ODF 2019 Forest Health Highlights

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

ODF 2019 Forest Health Highlights United States Department of Agriculture Forest Health Highlights in Oregon - 2019 Forest Service January 2020 Pacific Northwest Region Oregon Department of Forestry Forest Health Protection Forest Health Program In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability,age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to allprograms).Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.htmland at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. FOREST HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS IN OREGON - 2019 Joint publication contributors: Christine Buhl Zack Heath Sarah Navarro Karen Ripley Danny Norlander Robert Schroeter Wyatt Williams Ben Smith Cooperative Aerial Survey: 2019 flight lines Front cover: Sudden oak death in Oregon: aerial photo over Brookings, OR of dead and dying tanoaks and close-up of a tanoak stem with girdling canker caused by Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death. TABLE OF CONTENTS LANDOWNER RESOURCES......................................................................................................1 OREGON FORESTRY SUMMARY..............................................................................................2 FOREST HEALTH SUMMARY ...................................................................................................3 SURVEYS, MONITORING AND OTHER PROJECTS ................................................................4 Aerial survey ....................................................................................................................................................4 Young conifer mortality survey ................................................................................................................5 Other projects ................................................................................................................................................6 ABIOTIC AGENTS .....................................................................................................................9 Climate change ..............................................................................................................................................9 Drought .........................................................................................................................................................10 Storms ............................................................................................................................................................11 Wildfire ...........................................................................................................................................................12 FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE MAP ................................................................................... 14 FOREST INSECTS .................................................................................................................. 16 Bark Beetles ..................................................................................................................................................16 Woodboring Insects.................... ..............................................................................................................17 Defoliators ....................................................................................................................................................18 Sap-sucking Insects ...................................................................................................................................19 FOREST DISEASES ................................................................................................................ 21 Sudden oak death ......................................................................................................................................21 Swiss needle cast ........................................................................................................................................24 EXOTIC INVASIVE PLANTS .................................................................................................. 26 Gorse ...............................................................................................................................................................26 Orange hawkweed ....................................................................................................................................27 FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE PESTS BY HOST GUIDE.....................................................28 FOREST HEALTH CONTACTS....................................................................................back page LANDOWNER RESOURCES Figure 1. Map of ODF (green with white tree), USFS (green and yellow USFS badge) and OSU (orange tree) unit offices. OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY (ODF) RESOURCES: Connect with your local ODF stewardship forester to get stand management guidance, diagnose and troubleshoot issues and learn about incentive programs: https://tinyurl.com/ODF-forester Connect with the ODF Forest Health team to diagnose and manage abiotic stressors, insects, diseases, weeds and other invasive species. Visit the ODF Forest Health website for factsheets and training videos: http://tinyurl.com/odf-foresthealth USDA FOREST SERVICE (USFS) RESOURCES: (Federal agencies and Tribes only) Connect with USFS Forest Health Protection specialists to diagnose and manage abiotic stressors, insects, diseases, weeds and other invasive species: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/foresthealth OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY (OSU) FORESTRY EXTENSION SERVICE RESOURCES: Connect with your local OSU Forestry Extension agent to get stand management guidance and to diagnose and troubleshoot forest health issues: https://tinyurl.com/OSU-forester 1 FORESTRY IN OREGON Forestry has a long tradition in the Pacific Northwest, especially in Oregon which at 30 million acres is second only to Alaska in total acreage of forest lands. This number has remained unchanged since 1953. Figure 2. A recently harvested and replanted forest stand near Oakland, OR (Christine Buhl, ODF). For over a decade, Oregon has been the #1 timber producer in the U.S., accounting for 18% of the nation’s total softwood production at about 5.2 billion board feet annually. Oregon supplies 30% of the nation’s plywood with 2.5 billion board feet annually and hosts 25% of the engineered wood (glulam, I-joist, laminated veneer, cross-laminated timber) facilities in the U.S. In 2019, forest timber products brought in over $10 billion in revenue and supplied about 3% of total statewide employment. Additionally, 25% of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and 50% of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) timber revenues help fund education, road construction, libraries, fire and police protection across the state. Oregon’s forests cover approximately 30 million acres and consist of federal (60%), private (35%), state (3%), tribal (1%), and other public (1%) ownerships. Timber production is not the primary objective across the state. The Forest Practices Act (OAR 629) guides private landowners on how best to manage their forestlands to promote ecosystem functioning and sustainability while utilizing this renewable resource. There are certification processes (Sustainability Forestry Initiative, American Tree Farm System, Forest Stewardship Council) in place to help consumers identify products grown and harvested under specific standards. Figure 3. Proportion of acres owned (outer ring) and acres harvested in 2019 (inner ring) by landowner type. 2 FOREST HEALTH SUMMARY Insects, diseases and abiotic disturbance agents cause significant tree mortality, growth loss, and damage in Oregon forests each year. Large outbreaks and invasive exotic species can affect the function and resilience of forest ecosystems and may contribute to hazardous forest fire conditions. However, these agents also play a critical role in maintaining healthy, functioning forests by contributing to decomposition, nutrient
Recommended publications
  • Selected Wildflowers of the Modoc National Forest Selected Wildflowers of the Modoc National Forest
    United States Department of Agriculture Selected Wildflowers Forest Service of the Modoc National Forest An introduction to the flora of the Modoc Plateau U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region i Cover image: Spotted Mission-Bells (Fritillaria atropurpurea) ii Selected Wildflowers of the Modoc National Forest Selected Wildflowers of the Modoc National Forest Modoc National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region iii Introduction Dear Visitor, e in the Modoc National Forest Botany program thank you for your interest in Wour local flora. This booklet was prepared with funds from the Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers program, whose goals are to serve our nation by introducing the American public to the aesthetic, recreational, biological, ecological, medicinal, and economic values of our native botanical resources. By becoming more thoroughly acquainted with local plants and their multiple values, we hope to consequently in- crease awareness and understanding of the Forest Service’s management undertakings regarding plants, including our rare plant conservation programs, invasive plant man- agement programs, native plant materials programs, and botanical research initiatives. This booklet is a trial booklet whose purpose, as part of the Celebrating Wildflowers program (as above explained), is to increase awareness of local plants. The Modoc NF Botany program earnestly welcomes your feedback; whether you found the book help- ful or not, if there were too many plants represented or too few, if the information was useful to you or if there is more useful information that could be added, or any other comments or concerns. Thank you. Forest J. R. Gauna Asst.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Description--White Fir (WFR)
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Game California Interagency Wildlife Task Group White Fir Karen Shimamoto Vegetation Structure-- The White Fir (WFR) habitat is characterized by nearly monotypic even- aged overstory (Cheatham and Haller 1975, Paysen et al, 1980, Riegel 1982, Rundel et al. 1977). Overlapping crowns that cast deep shade are characteristic, although open stands are common (Cheatham and Haller 1975, Eyre 1980, Riegel 1982). Northern California specimens grow to about 70 m (230 ft) in height. Southern California specimens grow to about 30 m (100 ft) (Cheatham and Haller 1975). The understory may consist of sparsely scattered grasses, forbs, and shrubs, or white fir seedlings and saplings (Cheatham and Haller 1975, Eyre 1980, Paysen et al. 1980). However, on moist swales or drainage bottoms, herbaceous cover may approach 100 percent (Rundel et al. 1977). Downed material usually consists of logs, branches and needle litter (Cheatham and Haller 1975). Fire influences the white fir habitat by causing a mosaic of even-aged stands in different successional stages. Composition-- Mature white fir stands, normally monotypic, with more than 80 percent occurring as white fir, are found throughout California; from the Klamath Mountains along the north coast to the south coast mountain ranges, and in interior ranges from the Warner Mountains in the Great Basin to the Clark, Kingston, and New York mountain ranges in interior southern California (Rundel et al. 1977, Parker and Matyas 1981). Shade and downed woody material tend to inhibit understory species (Parker and Matyas 1981). In the Klamath Mountains, for example, canyon live oak and chinquapin are the predominant understory species and open stands usually include squawcarpet and barberry.
    [Show full text]
  • Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment December 2009 Vision Statement “Located near the confluence of the north and south forks of the Pit River, Modoc National Wildlife Refuge will conserve, restore, protect, and manage a mosaic of seasonal wetlands, semi- permanent wetlands, wet meadows, riparian, and sagebrush-steppe habitats. These habitats will provide important resting, feeding, and nesting areas for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. Modoc Refuge’s high- quality habitat will play a key role in the long-term recovery of Central Valley greater sandhill cranes. As an integral part of the surrounding community, Modoc Refuge will provide high quality wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and interpretation. The Refuge will continue to be known for its high-quality environmental education program offered to generations of students. Visitors will develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and refuge management programs and for the importance of protecting lands for wildlife conservation.” Disclaimer CCPs provide long term guidance for management decisions and set forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. These plans detail program planning levels that are sometimes substantially above current budget allocations and, as such, are primarily for Service strategic planning and program prioritization purposes. The plans do not constitute a commitment for staffing increases, operational and maintenance increases, or funding for future land acquisition. Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan Prepared by: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Barrel Springs Backcountry Byway
    U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management Surprise Valley Barrel Springs Back Country Byway A Self-Guided Tour Welcome to the road less traveled! Few people get to experience the beautiful mountains and valley you see on the front cover. This brochure and map will tell you how to find and explore Surprise Valley- how it got its name, the history of the emigrants who ventured west in 1849, and the geological wonders that have shaped this landscape. A map showing the location of Cedarville and major highways in the area Getting There: From U.S. Hwy. 395 in California, five miles north of Alturas, Modoc County, take California Hwy. 299 east to Cedarville, California. From Interstate 80 at Wadsworth in Nevada, 30 miles east of Reno, take Nevada Hwy. 447 north through Gerlach, 141 miles to Cedarville, California. 2 SURPRISE VALLEY-BARREL SPRINGS BACK COUNTRY BYWAY A SELF-GUIDED TOUR Pronghorn antelope with Mount Bidwell in the background 3 CONTENTS 1. THE SECRET VALLEY…...……..1 2. BYWAY LOOP MAP……………..10 3. BYWAY DRIVING TOUR……....12 4. VISITOR TIPS……………………....28 5. WILDFLOWER GUIDE…….......30 Lake City Flouring Mill circa 1900 4 THE SECRET VALLEY The Warner Mountains soar up from the valley floor like a scene from an Ansel Adams photograph. In the valley, coveys of quail trickle across the quiet streets in little towns. At twilight, herds of mule deer join cattle and sheep in the green fields. There are no stoplights, no traffic, and no sirens. This is where the paved road ends. This place, Surprise Valley, is so removed, so distinct from the rest of California, that you, like others, may come to find that it is the Golden State’s best kept secret.
    [Show full text]
  • Birding Northeast California
    BIRDING NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA 24 June – 1 July 2013 A birding and ornithological research trip to raise funds for Western Field Ornithologists nevadensis Sage Sparrow, © Bob Lewis Dates: Monday, June 24 through Monday, July 1, 2013 Locale: Northeast California, beginning and ending in Reno, NV Leaders: Ken Able, Jon Dunn, Lena Yee Hayashi, and Dave Quady ( Price: $ 1,950 for double-occupancy lodging from June 24 through July 1. This price includes all breakfasts, lunches, and snacks; one picnic dinner, and the farewell dinner in Reno. Price also includes non-alcoholic beverages, guide services, and van transportation throughout the trip. We require at least ten participants to ensure that the trip will run. If you have a roommate, please indicate this when you register. If you do not have a roommate but are willing to share, please indicate this, and we will try to pair you with someone. If you prefer a single room or if we cannot pair you with a roommate, there will be a surcharge of $200 for the trip. You will receive an email notice when registration is open. The date when Western Field Ornithologists will first accept your registration depends upon your membership level: January 24 for Patrons or Life members, January 31 for other membership levels, and February 7 for non-members. Register on-line with a $500 deposit, which will be returned less $100 if you cancel prior to April 1. Your deposit will be forfeited if you cancel after April 1 and we are unable to fill your place on the trip. The balance of the trip cost is due by May 1 and you will receive a notice in mid-April.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology and Structural Evolution of the Warner Range
    GEOLOGICAL HISTORY AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF THE WARNER RANGE AND SURPRISE VALLEY, NORTHWESTERN MARGIN OF THE BASIN AND RANGE PROVINCE A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND THE COMMITTEE ON GRADUATE STUDIES OF STANFORD UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Anne Elizabeth Egger March 2010 © 2010 by Anne Elizabeth Egger. All Rights Reserved. Re-distributed by Stanford University under license with the author. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- Noncommercial 3.0 United States License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/us/ This dissertation is online at: http://purl.stanford.edu/vn684mg0818 Includes supplemental files: 1. (Egger_2010_plate_I.pdf) ii I certify that I have read this dissertation and that, in my opinion, it is fully adequate in scope and quality as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Elizabeth Miller, Primary Adviser I certify that I have read this dissertation and that, in my opinion, it is fully adequate in scope and quality as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Simon Klemperer I certify that I have read this dissertation and that, in my opinion, it is fully adequate in scope and quality as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Gail Mahood Approved for the Stanford University Committee on Graduate Studies. Patricia J. Gumport, Vice Provost Graduate Education This signature page was generated electronically upon submission of this dissertation in electronic format. An original signed hard copy of the signature page is on file in University Archives.
    [Show full text]
  • Goose and Summer Lakes Basin Report
    GOOSE AND SUMMER LAKES BASIN REPORT. State of Oregon WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Salem, Oregon May 1989 WILLIAM H. YOUNG, DIRECTOR WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION Members: WILLIAM R. BLOSSER. CHAIRMAN HADLEY AKINS CLIFF BENTZ CLAUDE CURRAN JAMES HOWLAND DEIRDRE MALARKEY LORNA STICKEL TABLE OF CONTENTS IN1RODUCTION........................................................................................................... v A. Purpose of Report.......................................................................................... v B. Planning Process ............................................................................................ v C. Report Organization .... .... .... .................... .. ...... ...... ...... ...................... .... ....... vi SECTION 1. GOOSE AND SUMMER LAKES BASIN OVERVIEW....................... 1 A. Physical Description...................................................................................... 1 B. Cultural Description ...................................................................................... 9 C. Resources...................................................................................................... 12 D. Water Use and Control ................................................................................. 15 SECTION 2. THOMAS CREEK .................................................................................. 23 A. Issue.............................................................................................................. 23 B. Background..................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • White Horse Canyon Ranch Modoc County, California
    White Horse Canyon Ranch Modoc County, California Proudly Offered By 707 Merchant Street, Suite 100, Vacaville, Ca 95688 (707) 455-4444 Office (707) 455-0455 Fax [email protected] Introduction Looking east from the meadow This 2080 acre property is located in Modoc County about 10 miles from the town of Alturas, California. Modoc County is known as the last frontier of California. With over 4203 square miles and only 9197 people in the county, this is one of the least populated, unspoiled and beautiful counties in the state. Modoc County sits in the northeast corner of California. On its east boundary is Washoe County Nevada, best known for the Reno and Sparks area. Reno is 172 miles away. To the north are Lake and Klamath Counties in Oregon. Klamath Falls is the largest community and has all the major facilities just 99 miles away. To the west is Siskiyou County, another rural timber/agriculturally based county. On its south is Lassen County. The county seat of Alturas has almost 3000 people. It has all the services you need, banks, groceries, theatres, restaurants, golf course, doctors and a hospital. The closest commercial airport would be Klamath Falls which is 100 miles away. Klamath Falls is the area’s most populous city with 20,000 people. Klamath Falls is 385 miles from San Francisco, CA and 275 mile from Portland, OR. Alturas does have a 4300 ft asphalt runway that is just minutes from the ranch. Take Highway 395 north out of Reno and right in the town of Alturas make a right on County road 56, go about 6 ½ miles and make a left on County road 58, go more than 2 ½ miles and make a right on County road 58B which is a gravel road and stay right and in 1.3 miles there will be a green gate and the ranch entrance.
    [Show full text]
  • ELK CONSERVATION and MANAGEMENT PLAN December 2018 CONTENTS
    ELK CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN December 2018 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 I. INTRODUCTION 10 A. Goals and Objectives 13 B. Taxonomy and Historical Distribution 15 C. Life History and Habitat 18 D. Distribution and Population Status Since 1970 22 E. Historical and Ongoing Management Efforts by the Department and California Tribes 30 II. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 32 A. Adaptive Management 32 B. Population Monitoring 33 C. Population Viability and Genetic Diversity 36 D. Disease Surveillance 38 E. Co-Management with California Federally Recognized Tribes & Tribal Traditional Uses and Knowledge 40 F. Hunting 41 G. Depredation Response and Alleviation 43 H. Human Dimensions 44 2 III. UNRESOLVED MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND INFORMATION NEEDS 45 A. Key Uncertainties 45 B. Research Needs to Inform Management 49 IV. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 53 A. Strategy for Implementation and Evaluation 53 B. Priority Actions 53 V. PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION 54 VI. LITERATURE CITED 55 VII. GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND TERMS 66 VIII. LIST OF FIGURES and TABLES 67 IX. APPENDICES 68 3 FROM OUR DIRECTOR It is remarkable that in a state with nearly 40 million people, one of the largest, most iconic land mammals in North America is one of our most successful conservation stories. Elk, or Wapiti, meaning “ghost kings” as named by the Shawnee Indians due to the animals’ elusive behavior are coming back from a precipitous population decline. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is proud to present this adaptive, scientifically based management plan that considers the many challenges facing elk in the most populous state in the nation. We’ve come a long way.
    [Show full text]
  • Alpine Ecosystems
    TWENTY-NINE Alpine Ecosystems PHILIP W. RUNDEL and CONSTANCE I. MILLAR Introduction Alpine ecosystems comprise some of the most intriguing hab­ writing about the alpine meadows of the Sierra Nevada, felt itats of the world for the stark beauty of their landscapes and his words were inadequate to describe “the exquisite beauty for the extremes of the physical environment that their resi­ of these mountain carpets as they lie smoothly outspread in dent biota must survive. These habitats lie above the upper the savage wilderness” (Muir 1894). limit of tree growth but seasonally present spectacular flo­ ral shows of low-growing herbaceous perennial plants. Glob­ ally, alpine ecosystems cover only about 3% of the world’s Defining Alpine Ecosystems land area (Körner 2003). Their biomass is low compared to shrublands and woodlands, giving these ecosystems only a Alpine ecosystems are classically defined as those communi­ minor role in global biogeochemical cycling. Moreover, spe­ ties occurring above the elevation of treeline. However, defin­ cies diversity and local endemism of alpine ecosystems is rela­ ing the characteristics that unambiguously characterize an tively low. However, alpine areas are critical regions for influ­ alpine ecosystem is problematic. Defining alpine ecosystems encing hydrologic flow to lowland areas from snowmelt. based on presence of alpine-like communities of herbaceous The alpine ecosystems of California present a special perennials is common but subject to interpretation because case among alpine regions of the world. Unlike most alpine such communities may occur well below treeline, while other regions, including the American Rocky Mountains and the areas well above treeline may support dense shrub or matted European Alps (where most research on alpine ecology has tree cover.
    [Show full text]
  • Modoc National Forest Overview the Population As a Whole
    Ecological Restoration on the Modoc National Forest Overview the population as a whole. Although the project began with in-stream improvements, it expanded into the This chapter describes the landscape-level restoration uplands to achieve habitat improvement goals for the strategy for the ecosystems on and adjacent to the Modoc sucker and other wildlife species. Modoc National Forest. Nestled in northeastern California, the Modoc National Forest is a land of Work began in the Turner Creek area in 1985 and ecological contrasts, including vast stands of sage expanded recently with a series of grants from United steppe intermixed with coniferous forests, ephemeral States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)—Klamath wetlands, lava flows, and high-desert plateaus. Falls Office, Modoc County Resource Advisory Consequently, it contains a variety of habitats for Committee, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The unique plants, wildlife, and fish. Geologically, the current Turner Creek Project sought to enhance Modoc NF is unique in the world for its obsidian vegetation condition using the following: (1) a sources, which have added to the rich prehistoric and 200-acre riparian exclosure, which will receive settlement history. The vastness and remoteness of the long-term light grazing in a rest-rotation system; (2) a Modoc and expansive adjacent private lands create a 2,900-acre riparian pasture system with early season, penetrating solitude that is valued by both locals and limited grazing; (3) installation of a cattle guard and visitors, while continuing the cultural heritage of this stock tanks to redistribute livestock across the place. allotment; (4) maintenance of an existing fish barrier to decrease the presence of competing exotic fish species; The objective of the restoration on the forest is to treat (5) construction of a fish barrier to prevent movement landscapes in a holistic fashion regardless of of exotic fish species; and (6) thinning of 132 acres of ownership.
    [Show full text]
  • Gearhart Mountain Wilderness
    Oregon Plants, Oregon Places: Gearhart Mountain Wilderness Ron Larson 6527 Climax Ave. Klamath Falls, OR 97603 earhart Mountain, a inches, measured at 7,000 ft. broad-shouldered elevation on the mountain. Ggiant on the border Although this is likely excep- between Klamath and Lake tional, it emphasizes the import- counties, lures me each July to ance of snow in the water bud- explore the pristine meadows get of the mountain. Snow covers located on its east flank, seeking most of higher terrain from Nov- further discoveries among the ember to June, and in heavy abundant wildflowers. Gearhart snowfall years, some small drifts Mountain, located about 12 last through summer and fall. As miles northeast of Bly, forms a consequence, springs, seeps, part of the watershed boundary wet meadows, and other between the Klamath and wetlands are plentiful at the Chewaucan drainages. It lies higher elevations. The basin within the Fremont-Winema formed by Dairy Creek Cirque National Forest. Higher areas of on the east side of the mountain the mountain (above 6,300 ft.) has the highest concentration of received wilderness designation meadows. These start at about in 1964, with additional lands 7,600 ft. and continue down added in 1984, bringing the slope for about a mile. current Wilderness total to 22,800 acres. The mountain was Geology and Soils named for the Gearhart family, local ranchers who lived in the Gearhart is a Miocene shield area in the 1870s (McArthur volcano composed of numerous 1982). During WWII the low-viscosity lava flows that Mitchell family was picnicking extend outwards about ten miles near the southern base of the Palisade Rocks consist of porphyritic lava rock weathered into a variety of from the mountain.
    [Show full text]