of RNA will be respected, thus affording cooperation and compromise. In 1982 protection for North America’s largest requests to expand a nearby ski opera- corkbark fir trees in a unique mosaic tion focused attention on the area, of subalpine communities and provid- ing an unparalleled opportunity to study successional stages and relation- ships among spruce-fir forest, grass meadows, and aspen groves.

ABOVE:Silver firs, , Washington...... a.m...... a.m...... *a. PREPARINGFOR THE FUTURE

STEPSFOR THE FUTURE agers how RNA's can assist them in meeting their own manage- The past 65 years have brought huge ment objectives and the Forest leaps forward in the number of Forest Service's dual mandate. Service RNA's now established or pro- posed, but that achievement is not Provide leadership for profes- enough. The window of opportunity sional natural area advocates for protecting pristine natural areas is whose objectives support Forest closing. For the futurc of the National Service goals. Forest System-both the integrity of its natural ecosystems and the health Develop baseline monitoring of its species and the knowledge methods and standardized data needed to manage them wisely-more management practices as refer- is needed. Specifically, the Forest ences for measuring the effects Service plans to: of active resource management practices. Continue to identify RNA's to cover aquatic and terrestrial Promote the RNA network to ecosystems not adequately repre. universities throughout the xnted in the RNA network. country to encourage research projects that meet Forest Service Complete establishment records guidelines and standards. for all RNA's proposed in exist- ing forest land management Through success in these areas, the plans. Forest Service will ensure that its RNA's continue to play a vital role in Write management and moni- helping to protect our country's toring prescriptions for every extraordinary biological diversity, pro- RNA. vide sites for critical long-term research and education, and monitor Broaden efforts to demonstrate ecosystem processes for maximum to Forest Service resource man- health far into the future.

ABOVE,TOP Western pasqiw-, Fenn Mountain RNA, Clearwater National Forest, Idaho. ABOVE,BOTTOM: Bald eagle, Alaska. LEFT: Research, Aquarius RNA, Clearwater National Forest, Idaho...... ~.**..**.*.*.*..~ ...... *a PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

ECOSYSTEMDIVERSITY REPRESENTED IN FOREST SERVICERNA’s

FOREST AQUATIC~IPARI AN

Baiio de Oro RNA, Caribbean Gap Creek RNA, Ouachita National National Forest (Puerto Rico)-undis- Forest ( Arkansas)-upland headwater turbed tabonouco forest; only tropical stream featuring rare paleback darter forest in National Forest System, orig- (Etheostoma pallididorsum) and, on its inally set aside by Spanish Crown in banks, southern ladyslipper 1840 (Cypripedium kentuckiense), under Federal review for listing as a threat- Jumpoff RNA, Uinta National Forest ened or endangered species ()-unusual quaking aspen forest and sagebrush grasslands McCarthy Lake Cedars RNA, Chequamegon National Forest Mesita de 10s Ladrones RNA, Santa (Wisconsin)-undisturbed shallow Fe National Forest (New Mexico)- softwater drainage lake with several minimally disturbed pinyon-juniper streams and a large, old-growth white cedar swamp Pony Meadows RNA, (Idaho)-old-growth Sims Peak Pot Holes RNA, Ashley spruce and subalpine fir forest National Forest (Utah)-excellent cxample of wetlands, bogs, and ripar- Quinnault RNA, Olympic National ian system within a mixed conifer Forest ( Washington)--coastal old- forest growth forest of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, western redcedar, and Douglas-fir

Tionesta RNA, Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania)-climax hem- lock-beech stand, presenting opportu- nity to study dynamics of forest succession

ABOVE,TOP: Frog, Willarnette National Forest, Oregon. AROVE,msoM Bottle Lake RNA, , Idaho. m...... PREPARINGFOR THE FUTURE

SHRUBLAND SUBALPINE

Cliff Lake RNA, Beaverhead National Carlton Ridge RNA, Lo10 National Forest (Montana)-sagebrush shrub Forest (Montana)--excellent example steppe within forested mosaic of old-growth alpine larch and whire- bark pine forest, with hybrids resulting Cone Peak Gradient RNA, Los Padres from unusual overlap of western larch National Forest (California)- and alpine larch zones extremely diverse plant communities resulting from landscape of high eleva- Olallie Ridge RNA, Willamette tion (7,000 feet) down to sea level National Forest (Oregon)-subalpine along Big Sur coast mosaic of mountain meadows and true 8 1 fir-mountain hemlock forest on 9 z

White Pine Peak RNA, Humboldt ridgetops of the western Cascades ~ 2 National Forest (Nevada)-shrub- lands and drv forest San Francisco Peaks RNA, (Arizona)-highest Western Cross Timbers RNA, Lyndon spot in State, demonstrating aspects of B. Johnson National Grassland island biogeography (Texas)--exceptionally interesting area embracing the interface of grand prairie and eastern deciduous forest ALPINE

Harvey Monroe Hall RNA, Inyo GRASSLAND National Forest (California)-unique flattish alpine landscape, with multi- Dry Gulch-Forge Creek RNA, Salmon decade history of research on diversity National Forest (Idaho)-waterfall and climate change and hot springs in grassland setting

Frenzel Creek RNA, Mendocino National Forest (California)-serpen- tine grass remnant with cypress species

Newaygo Prairie RNA, Huron- (Michigan)-various sedges and grasses, especially little and big bluestem

Two-Top BigTop RNA, Cusrer TOP Bristlecone pines, Carpenter Canyon RNA, National Forest (North Dakom- Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada. high-quality mixed-grass prairie LE~:Cypress swamp, St. Francis National Farest, Arkansas...... 0.~0 )...... PREPARINGFOR THE FUTURE

Aquarius RNA, Clearwater National Forest (Idaho)-best remaining exam- ple of coastal remnant forest in north- ern Rockies, containing numerous sensitive plant and animal species

Goodding RNA, Coronado National (60 to 80 feet high) with caves that Forest (Arizona)-unique assemblage 0 2 were inhabited by prehistoric Indians of rare and sensitive species, including i Fraxinus gooddinii (ash), Choisya mollis 8 !Mt. Shasta Mudflow RNA, Shasta- (citrus family), Coryphantha recuruata Trinity National Forests (cactus), and Dnlen tentauloides and (California)-Pacific ponderosa pine bicornutus (legumes) on volcanic mudflows; numerous small mammals Nordhouse Dunes RNA, Huron- Manistee National Forest Red Canyon RNA, Dixie National (Michigan)-State's best example of Forest (Utah)-highly colorful rock windblown dunes and world's most formations and 13 plant taxa of vary- extensive interdunal wetlands adja- ing rarity, including Erioghonum are- cent to fresh water tioides (buckwheat family) and other species endemic to the vivid Wasatch Pack Creek RNA, Tongass-Chatham Limestones formations Area (Admiralty Island, Alaska)- protection for brown bear along salmon stream UNIQUE/SPECIAL Swift Creek RNA, Bridger-Teton Alpine Gardens RNA, White National Forests (Wyoming)- Mountain National Forest (New unusual tall forbs system producing Hampshire)+ne species that is a spectacular flower garden candidate for Federal protection; on State level, nine endangered, eight Thompson Clover RNA, Wenatchee threatened, and four rare plant National Forest (Washington)-small species, and four rare animal species tract of Trifolium thompsonii morton, federally listed as endangered

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ABOVE,TOP: Gila monster, Haufer Wash RNA, , Arizona. APOVE,BOTTOM: Black-tailed prairie dog pups, Montana. OPPOSITEShort-eared owl, Pete Dahl Slough proposed RNA, , Alaska.

PRODUCED IN COOPERATION WITH THENATURE CONSERVANCY JANUARY 1992 REPRINTEDOCTOBER 1992