USDA 

~ 

United States 

Department 

-· of Agriculture 

Forest Service 

Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 

General Technical 

Report RMRS-GTR-20 

January 1999 

.Riparian Reference Areas 

in Idaho: a Catalog of 

Plant Associations and 

Conservation Sites 

Mabel Jankovsky-Jones 

Steven K. Rust 

Robert K. Moseley 

This file was created by scanning the printed publication.

Errors identified by the software have been corrected;

however, some errors may remain.
Abstract 

Jankovsky-Jones, Mabel; Rust, Steven K.; Moseley, Robert K. 1999. Riparian reference areas in Idaho: a catalog of 

plant associations and conservation sites. Gen Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 141 p. 

Idaho land managers and regulators need knowledge on riparian reference sites. Reference sites are ecological 

controls that can be used to set meaningful management and regulatory goals. Since 1984, the Idaho Conservation 

Data Center, Boise, ID, has compiled information in a series of interrelated databases on the distribution and condition 

of riparian, wetland, and terrestrial plant associations in high quality reference sites in Idaho. This report summarizes 

association-specific and reference area-specific information from our databases and presents a standardized 

classification of Idaho riparian and wetland plant associations. Each plant association entry includes the current global 

and state conservation rank, and the plant association's occurrence in reference areas (if any). This is followed by a 

summary of each reference area, arranged by ecoregional Province and Section. Summary information includes 

location, management responsibility, site description, and a list of all riparian and wetland associations that occur in 

the area. 

Keywords: classification, land management, wetland, terrestrial, reference sites 

The Compilers 

Mabel Jankovsky-Jones is a Wetland Ecologist with 

the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation 

Data Center, Boise, ID. She received an M.S. degree 

from the Department of Geography at the University of 

Wyoming. Thesis research focused on riparian classification in the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado. Prior to 

joining the Idaho Conservation Data Center in 1995 she 

worked as a teacher and for the Wyoming Natural Heritage Program on inventories of proposed Research 

Natural Areas. 

Steven K. Rust is Ecologist for the Idaho Department of 

Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID. 

He holds bachelors degrees in environmental studies 

and botany from the Evergreen State College and University of Washington, respectively. He received a master o.f science degree from the College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, in ecosystems analysis. Prior to joining the Conservation Data Center in 1994 

he worked as a Botanist and Plant Ecologist for the 

National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, 

and USDA Forest Service. 

Robert K. Moseley is Plant Ecologist and Program 

Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 

Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID. He holds a B.S. 

degree in· range resources and an M.S. degree in botany 

from the University of Idaho. Since 1976, he has held 

positions with the University of Idaho, USDA Forest 

Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game, where he conducted field 

studies of ecosystems and rare plant species throughout 

Idaho. He has been with the Conservation Data Center, 

Boise, ID, since 1988. 

Acknowledgments 

Much of the information presented in this document is 

the result of funding over the past 15 years supporting 

inventory and information management in the network of 

Research Natural Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, 

and Preserves managed by the USDA Forest Service, 

USDI Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department 

of Fish and Game, and The Nature Conservancy. In 

addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided support to complete wetland inventories in five 

watersheds throughout Idaho since 1995. George 

Stephens, Fish and Game Data Coordinator, and Linda 

Williams, Research Data Technician, of the Conservation Data Center have been instrumental in providing 

information management support and completion of 

data processing tasks associated with the Biological and 

Conservation Database. Audrey Goddell's programming 

expertise helped generate reports from the database efficiently. We also acknowledge Nancy Shaw and Warren 

Clary for supporting publication of this document. 

Rocky Mountain Research Station 

324 25th Street 

Ogden, UT 84401 
Contents 

Page 

Introduction .............................................................................................. 1 

Biological and Conservation Data System ............................................... 1 

Plant Association Elements .................................................................. 2 

Conservation Sites ................................................................................ 2 

Using This Catalog ................................................................................... 2 

Riparian and Wetland Plant Associations ............................................. 2 

Reference Area Summaries ................................................................. 3 

Request for More Information .................................................................. 3 

References ............................................................................................... 3 

Riparian and Wetland Plant Associations ................................................ 6 

Reference Area Summaries ................................................................... 39 

Bear Lake Section (342E) ................................................................... 39 

Beaverhead Mountains Section (M332E) ........................................... 40 

Bitterroot Mountains Section (M333D) ................................................ 49 

Blue Mountains Section (M332G) ....................................................... 59 

Challis Volcanics Section (M332F) ..................................................... 63 

Flathead Valley Section (M333B) ....................................................... 68 

Idaho Batholith Section (M332A) ........................................................ 73 

Northwest Basin and Range Section (342B) ...................................... 89 

Okanogan Highlands Section (M333A) .............................................. 93 

Overthrust Mountains Section (M331 D) ........................................... 110 

Owyhee Uplands Section (342C) ..................................................... 121 

Palouse Prairie Section (331 A) ......................................................... 128 

Snake River Basalts (342D) ............................................................. 129 

Yellowstone Highlands Section (M331A) .......................................... 133 

Front Cover: Top photo-Putney Meadows, Fremont County, 10, Targhee National 

Forest. Bottom photo-Trail Creek, Blaine County, 10, Sawtooth National Forest. 

Photography by Mabel Jankovsky-Jones. 

Riparian Reference Areas in 

Idaho: a Catalog of Plant 

Associations and Conservation 

Sites 

Introduction 

Mabel Jankovsky-Jones 

Steven K. Rust 

Robert K. Moseley 

--------------------------- Since the early 1900's, scientists and land managers 

have recognized the need to establish ecological reference areas where natural conditions are maintained 

insofar as possible. In 1926, Victor Shelford, working 

through the Ecological Society of America, produced 

the first catalog of ecological reference sites or natural 

areas in the United States (Shelford 1926). Throughout the later half of this century, the need to inventory 

and protect remnants of the natural landscape as 

ecological baselines has been called for in many disciplines, including forest management (Buckman and 

Quintus 1972; Shanklin 1951), rangeland management (Allen 1986; Anderson 1966; Bock et al. 1993; 

Laycock 1975;), environmental monitoring (Franklin 

et al. 1972; Moir 1972 ), biodiversity conservation 

(Cain 1968; Noss and Cooperrider 1994), hydrology 

and aquatic ecology (Leopold 1962; Rabe and Savage 

1979), and for conducting basic ecological research in 

undisturbed systems (Bormann 1966; Hinds 1979; 

Moeur 1992; Norris 1968). More recently, the role and 

need for ecological reference areas has been heightened with the advent of ecosystem management 

(Andrews 1994; Rust 1998; Ryan et al. 1994). 

The Federal Committee on Ecological Reserves ( 1977) 

lists two primary purposes for developing a comprehensive, representative system of reference areas: (1) 

"to preserve a representative array of all significant 

natural ecosystems and their inherent processes as 

baseline areas" and (2) "to obtain through scientific 

education and research, information about natural 

system components, inherent processes, and comparisons with representative manipulated systems." The 

need for reference areas is fundamental to land management planning, where implemention of plans requires monitoring and evaluation of the effects of 

management strategies (Burns 1984; Norse et al. 

1986). Natural areas also contribute to the land management planning process by providing models of 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 

benchmark landscape features and habitat conditions 

(Andrews 1994; Ryan et al. 1994). 

For riparian and wetland ecosystems, reference areas have been used in preparing plant association 

descriptions, setting meaningful management and 

regulatory goals, and evaluating the effectiveness of 

Best Management Practices. Reference areas play a 

particularly important role in understanding the dynamics of riparian and wetland restoration or recovery by providing baselines for assessments of functional and structural characteristics of mature, 

relatively undisturbed systems (Brinson and 

Rheinhardt 1996; Dobkin et al. 1998; Race and Fonseca 

1996). 

Since 1984, the Idaho Department ofFish and Game's 

Conservation Data Center (CDC) has maintained databases on the distribution and status of natural plant 

associations in Idaho, as well as conservation sites of 

high ecological quality that may be used as reference 

areas. In this report we present a catalog of reference 

areas for riparian and wetland associations generated 

from our information management system, the Biological and Conservation Data System. 

Biological and Conservation Data 

System __________ _ 

The Ecological Society of America was involved 

early in the history of natural area establishment. In 

1917 the Society formed the Committee for the Preservation of Natural Conditions for Ecological Study. 

Mter functioning to promote natural areas for sci entific purposes for two and a half decades, the Society 

disbanded the committee. In 1946 a group of interested ecologists formed an independent group called 

the Ecologists' Union. The group was shortly reorganized and named The Nature Conservancy (Mcintosh 

1985). 

One major success of the Conservancy in the ensuing 

years has been development of State and Provincial 
·,·': · ... · 

natural heritage inventory programs. This network of 

Natural Heritage Programs, or Conservation Data 

Centers as they are sometimes called, maintains a 

permanent and dynamic atlas and data bank on the 

distribution, abundance, and conservation status of 

all the elements of natural biological and ecological 

diversity; sites where these elements occur; and sources 

of additional information and documentation. The 

natural heritage inventory system includes a computerized database known as the Biological and Conservation Data System (BCD), map files, literary reference files, and standardized field methods (TheN ature 

Conservancy 1982). 

While a range of different information systems has 

been developed for reference areas, the natural heritage inventory system has been particularly successful because (1) it is based on common units of comparison, elements of biological diversity (individual plant 

and animal species and terrestrial and aquatic communities), and element occurrences are the focus of 

inventory and analysis; (2) information is efficiently 

compartmentalized; and (3) standardization in inventory methods is based on multi-institutional cooperation (TheN ature Conservancy 1982, TheN ature Conservancy et al. 1996). The BCD is the only data system 

with site specific information on occurrences within 

ecological reference areas (Rust 1998). 

To compile information for this riparian reference 

area catalog, we used four files from the BCD that 

apply to the elements, in this case riparian and wetland plant associations, and to conservation sites, in 

this case riparian reference areas. The four files are 

described below. 

Plant Association Elements 

Element Tracking (ET)-This file contains information that identifies the plant association elements 

within Idaho and tracks the classification and conservation status of each element at the global, national, 

and State levels. The concept of an element is fundamental to Natural Heritage Program methods and to 

the inventory of biological diversity. An element is a 

unit of natural biological diversity. Fine "filters" of 

diversity include plant and animal species. Plant communities can be thought of as representing a "coarse 

filter" for natural diversity (N oss and Cooperrider 

1994). By identifying and preserving the best examples of all terrestrial and aquatic plant associations, a significant portion of the biological diversity of 

a given area can be preserved. The use of terrestrial, 

aquatic, and subterranean communities as a "coarse 

filter" helps ensure that the Heritage/CDC Network is 

inventorying the complete spectrum of biological diversity, not just those species whose priority conservation status has been documented. Protecting the best 

2 

examples of all communities also ensures better conservation of ecological processes and the biotic interactions that are necessary to sustain biological diversity. 

Source Abstract (SA)-This file is a comprehensive bibliographic database on rare species and ecosystems in Idaho. In addition to the database record, the 

CDC maintains manual files containing all of the 

references cited. Source Abstracts are linked electronically to related files such as Element Tracking. 

Element Occurrence Record (EOR)-Each 

record in this file represents a distinct plant association element occurrence (EO) at a specific geographic 

location. Each occurrence is coded, ranked, and described. Information on the ecology, location, protection, ownership, and references related to research 

and documentation of the occurrence are included. 

The integration of the plant association element occurrence records with rare species occurrence data enhances abilities to participate in environmental review, preserve selection and design, and conservation 

planning. 

Conservation Sites 

Site Basic Record (SBR)-The file contains scientific and ecological information on conservation sites. 

Conservation sites are defined as units of the landscape that are of scientific and ecological interest. 

Each record in the SBR file describes a conservation 

site, its location, size, design considerations, biological 

significance, protection and stewardship concerns, 

and the element occurrences present. 

Using This Catalog 

Riparian and Wetland Plant Associations 

This table provides a comprehensive list of wetland 

and riparian plant associations known to occur in 

Idaho. The plant associations are listed alphabetically 

and followed by conservation rank, the principle authoritative reference, and a list of the reference areas 

in which the association occurs. 

Plant Association N arne-The scientific and common name for wetland and riparian plant associations 

is given. The nomenclature for the scientific names for 

plant associations follows Hitchcock and Cronquist 

(1973), with the following exceptions: 

• Salix follows Brunsfeld and Johnson ( 1985), with 

the exception of Salix amygdaloides, and Salix 

lasiolepis, which follow Hitchcock and Cronquist 

(1973). 

• Carex utriculata as treated by Reznicek (1987). 

• Artemisia follows Cronquist et al. (1994). 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Conservation Rank-Conservation rank indicates the relative rarity of plant associations based on 

the total number of occurrences and the area occupied 

by occurrences globally(G) and Statewide (8). Secondarily, condition, trend, and threats are factored into 

the rank. Ranks are on a scale from 1 to 5 with a rank 

of 1 indicating the community is critically imperiled to 

a rank of 5 indicating the community is relatively 

secure (Master 1991). 

Principal Reference-The reference listed for each 

plant association is considered the principle authority 

for Idaho. Only one reference is cited here for ease of 

reporting. We commonly have additional sources in 

our database and this information may be requested 

from the CDC. 

Reference Areas-Reference areas or conservation sites containing the plant associations are listed 

in the final column of the table. The absence of an entry 

in this cell indicates a gap in the reference area 

system. 

Reference Area Summaries 

The SBR database was used to generate a report for 

each of the reference areas listed in the community 

table. The information is reported in English measurements, and scientific names are not italicized for 

ease of reporting from the database. The report includes a description of the site, general location, and a 

listing of the riparian and wetland community types 

occurring at the site. Only a portion of the information 

from SBR is reported here from the site database, and 

additional information and updated information are 

available from the CDC. 

Request for More Information 

The CDC is interested in obtaining updated information on any of the conservation sites listed here or 

others that we may not be aware of. While all high 

quality plant association occurrences are of interest, of 

particular interest are sites supporting plant associations that are poorly represented in reference areas. 

Protocols for submitting this information may be obtained by contacting the compilers of this report at: 

Conservation Data Center 

600 South Walnut, P.O. Box 25 

Boise, ID 83707 

Phone: (208) 334-3402 

Fax: (208) 334-2114 

Email: mjankovs@idfg.state.id.us 

srust@idfg.state.id.us 

bmoseley@idfg.state.id.us 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 

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Mutz, K. M.; Queiroz, J. 1983. Riparian community classification 

for the Centennial Mountains and South Fork Salmon River, 

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habitat types of Montana. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-34. Ogden, UT: 

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Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID. 7 p. 

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Moscow, ID: University of Idaho. 88 p. Thesis. 

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habitat types of central Idaho. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-114. Ogden, 

UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 138 p. 

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habitat types of eastern Idaho-western Wyoming. Gen. Tech. 

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Conservation Data Centers. 1996. Biological and Conservation 

Data System (1996 Edition). Arlington, VA 

Tuhy, J. S. 1981. Stream bottom community classification for the 

Sawtooth Valley, Idaho. Moscow, ID: University ofldaho. 230 p. 

Thesis. 

Tuhy, J. S.; Jensen, S. 1982. Riparian classification for the Upper 

Salmon/Middle Fork Salmon River drainages, Idaho. Smithfield, 

UT: White Horse Associates. 183 p. 

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northern, central, and southern Idaho within established and 

proposed Research Natural Areas and equivalents. Unpublished 

Report on file at: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID. 

Youngblood, A P.; Padgett, W. G.; Winward, A H. 1985. Riparian 

community type classification of eastern Idaho-western 

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5 
CJ) 

Riparian and Wetland Plant Associations 

Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Abies grandis/Senecio triangularis G3/S3 Cooper et al. 1991 Warm Springs 

(grand fir/arrowleaf groundsel) Upper Newso

Abies grandis/Taxus brevifolia/Asarum caudatum G2/S2 Crawford and Upper Newso

(grand fir/Pacific yew/wild ginger) Johnson 1985 Warm Springs 

No Business C

Abies lasiocarpa/Actaea rubra G4?/S2 Steele et al. 1983 

(subalpine fir/baneberry) 

Abies lasiocarpa/Ainus sinuata G4/S3 Steele et al. 1981 

(subalpine fir/Sitka alder) 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis G5/S3 Steele et al. 1 981 Salmon Moun

(subalpine fir/bluejoint reedgrass) Needles 

c Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis, LJ:ldum glandulosum phase G4/S3 Steele et al. 1 981 Phoebe Mead

U) (subalpine fir/bluejoint reedgrass, Labrador-tea phase) Trail Creek, Le

0 

):> Pony Meadow

, Bruin Mountai

0 Bear Valley C

co 

(f) Back Creek .-+ 

U) Belvidere Cree

CD Lava Butte < 

n· Sneakfoot Me

CD Soldier Lakes 

G) Chilcoot Peak CD 

? Iron Bog 

-1 Cache Creek 

CD Mystery Lake (") 

?' Frog Meadow

::0 Allan Mountai

CD 

::' Dome Lake 

::0 Moose Meado

s: Square Mount

::0 Patrick Butte U) 

6 

-1 Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora G3?/S3 Steele et al. 1981 Moose Meado

::0 

~ (subalpine fir/white marshmarigold) Back Creek 

~ Lava Butte ...... Chilcoot Peak CJ:) 

CJ:) 

co 
c 

en 

0 

)> Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

'"T1 Rank Q 

CD 

CJ) 

Abies lasiocarpa/Oplopanax horridum G2/SP Pfister et al. 1977 r+ 

en (subalpine fir/devils club) CD 

< 

(") Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius G4?/S4 Steele et al. 1981 Moose Meado

CD (subalpine fir/twisted-stalk) Back Creek 

G) 

CD Bear Valley C

? Fenn Mountai

-I Chilcoot Peak CD 

(") Trail Creek, L

::::T' Canyon Creek 

:::0 

CD Needles 

"'!=' Willow Creek 

:::0 

s: 

:::0 

en 

6 Acer negundo/Cornus stolonifera G3?/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 

-I (box-elder/red-osier dogwood) :p 

N 

~ Acer negundo/Equisetum arvense G2?/SP Padgett et al. 1 989 _. (box-elder/common horsetail) <0 

<0 

<0 Acer negundo/Osmorhiza chilensis G2?/S1 Moseley 1985 

(box-elder/mountain sweet-root) 

Agropyron smithii G3G5Q/S1 French and Mitchell Hideaway Isla

(western wheatgrass) 1983 Stapp-Soldier 

Big Lost River 

Allison Creek 

Agrostis exarata-Agrostis scabra G2/S2 Tuhy 1981 

(spike bentgrass-tickle-grass) 

Alnus incana G?Q/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 

(mountain alder) 

Alnus incana-Betula occidentalis/Salix exigua G3/S3 Miller 1976 

(mountain alder-water birch/coyote willow) 

Alnus incana/Athyrium filix femina G3/S2 Kovalchik 1993 Three Ponds 

(mountain alder/lady fern) Upper Priest R

Chateau Falls 

Dutch Creek 

....... 
co Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Ar

Rank 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata G3/S2 Kovalchik 1993 Potholes 

(mountain alder/bladder sedge) Kaniksu Mars

Chase Lake 

Perkins Lake 

Lamb Creek 

Armstrong M

Bismark Mea

Blue Lake 

Gamlin Lake 

Upper Priest 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera G30/S3 Tuhy and Jensen Canyon Cree

(mountain alder/red-osier dogwood) 1982 Travertine Pa

Horse Creek 

Captain John 

Hixon Sharpt

Burns Canyon 

Alnus incana/Equisetum arvense G3?/S3 Kovalchik 1993 

(mountain alder/field horsetail) c 

CfJ 

0 Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum G3/S3 Kovalchik 1 993 Potholes 

)> (mountain alder/skunk cabbage) Blue Lake "T1 Freeman Lake 0 

Ci) 

en Alnus incana/Mesic forb G3G40/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 Willow Creek

.-+ 

CfJ (mountain alder/mesic forb) Upper Priest 

(l) 

< Stapp-Soldier 

c:;· Trail Creek, B

(l) 

G) Iron Bog 

(l) 

? Alnus incana/Mesic graminoid G2G3Q/S5 Padgett et al. 1989 Pack River 

-l (mountain alder/mesic graminoid) (l) 

(") 

::J" 

Alnus incana/Ribes hudsonianum G3/S3 Youngblood et al. Burns Canyon ::0 (mountain alder/northern black current) 1985 (l) 

'? 

::0 Alnus incana/Spiraea douglasii G3/S3 Kovalchik 1987 Upper Priest 

s: (mountain alder/pink spiraea) Upper Priest 

::0 

CfJ 

6 Alnus rhombifolia G20/S? Daubenmire 1970 

-l (white alder) ::0 

,:_, 

~ Alnus rhombifolia-Abies grandis G2?/S2 Miller 1976 _. (white alder-grand fir) (£) 

(£) 

(£) 
c 

(f) 

Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

0 

)> Rank 

'T1 

0 

.., Alnus rhombifolia/Amelanchier alnifolia G3/S3 Miller 1976 (!) 

en (white alder/wester'"! serviceberry) .-+ 

(f) 

(!) 

Alnus rhombifolia/Betula occidentalis G1 /S1 Miller 1976 Garden Creek < 

("") (white alder/water birch) Captain John 

(!) 

G) Alnus rhombifolia/Celtis reticulata G2/S2 Miller 1976 (!) 

? (white alder/hackberry) 

-I 

(!) 

Alnus rhombifolia/Cornus stolonifera GU/SU Moseley 1998 Hixon Sharpta

("") 

?" (white alder/red-osier dogwood) 

:::0 

(!) 

Alnus rhombifolia/Philadelphus lewisii :::' G1 /S1 Miller 1976 Garden Creek 

:::0 (white alder/syringa) Summer Cree

s:: 

:::0 Alnus rhombifolia/Prunus virginiana G2/S2 Miller 1976 (f) 

6 (white alder/chokecherry) 

-I 

=p Alnus rhombifolia/Rhus glabra G?/S2 Miller 1976 N (white alder/smooth sumac) ~ _.. 

c.o Alnus rhombifolia/Rosa woodsii G1 /S1 Miller 1976 c.o 

c.o (white alder/wood's rose) 

Alnus rhombifolia/Sambucus cerulea G2?/S2 Miller 1976 

(white alder/blue elderberry) 

Alnus rubra/Adiantum pedatum G1 /S1 Steele 1971 

(red alder/maidenhair fern) 

Alnus sinuata G2Q/S? Daubenmire and Bruin Mounta

(Sitka alder cover type) Daubenmire 1968 Steep Lakes 

Elk Creek 

Belvidere Cre

Pony Creek 

Patrick Butte 

Needles 

Alnus sinuata/Athyrium filix femina G3G4/SP Kovalchik 1993 

(Sitka alder/subarctic lady fern) 

Alnus sinuata/Mesic forb G3G4/SP Kovalchik 1993 

(Sitka alder/mesic forb) 

Alnus sinuata/Montia cordifolia GU/S3 Cooper et al. 1991 Upper Newso

(Sitka alder/miner's lettuce) c.o 
0 Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Arnica longifolia GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones Trail Creek, L

(seep spring aster) [In preparation] 

Artemisia cana/Deschampsia ~espitosa G2G3/S3 Padgett et al. 1 989 Toms Creek/B

(silver sagebrush/tufted hairgrass) 

Artemisia cana/Dry graminoid Manning and Padgett Pleasant Valle

(silver sagebrush/dry graminoid) 1995 

Artemisia cana/Festuca idahoensis G3/S2 Hironaka et al. 1 983 Hill City Mars

(silver sagebrush/Idaho fescue) 

Artemisia cana/Muhlenbergia richardsonis G3/S2 Hironaka et al. 1 983 YP Lake Bed 

(silver sagebrush/mat muhly) 

Artemisia ludoviciana G3/S2 Lichthardt 1 992 Lower and Mi

(prairie sage) 45 Ranch 

Artemisia papposa G1 /S1 Moseley 1 998 Pleasant Valle

c (Owyhee sagebrush) 

CJ) 

0 Artemisia tridentata tridentata/Eiymus cinereus G2/S1 Hironaka et al. 1983 West Fork Mi

)> (basin big sagebrush/Great Basin wildrye) East Fork Sal

"T1 

0 Willow Creek

co Trail Creek, B

en 

..-+ Silver Creek 

CJ) 45 Ranch CD 

< 

c;· Artemisia tridentata vaseyana/Eiymus cinereus G4?/S2 Hironaka et al. 1 983 CD 

G) (mountain big sagebrush/Great Basin wildrye) 

CD 

::::l 

Aster integrifolius/Festuca idahoensis G?/S3 Tuhy and Jensen 

-I (thick-stemmed aster/Idaho fescue) 1982 CD 

("') 

?" Betula glandulosa-Lonicera caerulea/Senecio pseudaureus GO/S3 Tuhy 1981 

:0 

CD (bog birch-bluefly honeysuckle/streambank butterweed) 

~ 

:II Betula glandulosa/Carex lasiocarpa G4/S2 Bursik and Moseley Chase Lake 

s: (bog birch/slender sedge) 1995 Lee Lake :0 

CJ) 

6 Betula glandulosa/Carex simulata G2/S2 Moseley et al. 1 991 Woods Creek 

-I (bog birch/short-beaked sedge) Crow Creek/J

:0 

N Russian John 

~ ..... 

co 

co 

co 
c 

(f) 

0 

)> 

"Tl 

0 

ro 

en 

..-+ 

(f) 

CD 

< 

c=;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::1 

-I 

CD 

(") 

::T 

:::0 

CD 

"0 

:::0 

s: 

:::0 

(f) 

6 

-I 

:::0 

~ 

0 

c.o 

c.o 

c.o 

Plant Association 

Betula glandulosa/Carex utriculata 

(bog birch/bladder sedge) 

Betula occidentalis 

(water birch cover type) 

Betula occidentalis/Celtis reticulata 

(water birch/hackberry) 

Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 

(water birch/red-osier dogwood) 

Betula occidentalis/Crataegus douglasii 

(water birch/black hawthorn) 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 

(water birch/mesic forb) 

Betula occidentalis/Philadelphus lewisii 

(water birch/syringa) 

Betula occidentalis/Potentilla fruticosa 

(water birch/shrubby cinquefoil) 

Betula occidentalis/Prunus virginiana 

(water birch/common chokecherry) 

Betula occidentalis/Purshia tridentata/Stipa comata 

(water birch/antelope bitterbrush/needle-and-threadgrass) 

Betula papyrifera/Aralia nudicaulis 

(paper birch/wild sarsaparilla) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G4?/S3 

G3Q/S2 

G?/S2 

G2G3/S2 

G2/S1 

G3/S1 

G2/S2 

G2/S1 

G?/S2 

G1 /S1? 

G?/SP 

Principal Reference 

Hansen et al. 1995 

Hansen et al. 1995 

Miller 1976 

Padgett et al. 1989 

Moseley 1986 

Padgett et al. 1 989 

Moseley 1987a 

Jankovsky-Jones 

[In preparation] 

Huschle 1975 

Moseley 1987b 

Kovalchik 1 993 

Reference Ar

Kaniksu Mars

Lamb Creek 

Bismark Mea

Trail Creek, B

Goat Creek 

Iron Bog 

Formation Sp

Allison Creek 

Portneuf 

South Fork o

Henry Stamp

Big Elk Creek 

Tex Creek 

Silver Creek 

Goodrich Cre

Jump Creek 

East Fork Sa

West Fork M

Badger Creek 

Jump Creek 

Formation Sp
N 

c 

(f) 

0 

)> 

"TI 

0 

<n' 

en 

r-+ 

(f) 

CD 

< 

c:;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

::J 

-I 

CD 

n 

:T 

::0 

CD 

"C 

::0 

s: 

::0 

(f) 

6 

-I 

::0 

N 

!=> 

.... 

(l;) 

(l;) 

(l;) 

Calamagrostis canadensis 

(bluejoint reedgrass) 

Caltha leptosepala 

Plant Association 

(elkslip marshmarigold) 

Camassia cusickii herbaceous vegetation 

(Cusick's camas) 

Camassia quamash 

(common camas) 

Carex aperta 

(Columbian sedge) 

Carex aquatilis 

(water sedge) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G4Q/S4 

G4/S4 

G3/S1 

G?/S3 

G2?/SP 

G5/S4 

Principal Reference 

Padgett et al. 1989 

Padgett et al. 1989 

Johnson and Simon 

1987 

Daubenmire 1970 

Boggs et al. 1 990 

Youngblood et al. 

1985 

Reference Are

Sneakfoot Me

Fish Lake 

Willow Creek 

Moose Meado

Square Moun

Upper Hemloc

Trinity Mount

Summer Cree

Elk Valley 

Thurmon Cree

Sneakfoot Me

Bog Creek Fe

Packer Meado

Fenn Mountai

Theriault Lake 

Stamp Meado

Big Springs-H

Wyoming Cre

Toms Creek/B

Hotel Creek 

Bear Lake 

Blackfoot Riv

Crow Creek/J

Trail Creek, L

Lower Little W

Upper Hemloc

Goat Creek 

West Fork Pa

Chilly Slough 
c 

en 

0 

l> 

.,., 

0 

co 

en 

.-to 

en 

CD 

~-C") 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::::1 

-l 

CD 

C") 

:::T 

:::0 

CD 

"C 

:::0 

s: 

:::0 

en 

6 

-l 

:::0 

~ 

0 

co 

co 

co 

w 

Carex buxbaumii 

(Buxbaum's sedge) 

Carex cusickii 

(Cusick's sedge) 

Carex lanuginosa 

(woolly sedge) 

Plant Association Conservation 

Rank 

G3/S1 

G0/53 

G3?/S2 

Principal Reference 

Padgett et al. 1989 

Bursik and Moseley 

1995 

Padgett et al. 1 989 

Reference Ar

Lamb Creek 

Armstrong M

Bismark Mea

Woods Creek 

Robinson Lak

Big Springs-H

Lucky Dog C

Silver Creek 

Goat Creek 

Bonner Lake 

Packer Mead

Perkins Lake 

Chipmunk Po

Kaniksu Mar

Lamb Creek 

Armstrong M

Bismark Mea

Blue Lake 

Lamb Creek 

Warm River 

Lucky Dog C

Toms Creek/

Hotel Creek 

Crow Creek/

Stump Creek 

Willow Creek

Stapp-Soldie

Lower Little 

Silver Creek 
~ Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference A~

Rank 

Carex lasiocarpa G4/S2 Padgett et al. 1989 Chase Lake 

(slender sedge) Bog Creek Fe

Robinson Lak

Bonner Lake 

Sinclair Lake 

Dawson Lake 

Perkins Lake 

Three Ponds 

Chipmunk Po

Kaniksu Mars

Lamb Creek 

Bottle Lake 

Beaver Lake 

Hager Lake F

Armstrong M

Bismark Mea

Bear Creek F

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lak

c Gamlin Lake 

en Lost Lake 

0 Dubius Creek 

)> 

"T1 Shepherd Lak

0 Kelso Lake 

en 

en Hauser Lake 

r+ 

en Rose Lake 

CD Hidden Lake 

< Thompson La

;::;· 

CD Robinson Lak

G) Warm River F

CD Moss Spring 

:=' 

-l Grays Lake CD 

(") 

?" Carex limosa G3/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 Lee Lake 

::xJ (mud sedge) Sinclair Lake CD Packer Mead

""? 

::xJ Hager Lake F

~ Dubius Creek 

::xJ Robinson Lak

en 

6 Carex livida GQ/S2 Bursik and Moseley -l 

::xJ (pale sedge) 1995 N 

0 

~ Carex microptera G4/S3 Youngblood et al. Willow Creek

c.o (small wing sedge) 1985 c.o 

c.o 
c 

(f) 

0 

)> 

"l1 

0 

ro 

(/) 

r-+ 

(f) 

C1l 

< 

c:;· 

C1l 

G) 

C1l 

:::J 

-1 

C1l 

(") 

:::J" 

:0 

C1l 

"C 

:0 

$ 

:0 

(f) 

6 

-1 

:p 

N 

0 

<D 

<D 

c.o 

01 

Carex nebraskensis 

(Nebraska sedge) 

Carex nigricans 

(black alpine sedge) 

Plant Association 

Carex nigricans-Agrostis humilis 

(black alpine sedge-alpine bentgrass) 

Carex nova 

(black sedge) 

Carex praegracilis 

(clustered field sedge) 

Carex saxatilis-Eriophorum gracile 

(russet sedge-slender cotton-grass) 

Carex scirpoidea pseudoscirpoidea 

(single-spike sedge) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G4/S3 

G4/S4 

G4?/S3 

GU/SU 

G2G3Q/S2 

G2?/S2 

G3?/S3 

Principal Reference 

Youngblood et al. 

1985 

Cooper et al. 1997 

Lewis and Riegelhuth 

1964 

Jankovsky-Jones 

[In preparation] 

Moseley et al. 1991 

Douglas and Bliss 

1977 

Reference Ar

Warm River 

East Shore H

Big Springs-H

Warm River 

Fox Creek/Fo

Putney Mead

Grays Lake 

Stump Creek 

Henry Stamp

Travertine P

Summit Cree

Tex Creek 

Russian John 

Silver Creek 

Hill City Mar

Chilly Slough 

Sterling 

Rhodes Peak 

Square Moun

Meadow Can

Elk Valley 

Big Springs-H

Crow Creek/

Lower Little 

Hill City Mar

Sterling 
0) 

c 

CJ) 

0 

)> 

, 

0 

ro 

en 

r-+ 

CJ) 

CD 

< 

c;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::::J 

-i 

CD 

(") 

:r 

:::0 

CD 

"0 

:::0 

~ 

:::0 

CJ) 

6 

-i 

:::0 

N 

0 

C.D 

C.D 

C.D 

Plant Association 

Carex scopulorum 

(Holm's Rocky Mou~;~tain sedge) 

Carex sheldonii 

(Sheldon's sedge) 

Carex simulata 

(short-beaked sedge) 

Carex subnigricans 

(nearlyblack sedge) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G5/S3 

G4/S2 

GU/SU 

Principal Reference 

Kovalchik 1 993 

Crowe and 

Clausnitzer 1997 

Youngblood et al. 

1985 

Jankovsky-Jones 

[In preparation] 

Reference A

Bog Creek F

Grass Creek 

Cow Creek M

Smith Creek 

Square Mou

Grave Peak 

The Tules 

Bonner Lake 

East Shore H

Woods Cree

Warm River 

Moss Spring 

Big Springs-

Toms Creek

Elk Valley 

Blackfoot Ri

Crow Creek/

Soda Spring

Grays Lake 

Thomas Fork 

Trail Creek, 

Silver Creek 

Hill City Mar

Birch Creek 

Summit Cree

Chilly Slough 

Merriam Lak
c 

(/) 

0 

)> 

"T1 

s; 

CD 

C/l 

r-+ 

(/) 

CD 

< 

c:;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::l 

-l 

CD 

(") 

::r 

:JJ 

CD 

'0 

:JJ 

s:: 

:JJ 

C{l 

G) 

-l 

=p 

N 

0 

(0 

(0 

(0 

-...J 

Plant Association 

Carex utriculata 

(bladder sedge) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G5/S4 

Principal Reference 

Tuhy and Jensen 

1982 

Reference Are

Elk Valley 

Hatchery Butt

Thurmon Cree

Sneakfoot Me

Fish Lake 

Pole Creek Ex

Lee Lake 

Bog Creek Fe

Bonner Lake 

Packer Meado

Grass Creek M

Cow Creek M

Upper Priest 

Chipmunk Po

Lamb Creek M

Armstrong M

Bismark Mead

Bear Creek Fe

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lak

Gamlin Lake 

Dubius Creek 

Shepherd Lak

Kelso Lake 

Hauser Lake 

Rose Lake 

Hidden Lake 

Thompson La

Moose Mead

Robinson Lak

East Shore He

Theriault Lake 

Blue Spring C

Woods Creek 

Warm River F

Warm River D

Fox Creek/Fo

Putney Mead

Moss Spring 

Ashton Marsh 

Trail Creek, T

Lucky Dog Cr

Big Springs-h

Wyoming Cre

Toms Creek/B
co Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Carex vesicaria GU/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 Stamp Meado

(inflated sedge) Upper Priest R

Chrysopsis villosa GQ/S3 Lichthardt 1992 Lower and M

(hairy goldenaster) 

Chrysopsis villosa/Sporobolos cryptandrus G?/S3 Huschle 1975 

(hairy goldenaster/sand dropseed) 

Cornus stolonifera G4Q/S3 Hansen et al. 1 995 Upper Priest 

(red-osier dogwood) Canyon Creek

Preuss Creek 

Big Elk Creek 

Horse Creek 

Camas Creek 

Tex Creek 

Hideaway Isla

Clark Fork De

Cottonwood 

c Triplet Butte 

Cf) Little Jacks C

0 

l> 

Gibson Jack C

., Cornus stolonifera/Galium triflorum G3/S2 Youngblood et al. Burton Canyo

0 

co (red-osier dogwood/sweetscented bedstraw) 1985 en 

.-+ 

Cf) Cornus stolonifera/Heracleum lanatum G3/S2 Youngblood et al. Burns Canyon CD 

< (red-osier dogwood/cow parsnip) 1985 

c:;· 

CD Crataegus douglasii/Heracleum lanatum G2/S1 Daubenmire 1 970 Horseshoe Cr

G) 

CD (black hawthorn/cow parsnip) Burns Canyon ? 

-i Crataegus douglasii/Heracleum lanatum, Populus tremuloides phase G3/S3 Daubenmire 1970 CD 

C1 (black hawthorn/cow parsnip, quaking aspen phase) ?" 

::D Crataegus douglasii/Montia perfoliata G?/S1 Asherin and Orme CD 

"? (Douglas hawthorne/miners lettuce) 1978 

::D 

$: Crataegus douglasii/Rosa woodsii G2?/S1 Kovalchik 1987 Teton Creek M

::D 

Cf) (black hawthorn/wood's rose) Hixon Sharpta

6 

-i Crataegus douglasii/Symphoricarpos albus G2/S1 Daubenmire 1970 Rocky Comfo

::D 

~ (black hawthorn/common snowberry) 

0 

.... Crataegus douglasii/Symphoricarpos albus, Populus tremuloides phase G3/S3 Daubenmire 1 970 (0 

(0 (black hawthorn/common snowberry, quaking aspen phase) (0 
c 

en 

0 

:t> 

11 

0 

.., 

CD 

en 

r-+ 

en 

CD 

< 

c:;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::J 

-I 

CD 

(") 

:::; 

:::0 

CD 

"0 

:::0 

~ 

:::0 

en 

6 

-I 

:::0 

N 

0 

(.0 

(.0 

(.0 

(.0 

Danthonia californica 

(California oatgrass) 

Deschampsia cespitosa 

(tufted hairgrass) 

Plant Association 

Deschampsia cespitosa-Danthonia intermedia-Calamagrostis canadensis 

(tufted hairgrass-timber oatgrass-bluejoint reedgrass) 

Deschampsia cespitosa/Caltha leptosepala 

(tufted hairgrass/elkslip marshmarigold) 

Deschampsia cespitosa/Potentilla diversifolia 

(tufted hairgrass/diverse-leaved cinquefoil) 

Distichlis stricta 

(interior saltgrass) 

Distichlis stricta-Scirpus nevadensis 

(interior saltgrass-Nevada bulrush) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G4?/S3 

GQ/S? 

G4/S2 

G5/SP 

G5/S4 

G4/SP 

Principal Reference 

Moseley 1998 

Tuhy and Jensen 

1982 

Bursik and Moseley 

1995 

Cooper et al. 1997 

Caicco 1983 

Daubenmire 1970 

Copeland 1979 

Reference Are

Pleasant Valle

Smiley Mount

East Shore He

Blue Spring C

Woods Creek 

Putney Mead

Stamp Meado

Lucky Dog Cr

Big Springs-H

Wyoming Cre

Toms Creek/B

Elk Valley 

Blackfoot Riv

Soda Springs 

Grays Lake 

Henry Stampe

Travertine Pa

Thomas Fork 

Russian John 

Silver Creek 

Hill City Mars

Goat Creek 

Birch Creek F

Chilly Slough 

Grass Creek M

Cow Creek M

Merriam Lake 

West Fork Pa

Bear Lake 

Oxford Sloug

Henry Stampe

Thomas Fork 

Hill City Mars

Sterling 
I'V 

0 

c 

CJ) 

0 

:t> 

11 

0 

m 

(/) 

..-+ 

CJ) 

CD 

< 

n· 

CD 

G> 

CD 

:::::1 

-1 

CD 

n 

::r 

:D 

CD 

"'C 

:D 

s: 

:D 

CJ) 

6 

-1 

:D 

N 

0 

...... 

c.o 

c.o 

c.o 

Dulichium arundinaceum 

(three way sedge) 

Plant Association 

Elaeagnus commutata 

(American silverberry) 

Eleocharis acicularis 

(needle spike-rush) 

Eleocharis palustris 

(creeping spike-rush) 

Eleocharis palustris vernal pool 

(creeping spike-rush-(poverty weed)) 

Eleocharis pauciflora-Carex aquatilis, Carex livida phase 

(few-flowered spike rush-water sedge, pale sedge phase) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G3?/S2 

G2/S2 

G4?/S3 

G5/S3 

GU/SU 

GQ/S2 

Principal Reference 

Bursik and Moseley 

1995 

Jankovsky-Jones 

1997b 

Lewis and Riegelhuth 

1964 

Tuhy and Jensen 

1982 

Moseley 1998 

Mattson 1 984 

Reference Are

Perkins Lake 

Hager Lake Fe

Robinson Lake

South Fork of 

Putney Meado

Stamp Meado

Blackfoot Rive

Grays Lake 

Soda Springs 

Bonner Lake 

Blue Spring C

Warm River D

Putney Meado

Moss Spring B

Ashton Marsh 

Stamp Meado

Canyon Creek

Big Springs-H

Toms Creek/B

Hotel Creek 

Fish Creek Sp

Bear Lake 

Blackfoot Rive

Grays Lake 

Henry Stampe

Travertine Pa

Camas Creek 

Thomas Fork 

South Fork of 

Tex Creek 

Moose Meado

Clark Fork De

Hill City Mars

Allison Creek 

YP Lake Bed 

Big Lost River 

Robinson Lake
c 

(/) 

0 

)> 

"T1 

0 

<n Plant Association Co nserv atio n Principal Reference Reference Are

en Rank .-+ 

(/) 

(I) 

< Eleocharis pauciflorus G4/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 Moose Meado

n· (creeping spike-rush) Birch Creek F

(I) 

Summit Cree

G) 

(I) 

? Eleocharis rostellata G2/S2 Moseley 1995 Woods Creek 

-I (wandering spikerush) Soda Springs 

(I) 

(") Henry Stampe

::r Silver Creek 

:JJ 

(I) 

"? Elymus cinereus G2G3Q/S3 Day and Wright 1 985 Canyon Creek

:JJ (Great Basin wildrye) Bear Lake 

s: Formation Sp

:JJ 

(/) Travertine Pa

6 Stapp-Soldier 

-I Hill City Mars

:JJ 

N East Fork Sal

0 

..... Elymus cinereus-Distichlis stricta G1/SH Daubenmire 1970 <0 

<0 (Great Basin wildrye-interior saltgrass) <0 

Equisetum fluviatile G4/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 

(water horsetail) 

Eriophorum polystachion G3?/S3 Kovalchik 1 993 Bog Creek Fe

(many-spiked cotton-grass) Packer Meado

Smith Creek 

Festuca idahoensis-Deschampsia cespitosa G3/S2 Mueggler and Stewart 

(Idaho fescue-tufted hairgrass) 1980 

Glyceria borealis G4/S1 Jankovsky-Jones Dubius Creek 

(northern mannagrass) 1996 Blue Spring C

Putney Mead

Moss Spring 

Toms Creek/B

Hordeum jubatum G4/S5 Hall and Hansen Thomas Fork 

(foxtail barley) 1997 

N 
1\.) 

1\.) Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Juncus balticus G5/S4 Tuhy and Jensen Fox Creek/Fo

(Baltic rush) 1982 Lucky Dog Cr

Big Springs-H

Elk Valley 

Bear Lake 

Crow Creek/J

Oxford Slough 

Soda Springs 

Grays Lake 

Henry Stampe

Travertine Pa

Willow Creek, 

Summit Creek 

Tex Creek 

Stapp-Soldier 

Lower Little W

Russian John 

Silver Creek 

Hill City Mars

c Birch Creek F

(/) Rock Creek C

0 

)> Merriam Lake 

'"T1 West Fork Pa

0 Chilly Slough ro 

en Sterling .-+ 

(/) 

Cl) Juncus drummondii-Carex spp. G4/S4 Lewis and Riegelhuth 

< 

()' (Drummond's rush-sedge spp.) 1964 Cl) 

G) Juncus effusus GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones Cl) 

? (common rush) 1997a 

-i 

Cl) Juniperus scopulorum/Cornus stolonifera G4/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 Canyon Creek

C') 

;:r (Rocky Mountain juniper/red-osier dogwood) Badger Creek 

:D 

Cl) 

Juniperus scopulorum/Mesic forb GU/SU Moseley 1 998 Triplet Butte '? 

:D (Rocky Mountain juniper/mesic forb) 

s: 

:D Kalmia microphylla/Carex scopulorum G3G4/S1 Hansen et al. 1995 (/) 

(alpine laurel/Holm's Rocky Mountain sedge) 6 

-i 

:D Lepidium davisii G 1? /S 1 Doremus and Debolt ,:., (Davis' peppergrass) 1987 0 

....... 

c.o 

c.o 

c.o 
c 

C/) 

0 

)> 

"TI 

0 

m 

en 

r-+ 

C/) 

CD 

< 

c=i" 

CD 

G) 

CD 

? 

--j 

CD 

(") 

?" 

:::0 

CD 

"? 

:::0 

~ 

:::0 

C/) 

6 

--j 

:::0 

N 

~ _. 

(0 

(0 

(0 

N 

w 

Plant Association Conservation 

Rank 

Mertensia ciliata G3/S3 

(broad-leaf bluebell) 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis GU/SU 

(mat muhly) 

Nuphar polysepalum G5/S4 

(pond lily) 

Ombrotrophic bog G5/S1 

(ombrotrophic bog) 

Principal Reference Reference Are

Padgett et al. 1989 

Jankovsky-Jones Grays Lake 

1997b Thomas Fork V

Birch Creek Fe

Summit Creek 

Chilly Slough 

Kovalchik 1993 Chase Lake 

Lee Lake 

Robinson Lake 

Dawson Lake 

Chipmunk Pot

Hager Lake Fe

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lake 

Gamlin Lake 

Lost Lake 

Dubius Creek 

Shepherd Lake 

Kelso Lake 

Hauser Lake F

Rose Lake 

Hidden Lake 

Thompson Lak

Robinson Lake

Warm River Fe

Putney Meado

Lucky Dog Cre

Wyoming Cree

Toms Creek/B

Grays Lake 

Bursik and Moseley Chase Lake 

1995 
N 

..p.. Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Paludified forest G5/S1 Bursik and Moseley Chase Lake 

(paludified forest) 1995 Lee Lake 

Packer Meado

Upper Priest L

Kaniksu Marsh 

Potholes 

Armstrong Me

Bismark Mead

Bear Creek Fe

Phalaris arundinacea G4/S5 Hall and Hansen Spion Kop 

(reed canarygrass) 1997 Bear Creek Fe

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lake 

Dubius Creek 

Hauser Lake F

Ashton Marsh 

Bear Lake 

Oxford Slough 

c Soda Springs 

(f) Pack River 

0 Clark Fork De

)> 

, Lower Little W

0 Silver Creek 

ro 

en 

.-+ 

Philadelphus lewisii G20/S1 Moseley 1987b Jump Creek C

(f) 

CD (syringa) 

< 

c:;· Phragmites australis G3G4/S4 Hall and Hansen Bear Lake CD 

G) (common reed) 1997 CD 

? Phragmites communis/Rhus radicans G?/S3 Huschle 1975 -I 

CD (common reed/poison oak) (") 

?" 

::0 Picea engelmannii/Calamagrostis canadensis G4/S4 Youngblood et al. Horse Creek 

CD (Engelmann spruce/bluejoint reedgrass) 1985 "? 

::0 Picea engelmannii/Caltha leptosepala G3?/SP Steele et al. 1983 s: 

::0 (Engelmann spruce/elkslip marshmarigold) 

(f) 

6 Picea engelmannii/Carex disperma G2/S2 Steele et al. 1981 Bear Valley C

-I 

::0 (Engelmann spruce/soft-leaved sedge) Kenney Creek 

N 

0 Picea engelmannii/Carex prionophylla G3/SP Kovalchik 1993 .... 

<.0 (Engelmann spruce/saw-leaved sedge) <.0 

<.0 
c 

(f) 

0 

)> 

11 Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

0 Rank 

co 

Ul 

I'"+ 

Picea engelmannii/Cornus stolonifera G3/S2 Youngblood et al. Game Creek (f) 

CD (Engelmann spruce/red-osier dogwood) 1985 

< 

r;· Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense G4/S2 Steele et al. 1 981 Ponderosa Pe

CD 

G) (Engelmann spruce/common horsetail) Horseshoe Cr

CD Moss Spring B

? 

-1 Willow Creek 

CD Preuss Creek 

(") 

?" Game Creek 

:n 

CD Picea engelmannii/Galium triflorum G4/S3 Steele et al. 1981 Dome Lake "!=' 

:n (Engelmann spruce/sweetscented bedstraw) 

s 

:n Picea glauca/Carex disperma G1 /51 Jankovsky-Jones East Shore He

(f) (white spruce/softleaf sedge) 1996 6 

-1 

:n Picea glauca/Carex utriculata G1 /51 Jensen 1990 East Shore He

N (white spruce/bladder sedge) ~ __. 

(0 Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense G4/S1 Jensen 1990 East Shore He

(0 

(white spruce/common horsetail) (0 

Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis G5Q/S5 Mutz and Queiroz Warm River D

(lodgepole pine/bluejoint reedgrass) 1983 Iron Bog 

Wyoming Cre

Pinus contorta/Vaccinium occidentale G4/S2 Tuhy and Jensen Sawtooth Val

(lodgepole pine/blue huckleberry) 1982 Sneakfoot Me

Crooked Cree

Goat Creek 

Pinus flexilis/Potentilla fruticosa/Distichlis stricta G1 /51 Q Jankovsky-Jones 

(limber pine/shrubby cinquefoil/akali saltgrass) [In preparation] 

Pinus ponderosa/Crataegus douglasii G1 /51 Kauffman et al. 1985 

(ponderosa pine/black hawthorn) 

Poa juncifolia GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones Birch Creek Fe

(alkali bluegrass) [In preparation] Summit Creek 

Chilly Slough 

Polygonum amphibium G3Q/S4 Hall and Hansen Ashton Marsh 

(water ladysthumb) 1997 Hill City Marsh 

N 

(J1 
N 

C> Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Ar

Rank 

Poor fen G4/S1 Bursik and Moseley Chase Lake 

(poor fen) 1995 Lee Lake 

Packer Mead

Bog Creek Fe

Grass Creek 

Cow Creek M

Perkins Lake 

Upper Priest 

Smith Creek 

Kaniksu Mars

Bottle Lake 

Potholes 

Hager Lake F

Armstrong M

Bear Creek F

Rose Lake 

Hidden Lake 

Thompson La

c Populus angustifolia/Acer grandidentatum G2G3/S1 Padgett et al. 1 989 

CJ) (narrow-leaf cottonwood/canyon maple) 0 

)> 

"'T1 Populus angustifolia/Betula occidentalis G1G3/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 Badger Creek 0 (narrow-leaf cottonwood/water birch) Portneuf 

co 

en - Populus angustifolia/Chrysopsis villosa G3/S2 Merigliano 1 996 South Fork o

CJ) 

(I) (narrow-leaf cottonwood/hairy goldenaster) 

< 

c:;· 

Populus angustifolia/Cornus stolonifera G4/S1 Youngblood et al. South Fork o

(I) 

G) (narrowleaf cottonwood/red-osier dogwood) 1985 Big Elk Creek (I) 

? G2/S2 -i Populus angustifolia/Eiaeagnus commutata Merigliano 1 996 South Fork o

(I) (narrow-leaf cottonwood/American silverberry) (') 

?"' 

JJ Populus angustifolia/Rhus trilobata G2G3/S2 Padgett et al. 1989 (I) (narrow-leaf cottonwood/skunkbush sumac) '? 

JJ Populus tremuloides/Calamagrostis canadensis G3/S4 Hansen et al. 1995 s: 

JJ (quaking aspen/bluejoint reedgrass) CJ) 

6 Populus tremuloides/Cornus stolonifera G4/S4 Hall and Hansen Silver Creek -i 

JJ (quaking aspen/red-osier dogwood) 1997 Portneuf 

r:.., 

0 Populus trichocarpa/Ainus incana G3/S3 Kovalchik 1 993 Upper Priest 

_, 

c.o (black cottonwood/mountain alder) c.o 

c.o 
c 

CJ) 

0 

)> 

11 

0 

e» 

en 

.-+ 

CJ) 

C1l 

~-(") 

C1l 

G) 

C1l 

? 

-i 

C1l 

(") 

?" 

::D 

C1l 

::' 

::D 

~ 

::D 

CJ) 

6 

-i 

:p 

N 

~ ..... 

<0 

<0 

c.o 

N 

-.....! 

Plant Association 

Populus trichocarpa/Cicuta douglasii 

(black cottonwood/western water-hemlock) 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 

(black cottonwood/red-osier dogwood) 

Populus trichocarpa/Crataegus douglasii 

(black cottonwood/black hawthorn) 

Populus trichocarpa/Festuca idahoensis 

(black cottonwood/Idaho fescue) 

Populus trichocarpa/Recent alluvial bar 

(black cottonwood/recent alluvial bar) 

Populus trichocarpa/Rhamnus alnifolia 

(black cottonwood/alder buckthorn) 

Populus trichocarpa/Rosa woodsii 

(black cottonwood/Wood's rose) 

Populus trichocarpa/Salix exigua 

(black cottonwood/coyote willow) 

Populus trichocarpa/Salix lasiandra 

(black cottonwood/Pacific willow) 

Populus trichocarpa/Salix lutea 

(black cottonwood/yellow willow) 

Populus trichocarpa/Symphoricarpos albus 

(black cottonwood/common snowberry) 

Potentilla fruticosa/Danthonia intermedia 

(shrubby cinquefoil/timber oatgrass) 

Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

G 1/51 Daubenmire 1 970 

G3?/S3 Hall and Hansen Spion Kop 

1997 Hideaway Isla

Clark Fork De

Mahoney Flat 

Stapp-Soldier 

East Fork Salm

G1 /51 Kauffman et al. 1 985 

G?/51 Lichthardt 1 992 Lower and Mi

G?/SP Hansen et al. 1 995 Hideaway Isla

Mahoney Flat 

G?/SP Moseley and Bursik 

1994 

GQ/51 Chadde et al. 1 988 

G1/SP Manning and Padgett 

1995 

G3/S1 Crowe and Goodrich Cree

Clausnitzer 1 997 

G?/52 Manning and Padgett Stapp-Soldier 

1995 

G3/S2 Moseley and Bursik Hideaway Isla

1994 Goodrich Cree

G?/53 Tuhy and Jensen Pole Creek Ex

1982 
N 

co 

Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa G4/S3 Youngblood et al. Woods Creek 

(shrubby cinquefoil/tufted hairgrass) 1985 Soda Springs 

Henry Stampe

Travertine Par

Silver Creek 

Goat Creek 

Birch Creek Fe

Summit Creek 

West Fork Pah

Potentilla fruticosa/Dry alkaline graminoid GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones Summit Creek 

(shrubby cinquefoil/dry alkaline graminoid) [In preparation] 

Potentilla fruticosa/Festuca idahoensis G3/S1 Youngblood et al. 

(shrubby cinquefoil/Idaho fescue) 1985 

Prunus virginiana G4Q/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 Formation Spr

(common chokecherry) Cottonwood C

c Prunus virginiana/Eiymus glaucus GU/SU Moseley 1998 Little Jacks C

(f) (common chokecherry/blue wildrye) 0 

:r> 

., Pseudotsuga menziesii/Cornus stolonifera G4/S4 Hall and Hansen West Fork Min

0 (Douglas fir/red-osier dogwood) 1997 Ci) 

C/) 

r+ 

(f) Pseudotsuga menziesii/Mesic forb G?/S3 Miller 1976 (l) (Douglas fir/mesic forb) 

< 

()" 

(l) Rhamnus alnifolia G3/S3 Youngblood et al. 

G> (alder buckthorn) 1985 (l) 

? 

-1 Rhus trilobata-Salix exigua G2Q/SP (l) (smooth sumac-coyote willow) ("") 

?" 

::D Rosa woodsii G5/S4 Hansen et al. 1995 (l) (Wood's rose) "? 

::D Salix amygdaloides G3/S2 Hall and Hansen s: 

::D (peachleaf willow) 1997 

(f) 

6 Salix amygdaloides-Salix exigua-Salix lasiandra G1 Q/SP -1 

::D (peachleaf willow-coyote willow-shining willow) N 

0 Salix arctica/Carex subnigricans GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones Rock Creek Ci

~ 

(0 (Arctic willow/nearlyblack sedge) [In preparation] co 

(0 
c 

(J) 

0 

)> 

"'T1 

0 

ro 

(/) 

r-fo 

(J) 

CD 

~-(") 

CD 

G) 

CD 

? 

-I 

CD 

(") 

?"" 

::0 

CD 

"::' 

::0 

~ 

::0 

Cf) 

6 

-I 

::0 

N 

0 

..... 

(0 

(0 

(0 

N 

(0 

Plant Association 

Salix bebbiana 

(Bebb willow) 

Salix bebbiana/Mesic graminoid 

(Bebb willow/mesic graminoid) 

Salix boothii/Calamagrostis canadensis 

(Booth willow/bluejoint reedgrass) 

Salix boothii/Carex aquatilis 

(Booth willow/water sedge) 

Salix boothii/Carex nebraskensis 

(Booth willow/Nebraska sedge) 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

(Booth willow/bladder sedge) 

Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense 

(Booth willow/common horsetail) 

Salix boothii/Mesic forb 

(Booth willow/mesic forb) 

Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

G?/S? Hansen et al. 1995 Grays Lake 

Clark Fork De

Upper Priest R

G3?/S5 Padgett et at. 1989 Pack River 

G3G4Q/S3 Youngblood et al. Horse Creek 

1985 

G3/S3? Padgett et al. 1 989 

G4G5/S3? Youngblood et al. 

1985 

G4/S4 Mutz and Queiroz Trail Creek, B

1983 Pole Creek Ex

Horseshoe Cr

Blue Spring C

Warm River F

Trail Creek, T

Willow Creek 

Preuss Creek 

Blackfoot Riv

Crow Creek/J

Travertine Pa

Silver Creek 

Summit Cree

West Fork Mi

Jimmy Smith 

G3/S2 Youngblood et al. Horseshoe Cr

1985 Fish Creek Sp

Willow Creek 

Preuss Creek 

G3/S3? Padgett et at. 1 989 Preuss Creek 

Trail Creek, B
w 

0 Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid G3?/S3? Padgett et al. 1 989 Blue Spring C

(Booth willow/mesic graminoid) Putney Meado

Preuss Creek 

Stump Creek 

Travertine Par

Willow Creek, 

Tex Creek 

Trail Creek, B

Salix boothii/Mitella pentandra G2G3/SP Mutz and Graham 

(Booth willow/five-stamen bishop's-cap) 1982 

Salix boothii/Poa palustris G1 Q/S5 Youngblood et al. 

(Booth willow/fowl bluegrass) 1985 

Salix boothii/Smilacina stellata G3Q/S2 Youngblood et al. Willow Creek, 

(Booth willow/starry Solomon-plume) 1985 

Salix brachycarpa/Carex elynoides GU/SU Jankovsky-Jones West Fork Pa

c (short fruit willow/blackroot sedge) [In preparation] 

CJ) 

0 Salix candida/Carex utriculata G3/S1 Hansen et al. 1 995 

)> (hoary willow/bladder sedge) -n 

0 

...., Salix commutata/Carex scopulorum G3/S3 Tuhy and Jensen CD 

en (undergreen willow/Holm's Rocky Mountain sedge) 1982 ...... 

CJ) 

CD 

< Salix drummondiana G3Q/S3 Hansen et al. 1995 

c:;· (Drummond's willow) CD 

G) 

Salix drummondiana/Calamagrostis canadensis G2/S2 Tuhy and Jensen CD 

? (Drummond's willow/bluejoint reedgrass) 1982 

--i 

CD 

(') Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata G3/S3 Hall and Hansen Moss Spring B

::::r (Drummond's willow/bladder sedge) 1997 Hotel Creek 

::D Fish Creek Sp

CD 

'? 

::D Salix eastwoodiae/Carex aquatilis G2/S2 Mutz and Queiroz 

s: (Eastwood willow/water sedge) 1983 ::D 

CJ) 

6 Salix eastwoodiae/Carex scopulorum G2/S2 Mutz and Queiroz 

--i (Eastwood willow/Holm's Rocky Mountain sedge) 1983 ::D 

N 

0 Salix eastwoodiae/Carex utriculata G2/S2 Mutz and Queiroz ...... (Eastwood willow/bladder sedge) 1983 co 

co 

co 
c 

CfJ 

0 

)> 

-n Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

0 

c:D Rank en 

r-+ 

(/) Salix exigua/Artemisia ludoviciana G?/S2 Huschle 1975 Cl) 

~- (coyote willow/prairie sage) n 

Cl) 

G) Salix exigua/Barren G3?/S4 Padgett et al. 1989 Teton Creek 

Cl) (coyote willow/barren) Canyon Creek

? Henry Stampe

-i Travertine Pa

Cl) 

n Lower and M

?" 

:lJ Camas Creek 

Cl) Hideaway Isla

"!=' Trail Creek, B

:lJ TNC Tract-Sn

~ 

:lJ 

CfJ Salix exigua/Carex spp. G?/S3 Huschle 1975 Q (coyote willow/sedge spp.) -I 

:p Salix exigua/Equisetum arvense G3/S2 Youngblood et al. N 

0 (coyote willow/common horsetail) 1985 __. 

(.0 

(.0 Salix exigua/Mesic forb G2?/S2? Padgett et al. 1989 Big Elk Creek (.0 

(coyote willow/mesic forb) Tex Creek 

Burns Canyon 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid G3Q/S3? Padgett et al. 1989 Preuss Creek 

(coyote willow/mesic graminoid) Bear Lake 

Henry Stampe

Willow Creek

Clark Fork De

Mahoney Flat 

Triplet Butte 

The Tules 

Salix exigua/Rosa woodsii GU/SU Manning and Padgett Lower Little W

(coyote willow/Wood's rose) 1995 

Salix geyeriana/Calamagrostis canadensis G5/S4 Tuhy and Jensen Wyoming Cre

(Geyer willow/bluejoint reedgrass) 1982 Iron Bog 

Salix geyeriana/Carex aquatilis G3?/S3? Padgett et al. 1989 Wyoming Cre

(Geyer willow/water sedge) Blackfoot Riv

w 
w 

N Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata G5/S4 Youngblood et al. Teton Creek/B

(Geyer willow/bladder sedge) 1985 Woods Creek 

Fox Creek/Fo

Stamp Meado

Big Springs-H

Wyoming Cre

Salix geyeriana/Deschampsia cespitosa G4/S3? Padgett et al. 1989 Woods Creek 

(Geyer willow/tufted hairgrass) 

Salix geyeriana/Geum macrophyllum G0/53 Tuhy 1981 

(Geyer willow/large-leaved avens) 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic forb G3/S3 Youngblood et al. Trail Creek, T

(Geyer willow/mesic forb) 1985 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid G2G30/S5 Padgett et al. 1989 East Shore He

(Geyer willow/mesic graminoid) Fox Creek/Fo

Toms Creek/B

c Crow Creek/J

(/) Grays Lake 

0 Negro Creek 

)> 

"'T1 

G2?/S5 Youngblood et al. Stamp Meado

0 Salix geyeriana/Poa palustris ro (Geyer willow/fowl bluegrass) 1985 en 

r-+ 

(/) 

Salix lasiandra/Bench G?/53 Manning and Padgett (I) 

< (whiplash willow/bench) 1995 

()" 

(I) 

G) Salix lasiandra/Cornus stolonifera G0/51 Wellner and Tisdale Travertine Pa

(I) (whiplash willow/red-osier dogwood) 1985 Mahoney Flat :::J 

-1 

Pleasant Val1e

(I) 

(') 

Salix lasiandra/Mesic forb G?/SP Manning and Padgett ?"" 

:0 (whiplash willow/mesic forb) 1995 

(I) 

::' Salix lasiandra/Rosa woodsii G3/S3 Evenden 1 989 

:0 (whiplash willow/Wood's rose) $: 

:0 

(/) Salix lasiolepis GU/SU Moseley 1998 Little Jacks C

6 (arroyo willow) Jump Creek C

-1 

:0 Hixon Sharpta

N 

~ Salix lasiolepis/Barren G2?/S1 Padgett et al. 1989 ..... (arroyo willow/barren) c.c 

c.c 

c.c 
c 

(f) 

0 Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

)> 

'T1 Rank 0 

ro Salix lutea G?/S3 Youngblood et al. C/) 

l""'t 

(yellow willow) 1985 (f) 

CD 

s. Salix lutea/Bench G?/SP Manning and Padgett (") 

(yellow willow/bench) 1995 CD 

G) 

CD Salix lutea/Carex utriculata G4/S4 Hansen et al. 1 995 Mahoney Flat ? 

-! (yellow willow/bladder sedge) 

CD 

(") 

Salix lutea/Mesic forb G?/SP Manning and Padgett ?" 

:D (yellow willow/mesic forb) 1995 CD 

"0 

Salix lutea/Rosa woodsii G3/S3 Manning and Padgett :D (yellow willow/Wood's rose) 1995 s:: 

:D 

C(> Salix planifolia G4/S4 Youngblood et al. 

G) (planeleaf willow) 1985 --i 

:D 

~ Salix planifolia monica/Carex aquatilis-Carex utriculata G3Q/S3 Mutz and Queiroz East Shore He

p (planeleaf willow/water sedge-bladder sedge) 1983 Trail Creek, L

..... 

c.o 

c.o Salix planifolia monica/Carex scopulorum G4/SP c.o (planeleaf willow/Holm's Rocky Mountain sedge) 

Salix planifolia/Carex aquatilis G5/S4 Padgett et al. 1989 West Fork Pa

(planeleaf willow/water sedge) 

Salix wolfii/Calamagrostis canadensis G3/S3 Youngblood et al. 

(wolf's willow/bluejoint reedgrass) 1985 

Salix wolfii/Carex aquatilis G4/S4 Youngblood et al. Big Springs-H

(wolf's willow/water sedge) 1985 Elk Valley 

Blackfoot Riv

Salix wolfii/Carex microptera G3/S3 Tuhy and Jensen 

(wolf's willow/smal~ wing sedge) 1982 

Salix wolfii/Carex nebraskensis G3/S3 Youngblood et al. 

(wolf's willow/Nebraska sedge) 1985 

Salix wolfii/Carex utriculata G4/S4 Youngblood et al. Pole Creek Ex

(wolf's willow/bladder sedge) 1985 East Shore He

Salix wolfii/Deschampsia cespitosa G3/S2 Youngblood et al. Russian John 

(wolf's willow/tufted hairgrass) 1985 w 

w 
w 

~ Plant Association Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

Salix wolfii/Fragaria virginiana G4?/S3 Mattson 1984 

(wolf's willow/blueleaf strawberry) 

Salix wolfii/Mesic forb G3/S2 Mutz and Queiroz 

(wolf's willow/mesiG forb) 1983 

Salix wolfii/Poa palustris G4/S5 Youngblood et al. 

(wolf's willow/fowl bluegrass) 1985 

Salix wolfii/Swertia perennis-Pedicularis groenlandica G2/S2 Tuhy and Jensen 

(wolf's willow/swertia-elephant's head lousewort) 1982 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis stricta G4/S1 Daubenmire 1970 TNC Tract-Sn

(greasewood/interior saltgrass) Bear Lake 

Oxford Sloug

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Eiymus cinereus G3/S2 Mueggler and Stewart Birch Creek F

(greasewood/Great Basin wildrye) 1980 Summit Cree

Chilly Slough 

c Scirpus acutus G5/S4 Hansen et al. 1995 Elk Valley (/) 

0 (hardstem bulrush) Oxford Sloug

~ The Tules "T1 Robinson Lak

0 

m Bonner Lake C/l Gamlin Lake ~ 

(/) Lost Lake C1) 

< Shepherd Lak

c:;· Kelso Lake C1) 

G> Hauser Lake 

C1) Ashton Marsh 

? Lucky Dog Cr

-1 Thomas Fork 

C1) 

(") Toms Creek/B

?" Bear Lake ::0 

C1) Grays Lake 

:::' Soda Springs 

::0 Henry Stampe

~ 

::0 TNC Tract-Sn

(/) Sterling 

6 

-1 Scirpus americanus G1 Q/S1 Hansen et al. 1 995 :::0 

N (threesquare bulrush) 

0 

_.... Scirpus cespitosus-.Carex livida G1 /81 Tuhy 1981 Sawtooth Val

co 

co (tufted bulrush-pale sedge) co 
c 

CJ) 

0 

)> 

11 

0 

ro 

Cll 

.-+ 

CJ) 

Cl) 

< 

()' 

co 

G) 

Cl) 

:::::1 

-I 

Cl) 

(') 

::J" 

:::0 

Cl) 

"0 

:::0 

s:: 

:::0 

CJ) 

6 

-1 

:::0 

~ 

0 

c.o 

c.o 

c.o 

w 

CJ1 

Scirpus maritimus 

(akali bulrush) 

Scirpus microcarpus 

(small-fruit bulrush) 

Scirpus pallidus 

(pale bulrush) 

Scirpus pungens 

(sharp bulrush) 

Scirpus validus 

(softstem bulrush) 

Spartina gracilis 

(akali cordgrass) 

Plant Association Conservation 

Rank 

G4/S3 

GU/SU 

GU/SU 

G?/S3? 

G4/S2 

GU/SU 

Principal Reference 

Hansen et al. 1995 

Crowe and 

Clausnitzer 1997 

Moseley 1998 

Hall and Hansen 

1997 

Kovalchik 1 993 

Jankovsky-Jones 

1997b 

Reference Are

Bear Lake 

Oxford Slough 

Clark Fork De

Hixon Sharpta

45 Ranch 

Elk Valley 

Bonner Lake 

Bear Lake 

South Fork of 

Lower Little W

Silver Creek 

Chilly Slough 

Oxford Slough 

Soda Springs 

Grays Lake 

Silver Creek 

Chilly Slough 
w 

(j) 

c 

(/) 

0 

)> 

"T1 

0 

ro 

en 

.-+ 

(/) 

CD 

< 

c:;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

::J 

-i 

CD 

(") 

:::r 

:D 

CD 

"C 

:D 

~ 

:D 

(/) 

6 

-i 

:D 

~ 

0 

co 

co 

co 

Plant Association 

Spiraea douglasii 

(pink spiraea) 

Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum 

(western redcedar/maidenhair fern) 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 

(western redcedar/lady fern) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G5/S4 

G2?/S2 

G3G4/S3 

Principal Reference 

Hansen et al. 1995 

Cooper et al. 1 991 

Cooper et al. 1 991 

Reference Are

Upper Priest R

Chase Lake 

Lee Lake 

Sinclair Lake 

Perkins Lake 

Upper Priest L

Chipmunk Pot

Lamb Creek M

Hager Lake Fe

Armstrong Me

Bismark Mead

Bear Creek Fe

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lake 

Gamlin Lake 

Lost Lake 

Dubius Creek 

Shepherd Lake 

Kelso Lake 

Hauser Lake F

Rose Lake 

Hidden Lake 

Thompson Lak

Pack River 

O'Hara Creek 

Aquarius 

Chateau Falls 

Dutch Creek 

Four-bit Creek 

O'Hara Creek 

Morris Creek O

Montford Cree

Hobo Cedar G

Three Ponds 

Aquarius 

Canyon Creek 

Tepee Creek 

Upper Fishhoo
c 

(/) 

0 

l> 

11 

0 

co 

Cll 

..-+ 

(/) 

CD 

s. 

(") 

CD 

G) 

CD 

? 

-1 

CD 

(") 

?"" 

::D 

CD 

::' 

::D 

~ 

::D 

(/) 

6 

-1 

::D 

r:.., 

~ ...... 

<0 

<0 

<0 

w 

-.....1 

Plant Association 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora 

(western redcedar/clintonia) 

Thuja plicata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 

(western redcedar/oak fern) 

Thuja plicata/Lysichitum americanum 

(western redcedar/skunk cabbage) 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 

(western redcedar/devil's club) 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 

(western hemlock/oakfern) 

Tsuga mertensiana/Streptopus amplexifolius 

(mountain hemlock/twisted-stalk) 

Conservation Principal Reference Reference Are

Rank 

G4/S5 Cooper et al. 1 991 O'Hara Creek 

Aquarius 

Lochs a 

Settler's Grov

Upper Fishho

O'Hara Creek 

G3/S2 Cooper et al. 1 991 Four-bit Cree

Morris Creek 

Upper Fishho

G4Q/S2 Franklin 1 966 Potholes 

Aquarius 

G3/S3 Cooper et al. 1 991 Canyon Cree

Hunt Girl Cre

Tepee Creek 

Aquarius 

Upper Priest 

Potholes 

Settler's Grov

Binarch Creek 

Upper Shosho

Montford Cre

Upper Priest 

G3G4/S3 Cooper et al. 1 991 Canyon Cree

Hunt Girl Cre

Montford Cre

Upper Shosho

Upper Priest 

Upper Priest 

G2/S2 Cooper et al. 1 991 
w 

co 

c 

CJ) 

0 

)> 

., 

0 

Cil 

en 

.-+ 

CJ) 

CD 

< 

c:;· 

CD 

G) 

CD 

:::J 

-I 

CD 

(") 

::r 

:D 

CD 

"C 

:D 

~ 

:D 

CJ) 

6 

-I 

:D 

N 

0 

co 

co 

co 

Plant Association 

Typha latifolia 

(common cattail) 

Veratrum californicum 

(California false~hellebore) 

Conservation 

Rank 

G5/S4 

G4/S3 

Principal Reference 

Padgett et al. 1989 

Youngblood et al. 

1985 

Reference A

Bonner Lake 

Dawson Lake 

Perkins Lake 

Lamb Creek 

Bear Creek F

Blue Lake 

Mcarthur Lak

Gamlin Lake 

Lost Lake 

Dubius Cree

Shepherd La

Kelso Lake 

Hauser Lake 

Rose Lake 

Hidden Lake 

Thompson L

East Shore H

Warm River 

Ashton Mars

Toms Creek/

Bear Lake 

Oxford Sloug

Soda Springs 

Grays Lake 

Henry Stamp

Thomas Fork 

South Fork o

Tex Creek 

Pack River 

Freeman Lak

Clark Fork D

Silver Creek 

Hill City Mar

Chilly Slough 

Sterling 

Stapp-Soldie
· .. ·.· .. 

REFERENCE AREA SUMMARIES 

BEAR LAKE SECTION {342E) 

BEAR LAKE CDC Site # 365 

County: Bear Lake 

Location: Bear Lake is seven miles southeast of Montpelier, Idaho. The north and west refuge 

boundaries are accessible by county roads via the airport road, the south boundary from the North 

Shore Bear Lake Road, and the east side via Merkley. Within the refuge, roads originate at the north 

end and run along levees. 

Size {acres): 18,000 Elevation Range {feet): 5,923 - 5,930 

Site Description: Bear Lake is primarily a bulrush/cattail/open-water marsh. Emergent communities, 

dominated by Scirpus acutus and S. validus form dense swards with pockets of the Typha latifolia 

community type. The Juncus balticus community type occupies somewhat drier sites. Large 

open-water areas have islands occupied by bulrushes. Portions of the open-water areas drawdown 

and can be characterized as barren mud flats with a number of species from the Chenopod family. 

Portions of the mud flats support the Distich lis stricta alkali meadow community. Other minor 

community types include Elymus cinereus in alkali flats; Eleocharis palustris and Carex aquatilis in 

shallow water marshes; and Salix exigua/Poa pratensis, Phalaris arundinacea, and Phragmites 

australis along levees and roads. The ecotone to the uplands, as well as hummocks within the 

marsh, are occupied by the Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis spicata var. stricta community type. 

Uplands are dominated by the shrubs Artemisia tridentata and Sarcobatus vermiculatus along with 

Agropyron spicatum and A. smithii. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size {in acres): 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 1 0 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis stricta 1 0 

Phalaris arundinacea 5 

Phragmites australis 5 

Elymus cinereus 1 0 

Distichlis stricta 1 0 

Carex aquatilis 1 0 

Eleocharis palustris 1 5 

Juncus balticus 20 

Scirpus acutus 8000 

Scirpus maritimus 1 0 

Typha latifolia 2000 

Scirpus validus 500 

Land Manager: United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 39 
BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS SECTION (M332E) 

ALLAN MOUNTAIN CDC Site # 686 

County: Lemhi 

Location: Allan Mountain Research Natural Area (RNA) is located in the Bitterroot Mountains near 

the Idaho/Montana border, approximately 16 miles north of North Fork, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1 ,650 Elevation Range (feet): 6,450 - 9,154 

Site Description: Allan Mountain RNA is located at the southeastern border of the northern 

Idaho-northwestern Montana province that is under a strong maritime climatic influence. While the 

vegetation of the area is typical of high-elevation, maritime-influenced vegetation, it is at the border 

of this influence. The RNA contains stands of Larix lyallii, with trees in a range of age classes. 

Subalpine larch is relatively rare in the inland United States and at Allan Mountain the species is at 

the southeastern limit of its range. Xerophyllum tenax is also near the southeastern limit of its 

range at Allan Mountain. Extensive stands of beargrass are found in the area, mainly as an 

understory in the Abies lasiocarpa/X. tenax habitat type. The area also contains good stands of 

Pinus albicaulis and areas of high-elevation grasslands. Aquatic features of the area include a small 

lake, several small ponds, meandering to steep gradient streams, and wet meadows. Lateral and 

terminal moraines provide excellent examples of mountain glaciation. Near alpine conditions exist 

on Allan Mountain at 9,154 feet, supporting a number of interesting plant species. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

ALLISON CREEK ISLAND 

County: Lemhi 

CDC Site# 13 

Location: Allison Creek Island is located approximately 32 miles upstream of Salmon, Idaho on the 

Salmon River. The island is just downstream of the Allison Creek/Salmon River confluence and river 

mile 296. Access to the island is by floating via raft or canoe, though some gravel deposits may be 

wadeable in the fall. 

Size (acres): 12 Elevation Range (feet): 4,520 - 4,525 

Site Description: Allison Creek Island is located along the Salmon River in a wide valley bottom. The 

island is entirely of recent alluvium and there is little relief. Soils on the island consist of a gravelly 

sandy loam. The soils are shallow and well drained with a high water table. The primary feature of 

the area is the presence of riparian vegetation that appears to be undisturbed by grazing or fire. The 

island is dominated by Betula occidentalis and Cornus sericea with occasional Alnus incana and 

Juniperus scopulorum and small localized patches of Salix exigua. Eleocharis palustris dominates 

sandy channel bars and overflow channels. Other mesic species, including Typha latifolia and 

Scirpus acutus, are present in the Eleocharis palustris stands. The highest areas of the island 

support stands of Agropyron smithii. Cobble bars are also present near the overflow channel and as 

bars along the banks of the island. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 1 0 

Agropyron smithii 1 

Eleocharis palustris 1 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management or Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

40 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
BADGER CREEK CDC Site # 1276 

County: Butte 

Location: Badger Creek is a tributary of the Little Lost River, located 28 miles northwest of Howe, 

Idaho. 

Size (acres): 575 Elevation Range (feet): 5,690- 6,600 

Site Description: Badger Creek is a high-gradient perennial stream that is incised into the Badger 

Creek Bar. The creek occurs in a narrow canyon and drains the west side of Diamond Peak in the 

Lemhi Range. The channel trends southwest into the Little Lost River. The riparian corridor is 

dominated by Betula occidentalis with occasional Populus angustifolia and Juniperus scopulorum 

stands. A unique feature of Badger Creek is the presence of Pinus flexilis. This conifer usually 

occurs at timberline. While limber pine is known to occasionally occur in association with 

subirrigated spring systems in Idaho, the Badger Creek location is one of the few known sites with 

several limber pine trees occurring along a low elevation riparian corridor. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus angustifolia/Betula occidentalis 1 0 

Juniperus scopulorum/Cornus stolonifera 1 0 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 60 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

BEAR VALLEY CREEK 

County: Lemhi 

CDC Site# 27 

Location: Bear Valley Creek is located in the northern part of the Lemhi Mountains approximately 

12.5 miles southwest of Lemhi, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 2,530 Elevation Range (feet): 6,800- 10,116 

Site Description: Bear Valley Creek RNA extends from 6,800 feet at the east boundary to 10,116 

feet at the southwest tip. Due in part to the large elevational range, the area contains a wide 

variety of forest and grassland conditions typical of this part of the Lemhi Mountains. It contains 

sagebrush-grass vegetation in places on lower south-facing slopes to mostly forest vegetation of 

Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies lasiocarpa, and Pinus albicaulis types with increasing elevation. 

Several rare forest habitat types occur along the creek including Picea engelmannii/Carex disperma 

and Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium scoparium. The area also contains alpine meadows and a Artemisia 

tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis. Several species are at or near their southern limit here, 

including Rubus parviflorus, Linnaea borealis, and Menziesia ferruginea. In addition, the RNA 

contains an area of land slippage and snowslide erosion, common to steep topography and deep 

snows. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

.Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 8 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 60 

Picea engelmannii/Carex disperma 33 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

BIRCH CREEK FEN 

County: Lemhi and Clark 

CDC Site# 36 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 41 
Location: Birch Creek Fen is located at the headwaters of Birch Creek in the Birch Creek Valley, 

approximately four miles north of Lone Pine along State Route 28. 

Size (acres): 1,419 Elevation Range (feet): 6,378 - 6,600 

Site Description: Birch Creek is located in eastern Idaho between the Lemhi Range to the west and 

the Beaverhead Mountains of Montana to the east. Birch Creek is fed by approximately 52 springs 

that emanate in the valley bottom. Birch Creek Fen is the result of the damming action of a basalt 

ridge, just downstream of the fen, that is oriented perpendicular to the valley. The combination of a 

very stable raised water table plus alkaline substrates provides habitat for many unique species and 

plant communities. Alkaline benches support temporarily saturated wetlands that are often 

dominated by Chrysothamnus nauseosus, and the graminoids Agropyron smithii, Distichlis stricta, 

and Elymus cinereus. Chrysothamnus covers a large area and may occupy areas that historically 

supported the Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Eiymus cinereus community type. Grasslands are also 

present on the alkaline benches and are dominated by Poa juncifolia, Spartina gracilis, Muhlenbergia 

richardsonis, and Disticlllis stricta. Adjacent swales and slightly lower microsites support stands of 

the Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa and Juncus balticus community types. Aquatic 

communities are dominated by Mimulus guttatus and Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum at spring heads 

with Potamogeton vaginatus, Ceratophyllum demersum, and lesser amounts of Ranunculus aquatilis 

forming thick mats in stream channels. Emergent wetlands occur over small areas within a complex 

wetland mosaic with Carex simulata and Eleocharis pauciflora as the dominant community types. 

Carex simulata most frequently occurs adjacent to channels on highly organic soils that are 

saturated throughout the year. Eleocharis pauciflora communities generally occur on quaky, 

unstable, marl substrates. Deschampsia cespitosa was likely very widespread at Birch Creek in the 

past. Currently, however, only small remnant stands remain. Willows occur near the downstream 

end of Birch Creek Fen and are scattered along certain spring channels within the fen. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 1 00 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Eiymus cinereus 50 

Deschampsia cespitosa 25 

Carex simulata 50 

Eleocharis pauciflorus 20 

Juncus balticus 200 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis 5 

Poa juncifolia 1 00 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service; The Nature Conservancy; Idaho 

Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: TNC Preserve; Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Unprotected 

CHILLY SLOUGH CDC Site# 59 

County: Custer 

Location: Chilly Slough is located in the Big Lost River drainage approximately 20 miles north of 

Mackay on U.S. Hwy 93. The Whiskey Springs pull-off at mile post 126 provides the primary 

public access to· the South Unit. To access the North Unit continue five miles north on Hwy 93 

from the Whiskey Springs pull-off to Mile Post 132. Watch for the graveled county road and follow 

the road west for two miles. Turn left at the first road junction for approximately 1/2 mile and 

watch for boundary signs. Park on the roadside and walk approximately 1/4 mile east to reach the 

wetland. Foot travel and/or canoeing is an easy way to explore this area. Boundary fences are 

present separating private land from BLM and IDFG land. 

Size (acres): 4,200 Elevation Range (feet): 6,275 - 6,325 

Site Description: Chilly Slough is a large, spring-fed, wet meadow-stream complex located in the 

Thousand Springs Valley, north of the town of Mackay, in Custer County, Idaho. The site is 

surrounded by the stark, rocky peaks of the Lost River Range and the White Knob Mountains. 

42 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Borah Peak, at 12,662 in elevation, is Idaho's highest point and is located just to the east of the 

high mountain wetland site. Numerous springs join to form Thousand Springs Creek as it flows 

south from its headwaters to eventually join the Big Lost River. Surface and subsurface waters 

support a wide zone of water-associated plants. Shallow stagnant water supports Typha latifolia 

and Scirpus validus. Aquatic species in the slow flowing waters of Chilly Slough include 

Potamogeton filiformis, Chara sp., and Hippurus montanum. The majority of the marsh is a mosaic 

of Carex utriculata, Carex aquatilis, and Juncus balticus on a wet-to-dry gradient. A number of 

alkaline wetlands occur on benches elevated one to five feet above the main marsh. The alkaline 

communities commonly have hummocky topography and are dominated by the shrub Sarcobatus 

vermiculatus, and/or the graminoids Elymus cinereus, Poa juncifolia, or Spartina gracilis. Small 

patches of the Muhlenbergia richardsonis, Carex simulata, and Deschampsia cespitosa communities 

are also present. The waters, which are clear running and have a constant temperature, are slightly 

alkali and rich with aquatic macro-invertebrates. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Eiymus cinereus 200 

Carex utriculata 350 

Spartina gracilis 5 

Deschampsia cespitosa 230 

Carex aquatilis 700 

Carex nebraskensis 1 75 

Carex simulata 1 75 

Juncus balticus 700 

Typha latifolia 1 75 

Scirpus validus 175 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis 1 0 

Poa juncifolia 1 00 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern; Wildlife Refuge I 

Management Area; Unprotected 

HOTEL CREEK CDC Site# 352 

County: Fremont 

Location: From Macks Inn, travel three and a half miles south to Kilgore-Yale Road. Continue west 

four miles to Mill Creek Campground Road. The site lies between Mill Creek and Jacobs Island Park 

Ranch roads. 

Size (acres): 76 Elevation Range (feet): 6,330- 6,340 

Site Description: Hotel Creek is a low-gradient, meandering channel with extensive willow 

shrublands. Salix drummondiana appears to dominate; however, Salix boothii is locally abundant in 

patches. The S. boothii patches, occupying drier sites where the channel narrows and the stream is 

more entrenched, are classified as the Salix boothii/Poa pratensis community type; the understory 

associates are Poa pratensis, Phleum pratense, Potentilla fruticosa, and Fragaria virginiana. Most of 

the shrublar)d is quite wet with rivulets, open water, and a wider channel supporting the Salix 

drummondiana/Carex utriculata community type. Here the willows are nearly impenetrable, but 

there are open areas with Carex utriculata and Carex aquatilis community types, as well as open 

water due to active beaver dams. The northeast end of the site has stagnant, open-water habitat 

with the Carex utriculata, Carex aquatilis, Carex lanuginosa, and Eleocharis palustris community 

types. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 11 

Carex aquatilis 2 

Carex lanuginosa 4 

Eleocharis palustris 1 . 5 

Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata 1 5 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 43 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

KENNEY CREEK 

County: Lemhi 

CDC Site # 136 

Location: Kenney Creek RNA is at the head of the Kenney Creek drainage in the Beaverhead 

Mountains on the west side of the Continental Divide (the ID/MT border). The area is approximately 

19 air miles east-southeast of Salmon, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,580 Elevation Range (feet): 7,480- 9,604 

Site Description: Kenney Creek RNA is located on the crest of the Beaverhead Mountains along the 

Continental Divide. Elevations in the RNA range from 7,480 to 9,604 feet and features two 

glaciated basins on Pre-Belt quartzite of the Yellowjacket Formation. A glacial pond occurs in 

western basin and the eastern basin has a series of small wetlands and wet meadows. Additional 

aquatic features include gentle to steep gradient streams and seep springs. Upland vegetation in 

Kenney Creek RNA includes at least four Pinus albicaulis habitat types, a rare Picea engelmannii 

habitat type, at least four Pseudotsuga menziesii habitat types, and at least two Abies lasiocarpa 

habitat types. A cover type of Pinus contorta was heavily infested by mountain pine beetle in the 

late 1930s resulting in heavy mortality. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Carex disperma 250 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

MEADOW CANYON 

County: Lemhi and Butte 

CDC Site # 484 

Location: Meadow Canyon RNA is located in the Lemhi Range, extending west from Bell Mountain. 

The RNA is approximately 79 miles northwest of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 70 miles west of Dubois, 

Idaho; or 35 miles south of Leadore, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 3,880 Elevation Range (feet): 7,700- 11,612 

Site Description: Meadow Canyon RNA contains two of the finest alpine tundra areas found in 

Idaho. One area is on limestone and the other on quartzite, resulting in differences in plant 

communities. Contact areas between the two substrates are common in the alpine country of the 

RNA. The elevation in the area ranges from 7, 700 feet where the boundary crosses Meadow 

Canyon to 11 ,612 feet at the top of Bell Mountain. Several unusual and rare plant species occur 

here. This is the only known location where the three species of columbine (Aquilegia formosa, A. 

flavescens, and -A. coerulea) found in Idaho occur together. The area includes at least four 

Pseudotsuga menziesii habitat types. Stands of Pinus flexilis and Picea engelmannii occur in the 

area: which is unusual because of the rather dry conditions resulting from the limestone substrate 

and climate. An Engelmann spruce/moss type occurring in the RNA is unusual because of its limited 

occurrence. The northern bench is covered with a grassland community of Festuca idahoensis and 

Agropyron spicatum. Near the summit of Bell Mountain are alpine turf communities dominated by 

Carex elynoides, C. rupestris, Geum rossii, and Salix nivalis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex nova 0.3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

44 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Designation: Research Natural Area 

MERRIAM LAKE BASIN CDC Site # 159 

County: Custer 

Location: Merriam Lake is located in the Lost River Range in the headwaters of the West Fork 

Pahsimeroi River, approximately 1 mile south of Borah Peak and approximately 34 air miles 

southeast of Challis, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 740 Elevation Range (feet): 9,580- 12,065 

Site Description: Merriam Lake Basin RNA is an outstanding alpine basin of great diversity 

containing an unusual number of interesting plant species and other features. The area is composed 

of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with considerable folding of strata. Some of the rocks 

present include limestone and dolomite, sandstone, and quartzite. There is ample evidence of alpine 

glaciation with the upper lake in the basin now occupying a cirque with abundant quarrying, polish, 

and striations. Elevations in the RNA range from 9,580 feet on the creek just above Merriam Lake, 

to 12,065 feet on the peak at the southwestern corner of the RNA. The vegetation encompassed in 

this area is mainly subalpine forests of Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, Pinus albicaulis, and 

some Pinus flexilis, and various moist to dry alpine situations. Lakeshore meadows, braided 

streams, and alpine wet and dry meadows are present in association with snowmelt fed springs and 

spring creeks. A single alpine lake at approximately 10,200 feet elevation is present. An unusual 

situation exists on level limestone bedrock just east of the alpine lake in the basin. Here is an 

extensive population of Saxifraga oppositifolia with no other plant species present. This particular 

situation has not been observed anywhere else in Idaho but is apparently typical of some high arctic 

tundra of the islands north of Hudson Bay, Canada. Several rare plant species are found in the area 

including Cymopterus ibapensis, Cymopterus douglassii, Erigeron humilis, Gentianella propinqua, 

Gentianella tenella tenella, Salix farriae and Saxifraga adscendens var. oregonensis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Juncus balticus 1 5 

Deschampsia cespitosa/Caltha leptosepala 0.1 

Carex subnigricans 0.1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

ROCK CREEK CIRQUE 

County: Custer 

CDC Site # 322 

Location: Rock Creek Cirque proposed Special Interest Botanical Area is located below the north 

face of Borah Peak in the central Lost River Range, approximately 17 miles northwest of Mackay. 

Size (acres): 557 Elevation Range (feet): 9,400- 12,662 

Site Description: The Rock Creek Cirque consists of a large, glaciated basin at the head of Rock 

Creek on the west slope of the Lost River Range. The predominant physical feature of the Rock 

Creek Cirque is the nearly 2,000 foot north-facing headwall. This north face of Borah Peak, the 

highest point in Idaho, has a large permanent snowfield that feeds several springs at the base of 

the large talus slopes. Although there are no glacial lakes, it is a relatively moist cirque, as 

compared with others in the Lost River Range, due to the north-facing orientation and large 

snowfields. Elevations of the area range from approximately 9,400 feet at timberline, to 12,662 

feet on Borah Peak. Much of the basin is comprised of talus and bedrock slopes that are either nonor lightly vegetated. Isolated stands of subalpine fir occur as high as 9,800 feet on ledges away 

from avalanche and debris flow paths. A majority of the floristic diversity of the cirque is centered 

around wet areas, such as seeps on cliffs, springs, rivulets, and streams. Wetland vegetation 

associated with these habitats not only contain the largest number of species, but also four rare 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 45 
arctic-alpine disjunct species: Erigeron humilis, Parnassia kotzebuei var. kotzebuei, Saxifraga 

adscendens var. oregonensis, and Saxifraga cernua. A fifth rare species, Cymopterus douglassii, is 

endemic to the central Lost River and Lemhi ranges. The alpine communities support Salix arctica, 

S. nivalis, Carex subnigucans, C. elynoides, and Juncus balticus. An east-central Idaho endemic, 

yellow marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala var. sulfurea), is locally dominant on lightly vegetated 

muck around springs. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Juncus balticus 0.1 

Salix arctica/Carex subnigricans 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation· I lnpratected 

SUMMIT CREEK 

County: Custer and Butte 

CDC Site # 266 

Location: Summit Creek is at the headwaters of the Little Lost River Valley in the valley between 

the Lost River Range and Lemhi Mountains approximately 40 miles northwest of Howe, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 10,000 Elevation Range (feet): 6,140 - 6,650 

Site Description: Summit Creek is in a high elevation basin in southeastern Idaho tucked between 

the Lemhi Mountains to the east and the Lost River Range to the west. Summit Creek is a 

headwater stream of the Little Lost River. The Little Lost River is isolated from other river systems. 

As it reaches the lava beds near Howe, Idaho, its water disappears into subsurface flows which 

feed the Snake River aquifer. It is believed that in geologic history the Little Lost River flowed north 

into the Pahsimeroi and Salmon rivers. An uplift in the Donkey Hills area is believed to have forced 

the Little Lost River system to drain south, separating it from the Salmon River drainage. This 

connection would explain the occurrence of an isolated population of bull trout found here. The 

total length of Summit Creek is approximately 17 miles, beginning in springs in the Donkey Hills and 

continuing through a broad basin until it joins the Little Lost River. The lowest few miles of Summit 

Creek are not included in the site. The surrounding landscape is gently sloping valley bottom 

covered with low shrubs and grasses lying between rugged mountain ranges on each side. The 

upland community type is a sagebrush grassland with either Artemisia tripartita or Artemisia 

arbuscula as the overstory dominant. The most prevalent upland grasses are Festuca idahoensis and 

Agropyron spicatum. Many of the wetland communities are dominated by Juncus balticus, Carex 

nebraskensis, C. rostrata, Salix boothii, and Betula occidentalis. In addition, large areas on benches 

adjacent to spring creeks are hummocked and support grasslands tolerant of alkaline conditions 

with a mix of the following graminoids: Distichlis spicata, Spartina gracilis, Poa juncifolia, 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis, Carex parryana, and Carex scirpoidea. An overstory dominated by 

Potentilla fruticosa is sometimes present on the alkaline benches. Many of the known plant species 

of concern occur in or along the edges this habitat. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 500 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 50 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Eiymus cinereus 500 

Carex utriculata 1 000 

Carex nebraskensis 500 

Carex simulata 200 

Eleocharis pauciflorus 1 

Juncus balticus 500 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis 5 

Poa juncifolia 1 000 

Potentilla fruticosa/Dry alkaline graminoid 1 000 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; The Nature Conservancy; Idaho Department of Lands; 

46 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Private 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern; TNC Preserve 

TRAIL CREEK, LEMHI COUNTY CDC Site# 716 

County: Lemhi 

Location: Trail Creek is on the east side of the crest of the Lemhi Range along the upper reaches of 

Trail Creek, approximately 13 miles west of Lemhi, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 236 Elevation Range (feet): 8,120 - 9,600 

Site Description: Trail Creek is in an area isolated by difficult access, steep terrain, and dense 

stands of lodgepole pine with extensive downfall in the understory around the perimeter of the 

area. As a result of this isolation, the area contains undisturbed high elevation riparian, aquatic, and 

upland types. The Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis habitat type is present in the riparian 

zone with two phases: Calamagrostis canadensis phase and Ledum glandulosum phase. Community 

types in the riparian zone are dominated by Saxifraga arguta, Carex utriculata, C. aquatilis, 

Calamagrostis canadensis, Salix planifolia, and Arnica longifolia. The area contains a low gradient 

stream and a moderate gradient stream, plus associated aquatic communities. Two climax 

subalpine fir habitat types occur as upland communities with understories dominated by Carex 

geyeri and Vaccinium scoparium. Seral stands of lodgepole pine are also present. A small inclusion 

of Artemisia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis occurs on the south slope of Peak 8881 along the 

northern boundary of the area. Agoseris lackschewitzii, a BLM Sensitive plant species, occurs in the 

Arnica longifolia and sedge-dominated community types. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 

Salix planifolia monica/Carex aquatilis-Carex utri 

Carex utriculata 

Carex aquatilis 

Arnica longifolia 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

Undetermined 

5 

10 

2 

2 

3 

WEST FORK PAHSIMEROI RIVER HEADWATERS CDC Site# 420 

County: Custer 

Location: West Fork Pahsimeroi River is on the east side of the Lost River Range below Leatherman 

Pass and Pass Lake. A high quality hiking trail (FS Trail 089) leads from the end of West Fork 

Pahsimeroi Road for three miles to the site. 

Size (acres): 391 Elevation Range (feet): 9,200- 10,200 

Site Description: The West Fork Pahsimeroi River Headwaters are in a cirque basin with three major 

meadows at -different levels. The gently sloping meadows are fed by melting snow, groundwater, 

and springs emanating from talus and moraines. High ridges and peaks ( 12,000' plus) surround the 

cirque on the east, south, and west. Xeric grasslands and Pinus flexilis/P. albicaulis woodlands 

surround the meadows. Meadows are dominated by the low willows Salix brachycarpa, S. farriae, 

and S. planifolia, and the graminoids Juncus balticus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex aquatilis, C. 

utriculata, and C. elynoides. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 1 0 

Salix planifolia/Carex aquatilis 0.1 

Carex aquatilis 2 

Juncus balticus 2 

Deschampsia cespitosa/Caltha leptosepala 0.1 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 47 
Salix brachycarpa/Carex elynoides 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

WILLOW CREEK HEADWATERS 

County: Fremont 

6 

CDC Site # 356 

Location: approximately three and a half miles south of Macks Inn on Hwy 20, turn west on 

Kilgore-Yale Road. Travel approximately 11.5 miles to the road at Willow Creek (USFS Road 046). 

Take this road northward; the site lies to the west of the road and northward beyond the ridge 

separating Willow and Meyers creeks. 

Size (acres}: 286 Elevation Range (feet}: 6,635 - 6,900 

Site Description: Willow Creek includes high-to-low gradient reaches of Willow and Meyers Creeks. 

Upper reaches of both streams are fairly straight, high-gradient reaches with conifer/mesic forb 

communities on the first surface. Channel overflow and avulsion are evident. Wetter microsites 

support the Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense community type. Downstream, Meyers and 

Willow creek valleys join creating an extensive shrubland. Former beaver ponds are filled in with 

sediments, and the Salix boothii/Carex utriculata community type is dominant with lesser amounts 

of the Salix geyeriana/Equisetum arvense community. Pockets of pure Calamagrostis canadensis are 

locally dominant. Uplands are forested with Picea engelmannii and some Abies lasiocarpa. Forest 

openings have forbs, such as Geranium richardsonii, Lupinus sp., Melica spectabilis, and Carex sp. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 1 4 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense 29 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 11 4 

Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense 57 

Calamagrostis canadensis 1 0 

Carex utriculata 29 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

48 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS SECTION (M333D) 

AQUARIUS CDC Site# 18 

County: Clearwater 

Location: Aquarius RNA is located along the North Fork Clearwater River at the upper end of 

Dworshak Reservoir. The RNA is accessible by sedan during the summer months from U.S. Route 

12 at Greer. Go eastward and then northward on State Route 11 for 43 miles to Headquarters. 

Continue north from Headquarters on the Beaver Creek Road (FS road 24 7) for approximately 23 

miles to where it intersects the North Fork Clearwater River at the mouth of Beaver Creek. The RNA 

lies downriver (west) of this point. 

Size (acres): 3,900 Elevation Range (feet): 1,600 - 3,995 

Site Description: Aquarius RNA is in a low elevation canyon characterized by relatively warm 

temperatures and high precipitation. This combination of climatic factors, which is rather unusual in 

the Northern Rocky Mountains, is responsible for the extraordinary assemblage of disjunct and 

endemic plant and animal taxa and unique vegetation types found in the area. Prior to construction 

of the Dworshak Reservoir, many of these rare species and communities occurred extensively in the 

lower portions of the North Fork Clearwater River canyon. Aquarius RNA encompasses a 

cross-section of the canyon above the reservoir and protects the best remaining example of this 

special ecosystem. The RNA includes almost two miles of the North Fork Clearwater River, the last 

free-flowing, unroaded stretch from its mouth almost to the headwaters. Several aquatic types are 

found in the area, including first to fifth order streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Elevations in the area 

range from , 1600 feet at the normal pool elevation of Dworshak Reservoir, to 3,995 feet on the 

summit of Thompson Point. The area contains the best remaining Alnus rubra habitats, including 

the largest stand east of the Cascade-Sierra axis. A high diversity of ferns is present, including 

approximately half of the species native to Idaho. The Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum habitat type 

occurs in well-developed stands in the RNA. This association normally occurs in small patches. The 

best remaining example of river terrace habitats for the rare Thuja plicata/Dryopteris spp. 

association in the world also occurs here. Other unique features of the area include the presence of 

the Coeur d'Alene salamander (Piethodon idahoensis), an endemic amphibian; rare and endemic 

terrestrial invertebrates; uncommon aquatic insects; a rare saprophytic moss not previously reported 

from Idaho; and two species of lichens that show coastal affinities. A total of 11 rare vascular plant 

species occur within the RNA, including Carex hendersonii, Cypripedium fasciculatum, Trientalis 

latifolia, and Cardamine constancei. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/ Adiantum pedatum 1 31 0 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 69 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora 404 

Thuja plicata/Lysichitum americanum 11 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 48 

Land Manag·er: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

BULL RUN CREEK 

County: Clearwater 

CDC Site# 46 

Location: Bull Run Creek is located approximately one mile upstream from the confluence of Bull 

Run Creek with Elk Creek, a tributary to Dworshak Reservoir on the North Fork Clearwater River in 

northern Idaho. Bull Run Creek is 54 road miles east of Moscow, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 373 Elevation Range (feet): 2,190- 2,940 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 49 
Site Description: Bull Run Creek is located on Tick Ridge, a plateau-like ridge, and includes the 

steep stream breaklands to the east, south, and west. Elevations in the site vary from 2,190 feet at 

the point where Bull Run Creek flows from the site to 2,940 feet on Tick Ridge at the northern 

boundary and on a knoll in the south-central part of the area. The site contains a range of plant 

communities growing on soils derived from basalt, with additions of loess and volcanic ash. The 

site is the only RNA in the Northern Region containing Thuja plicata plant associations on basalt. 

The area is excellent for studying the effects of soil characteristics and topographic influences on 

the occurrence of mid- and late-seral plant communities. Although precipitation is adequate to grow 

mesic plant species such as Thuja plicata, thin soils and severe aspects reduce the vegetation 

po~ential in parts of the site to Abies grandis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and grassland habitat types. 

Bull Run Creek is located on the upper fringe of an area of moderate temperatures and high 

precipitation that once supported many coastal disjunct species. Much of the suitable country for 

these species was destroyed by the creation of Dworshak Reservoir. The site contains several 

coastal disjunct species including Adiantum pedatum, Dodecatheon dentatum, Symphoricarpos 

mollis var. hesperius, and Veratrum californicum var. caudatum. Bull Run Creek is a moderately 

steep gradient stream with many rapids and riffle pools. Two permanent ponds are located in the 

southeastern corner of the site. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CHATEAU FALLS 

County: Clearwater 

CDC Site # 299 

Location: Chateau Falls RNA is located approximately 38 miles northeast of Pierce, Idaho. The RNA 

is along the North Fork Clearwater River, approximately six miles north-northwest (downstream) of 

Bungalow Ranger Station. 

Size (acres): 200 Elevation Range (feet): 2,200- 3,880 

Site Description: Chateau Falls RNA is located in steep mountainous country underlain by granitic 

rock. Elevations in the RNA range from 2,200 feet to 3,880 feet. The area contains ravines, cliffs, 

and rock formations which are difficult to traverse. The primary features of the RNA are waterfalls 

on Chateau Creek, which runs through the area. Open grasslands and shrublands occur on 

southwest-facing slopes. The higher portions of these slopes are occupied by mixed, rather open 

stands primarily of Pseudotsuga menziesii with some Pinus ponderosa. The north and 

northwest-facing slopes of the area support dense stands dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii, but 

in places Abies grandis dominates. The forests in the RNA burned in the catastrophic wildfire of 

1919 and possibly again in 1929 or 1931. The area contains important winter habitat for deer and 

elk due to its low elevation and southern exposures. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum 5 

Alnus incana/Athyrium filix femina 0.1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

FOUR-BIT CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site# 98 

Location: Four-bit Creek RNA is located in the upper Lolo Creek basin in the Clearwater Mountains 

of northern Idaho. The RNA is approximately 32 miles east of Kamiah, Idaho. 

50 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Size (acres): 392 Elevation Range (feet): 3,540 - 4,240 

Site Description: Four-bit Creek RNA is representative of the most productive forest land in the 

Northern Rocky Mountains. The RNA contains Thuja plicata habitat types occupied by mixed 

species in an advanced stage of succession but not yet climax except for limited areas. Tree 

species present include Pinus monticola, occasional Pinus ponderosa, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, 

Larix occidentalis, Pseudotsga menziesii, Picea engelmannii, and Abies lasiocarpa. Elevations in the 

RNA range from 3,540 feet on Eldorado Creek at the northwestern corner of the RNA to 4,240 feet 

at the southeastern corner of the RNA. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Lolo 

Trail traverse near the northern side of Eldorado Creek, which is the northern boundary of the RNA. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum 55 

Thuja plicata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 1 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

HIDDEN LAKE 

County: Kootenai 

CDC Site # 301 

Location: From Coeur d'Alene, ldahoD travel east on Interstate 90 and cross 4th of July Summit. 

Several miles past the summit take the Rose Lake exit (Hwy 3). Travel south on Hwy 3 

approximately eight miles to Killarney Lake Road. Take this road to the west to the Killarney Lake 

boat launch. Access to Hidden Lake is through a series of channels that must be navigated by 

canoe. Hidden Lake is approximately two miles southwest of Killarney Lake. 

Size (acres): 395 Elevation Range (feet): 2,110- 2,400 

Site Description: Three high-priority Panhandle peatlands are found in the Lower Coeur d'Alene 

River drainage: Rose Lake, Hidden Lake, and Thompson Lake. All are similar with extensive floating 

and fixed mats along the lake margins covered by a mosaic of: 1) Sphagnum-dominated poor fens 

with signicant amounts of Vaccinium macrocarpon, 2) Sphagnum spp./Carex lasiocarpa/Spiraea 

douglasii-dominated intermediate fen, 3) rich fen-dominated by Typha latifolia Carex spp., Potentilla 

palustris, Eleocharis palustris, and Equisetum fluviatile, and 4) rich and intermediate fen shrub carrs 

characterized by Spiraea douglasii, Alnus sp., Salix geyeriana, Pinus contorta, and Betula 

occidentalis with ahd without Sphagnum spp.-covered substrate. All of these fen communities 

grade freely into one another and support many species, including Carex lasiocarpa, C. muricata, C. 

utriculata, C. canescens, Dulichium arundinaceum, Drosera rotundifolia, Impatiens aurelia, Sagitaria 

latifolia, Agrostis scabra, Sphagnum subsecundum, S. centrale, S. teres, S. angustifolium, 

Calliergon stramineum, and Aulocomnium palustre. The poor fen community on the south side of 

Hidden Lake is unique in that it is dominated by Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), which was 

apparently introduced in the 1930s by the landowner. An extensive wild rice (Zizania 

palustris)-dominated emergent marsh is found in the area between Killarney Lake and Hidden Lake. 

Shallow littoral aquatic communities in the lake are dominated by Nuphar polysepalum, Brasenia 

schreberi, Ceratophyllum demersum, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum sibericum, Potamogeton 

natans, and Elodea canadensis. Deeper littoral zones (1.5-2.0 meters) are dominated by 

Potamogeton amplifolius, Elodea canadensis, and Myriophyllum sibericum. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 20 

Carex utriculata 20 

Carex lasiocarpa 20 

Nuphar polysepalum 28 

Typha latifolia 40 

Poor fen 20 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 51 
Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Unprotected 

HOBO CEDAR GROVE CDC Site # 492 

County: Shoshone 

Location: The Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area is located on the West Fork Hobo Creek, in the 

Marble Creek drainage of the St. Joe National Forest, approximately 42 miles southeast of St. 

Maries, Idaho, or approximately 12 miles northeast of Clarkia, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 240 Elevation Range (feet): 3,920 - 4,520 

Site Description: Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area contains a grove of old-growth Thuja plicata in 

pristine condition. Individual trees reach up to five to eight feet dbh. Minor amounts of Abies 

grandis, Pinus monticola, and Tsuga heterophylla also occur in the grove. Elevations in the area 

range from 3,920 feet where the West Fork Hobo Creek leaves the area to approximately 4,520 

feet. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Special Interest Area; National Natural Landmark 

MONTFORD CREEK CDC Site# 161 

County: Kootenai 

Location: Montford Creek RNA is located in the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River drainage in the 

Idaho Panhandle, approximately 20 road miles east of Coeur d'Alene at the confluence of Montford 

Creek with Deception Creek. 

Size (acres): 292 Elevation Range (feet): 3,050 - 4,400 

Site Description: Montford Creek RNA is a typical small drainage on the Coeur d'Alene National 

Forest. The RNA contains Montford Creek, a small, perennial, riffle-pool, spring-fed stream. Ridges, 

V-shaped valleys, and steep-to-moderate mountain slopes characterize the topography of the area. 

Elevations in the RNA range from 3,050 feet at Deception Creek to 4,400 feet in the southwest 

corner of the RNA. The area is underlain by Precambrian sediments. All of Montford Creek RNA is 

forested with old-growth stands made up of relatively pure stands or various mixtures of Tsuga 

heterophylla, Abies grandis, Pinus monticola, Larix occidentalis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, an 

occasional Picea engelmannii, and Abies lasiocarpa. Western hemlock is potentially the climax tree 

species over almost all of the RNA. At least five habitat types and additional phases within these 

types are represented. Understory shrub, forb, grass-like, and grass vegetation is rich and diverse. 

The RNA was originally established for its climax western white pine stands. During the 1970s 

there occurred a very heavy mortality of the species due to infestation by the mountain pine beetle 

(Dendroctonus p·onderosae) and white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola). Today very little 

western white pine remains. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 1 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 40 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 60 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

52 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
MORRIS CREEK OLD GROWTH CEDAR GROVE CDC Site # 332 

County: Clearwater 

Location: Morris Creek Old Growth Cedar Grove is located along Morris Creek, a tributary to Elk 

Creek in the North Fork Clearwater River drainage, roughly 11 miles north-northwest of the town of 

Elk River, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 33 Elevation Range (feet): 4,100 - 4,360 

Site Description: Morris Creek Old Growth Cedar Grove occurs on mostly gentle, north facing 

slopes on a low ridge above the headwaters of Morris Creek, and extends over the ridge to a 

westerly aspect. Site consists of uniformly old growth cedar occurring in Thuja 

plicata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris, T. plicata/Athyrium filix-femina, and T. plicata/Asarum caudatum 

habitat types, with several Alnus sinuata inclusions. The understory is dominated by Athyrium 

filix-femina, Menziesia ferruginea, and Taxus brevifolia. Regeneration is sparse. Cedar trees are 

generally 4-6' dbh with a few trees up to 1 0-12' dbh. The surrounding country was cut over in the 

first half of this century, prior to being turned over to the Forest Service. The old growth western 

red cedar stand was not logged then due to its low value at the time. Many larger cedars show 

signs of past fire; evidence of earlier sera I trees are all but gone (a few snags remain). There is also 

some blowdown. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 16 

Thuja plicata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 1 6 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Special Interest Area 

RHODES PEAK 

County: Clearwater 

CDC Site # 330 

Location: Rhodes Peak is located in the Bitterroot Mountains of eastern north Idaho, approximately 

2 miles south of the Idaho/Montana border and approximately 12 air miles north-northwest of 

Powell Ranger Station on the Lochsa River. 

Size (acres): 310 Elevation Range (feet): 6,440- 7,930 

Site Description: Rhodes Peak is near the crest of the Bitterroot Range and encompasses high 

elevation habitats around the summit of Rhodes Peak, one of the highest summits in northern 

Idaho. Elevations range from 6,440 at the northern boundary to 7,930 feet on Rhodes Peak. A 

small cirque basin northeast of the peak supports subalpine turf communities of Carex scopulorum, 

Carex nigricans, Phyllodoce empetriformis, and Juncus parryi. Stunted, open subalpine forests 

dominated by Pinus albicaulis and Abies lasiocarpa extend nearly to the summit on the west face of 

Rhodes Peak. Much of the area in and around the site burned one or more times in the first half of 

this century. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex nigricans 1 0 

Carex scopulorum 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

ROSE LAKE 

County: Kootenai 

CDC Site# 56 

Location: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho travel east on Interstate 90, cross 4th of July Summit. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 53 
Several miles past the summit take the Rose Lake exit (Hwy 3). Travel south on Hwy 3 

approximately three miles to the Rose Lake Sportsman's Access (boat launch) on the east side of 

Rose Lake. From the boat launch you can access the fen communities to the south, along the east 

side of the lake, by foot. Access to fen communities on the south and west sides of the lake and to 

most of the aquatic communities is by boat. 

Size (acres): 1,535 Elevation Range (feet): 2,122- 2,280 

Site Description: Three high-priority Panhandle peatlands are found in the Coeur d'Alene River 

drainage: Rose Lake, Hidden Lake, and Thompson Lake. All are similar with extensive floating and 

fixed mats along the lake margins covered by a mosaic of: 1) Sphagnum-dominated poor fens (the 

least extensive community), 2) Sphagnum spp./Carex lasiocarpa/Spiraea douglasii-dominated 

intermediate fen, 3) rich fen dominated by Typha latifolia, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex utriculata, 

Potentilla palustris, and Eleocharis palustris, and 4) rich and intermediate fen shrub carrs and shrub 

swamps supporting Spiraea douglasii, Alnus sp., Salix geyeriana, S. bebbiana, S, lutea, Pinus 

contorta, and Betula occidentalis with and without Sphagnum spp.-covered substrate. 

Characteristic species include Carex lasiocarpa, C. muricata, C. utriculata, C. canescens, Dulichium 

arundinaceum, Drosera rotundifolia, Impatiens aurelia, Agrostis scabra, Sphagnum subsecundum, S. 

centrale, S. teres, S. angustifolium, Calliergon stramineum, and Aulocomnium palustre are found in 

all of the communities. Abundant marsh vegetation dominated by Sparganium emersum, Carex 

vesicaria, and Phalaris arundinacea are found on the northern margins of Rose Lake and around 

much of Porters Lake, to the west of Rose Lake, which is part of the Rose Lake wetland complex. 

Shallow littoral aquatic communities in the lake are dominated by Nuphar polysepalum, Brasenia 

schreberi, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum sibericum, Potamogeton natans, P. robbinsii, and 

Elodea canadensis. Deeper littoral and limnetic zones (1.5-3.0 meters) are dominated by 

Potamogeton amplifolius, P. praelongus, Elodea canadensis, and Myriophyllum sibericum. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 20 

Carex utriculata 20 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 0 

Nuphar polysepalum 40 

Typha latifolia 20 

Poorfen 3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

SETTLER'S GROVE OF ANCIENT CEDARS CDC Site # 461 

County: Shoshone 

Location: The Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars Botanical Area is located at the confluence of 

Cottonwood Creek and the West Fork Eagle Creek in the Coeur d'Alene River drainage, near the 

Idaho/Montana border. The grove is accessible via FS Road 805, approximately five miles northeast 

of Eagle and approximately nine miles northeast of Pritchard, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 184 Elevation Range (feet): 3,280 - 4,500 

Site Description: Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars Botanical Area is dominated by old-growth Thuja 

plicata trees, some of which are up to 30 feet in circumference. Pinus monticola, Picea 

engelmannii, Abies grandis, and Tsuga heterophylla are associated with the cedars; the understory 

consists of Acer glabrum, Pteridium aquilinum, Oplopanax horridum, and Asarum caudatum. 

Elevations in the area range from approximately 3,280 feet to approximately 4,500 feet on the 

slope west of the creek. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora Undetermined 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum Undetermined 

54 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Special Interest Area 

SPION KOP 

County: Shoshone 

CDC Site # 227 

Location: Spion Kop is located along the Coeur d'Alene River, approximately 46 miles northeast of 

the Kingston Interchange on U.S. Interstate 90, or approximately 21 miles northwest of Prichard. 

Size (acres): 465 Elevation Range (feet): 2, 755 - 3,490 

Site Description: Spion Kop Research Natural Area is located on the floodplain of the Coeur d'Alene 

River and contains a section of the river that is undisturbed by man. Channels of the river and 

Tepee Creek, a large tributary, have changed over the years due to flooding, resulting in a number 

of dry channels and sloughs. Some of the sloughs, supplied with water from small side streams, 

have been dammed by beavers, resulting in ponds and small marshes. Elevations in the area range 

from 2755 feet to 3490 feet. The RNA contains stands and scattered individual trees of Populus 

trichocarpa. Various age classes for the black cottonwood are present, including a former record 

specimen for the state with a d.b.h. of 60.5 inches and height of 150 feet. The area was severly 

burned in the Independence Creek Fire of 1931, although most of the valley bottom escaped due to 

moist conditions. Stands of mixed coniferous species on the slopes adjacent to the valley bottom 

originated after the 1931 fire. The slopes are primarily potential Tsuga heterophylla climax; Pinus 

monticola, Larix occidentalis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus contorta, planted Pinus ponderosa, 

Abies grandis, Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, Abies lasiocarpa, and Picea engelmannii occur in 

various mixtures. Western white pine planted in the mid-1930's once dominated many of the 

slopes, but white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) has decimated the trees with the result that 

other native species that seeded in naturally dominate the stands. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 85 

Phalaris arundinacea 1 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Private 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

STEEP LAKES 

County: Clearwater 

CDC Site # 237 

Location: Steep Lakes RNA is located in the Bitterroot Mountains on the Idaho/Montana border, 

approximately 120 miles northeast of Orofino, Idaho, or 40 miles south of Superior, Montana. 

Size (acres): 784 Elevation Range (feet): 5, 750 - 7,290 

Site Description: Steep Lakes RNA is a high elevation, alpine glaciated, mountainous benchmark 

site of Precambrian Belt quartzite and argillite rocks located on the backbone of the Bitterroot 

Mountains. Elevations in the RNA vary from 5, 750 feet at the point where the stream from South 

Basin leaves the RNA to 7,290 feet on the Idaho/Montana border at the head of Steep Lakes Basin. 

The RNA contains two drainage basins: Steep Lakes Basin and South Basin. The basins have 

different fire histories. Steep Lakes Basin was burned in 1910 resulting in a sparse tree cover. 

South Basin did not burn in 1910 and is covered with older stands of greater density. Steep Lakes 

Basin contains two subalpine lakes, Lower Steep Lake and Upper Steep Lake, which have nearly 

identical chemical and physical conditions. Both lakes have high alkalinity levels for northern Idaho. 

A freshwater shrimp (Gammarus lacustris) is abundant in Upper Steep Lake, but is nearly absent in 

·the lower lake. California golden trout (Salmo aguabonito) were planted in Lower Steep Lake in 

1962 and have been successful since. Upper Steep Lake has no fish. This situation provides an 

opportunity to study effects of predation on the composition and density of invertebrate 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 55 
populations in the two lakes. The RNA contains four Abies lasiocarpa habitat types and three Tsuga 

mertensiana habitat types, plus Alnus sinuata communities. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus sinuata 30 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

THERIAULT LAKE 

County: Shoshone 

CDC Site # 250 

Location: Theriault Lake RNA is located in the St. Joe River drainage of northern Idaho, at the 

headwaters of a tributary to Marble Creek. The RNA lies in the cirque basin on the north side of 

Marble Mountain. 

Size (acres): 1 20 Elevation Range (feet): 5, 700 - 6, 500 

Site Description: Theriault Lake RNA consists of a small lake surrounded by Tsuga mertensiana 

forests within four habitat types. Old growth forests in the RNA are predominantly mountain 

hemlock, but also contain Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii. Adjacent to the lake are two 

meadows, one at the inlet of the lake and the other at the oulet, each dominated by a different 

species of Carex. Elevations in the RNA range from 5, 700 feet where the boundary crosses the 

stream draining Theriault Lake to 6,500 feet on the northwestern high point on Marble Mountain. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 1 .5 

Carex aquatilis 1.5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

THOMPSON LAKE 

County: Kootenai 

CDC Site# 317 

Location: From Harrison, Idaho travel north on U.S. Hwy 97 one mile. Just after crossing the 

Coeur d'Alene River take a right on the Blue Lake Road. Follow the road approximately three miles 

to Thompson Lake, which will be on the north side of the road. It can be accessed via boat by 

landing at the Coeur d'Alene River boat launch adjacent to the lake. A navigable channel will take 

you from the boat launch into Thompson Lake. 

Size (acres): 665 Elevation Range (feet): 2,080 - 2,160 

Site Description: Three high-priority Panhandle peatlands are found in the Lower Coeur d'Alene 

River drainage: Rose Lake, Hidden Lake, and Thompson Lake. All are similar with extensive floating 

and fixed mats along the lake margins covered by a mosaic of: 1) Sphagnum-dominated poor fens 

(the least extensive community), 2) Sphagnum spp./Carex lasiocarpa/Spiraea douglasii dominated 

intermediate fen, 3) rich fen dominated by Typha latifolia Carex utriculata, Potentilla palustris, 

Eleocharis palustris, and Equisetum fluviatile, and 4) rich and intermediate fen shrub carrs 

characterized by Spiraea douglasii, with scattered Alnus sp., Salix geyeriana, Pinus contorta, P. 

monticola, Betula occidentalis with and without Sphagnum spp. (mostly S. centrale)-covered 

substrate. All of these fen communities grade freely into one another as well and many species, 

including Carex lasiocarpa, C. muricata, C. utriculata, C. canescens, Dulichium arundinaceum, 

Drosera rotundifolia, Impatiens aurelia, Agrostis scabra, Sphagnum subsecundum, S. centrale, S. 

teres, S. angustifolium, Calliergon stramineum, and Aulocomnium palustre are found in all of the 

communities. Extensive marsh communities are also found on the margins of Thompson Lake. 

These marsh habitats are dominated by Sparganium eurycarpum, Sagittaria latifolia, Carex 

56 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
vesicaria, Equisetum fluviatile, Eleocharis palustris, Scirpus acutus, Glyceria borealis, Bidens cernua, 

and Polygonum hydropiperoides. Two rare species, Epilobium palustre (swamp willow-weed) and 

Ludwigia polycarpa (many-fruit false loosestrife), are found in the fen and marsh habitats at 

Thompson Lake. Shallow littoral aquatic communities in the lake are dominated by Nuphar 

polysepalum, Brasenia schreberi, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum sibericum, Potamogeton 

natans, P. epihydrus, Ranunculus aquatilis, and Elodea canadensis. Deeper littoral and limnetic 

zones (1.5-2.5 meters) are dominated by Potamogeton amplifolius, P. zosteriformis, P. richardsonis, 

Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum sibericum, and the rare Vallisneria americana (water celery). 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 30 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 0 

Nuphar polysepalum 1 0 

Typha latifolia 1 0 

Poor fen 10 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

UPPER FISHHOOK CDC Site # 441 

County: Shoshone 

Location: Upper Fishhook Research Natural Area is located at the head of the East Fork Fishhook 

Creek in the St. Joe River drainage. The RNA is at the base of Roundtop Mountain on the 

northwest side, approximately 15 miles south of Avery, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 320 Elevation Range (feet): 4,280 - 4,880 

Site Description: Upper Fishhook RNA is located in the upper basin of the East Fork Fishhook Creek. 

The area occurs on granitics of the Idaho Batholith and is characterized by broken, rolling 

topography, rushing streams, beaver ponds, and fens. Elevations in the RNA range from 4,280 feet 

on the northern boundary where the East Fork Fishhook Creek leaves the RNA to 4,880 feet on the 

southern boundary. The RNA contains one of the few remaining areas of climax Thuja plicata in the 

St. Joe River drainage. The cedars are greater than 200 years old, averaging four feet dbh, with 

several trees greater than seven feet dbh. Mature Pinus monticola, Larix occidental is, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, and Abies grandis occur with Thuja plicata toward the south edge of the area. The 

western white pine have a high incidence of heart rot and white pine blister rust (Cronartium 

ribicola). 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 36.7 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora 21 0 

Thuja plicata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 36.7 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

UPPER HEMLOCK CREEK PRNA 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 24 7 

Location: Upper Hemlock Creek is located in the vicinity of Lean to Ridge, Clearwater National 

Forest, Idaho County, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,945 Elevation Range (feet): 4,440 - 5,492 

Site Description: Upper Hemlock Creek is a baseline site that represents mid-sized montane streams 

of moderate gradient. The site also provides a suitable reference to compare with aquatic areas 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 57 
affected during 1995 landslides occurring on other parts of the Clearwater National Forest. Features 

of Upper Hemlock Creek potential RNA include Upper Hemlock Creek (third order stream), a number 

of first and second order streams, and a short stretch of a fourth-order stream. Landforms within 

the site include floodplains and recent terraces, moderate relief rolling uplands and stringer 

meadows. Forest community types present are Tsuga mertensiana/Streptopus 

amplexifolius-Menziesia ferruginea, T. mertensia/M. ferruginea-Xerophyllum tenax, Abies 

lasiocarpa/M. ferruginea, Abies lasiocarpa/Ciintonia uniflora-X. ten ax; non-forested types are 

Calamagrostis canadensis and Carex aquatilis. There is a high percentage of macroinvertebrates 

within Hemlock and Zoe creeks, which is indicative of high biological diversity. Two uncommon 

caddisflies occur in the streams. The drainage supports several special status fish species as well. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size {in acres): 

Calamagrostis canadensis Undetermined 

Carex aquatilis Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

UPPER SHOSHONE CREEK 

County: Shoshone 

CDC Site # 265 

Location: Upper Shoshone Creek RNA is located on the Idaho/Montana border, north and west of 

Ulm Peak, and approximately 45.5 road miles northeast of U.S. Interstate 90 at Kingston, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,407 Elevation Range (feet): 3,618 - 6,444 

Site Description: Upper Shoshone Creek RNA encompasses an undisturbed watershed in the upper 

Shoshone Creek drainage on the crest of the Bitterroot Range. The RNA contains a diversity of 

aquatic features including a moderate to steep gradient stream with a waterfall and cold springs. 

Elevations range from 3,618 feet where the creek exits the RNA to 6,444 feet on Ulm Peak. Both 

Tsuga heterophylla and Tsuga mertensiana habitat types occur in the area, including old-growth 

stands of each. Two undescribed western hemlock dominated communities occur on wet sites: 

Tsuga heterophylla/Oplopanax horridum and Tsuga heterophylla/Athyrium filix-femina. The RNA 

contains two undescribed Taxus brevifolia phases of dryer western hemlock types on lower north 

slopes and two Abies lasiocarpa habitat types. Also included is a subalpine bald dominated by 

Festuca viridula, Carex geyeri, and Agropyron spicatum. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 56 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 56 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

58 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
BLUE MOUNTAINS SECTION (M332G) 

GARDEN CREEK CDC Site# 3 

County: Nez Perce 

Location: The property lies 27 miles south of Lewiston and is reached via a series of paved and 

unpaved county roads, or by jet boat up the Snake River. It is located directly across the Snake 

River from the Oregon/Washington border approximately six miles upstream from the confluence of 

the Grande Ronde. 

Size (acres): 10,000 Elevation Range (feet): 900- 5,200 

Site Description: The tract is a 7 ,683-acre area in the Snake River Canyon of north central Idaho. 

The topography is rugged; elevation ranges from 900 feet on the Snake River to 5,200 feet at the 

top of Craig Mountain, a vertical span of 4,300 feet. The property encompasses most of the Corral 

Creek and China Garden Creek drainages and includes a mosaic of grasslands, shrublands, conifer 

forests and riparian forests. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus rhombifolia/Betula occidentalis 6.6 

Alnus rhombifolia/Philadelphus lewisii Undetermined 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: TNC Preserve 

GOODRICH CREEK 

County: Adams 

CDC Site # 1 07 

Location: Goodrich Creek RNA is approximately nine air miles northeast of Cambridge, Idaho. From 

Cambridge, take the Goodrich Road (which begins on U.S. Hwy 95 approximately one mile east of 

Cambridge) for several miles to Goodrich (townsite). Proceed along Goodrich Creek Road for 

approximately two and a half miles and park where the road crosses the creek. The RNA extends 

north and east from this point. 

Size (acres): 440 Elevation Range (feet): 3,120 - 3,867 

Site Description: Goodrich Creek supports riparian woodlands, a steep hillside of Purshia 

tridentata/Agropyron spicatum habitat type, and a ridgeline with a mosaic of Eriogonum scablands 

and tall shrub types. The RNA burned in August 1986 and is being monitored for success of 

artificial and natural vegetation regeneration. There was high mortality of the bitterbrush and it is 

regenerating poorly. There is, however, a good cover of bluebunch wheatgrass and little evidence 

of serious weed invasions. The riparian zone is dominated by black cottonwood and water birch 

communities that were nearly completely burned in 1986. All woody riparian species appeared to 

be regenerating well during visits to the site in late 1986, 1990, and 1997. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Symphoricarpos albus 4 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 2 

Populus trichocarpa/Salix lasiandra 5 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

HIXON SHARPTAIL 

County: Washington 

CDC Site # 123 

Location: The Hixon Sharptail area is approximately 15 miles north of Weiser, Idaho. It can be 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 59 
reached from U.S. Hwy 95 by heading north on the Upper Mann Creek Road for approximately six 

miles. This road bisects the site. Southeastern portions of the site can be reached via the Deer 

Creek road, a spur off the Mann Creek Road, and proceeding along a series of unpaved and 

four-wheel drive roads. The Fairchild Reservoir area can be accessed via a 4-wheel drive road that 

leads off the Mann Creek Road directly to the reservoir. 

Size (acres): 2 7, 7 40 Elevation Range (feet): 3, 1 00 - 5,400 

Site Description: The Hixon Sharptail area is dominated by sagebrush-steppe vegetation, although 

scabland, mountain shrub, and grassland habitats are also common. Forest habitats occur on 

northerly aspects at higher elevations, and riparian vegetation is associated with most 

watercourses. The area is characterized by rolling, broken terrain dissected by several minor to 

larger-sized drainages such as Mann, Sage, and Keithly creeks. Steep topography is associated with 

slopes descending the broad ridges to the drainage bottoms. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Crataegus douglasii/Rosa woodsii 1 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 35 

Salix lasiolepis 1 7 

Scirpus pallidus 0.2 

Alnus rhombifolia/Cornus stolonifera 20 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: Area of Critical Environmental Concern; Research Natural Area; TNC Preserve 

LITTLE GRANITE CREEK CDC Site # 144 

County: Idaho 

Location: Little Granite Creek is located in Hells Canyon Wilderness, extending west from He Devil 

to the Snake River Canyon. The area is 16 miles southwest of Riggins. Access to the area involves 

driving from Cambridge, Idaho to the boat launch just below Hells Canyon Dam. A jet boat is taken 

approximately eight miles down the Snake River to the mouth of Granite Creek. At extreme high 

water the Wild Sheep Rapid might not be runnable with a jet boat. In this case, access is via a trail, 

the trailhead for which is just above the Wild Sheep Rapid on the Idaho side of the river. From there 

it is a short, 1.5 mile hike to the mouth of Granite Creek. 

Size (acres): 5, 700 Elevation Range (feet): 1,400- 7,993 

Site Description: Little Granite Creek contains the Little Granite Creek drainage and part of lower 

Granite Creek. The area spans elevations from 9,393 feet at He Devil Peak in the Seven Devils 

Mountains to 1,400 feet along the Snake River Canyon. The high elevations were subjected to 

alpine glaciation that resulted in a number of cirque lakes, ponds, and high elevation wet meadows. 

Canyon grassland communities of the area are dominated by Festuca idahoensis and Agropyron 

spicatum. Unique riparian communities occur in the area as stringers along Little Granite and 

Granite creeks. They are dominated by Pinus ponderosa and/or Alnus rhombifolia. Numerous small 

inclusions of interesting shrub communities, generally occurring on rocky substrates, also occur 

within the boundary. These include communities dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius, 

Glossopetalon nevadense, Rhus glabra, Celtis reticulata, and Symphoricarpos albus. Part of the area 

burned in July 1986. Riparian communities along Granite Creek and grasslands to the west were 

not burned. Observations made of the fire effects in the following October revealed that there was 

a low mortality of bunchgrasses and many of the shrubs and grasses were already resprouting 

vigorously. Previous to the fire, substantial amounts of young ponderosa pine were invading the 

grassland communities along the grassland - forest ecotone. The wildfire resulted in nearly 1 00 

percent mortality on these invading pines, and nearly 100 percent survival of the large, mature 

individuals at the forest edge, thereby maintaining a more natural boundary between the two 

biomes. 

60 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Undetermined 

Land Manager: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area 

Designation: Unprotected 

PONY CREEK CDC Site# 191 

County: Adams 

Location: The Pony Creek drainage is located on the east side of Pollock Mountain in the Seven 

Devils Mountains. The general area is between the Rapid and Little Salmon rivers in west-central 

Idaho roughly 16 air miles south of Riggins. From U.S. Route 95 turn west on FS Road 074. Follow 

this road roughly seven miles just past the crossing of Boulder Creek to the trailhead for FS Trail 

181 (near Smoky Forest Camp) which heads north and into the Pony Creek drainage after 

approximately two miles. 

Size (acres): 1 ,900 Elevation Range (feet): 3,640- 8,048 

Site Description: The Pony Creek drainage represents a transitional area between the vegetation of 

northern Idaho, having strong coastal affinities, and the dryer interior vegetation of southern Idaho. 

It encompasses a great diversity of habitat types because of an elevational range of 4,408 feet and 

topographical variations. Elevations range from 8,048 feet at the top of Pollock Mountain to 3,640 

feet along lower Pony Creek. The area contains streams of low to steep gradient; however, most 

streams are of steep gradient. Plant communities occur on granitic substrates of the eastern slope 

of the Seven Devils Mountains. Forested communities are within the ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, 

grand fir, subalpine fir, and Pinus albicaulis series. Sagebrush-grassland communities also occur in 

the area. Puzzling halimolobos (Halimolobos perplexa var. perplexa), a sensitive species, is known 

from the area as well. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus sinuata 1 60 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

ROCKY COMFORT FLAT 

County: Adams 

CDC Site # 202 

Location: Rocky Comfort Flat RNA is located approximately 21.5 air miles northwest of New 

Meadows on a plateau above the confluence of the Crooked River and Bear Creek. These two 

streams are tributaries of the Wildhorse River which drains into the Snake River below Brownlee 

Reservoir. 

Size (acres): 996 Elevation Range (feet): 3,350 - 4,515 

Site Description: Rocky Comfort Flat RNA is a plateau-like peninsula surrounded on all but the 

eastern side by the canyons of Bear Creek and the Crooked River, upstream from their confluence. 

The plateau is gently undulating and breaks abruptly to steep-sided canyon walls that drop 

approximately 1 ,000 feet to the valley bottoms. Sharp relief in the area is responsible for a diversity 

of habitats and a diverse assemblage of plant associations. South- and west-facing canyonsides are 

predominantly Agropyron spicatum/Poa secunda interspersed with talus and communities 

dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius on cliffs and ledges. North-facing slopes are forested and 

climax to Pseudotsuga menziesii. The plateau is comprised of a mosaic of associations, whose 

distribution appears to correspond to soil depth and, to a lesser extent, topographic position and 

aspect. Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyiana is climax on the deepest soils, with Artemisia rigida on 

shallow soils. Areas influenced by ephemeral seeps are dominated by the rare Allium tolmiei and 

Camassia sp. Shallow draws draining the north side of the plateau contain stands climax to 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1 999 61 
Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus ponderosa. Additionally, another sensitive plant, Eatonella nivea, 

is present in the RNA. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Crataegus douglasii/Symphoricarpos albus 5. 7 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SUMMER CREEK 

County: Adams 

CDC Site# 214 

Location: Summer Creek is located on the eastern break of Hells Canyon above Oxbow Reservoir, 

northwest of the Cuddy Mountains, approximately four air miles south-southeast of Oxbow Dam on 

the Snake River. 

Size (acres): 480 Elevation Range (feet): 4,600- 5,257 

Site Description: Summer Peak site is on the breaklands of Hells Canyon above Oxbow Reservoir. 

Elevations range from 5,257 feet at the top of Sheep Peak down to 2,600 feet where Summer 

Creek leaves the western end of the area. Vegetation on the steep slopes includes Artemisia 

rigida/Poa secunda, Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus malvaceus, P. menziesii/Calamagrostis 

rubescens, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Glossopetalon nevadense/Agropyron spicatum, Purshia 

tridentata/A. spicatum, and A. spicatum-P. secunda. In addition, a small population of the rare plant 

Camassia cusickii occupies sloping seeps on the slopes adjacent to Summer Creek. The Alnus 

rhombifolia/Philadelphus lewisii community type occupies the narrow riparian zone. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus rhombifolia/Philadelphus lewisii Undetermined 

Camassia cusickii 0.1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Bureau of Land Managment 

Designation: Unprotected 

62 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
CHALLIS VOLCANICS SECTION (M332F) 

BELVIDERE CREEK CDC Site # 679 

County: Valley 

Location: Belvidere Creek is located in the Salmon River Mountains. The site lies between Coin and 

Goat mountains and encompasses almost the whole Belvidere Creek drainage, a tributary to Big 

Creek. The area is approximately four and a half miles southwest of Big Creek Ranger Station. 

Size (acres): 2,914 Elevation Range (feet): 6,200- 9,273 

Site Description: Belvidere Creek RNA encompasses an entire watershed that was glacially 

sculptured during the Pleistocene. A complex system of tributaries make up the headwaters of 

Belvidere Creek, including nine cirque and paternoster (chain of lakes) lakes. The tributaries 

coalesce as they enter the straight, U-shaped lower valley. A majority of the vegetation in the area 

consists of Abies lasiocarpa habitat types. The understory consists mostly of shrubs, including 

Vaccinium scoparium, V. globulare, and Menziesia ferruginea, although Xerophyllum ten ax is also 

prominent. A small area of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis habitat type 

occurs in the lower valley below an avalanche chute. Pinus albicaulus-Abies lasiocarpa habitat types 

and open scree slopes occur on the upper elevation ridges. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 254 

Alnus sinuata 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CACHE CREEK LAKES 

County: Lemhi 

CDC Site # 486 

Location: Cache Creek Lakes RNA is located on the north side of Sleeping Deer Mountain in the 

Salmon River Mountains, approximately 42 miles northwest of Challis, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 795 Elevation Range (feet): 7,500-9,881 

Site Description: Cache Creek Lakes RNA encompasses a high-elevation cirque in the Salmon River 

Mountains, containing a diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats on volcanic substrate. 

Elevations in the RNA range from approximately 7,500 feet where the boundary crosses Cache 

Creek to 9,881 feet on the peak of Sleeping Deer Mountain. Aquatic habitats include several lakes 

and ponds and low-to-steep-gradient streams. These aquatic communities are bordered by several 

wetland associations. Much of the upland is dominated by Abies lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis 

forests, although cliffs, talus and rock outcrops cover large areas, especially around the summit of 

Sleeping Deer Mountain. The area also contains habitat for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). 

Wetland and. Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 83 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

EAST FORK SALMON RIVER BENCH 

County: Custer 

CDC Site# 85 

Location: The East Fork Salmon River Bench is located along the northeast side of the East Fork 

Salmon River, approximately 0.5-1 mile upstream (southeast) of the confluence with the Salmon 

River. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 63 
Size (acres): 80 Elevation Range (feet): 5,360- 5,920 

Site Description: The East Fork Salmon River Bench is located just upstream of the confluence of 

the East Fork with the Salmon River. The combination of steep cliffs, talus slopes, and the river 

have resulted in the isolation and preservation of uplands on the bench and the riparian corridors. 

The upland portion of the terrace consists mostly of the Artemisia tridentata ssp. 

wyomingensis/Agropyron spicatum association, as is some of the adjacent canyon side. This 

association occurs on coarse substrates. A small area of A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Carex 

filifolia occurs on sandy loam substrates. A similar area of A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Sitanion 

hystrix occurs in a depositional area higher in clay. Talus and cliff bands occupy most of the 

canyon side. The East Fork Salmon River is a high gradient reach with riparian vegetation limited to 

small terraces in the narrow canyon. Communities dominated by Populus trichocarpa or mixed 

shrubs including Betula occidentalis, Alnus incana, and Cornus sericea occur adjacent to the river 

and are flooded annually. Floodwaters do not inundate the entire terrace; the outer edge, near the 

upland ecotone, is dominated by basin wildrye Elymus cinereus and Artemisia tridentata. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 0. 5 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 0.3 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 1 

Elymus cinereus 0.2 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

IRON BOG 

County: Custer 

CDC Site# 475 

Location: Iron Bog RNA is located in the southeastern extent of the Pioneer Mountains near the 

Custer County/Butte County boundary. The RNA is approximately 40 road miles west of Area, 

Idaho; 40 miles southwest of Mackay, Idaho; or approximately 14 miles southwest of Grouse, 

Idaho. 

Size (acres): 434 Elevation Range (feet): 7,000- 8,600 

Site Description: Iron Bog is a sphagnum bog located within a relatively dry sagebrush-steppe 

ecosystem. The bog is located in a relatively flat valley bottom with steep slopes above. Elevations 

in the RNA range from 7,000 feet along Iron Bog Creek at the southeastern corner of the site to 

8,600 feet on the ridge at the western corner. The hummocks in the bog support a variety of plants 

including Carex utriculata, C. aquatilis, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum glandulosum, and Vaccinium 

occidentale. Betula glandulosa dominates a large segment of the site with smaller scattered stands 

of the willows Salix boothii and S. geyeriana and Alnus incana. Pinus contorta occurs at the edge 

of the bog and along Iron Bog Creek where sphagnum and other moss species substrate is deeper. 

Lodgepole pine is also scattered throughout the bog within stands of bog birch. A band of Abies 

lasiocarpa borders the bog on the southwest side. The northeast-facing slope above the bog is a 

mosaic of Pseudotsuga menziesii and sagebrush/grass communities, with the sagebrush/grass 

communities occupying the lower slopes. Subalpine vegetation occurs on the ridgetops. Artemisia 

nov&/Festuca idahoensis communities occur on the shallow soils of the upper ridgetops, along with 

scattered Pinus flexilis. The uppermost slopes support subalpine fir and quaking aspen Populus 

tremuloides communities. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 22 

Betula glandulosa/Carex utriculata 28 

Alnus incana/Mesic forb 0.5 

Salix geyeriana/Calamagrostis canadensis 2 

64 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

JIMMY SMITH LAKE 

County: Custer 

CDC Site # 383 

Location: From Challis, travel approximately 22 miles south on U.S. Hwy 93 to the confluence of 

the Salmon and East Fork Salmon River. Travel 13 miles on the East Fork Salmon River road to Big 

Lake Creek Road. Continue northwest of Big Lake Creek Road to the road end. Jimmy Smith Lake is 

accessed via trail and is approximately one mile from the trailhead. The trail continues around the 

north side of the lake. 

Size (acres): 138 Elevation Range (feet): 6,400 - 6,405 

Site Description: Jimmy Smith Lake is a natural lake at the confluence of Jimmy Smith, Corral, and 

Big Lake Creeks. The lake was created by a natural landslide on Big Lake Creek. Wetland vegetation 

around the steep-sided lake is poorly developed except at the bays created by feeder creeks. The 

bays support dense bands of Salix boothii (Booth's willow) and S. geyeriana (Geyer's willow) which 

extends from valley wall to valley wall. The lake fringe is a near monoculture of Carex utriculata 

(beaked sedge). Wetlands are best developed on the Big Lake Creek bay. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 1 0 

Carex utriculata 5 

Land Manager: Burea of Land Managment; Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Unprotected 

RUSSIAN JOHN EXCLOSURE CDC Site# 242 

County: Blaine 

Location: Russian John Exclosure is approximately 17 miles northwest of Ketchum. From Ketchum 

travel north on U.S. Route 93 to Russian John Guard Station. Site is accessible by foot from the 

Guard Station. 

Size (acres): 20 Elevation Range (feet): 6,837 - 6,840 

Site Description: Russian John is a 20 acre wetland on a thermally-influenced spring fed bench 

above the Upper Big Wood River. The site consists of a meadow dominated by a mosaic of Carex 

nebraskensis, Juncus balticus, and Deschampsia cespitosa and a low shrubland dominated by Salix 

wolfii and Betula glandulosa. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix wolfii/Deschampsia cespitosa 1 

Deschampsia cespitosa 3 

Carex nebraskensis 6 

Juncus balticus· 6 

Betula glandulosa/Carex simulata 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

SMILEY MOUNTAIN 

County: Custer 

CDC Site # 346 

Location: Smiley Mountain RNA is located at the southeastern end of the Pioneer Mountains, 

approximately 27 air miles east of Ketchum, Idaho, and roughly 25 air miles west-northwest of 

Arco, Idaho. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 65 
Size (acres): 3,080 Elevation Range (feet): 9,440- 11,508 

Site Description: Smiley Mountain RNA is located in the southeastern extremity of the Pioneer 

Mountains. The area occurs on two main rock substrates - Challis volcanics and granitics - and has 

experienced mountain glaciation resulting in sharp and broad ridges, cliffs, ledges, talus slopes, rock 

glaciers, and cirque basins. Elevations in the site range from 9,440 feet in the southeastern corner 

of the RNA, where the boundary crosses the Middle Fork Bear Creek, to 11 ,508 feet on the summit 

of Smiley Mountain. The broad ridge crests in the RNA provide for excellent development of alpine 

vegetation including turfs, fellfields, grasslands, hydric habitats, and talus slopes. Subalpine stands 

of Pinus albicaulis occur in cirque basins. Protected slopes contain a mixture of Pinus albicaulis, 

Picea engelmannii, and Abies lasiocarpa. Openings are mainly Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 

with Festuca idahoensis. Some slopes are covered with a mixture of shrubs including species of 

Salix, Juniperus communis, Phyllodoce empetriformis, Potentilla fruticosa, Ribes spp., Shepherdia 

canadensis, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Lower alpine levels and the alpine and subalpine cirque 

basins are drained by a number of streams which meander through wet meadows of Salix planifolia, 

Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex utriculata, and Carex aquatilis. Small lakes also occur in the cirque 

basins and the lower country is dotted with ponds, most of which are surrounded by wet meadows 

or riparian vegetation. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Deschampsia cespitosa 50 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

TRAIL CREEK, BLAINE COUNTY 

County: Blaine 

CDC Site # 225 

Location: Trail Creek is a south-trending tributary of the Big Wood River. The site is approximately 

six miles northeast of Sun Valley, Idaho. From Sun Valley travel north on Route 75 approximately 

six miles to a parking area. The site is accessible by foot from the parking area. 

Size (acres): 155 Elevation Range (feet): 6,360- 6,400 

Site Description: Trail Creek is within a moderately wide valley bottom with undulating topography. 

The site includes a series of spring fed wetlands and a one mile reach of Trail Creek. A large 

shrubland dominated by Salix boothii and Salix geyeriana with lesser amounts of Betula glandulosa 

and Salix commutata is associated with the spring system and active beaver ponds within the 

system. Openings in the shrubland are dominated by Carex utriculata, Juncus balticus, and Carex 

simulata on a wet to dry gradient. Alnus incana with a mesic forb understory and Salix exigua 

occur along Trail Creek. The south end of the site, near the confluence with an unnamed tributary, 

is an unconsolidated gravel bottom with scattered willows. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia tridentata tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 1 0 

Betula glandulosa/Cprex utriculata 5 

Alnus incana/Mesic forb 5 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 30 

Salix boothii/Mesic forb 1 0 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 0 

Salix exigua/Barren 3 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Carex simulata 7 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

66 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
WILLOW CREEK, CAMAS COUNTY CDC Site# 171 

County: Camas 

Location: Willow Creek is approximately 13 miles northeast of Fairfield, Idaho. From Fairfield, travel 

on Soldier Mountain Road north for two miles to Baseline Road. Travel east on Baseline Road 

approximately 11 miles to Willow Creek Road. Travel six and a half miles north on Willow Creek 

Road to Forest boundary. Site includes a two mile inholding along Willow Creek. 

Size (acres): 232 Elevation Range (feet): 5,400- 5,580 

Site Description: The site includes an approximate two mile reach of Willow Creek. Willow Creek is 

a moderate gradient, sinuous stream which trends to the south. Vegetation includes uplands, 

shrubby riparian zones, and wetland meadows. Uplands are dominated by Artemisia tridentata. 

Some pastured areas are present with a mix of seeded species that include Bromus inermis, Poa 

pratensis, and P. compressa. The riparian corridor is somewhat narrow due to the entrenched 

channel, with Salix and Alnus types bordering the channel and occurring on channel bars. Salix also 

occurs on tributaries flowing into Willow Creek. Populus tremuloides occurs occasionally on higher 

gradient reaches with an understory dominated by Rosa woodsii. Wet meadows occur in swales 

associated with seeps and/or old meander channels. These are best developed on the west side of 

the creek and are dominated by Carex and Juncus community types. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 1 0 

Alnus incana/Mesic forb 1 2 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 2 

Salix boothii/Smilacina stellata 1 2 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 2.5 

Carex microptera 2.5 

Carex lanuginosa 7 

Juncus balticus 2.5 

Land Manager: Private 

Designation: Conservation Easement 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 67 
.. '.'.;·. 

FLATHEAD VALLEY SECTION (M333B} 

BEAVER LAKE NORTH CDC Site # 320 

County: Boundary 

Location: Beaver Lake is located along the west slope of the Cabinet Mountains, approxiamtely 

3.5 miles south of Naples and approximately 12 miles south of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. It lies 

approximately 1 00 feet above the valley floor of the Purcell Trench and is accessed via some forest 

service roads, which eventually lead to Dyree Creek. It's a short hike up the drainage to the lake. 

Size (acres}: 28 Elevation Range (feet}: 3,680 - 4,020 

Site Description: Beaver Lake (North) is a small pond that sits nearly on the crest of a west-east 

trending ridge. The pond was formed by continental ice that flowed down the Purcell Trench during 

the Pliestocene, scouring adjacent mountain slopes. The pond is the headwaters of Dyree Creek, a 

small creek flowing SE from the pond, eventually to the Pack River. Most of the shoreline is steep 

and has little littoral zone or wetland vegetation. The eastern shore, however, has a narrow zone of 

Carex flava along the edge of the lake and several floating sphagnum mats, some of which contain 

Lycopodium inundatum. Carex lasiocarpa, Drosera rotundifolia, and Potentilla palustris are common 

on the sphagnum substrate of the mats. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Carex lasiocarpa 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

BONNER LAKE 

County: Boundary 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 251 

Location: From Moyie Springs, Idaho, travel three miles east on U.S. Hwy 2 to FS Road 72, take it 

to the north and follow it approximately four miles to FS Road 720 (which heads south). Take 720 

approximately two miles where it more or less ends at the Idaho Fish and Game public boat launch 

on the north end of Bonner Lake. 

Size (acres}: 260 Elevation Range (feet}: 2,489 - 2,600 

Site Description: Bonner Lake is very unique among Panhandle peatlands. It is an alkaline lake with 

a flocculent, marly bottom and a nearly 1 00 percent cover of Chara sp. The Chara grows to depths 

of more than 5 meters thanks to the amazing clarity of the water. The lake margins support stands 

of several vascular aquatics, including Typha latifolia, Scirpus validus, Scirpus acutus, Eleocharis 

palustris, Juncus sp., Juncus alpinus, Nuphar variegatum, Polygonum amphibium, and Potamogeton 

gramineus. Sedge-dominated rich fen communities occur on the north and south ends of the lake. 

The rich fens are characterized by Carex lasiocarpa, C. simulata, C. utriculata, C. cusickii, 

Calamagrostis stricta, Potentilla palustris, Lycopus uniflorus, Scirpus microcarpus, S. americanus, 

Bidens cernua, Phalaris arundinacea, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, and the rare species: Aster junciformis, 

Care,x buxbaumii, C. flava, and Cicuta bulbifera. The peat depth in this rich fen is unknown. The 

narrow wetland margins on the east and west sides of Bonner Lake are shrub dominated. 

Characteristic species include the rare Betula pumila as well as Salix bebbiana, Alnus incana, 

Cornus stolonifera, and very scattered plants of Salix candida. S. candida has also been found in 

the meadows just north of (upstream from) Bonner Lake. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 7 

Carex lasiocarpa 7 

Carex simulata 7 

Eleocharis palustris 7 

68 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Scirpus acutus 

Typha latifolia 

Scirpus validus 

Carex cusickii 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

CLARK FORK DELTA 

County: Bonner 

5 

11 

5 

10 

CDC Site # 370 

Location: The Clark Fork Delta is south of Clark Fork, Idaho and extends from near the stateline to 

the mouth of Lake Pend Oreille. The island system is best accessed by boat from boat ramps at the 

north end of the delta or at Clarks Fork. The southern portion of the site can be accessed by vehicle 

and foot by driving south of Clark Fork across the river and traveling on the road that parallels the 

Burlington Northern Railroad. 

Size (acres}: 6744 Elevation Range (feet}: 2080 - 2300 

Site Description: The Clark Fork Delta enters Lake Pend Oreille in a valley at the south end of the 

Cabinet Mountains and the north end of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The islands are vegetated by 

forests, shrublands, and grasslands. Forests include both upland and riparian types. Islands with 

raised topography support upland forests with mature Thuja plicata and Abies grandis. Low lying 

islands are vegetated with a mosaic of Populus trichocarpa, Cornus sericea, Salix bebbiana, Salix 

exigua, Symphoricarpos albus, and Phalaris arundinacea. Broad meadows occupy the former 

floodplain of the Clark Fork River at the south end of the site. Wetter portions of the meadows 

which have not been successfully drained are dominated by Typha latifolia, Eleocharis palustris, and 

Scirpus species. Phalaris arundinacea is a major dominant in meadows where water levels have 

been manipulated. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 500 

Cornus stolonifera 30 

Salix bebbiana 30 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 30 

Phalaris arundinacea 1 000 

Eleocharis palustris 300 

Typha latifolia 200 

Scirpus microcarpus 50 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Management Area; Unprotected 

DAWSON LAKE CDC Site# 10 

County: Boundary 

Location: Dawson Lake is located approximately 3.5 miles north and slightly west of Moyie 

Springs, Idaho in the Kootenai River Valley and is the headwaters of Fry Creek. From Moyie Springs 

drive west on U.S. Hwy 2 two miles to FS Road 229. Go north on FS Road 229 approximately 

three miles and see Dawson Lake on your left. Boat launches are present on the south and east 

sides of the lake. 

Size (acres}: 155 Elevation Range (feet}: 2,959 - 3,040 

Site Description: Dawson Lake is approximately 1.5 miles long (north to south) and approximately 

0.25 miles wide for most of its length. A simple earth dam was constructed within the last several 

decades on the south end to enhance the size of the lake and may have replaced beaver dams that 

historically formed the lake. The lake supports an array of aquatic macrophytes in the extensive 

vegetated littoral and limnetic zones, including Nuphar polysepalum, N. variegatum, Potamogeton 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 69 
amplifolius, P. praelongus, P. natans, P. berchtoldii, Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum sibericum, 

Lemna minor, Ceratophyllum demersum, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Utricularia vulgaris. Scattered 

floating mats are on the west and north ends of the lake. Most are 1 0 square meters or less in size. 

They appear to have formed on partially submerged logs as has been observed at earlier stages in 

Robinson Lake and Huff Lake. Rich fen vegetation dominates the mats. A mat of an unidentified 

brown moss covers the ground layer. Vascular plants including Carex diandra, C. lasiocarpa, C. 

canescens, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, Dulichium arundinaceum, Spiraea douglasii, Menyanthes 

trifoliata, Bidens cernua, Lycopus uniflorus, Potentilla palustris, Alnus incana, and Typha latifolia 

dominate the herb and shrub layers. One rare species, Cicuta bulbifera (bulb-bearing waterhemlock), 

is found on the mat. Standing dead trees on the south and west sides of the lake in 0.5 meters of 

water attests to relatively recent water level fluctuations or relatively recent human damming. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 6 

Nuphar polysepalum 8 

Typha latifolia 8 

land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

HIDEAWAY ISLANDS CDC Site # 1 593 

County: Boundary 

location: Hideaway Islands are located on the Kootenai River between river miles 158 and 159, 

upstream and east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and approximately two and a half miles downstream 

from the mouth of the Moyie River. 

Size (acres): 81 Elevation Range (feet): 1, 760- 1, 780 

Site Description: Hideaway Islands are two islands on the Kootenai River upstream of Bonners 

Ferry. The east island has greater topographic relief and supports mid-seral cottonwood stands with 

significant amounts of Cornus sericea. The west island is younger and of low relief supporting 

early-seral cottonwood and willow stands with the exception of a band of 20 to 30 year-old 

cottonwoods on the south side of the island. Sand and cobble bars on both islands are being 

pioneered by Salix exigua, Populus spp. (P. trichocarpa, and P. deltoides), Apocynum cannibinum, 

and Artemisia ludoviciana. A low swale on the west island supports a large sward of Agropyron 

smithii. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 1 3 

Populus trichocarpa/Symphoricarpos albus 1 3 

Cornus stolonifera 6 

Salix exigua/Barren 6 

Agropyron smithii 2 

Populus trichocarpa/Recent alluvial bar 6 

land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

HUNT GIRL CREEK CDC Site # 382 

County: Boundary 

location: Hunt Girl Creek RNA is located approximately 11 air miles southeast of Naples in the 

Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho. Access to Hunt Girl Creek RNA from Naples is via U.S. 

Route 95 north to Blue Lake, Twentymile Creek Road (FS Road 408) east, over Twentymile Pass to 

Boulder Creek, then Boulder Creek Road (FS Road 427) south to the end of the road. The Boulder 

Mountain Trail (FS Trail 51) provides access to Divide Lake. 

70 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Size (acres): 1 ,505 Elevation Range (feet): 3,900 - 6,298 

Site Description: Hunt Girl Creek RNA encompasses the upper portion of the Hunt Girl Creek 

drainage in the Cabinet Mountains, extending from elevations below 4,000 feet to nearly 6,300 

feet on Boulder Mountain. The bedrock underlying the area consists of Precambrian 

metasedimentary and intrusive igneous rocks, and granitics of the Kaniksu Batholith. Geologic 

features include a narrow gorge carved out of sediments and landforms resulting from alpine and 

continental glaciations. Most of the slopes above 4,500 feet are covered with vegetation that is, or 

potentially will be, dominated by Abies lasiocarpa. Tsuga heterophylla and Thuja plicata forests 

occur at the lowest elevations within the RNA. Divide Lake, located near the southwestern 

boundary, is a system of wetland sites. The wet sedge meadows, peat, and streams increase the 

area's diversity and wildlife habitat. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 22.5 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 22.5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

PERKINS LAKE 

County: Boundary 

CDC Site# 7 

Location: From Moyie Springs, Idaho travel three miles east on U.S. Hwy 2 to FS Road 72; take it 

to the north and follow the signs to Perkins Lake (ca. 6 miles from Hwy 2). 

Size (acres): 445 Elevation Range (feet): 2,632 - 3,040 

Site Description: Perkins Lake contains a diversity of peatland (fen) communities along the 

northeastern shore (east of the boat landing) and on the western shore. Extensive floating mats ring 

the lake margins and fixed mats extend into the fen area west of the lake. More than half of the 

lake is vegetated littoral and limnetic zones. The floating mats on the northeastern side of the lake 

are very unstable and are dominated by Betula pumila, Alnus incana, and Spiraea douglasii. The 

understories are covered by Carex lasiocarpa, Calamagrostis canadensis, and various Sphagnum 

and brown mosses. Access to this area for viewing is provided by the angler's access dock which 

was constructed through the mat in the late 1980s. Most of this mat area is floating. The lake 

margins are dominated by Typha latifolia and various sedges, including C. lasiocarpa, C. cusickii, 

and Dulichuim aru.ndinaceum. Shrub carr also covers much of the fen west of the lake. It is 

interspersed with Carex/Sphagnum-dominated intermediate and poor fen communities, which 

extend at least 1 /4 mile from the lake margin to the west. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 25 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 25 

Carex lasiocarpa 60 

Dulichium arundinaceum 1 

Typha latifolia 25 

Carex cusickii 1 0 

Poor fen 10 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; The Nature Conservancy; Private 

Designation: TNC Preserve; Unprotected 

ROBINSON LAKE CDC Site# 1 

County: Boundary 

Location: Robinson Lake is located two miles south of the Canadian border just southeast of 

Eastport, Idaho in the Moyie River Valley of the Purcell Mountains. It is accessible from the 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 71 
southwest at the Robinson Lake Campground (USFS), just north of Hwy 95, or from the northeast 

at the USFS maintained boat launch. 

Size (acres): 135 Elevation Range (feet): 2,642 - 2, 760 

Site Description: Robinson Lake is in the pioneering stages of peatland development. The eastern 

lobe of the lake appears to be growing through a lake-fill sequence with an accumulating island of 

lake sediment building up in the middle (now dominated by yellow water lilies, Nuphar polysepalum, 

and some patches of hard stem bulrush, Scirpus acutus) of the basin with slightly deeper moat 

areas adjacent to uplands. The western lobe of the lake contains numerous small floating pioneer 

mat communities on floating and partially emergent logs. This site offers a glimpse at the initial 

stages of two different types of peatland formation. The small mats contain several of the most 

prominent of the peatland-dominating sedges in the region: Carex lasiocarpa, C. canescens, C. 

diandra, and C. muricata; two rare species: Cicuta bulbifera and Hypericum majus; and ~ host of 

other species, including Drosera rotundifolia that are restricted to peatland habitats in northern 

Idaho. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Scirpus acutus 1 5 

Nuphar polysepalum 1 0 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

SINCLAIR LAKE 

County: Boundary 

CDC Site# 8 

Location: Sinclair Lake is located approximately one and a half miles due south of Good Grief, 

Idaho, and approximately five miles south of Eastport, Idaho, on the Canadian border. Take road 

2517 south off of U.S. Hwy 95 at Good Grief, and look for the Sportsman's Access sign at the 

lake. The lake is next to the Spokane International Railroad. Sinclair Lake is in the Moyie River 

Valley which cuts through the Purcell Mountain Range of extreme northeastern, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 20 Elevation Range (feet): 2,523 - 2,540 

Site Description: Floating mats supporting intermediate fen communities occur immediately around 

Sinclair Lake. The mat community is dominated by Sphagnum angustifolium, S. subsecundum, 

Carex lasiocarpa, C. muricata, C. limosa, Potentilla palustris, Drosera anglica, D. rotundifolia, and 

Lycopus uniflorus. A Carex lasiocarpa rich fen extends over several acres west of the lake and is 

ringed by a Spiraea douglasii shrub carr. Littoral zones of the lake are characterized by Nuphar 

variegatum, Brasenia schreberi, Potamogeton gramineus, Dulichium arundinaceum, Carex 

lasiocarpa, and scattered plants of the rare Scirpus subterminalis. The Spokane International 

Railroad bed partially filled in the eastern side of the lake. A fishing dock is on the north side of the 

lake near the parking area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 2 

Carex lasiocarpa 4 

Carex limosa 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Spokane International Railroad 

Designation: Unprotected 

72 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
IDAHO BATHOLITH SECTION (M332A) 

BACK CREEK CDC Site # 494 

County: Valley 

Location: Back Creek RNA is located approximately ten miles south of Warm Lake along the South 

Fork Salmon River. 

Size (acres): 1 ,367 Elevation Range (feet): 6,200 - 8,922 

Site Description: Back Creek RNA encompasses the entire watershed of a tributary to the South 

Fork Salmon River. Elevations in the RNA range from approximately 6,200 feet at the juncture of 

the South Fork Salmon River with the northern boundary of the RNA, to 8,922 feet at a peak along 

the drainage divide forming the northern boundary. The RNA contains a diversity of Abies 

lasiocarpa habitat types ranging from wet to dry site types. Wetland complexes, including 

graminoid meadows, sphagnum fen, and wet-site forest, are interspersed among the Abies 

lasiocarpa types. The upper slopes on the south side of the drainage support Abies lasiocarpa and 

Pi~ea engelmannii. Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta dominate the drier, south-facing 

aspects on the north side of the drainage. Shrub glades of Alnus sinuata and Ledum glandulosum 

are interspersed among the forest types. The rare Pinus contorta/Festuca idahoensis habitat type 

occurs on gently sloping river benchland. The second and third order streams in the RNA support a 

diverse assemblage of aquatic flora and fauna. The South Fork Salmon River, approximately one 

mile of which flows through the RNA, is considered critical habitat for the spring and summer runs 

of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha). The upper South Fork and its tributaries provide 

spawning habitat for bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) as well. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora 50 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 3 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 40 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

BRUIN MOUNTAIN 

County: Idaho and Valley 

CDC Site # 683 

Location: Bruin Mountain RNA is located in the western part of the Salmon River Mountains, at the 

head of Little French Creek, approximately 21 miles north of McCall, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 680 Elevation Range (feet): 6,350- 8,690 

Site Description: Bruin Mountain is located in rugged, rocky, mountainous country shaped by alpine 

glaciation and marked by raw granitic rock. One of the outstanding features of the site is a hanging 

valley which was apparently formed by a small glacier that occupied the valley and fed into a larger 

alpine glacier that occupied the Little French Creek valley. The area contains mature Abies 

lasiocarpa-Engelmann spruce stands representing at least seven habitat types. Near-alpine plant 

communities occur on south and north peaks of Bruin Mountain. The upper slopes of these peaks 

are sparsely forested by Pinus albicaulis and Abies lasiocarpa. Avalanche paths vegetated with 

shrubs are common on the slopes of these mountains. The area contains low- to moderate-gradient 

streams. A small stream flowing through the hanging valley supports a rare aquatic insect, 

Psychoglypha mono. A rare plant species, Tobias's saxifrage (Saxifraga bryophora var. tobiasiae), 

has also been collected from the RNA. Wildfires burned over a portion of the RNA in 1995. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 5 

Alnus sinuata 1 20 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 73 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CHILCOOT PEAK 

County: Valley 

CDC Site # 497 

Location: Chilcoot Peak RNA is located in the Salmon River Mountains, on the divide between the 

Middle Fork and South Fork Salmon River drainages, approximately 54 miles northeast of Cascade, 

Idaho. 

Size {acres): 1,294 Elevation Range {feet): 7,250- 8,998 

Site Description: Chilcoot Peak RNA encompasses three subalpine, glaciated basins and intervening 

ridge line habitats. Elevations in the RNA range from 7,250 feet at a point along an unr:~amed creek 

in the northwestern portion of the RNA, to 8,998 feet on the summit of Chilcoot Peak. The basins 

contain an unusually diverse assemblage of wetland and aquatic plant associations. Aquatic types 

include a lake, raised ponds with sphagnum, and low- to steep-gradient streams. The raised ponds 

are dominated by Nuphar polysepalum. Wetland associations are dominated by coniferous tree, 

shrub, and graminoid species, often occurring on sphagnum. Picea engelmannii occurs as small 

islands on the sphagnum mats, with Ledum glandulosum and Vaccinium occidentale in the 

understory. Shrub communities include those dominated by Alnus sinuata and Salix commutata. 

Graminoid associations include Carex aquatilis, Carex rostrata, and Eleocharis pauciflora. Dry Abies 

lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis associations dominate the uplands, with inclusions of cliff, talus, and 

rock outcrop habitats around Chilcoot Peak. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size {in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora 1 0 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 20 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 33 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CROOKED CREEK 

County: Custer 

CDC Site # 148 

Location: The site is located northwest of Stanley, Idaho, on the northeast slope of the Sawtooth 

Mountains. The conservation easement encompasses the lower portion of Crooked Creek, near its 

confluence with Valley Creek. 

Size {acres): 12 Elevation Range {feet): 6,350 - 6,400 

Site Description: The Crooked Creek site consists of a flat, high elevation, wet meadow situated at 

the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in Custer County, Idaho. Crooked Creek, a small meandering, 

freestone stream, bisects the meadow. Two special status plant communities, Pinus 

contorta/Vaccinium occidentalis, and a sphagnum bog (currently referred to as valley peatland 

floating mat), occur along Crooked Creek and on the wet portions of the south end of the site. 

Much of the remaining acreage in the site is mesic meadow that has been grazed in the past. There 

is some sign of old fencing present on the south end of the site, and a number of drainage ditches 

were constructed on the site ten to 15 years ago. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size {in acres): 

Pinus contorta!Vaccinium occidentale 3 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: Conservation Easement 

74 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
DOME LAKE CDC Site # 688 

County: Lemhi 

Location: Dome Lake RNA lies at the northern end of the Bighorn Crags in the Salmon River 

Mountains, approximately three miles south of the Salmon River, at a point approximately 17 miles 

southwest of Shoup 

Size (acres): 1,700 Elevation Range (feet): 4,700-9,316 

Site Description: Dome Lake RNA contains the entire upper portion of the Lake Creek watershed. 

Aproximately 4,616 feet of vertical relief occurs in the area, representing an excellent cross section 

of upper elevation aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the Salmon River Canyon. Aquatic features 

include several steep-gradient streams of varying sizes and Dome Lake, a moraine-dammed lake 

relatively low in the drainage. Most of the area is dominated by coniferous forest habitat types, 

largely in the Pseudotsuga menziesii and Abies lasiocarpa series, although Pinus albicaulis stands 

occur on the upper ridges. Cliff, talus, and rock outcrop habitats occur in the RNA, largely at the 

upper elevations below the summit of Dome Mountain, elevation 9,316 feet. Forests at the middle 

elevations in the RNA burned in the 1986 Dome 2 fire. There was high mortality of the tree canopy, 

but the understory responded to the fire with vigor. A population of the rare plant, Sedum borschii, 

occurs near the summit of Dome Mountain. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 30 

Picea engelmannii/Galium triflorum 30 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

DUTCH CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 305 

Location: Dutch Creek RNA is located on the south side of the Lochsa River, approximately 56 

miles northeast of Kooskia, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 303 Elevation Range (feet): 2,300- 3,532 

Site Description: Dutch Creek RNA is in rugged mountainous country where the forests burned in 

1910, reburned in the Bald Mountain fire of 1929, and possibly again in the Pete King Fire of 1934. 

Elevations in the area range from 2,300 feet along the Lochsa River in the western corner of the 

RNA to 3,32 feet on the peak at the eastern tip of the RNA. Distinguishing features of the RNA 

include 50-year-old stands of northwest Betula papyrifera var. subcordata, a long-term seral species 

favored in establishment by multiple catastrophic burns which limit seed source of conifers. Also 

included are small areas of primarily Abies grandis and associated Pseudotsuga menziesii of 

approximately 40 to 50 years of age, often with an understory of Thuja plicata. Some areas are 

occupied primarily by shrub species such as Ceanothus and Holodiscus. Dutch Creek, which drains 

several square miles of steep country, bisects the RNA. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum 30 

Alnus incana/Athyrium filix femina 0.5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

ELK CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site# 87 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 75 
location: Elk Creek RNA is located along the north side of the Salmon River, between Sheep Creek 

and Bull Creek. 

Size (acres): 7,000 Elevation Range (feet): 2,000- 8,371 

Site Description: Elk Creek RNA is a relatively large watershed that drains south into the Salmon 

River. This area encompasses a large amount of topographic diversity, and hence, has high 

ecological diversity. It spans several thousand feet of elevation; this is reflected in the plant 

associations present. Elevations in the RNA range from 2,000 feet at the high water mark of the 

Salmon River at the southwestern corner of the RNA to 8,371 feet on Quartzite Butte. At the 

highest elevations of rock and scree, Pinus albicaulis and Abies lasiocarpa associations are present. 

Mid-elevation slopes within the site provide a high diversity of Abies grandis and Pseudotsuga 

menziesii plant associations. The lowest elevations, which are largely canyon breakland, provide 

representation of grassland, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Glossopetalon nevadense and Pinus. ponderosa 

communities. Two subalpine lakes, Quartzite Lake and Hurst Lake, occur in the RNA on either side 

of Quartzite Ridge. Douglasia idahoensis, a Forest Service Sensitive species and Category 2 

candidate, occurs in the RNA on Quartzite Butte and Quartzite Ridge. Portions of the RNA have 

burned in several fires, most recently in 1992. A large area of the RNA burned in 1919. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus sinuata 1 

land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

FENN MOUNTAIN 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 344 

location: Fenn Mountain proposed RNA is located in The Crags in the Selway-Bitterroot 

Wilderness. The area is roughly 36 air miles east of Kooskia. 

Size (acres): 600 Elevation Range (feet): 6,210- 8,021 

Site Description: Fenn Mountain proposed RNA occupies a subalpine cirque basin which contains 

two lakes, Florence Lake and Hjort Lake. The RNA boundary is defined by the Fenn Mountain ridge 

to the east and an unnamed ridge to the west and south. Elevations in the area range from 6,210 

feet to 8,021 feet. Vegetation consists of small forest stands interspersed with shrub fields and 

herbaceous communities. Rock cliffs and talus slopes are common and predominate upper 

elevations. Fish occur in the lakes and attract a small amount of recreational use. Forest habitat 

types in the RNA are in the Abies lasiocarpa series. Shrub communities are dominated by Salix 

commutata and Alnus sinuata. A small area is dominated by Salix glauca. Sizable portions of rocky 

side slopes are dominated by Polygonum phytolaccifolium with other moist site forbs such as 

Boykinia major and Senecio triangularis. Wetlands adjacent to the lakes contain Carex aquatilis and 

Carex illota. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 1 7 

Carex aquatilis 7 

land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Research Natural Area 

FISH LAKE 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 424 

Location: Fish Lake RNA is located at the head of Lake Creek in the Salmon River draininage in 

north central Idaho. The RNA is located approximately five miles due east of Buffalo Hump in the 

76 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Gospel Hump Wilderness. 

Size (acres): 754 Elevation Range (feet): 5,605 - 6,400 

Site Description: Fish Lake RNA is a steep-walled glacial trough containing a 29 acre productive 

lake and wet meadows vegetated primarily by Calamagrostis canadensis and Carex rostrata. 

Elevations in the RNA range from 5,605 feet where Lake Creek flows from the RNA to the 6,400 

foot contour lines east and west of Fish Lake. The RNA contains several habitat types including 

Abies lasiocarpa/Xerophyllum tenax, which occupies the greatest area, and the Abies 

lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis and Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius habitat types of 

the moist spruce bottoms. Fish Lake is one of only two lakes in the Buffalo Hump region that is 

naturally stocked. The lake contains Oncorhynchus my kiss and Salvelinus fontinalis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Calamagrostis canadensis 7. 5 

Carex utriculata 7.5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

FROG MEADOWS 

County: Lemhi 

CDC Site# 342 

Location: Frog Meadows RNA is located in the Yellowjacket Mountains, approximately one air mile 

northeast of Yellowjacket Lake. The area is approximately 32 air miles west of Salmon, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 330 Elevation Range (feet): 7,220- 7,985 

Site Description: Frog Meadows RNA occurs in a rolling, high elevation basin at the head of 

Yellowjacket Creek. Elevations in the RNA range from 7,200 feet at the northeast corner of the 

area on Yellowjacket Creek to 7,985 feet on the knoll in the southeastern part of the RNA. The 

primary features of the area are the aquatic and wetland communities. Numerous springs and 

streams flowing through the wet meadows contain very soft water with a circum neutral pH. The 

streams are generally slow-flowing with many deep pools. The dominant plant species of the area 

are Pinus contorta, Vaccinium scoparium, and Carex geyeri. Species diversity is relatively low due 

to high elevations, cold temperatures, and the granitic substrate. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 16 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

GOAT CREEK 

County: Custer 

CDC Site # 252 

Location: The site is located southwest of Stanley and encompasses a tributary valley of Sawtooth 

Valley, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains. The site may be accessed by trail from Iron Creek 

Road (FS Road 619). 

Size (acres): 804 Elevation Range (feet): 6,740- 7,400 

Site Description: Goat Creek is located on the northeast toe slope of the Sawtooth Mountains. The 

site is representative of low gradient glaciofluvial environments characteristic of glaciated 

·mountains of the Idaho Batholith ecoregional section. The site provides a relatively rare, pristine 

example of a naturally levied stream. Forested plant associations range from Pseudotsuga 

menziesii/Calamagrostis rubescens on relatively warm, dry ridgespur habitats to Abies 

lasiocarpa/Vaccinium caespitosum on cool, moist valley bottom habitats. A moderately-sized wet 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 77 
sedge meadow occurs in the valley bottom in association with low gradient meanders of Goat 

Creek. A mosaic of sedge-dominated plant associations is present. Riparian shrub communities 

occur in small, patchy stands adjacent to Goat Creek. A beaver-maintained wetland system occurs 

within the upper portion of the valley. Evidence of elk use abounds throughout the area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta!Vaccinium occidentale 23 

Betula glandulosa/Carex utriculata 5 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 4 

Carex utriculata 1 2 

Deschampsia cespitosa 5 

Carex aquatilis 8 

Carex buxbaumii 20 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Research Natural Area 

GRAVE PEAK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site# 315 

Location: Grave Peak RNA lies on the northern boundary of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in the 

Clearwater Mountains of northern Idaho. The RNA is approximately 8.5 air miles south of Powell 

Ranger Station, which is located on the Lochsa River. 

Size (acres): 360 Elevation Range (feet): 6,850 - 8,282 

Site Description: Grave Peak RNA is a glacier-carved, fire-scarred, very rocky, subalpine cirque 

basin. Elevations in the RNA range from 6,850 feet where the north fork of Swamp Creek flows 

from the RNA to 8,282 feet on Grave Peak. Five small lakes are found in the area with sedge 

meadows above two of the lakes. These meadows occupy narrow bands largely constrained by the 

bedrock and steep terrain. Two streams of gentle-to-steep gradient converge into one stream before 

leaving the area. The most striking feature of the RNA is the barren, granitic rock. Bedrock and 

talus, ranging in size from cobbles to blocks the size of a house, dictate the location of forest 

stands. Vegetation of the area consists of typical northern Idaho subalpine vegetation, especially 

Abies lasiocarpa, Pinus albicaulis, Larix lyallii, Picea engelmannii, Erythronium grandiflorum, and 

Phyllodoce empetriformis. The forests are in early stages of succession. The trees range in size 

from sapling to pole, having generated following the 1919 fire. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 0.5 

Carex scopulorum 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

LAVA BUTTE 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 594 

Location: Lava Butte RNA lies in the western Salmon River Mountains, south of Hershey Point and 

approximately 25 air miles north of McCall, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 370 Elevation Range (feet): 7,420- 8,328 

Site Description: The Lava Butte RNA encompasses a subalpine glacial basin/ridgeline system. In 

extensive wet sedge meadow vegetation Carex aquatilis is abundant, with scattered patches of 

Calamagrostis canadensis and Salix spp. A series of small, raised ponds occur in the wetland near 

the northern headwall. Lava Butte Lakes occur in the southern basins. The area offers an 

exceptional opportunity to study the influence of parent material on plant distribution as the contact 

78 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
between granite and basalt formations occurs on Lava Butte. Abies lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis 

habitat types and dry grass meadow vegetation occur in upslope positions. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size {in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora 5 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

LOCH SA 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 348 

Location: The Lochsa RNA is located along the Lochsa River in north-central Idaho, ·upstream 

(northeast) of Lowell, Idaho. The southern boundary of the RNA is approximately seven miles 

northeast of Lowell via U.S. Route 12. 

Size (acres): 1 ,490 Elevation Range {feet): 1 ,600 - 3,680 

Site Description: The Lochsa RNA borders the Lochsa River in steep, mountainous country 

dissected by a number of streams. Elevations in the RNA range from 1600 feet along the Lochsa 

River to 3680 feet. Much of the area was burned by the Pete King fire of 1934. While the climax 

dominant of the RNA is mainly Thuja plicata, repeated burning has resulted in plant communities in 

several stages of secondary succession. Pseudotsuga menziesii stands occupy the greatest area; 

stands of Abies grandis and Thuja plicata are less common. The area provides a unique center of 

unusual plant species, both disjunct and endemic. Cornus nuttallii is a characteristic species and is 

found throughout the RNA. approximately 14 other species that are rarely found inland also occur 

in this area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora 920 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

MOOSE MEADOW CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 425 

Location: Moose Meadow Creek RNA is located along upper Big Creek in the Salmon River 

drainage in north-central Idaho, approximately two to three miiles east of the eastern boundary of 

the Gospel Hump Wilderness. The RNA is 9 air miles southwest of Red River Ranger Station, 13 air 

miles south-southwest of Elk City, Idaho, and 36 air miles southeast of Grangeville, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 1,015 Elevation Range (feet): 6,400-7,425 

Site Description: Moose Meadow Creek RNA contains Moose Meadow Creek, a moderate gradient 

stream fed by a number of small side streams, and associated wet meadows and sphagnum bogs. 

Elevations in the RNA vary from 6,400 feet at the mouth of the creek to 7,425 feet at the high 

point on the southern ridge. The area contains mature forests of Pinus contorta, Abies lasiocarpa, 

and Picea engelmannii. The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) has caused high 

mortality of Pinus contorta in the RNA. The RNA supports five Abies lasiocarpa habitat types, 

ranging from the moist Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora and Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis 

canadensis to Abies lasiocarpa/Xerophyllum tenax found on the most xeric slopes. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Caltha biflora 200 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 5 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 79 
Calamagrostis canadensis 

Carex utriculata 

Eleocharis palustris 

Eleocharis pauciflorus 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

MYSTERY LAKE 

County: Lemhi 

30 

30 

2 

5 

CDC Site # 487 

Location: Mystery Lake is located in the Salmon River Mountains, at the head of the Loon Creek 

drainage, approximately 28 air miles west of Challis, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 517 Elevation Range (feet): 8,560 - 10,329 

Site Description: Mystery Lake RNA encompasses a glaciated basin at the head of Mystery Creek. 

The basin includes several lakes varying greatly in both size and productivity. Elevations range from 

8,560 feet where Mystery Creek leaves the RNA to 10,329 feet on the summit of The General. The 

area is geologically complex, being underlain by Idaho Batholith granitics and close to the contact 

with the Custer Graben. Numerous volcanic dikes of tertiary age have cut the granitic bedrock. A 

large rock glacier occurs below the headwall of The General and is moving into Mystery Lake. The 

site lies in the relatively arid, central portion of the Salmon River Mountains. As a result, the Abies 

lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis communities in the area represent the xeric end of their respective 

habitat type series. Considerable cliff and talus habitat occurs at upper elevations in the area. 

Above the Abies lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis krummholz at upper timberline on The General, 

there is a small alpine zone dominated by plants adapted to talus and scree. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 30 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

NEEDLES 

County: Valley 

CDC Site # 493 

Location: Needles RNA is located in the North Fork Payette River drainage at the headwaters of an 

unnamed tributary to the North Fork Gold Fork River. The site is approximately 34 miles northeast 

of Cascade, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 985 Elevation Range (feet): 6, 750- 8,880 

Site Description: Needles RNA encompasses the headwaters of a perennial tributary to the North 

Fork Gold Fork River and includes a high-elevation glacial cirque occurring on granitic rocks of the 

Idaho Batholith. The watershed is surrounded on three sides by ridges of bare rock topped in places 

by granite monoliths, some of which are up to 50 feet tall. The RNA derives its name from a 

summit in the southwest corner which is topped by such monoliths. Elevations in the RNA range 

from approximately 6, 750 feet in the stream bottom at the lower RNA boundary, to 8,880 feet on 

a peak on the east side of the upper cirque basin. A large portion of the area is exposed granite 

bedrock supporting little vegetative cover. The RNA supports at least nine Abies lasiocarpa habitat 

types. Slopes surrounding the basin are dominated by exposed granite with very open stands and 

stringers of Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, and Pinus albicaulis. The Pseudotsuga 

menziesii/Carex geyeri habitat type occurs on dry sites at the lowest elevations. Small inclusions of 

Alnus sinuata glades occur on forested slopes. The upper basin is fed by numerous springs, 

resulting in extensive sedge meadows surrounding a shallow lake. Most of the area within the RNA 

80 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
burned in the 1989 Needles Complex fires but nothing is known of the extent of the damage within 

the RNA. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 09 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 1 09 

Alnus sinuata Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

NO BUSINESS CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 169 

Location: No Business Creek RNA is located in west-central Idaho in the lower Salmon River 

drainage, approximately nine miles east of Slate Creek Ranger Station via FS Road 354 up Slate 

Creek. 

Size (acres): 1,360 Elevation Range (feet): 2,520 - 7,200 

Site Description: No Business Creek RNA is steep, forested, mountainous terrain in the lower 

Salmon River drainage. Elevations in the RNA range from 2,520 feet on Slate Creek at the 

northwestern corner of the RNA to 7,200 feet near Slate Point. The geology of the area is complex. 

The lower part is limestone and the upper portion granitics. Part of the limestone portion is subject 

to slumping. No Business Creek has the highest water pH of all the RNAs in Idaho. The area 

contains a number of interesting species, including Adiantum pedatum, Taxus brevifolia, and Alnus 

rhombifolia. The frog, Ascaphus truei, is present within the area. A great number of plant 

associations are present in the RNA. Mature Abies grandis stands growing in a variety of habitat 

types occupy much of the area. Associations of Abies lasiocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus 

ponderosa, and Cercocarpus ledifolius are also present. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies grandis/Taxus brevifolia/Asarum caudatum 50 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

0' HARA CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 175 

Location: O'Hara Creek RNA is located in the Selway River drainage, approximately 12 miles 

northwest of Elk City, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 7,000 Elevation Range (feet): 2,080 - 6,815 

Site Description: O'Hara Creek RNA contains a large undisturbed stream system which includes 

cascades and waterfalls, beaver colonies and dams, and wet streamside meadows. Elevations in 

the RNA range from approximately 2,080 feet at the northern boundary where O'Hara Creek exits 

the RNA, to 6,815 feet on the peak of Iron Mountain. A wide range of habitat types are present in 

the RNA. Thuja plicata is found associated with tall fern species on the lower alluvial terraces and 

sheltered slopes. Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus malvaceus is found on dry, rocky south 

slopes. Intermediate areas support several moist Abies grandis plant associations. Higher elevations 

support Abies lasiocarpa and subalpine parkland associations. A variety of successional stages 

resulting from past wildfires also occur in the RNA. The main O'Hara Creek is an anadromous fish 

stream. The area contains both disjunct Pacific coastal vegetation and endemic species of limited 

distribution. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 81 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Adiantum pedatum 903 

Thuja plicata/Ciintonia uniflora 903 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

PATRICK BUTTE 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 684 

Location: Patrick Butte is located in the western Salmon River Mountains approximately eight and · 

a half air miles southeast of Riggins, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 804 Elevation Range (feet): 5,490- 8,841 

Site Description: Patrick Butte is a high granitic peak and glacial cirque basins in the western 

Salmon River Mountains. Elevations range from 8,841 feet at the summit of Patrick Butte to 5,490 

feet along Patrick Creek on the eastern boundary of the site. Goat Lake, a three-acre lake that 

supports Salvelius fontinalis, lies in the northwest-facing cirque basin southwest of Patrick Butte. 

The area is primarily forested by Pinus albicaulis and Abies lasiocarpa. The slopes of Patrick Butte 

support an extensive stand of pygmy Pinus albicaulis. The area also features streams ranging from 

gentle and meandering to steep, a small pond, several wet meadows, and exposures of granitic 

bedrock, boulders, and talus slopes. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 7 

Alnus sinuata 25 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Research Natural Area 

PHOEBE MEADOWS 

County: Valley 

CDC Site # 184 

Location: Phoebe Meadows is located in the western Salmon River Mountains, at the head of 

Phoebe Creek, south of Indian Ridge, between the South Fork Salmon River and East Fork South 

Fork Salmon River. The area is approximately 22 air miles east of McCall, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1 ,256.50 Elevation Range (feet): 6,100 - 7,400 

Site Description: Phoebe Meadows is located in a granitic, montane basin that forms the 

headwaters of Phoebe Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River. The fluvial basin is 

formed from granitic bedrock and dissected by a network of streams that feed an unusually 

extensive system of wet meadows on the floor of the basin. This extensive wetland system 

includes a small pond, Carex spp., Eriorphorum polystachion, Sphagnum mat and riparian shrub 

communities. Upland areas within the basin support examples, in various successional stages, of 

Pseudotsuga menziesii and Abies grandis series habitat types, an unusual Pinus contorta habitat 

type, and a particularly diverse representation of at least eight Abies lasiocarpa habitat types. Midsera! forest stands in the Pseudotsuga menziesii series are dominated by large Pinus ponderosa. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

82 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
POLE CREEK EXCLOSURE CDC Site# 485 

County: Blaine 

Location: Pole Creek Exclosure is located near Pole Creek Guard Station on the eastern edge of the 

Sawtooth Valley at the foot of the Boulder Mountains, approximately 27 miles southeast of 

Stanley, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 32 Elevation Range (feet): 7,320- 7,360 

Site Description: Pole Creek Exclosure occurs in the center of the wide valley bottom of Pole Creek 

along the east side of the Sawtooth Valley. Pole Creek has cut a shallow, relatively wide floodplain 

through undulating, well-drained glacial deposits. Elevations in the area vary little, from 7,320 to 

7,360 feet. Vegetation of the area is comprised of Artemixia tredentata ssp. vaseyana habitat types 

on xeric upland sites, a Abies lasiocarpa habitat type on mesic upland sites, and Pinus contorta, 

willow- and sedge-dominated communities on saturated substrates along Pole Creek. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii!Carex utriculata 1 .8 

Salix wolfii/Carex utriculata 1 .8 

Carex utriculata 1 .8 

Potentilla fruticosa/Danthonia intermedia 1 .8 

Land Manager: Sawtooth National Recreation Area 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

PONDEROSA PENINSULA CDC Site# 715 

County: Valley 

Location: The Ponderosa Peninsula site is located within Ponderosa State Park on Payette Lake, 

northeast of McCall, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 290 Elevation Range (feet): 4,986 - 5,280 

Site Description: The site encompasses the central portion of a large peninsula which extends north 

into Payette Lake. The natural area extends from the shoreline of Payette Lake (4986 feet 

elevation) to the top of a knoll (5,280 feet). A lake, two small ponds, and an associated wetland 

system are present. The site provides representation of a diverse range of forested plant 

associations. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense Undetermined 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation 

Designation: Natural Area 

PONY MEADOWS CDC Site # 595 

County: Idaho and Valley 

Location: Pony Meadows RNA is located in the Salmon River Mountains approximately 61 miles 

northeast of McCall and approximately 11 miles south of Warren, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,460 Elevation Range (feet): 6,550- 8,376 

Site Description: Pony Meadows RNA encompasses wet meadows, streams, and a pond at the 

headwaters of Pony Creek; a cirque basin containing a shallow lake and a spruce bog at the head 

of Steamboat Creek; and adjacent burned and unburned forested and rocky slopes. The area 

includes stands of old growth Engelmann spruce, Abies lasiocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus 

contorta, and Pinus albicaulis. Young stands of Pinus contorta, Engelmann spruce, and Abies 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 83 
lasiocarpa are also present. A portion of the RNA burned in 1947 and is now in early seral 

vegetation. The area also contains granite boulder fields and rock cliffs with vegetation typical of 

these habitats. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SALMON MOUNTAIN 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site# 476 

Location: Salmon Mountain RNA is located on the divide between the upper Selway River drainage 

and the Salmon River drainage in east-central Idaho, within the Frank Church-River of No Return 

Wilderness. 

Size (acres): 1 ,923 Elevation Range (feet): 6,360 - 8,800 

Site Description: Salmon Mountain RNA is high-elevation, mountainous terrain supporting forests 

dominated by Larix lyallii, Pinus albicaulis, and Abies lasiocarpa. Elevations in the RNA range from 

6,360 feet along Three Lakes Creek to 8,800 feet on the RNA boundary just below Salmon 

Mountain lookout. The forests occur as "ribbon forests" - elongated, narrow strips of timber 

perpendicular to the prevailing wind. Interspersed within the timbered areas are narrow bands of 

mesic subalpine meadows called "snow glades." The meadows are dominated by Festuca viridula, 

Carex geyeri, Luzula hitchcockii, Juncus parryi, Phlox pulvinata, Pedicularis contorta, and 

Antennaria spp. The RNA also contains intermittent and permanent streams, cold springs, low 

production lakes, and lakes without fish. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 33 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SAWTOOTH VALLEY PEATLANDS 

County: Custer 

CDC Site# 495 

Location: The Sawtooth Valley Peatland sites are located in the upper Sawtooth Valley, on the 

eastern slope of the Sawtooth Mountains, south of Stanley, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 296 Elevation Range (feet): 6,640 - 6,840 

Site Description: The Sawtooth Valley Peatlands site is comprised of three peatlands that lie at the 

east base of the Sawtooth Range, in the Sawtooth Valley of central Idaho. The three peatlands are 

relatively small, ranging in size from 34 to 80 ha, and lie in close proximity to one another at the 

western edge of the Sawtooth Valley. They are similar in that the organic substrates are greater 

than 12 inches thick, yet each is different from the others, and together they encompass much of 

the range of diversity of peatland habitats in the Sawtooth Valley. All three fens have high 

community diversity and a mosaic of communities. Mays Creek Fen has excellent and extensive 

examples of Scirpus caespitosus-Carex livida (a rare plant association) and smaller stands of the 

Carex buxbaumii association. Other associations include Pinus contorta/Vaccinium occidentale, 

Carex rostrata and Eleocharis pauciflora. The Huckleberry Creek Fen contains excellent examples of 

the rare Scirpus caespitosus-Carex livida and Carex buxbaumii associations. The unique feature of 

Huckleberry Creek Fen is that the Scirpus caespitosus-Carex livida and Eleocharis pauciflora 

associations occur on steeper slopes and have deeper peat deposits than at Mays Creek. At the Bull 

Moose Fen an extensive, continuous area containing a mosaic of Scirpus caespitosus and 

84 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Eleocharis pauciflora on moderate slopes is present. A unique feature of the Bull Moose Fen is a 

peat terrace that occurs along the southern boundary. The terrace is 20-30 feet higher than the 

adjacent part of the fen and contains the source of several spring-fed rivulets that cascade down 

the face. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta/Vaccinium occidentale 20 

Scirpus cespitosus-Carex livida 25 

Land Manager: Sawtooth National Recreation Area 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SNEAKFOOT MEADOWS CDC Site # 222 

County: Idaho 

Location: Sneakfoot Meadows RNA is located approximately four air miles southeast of Powell, in 

the Bitterroot Mountains of northeastern Idaho. The RNA is accessible in the summertime from 

U.S. Route 12 near Powell Ranger Station. 

Size (acres): 1 ,965 Elevation Range (feet): 5,890- 6,616 

Site Description: Sneakfoot Meadow RNA encompasses a portion of the relatively gently rolling, 

glaciated upland in the Elk Summit region of the Bitterroot Mountains. Elevations in the area range 

from 5,890 feet where the creek leaves the RNA at the southeastern boundary to 6,616 feet along 

the ridge on the northern boundary of the RNA. The RNA contains an extensive and diverse 

graminoid and forested wetland complex, including sphagnum bogs. Three Abies lasiocarpa habitat 

types are present in the RNA, with stands in various stages of secondary succession. Other 

features of the RNA include a low-gradient, meandering stream and an entire headwaters-basin 

surrounding Sneakfoot Meadows at the head of an unnamed tributary of Colt Creek. Sneakfoot 

Meadows is heavily used by elk and moose throughout the year. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta/Vaccinium occidentale 104 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 04 

Calamagrostis canadensis 1 04 

Carex utriculata 104 

Carex aquatilis 1 04 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SOLDIER LAKES 

County: Custer 

CDC Site# 335 

Location: Soldier Lakes RNA is located 25 air miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, at the head of 

Soldier Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork Salmon River. Access to Soldier Lakes RNA is from 

State Route 21, 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Stanley, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1 7 5 Elevation Range (feet): 7, 900 - 9, 14 7 

Site Description: Soldier Lakes RNA contains two ponds and two lakes connected by moderate to 

steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic rock. One lake supports brook 

trout; the other does not support fish. The cirque basins in which the lakes are located are sparsely 

forested with mature Abies lasiocarpa, Pinus contorta, Picea engelmannii, and Pinus monticola. A 

considerable portion of these basins consists of rocky, treeless headwalls and talus slopes. 

Elevations in the RNA range from 7,900 feet along the northern boundary to 9,14 7 feet at the 

highest point on the ridge above the upper basin. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 85 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SQUARE MOUNTAIN CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 230 

Location: Square Mountain Creek RNA is located in the center of the Gospel-Hump Wilderness, in 

the South Fork Clearwater River drainage of north-central Idaho. The area is 51 road miles 

south-southeast of Grangeville, Idaho. The RNA is accessible by road only in the snow-free season. 

Size (acres): 709 Elevation Range (feet): 6,635 - 8,000 

Site Description: Square Mountain Creek RNA is a glaciated cirque basin containing a number of 

aquatic features including a lake, a stream that drains the lake, meadows, and wet meadows. 

Elevations in the area range from 6,635 feet where Square Mountain Creek leaves the RNA to 

8,000 feet on Square Mountain. The area has a complex geology. It occurs on the contact line 

between sedimentary Belt quartzite rocks and the igneous, granitic rocks of the Idaho Batholith. 

Much of the RNA is exposed rock in the form of cliffs and talus slopes on bedrock. The entire area 

burned in 1919 and partially burned again in 1933. Tree cover is minimal over much of the RNA as 

a result of the lack of adequate soil development and fire. Pinus albicaulis-Abies lasiocarpa habitat 

types occur within the RNA, along with at least six Abies lasiocarpa types. Douglasia idahoensis, a 

category 2 candidate and Forest Service Sensitive species, is found on Square Mountain along the 

southwest boundary of the area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis 50 

Calamagrostis canadensis 20 

Carex nigricans 2 

Carex scopulorum 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

STAPP-SOLDIER CREEK 

County: Camas 

CDC Site # 234 

Location: The site is within the Stapp-Soldier Creek Preserve, located approximately ten road miles 

north of Fairfield. 

Size (acres): 94 Elevation Range (feet): 5,510- 6,200 

Site Description: Soldier Creek is a south-trending drainage in a moderately-wide valley bottom. The 

site includes an approximately 0.5 mile reach of Soldier Creek and its tributary Free Gold Creek. 

Soldier Creek is characterized by a mosaic of Populus trichocarpa, Alnus incana, and Salix spp. tree 

and shrub dominated communities. Small openings are dominated by mesic graminoids and forbs 

(Carex lanuginosa, Calamagrostis canadensis, Muhlenbergia montana, Alopecurus aequilis, Glyceria 

elata, Heracleum lanatum, Scirpus microcarpus and others). The openings are a product of past 

beaver activity and typically occur on failed or abandoned dams. The terrace above Soldier Creek is 

dominated by Agropyron smithii and Elymus cinereus. Disturbance species are also widespread in 

the riparian area. The adjacent meadows have been plowed and seeded to wheatgrass. The 

north-facing hillside is in pristine condition. Two plant associations dominate: Artemisia 

tridentata/Agropyron spicatum and Festuca idahoensis/Agropyron smithii. Small stands of Prunus 

virginiana, Acer glabrum, and Populus tremuloides are also present. The Wood River sculpin is also 

found within the preserve boundary. 

86 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 1 0 

Alnus incana/Mesic forb 5 

Elymus cinereus 5 

Agropyron smithii 2 

Carex lanuginosa 1 

Juncus balticus 3 

Populus trichocarpa/Salix lutea 5 

Veratrum californicum 1 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: TNC Preserve 

TRINITY MOUNTAIN 

County: Elmore 

CDC Site# 312 

Location: Trinity Mountain RNA is located in the Trinity Mountains, approximately 8 air miles west 

of Featherville and approximately 38 air miles east of Boise, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 204 Elevation Range (feet): 8,130- 9,451 

Site Description: Trinity Mountain RNA encompasses one of a complex series of cirques on the 

north side of Trinity Mountain. Trinity Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Boise Mountains, 

and occurs on granitics of the Idaho batholith. The vegetation is characterized by mostly open, high 

elevation forests, including Abies lasiocarpa and Pinus albicaulis habitat types, with small inclusions 

of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana on the upland and several graminoid, forb, and shrub wetland 

communities in the drainage bottoms. Fiddle Lake is within the natural area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Caltha leptosepala 1 0 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

UPPER NEWSOME CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 263 

Location: Upper Newsome Creek RNA is located in the South Fork Clearwater River drainage, on 

the south slope of the divide between the South Fork Clearwater and Selway River drainages. The 

RNA is approximately 18 miles south of Lowell, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,201 Elevation Range (feet): 4,430- 5, 720 

Site Description: Upper Newsome Creek RNA is located at the head of Newsome Creek, a tributary 

of the South Fork Clearwater River. The RNA is comprised of a complex series of short, dentritically 

arranged drainages, converging within the area to form the headwaters of Newsome Creek. 

Elevations in the area range from 4,430 feet where Newsome Creek leaves the RNA to 5, 720 feet 

at the northwest corner of the RNA. Vegetation in the area is comprised mostly of old growth Abies 

grandis forest with a dense understory of Taxus brevifolia. Forest stands are primarily Abies 

grandis/Asarum caudatum habitat type, with three phases represented. This habitat type is 

interrupted occasionally by Alnus sinuata communities on slopes and Abies grandis/Senecio 

triangularis along drainage bottoms. Two USFS Region 1 Sensitive plant species, Mertensia bella 

and Synthyris platycarpa, have been collected in the RNA. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies grandis/Senecio triangularis 20 

Abies grandis/Taxus brevifolia/Asarum caudatum 387 

Alnus sinuata/Montia cordifolia 20 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 87 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

WARM SPRINGS CREEK 

County: Idaho 

CDC Site # 271 

Location: Warm Springs Creek RNA is located in the Selway River drainage, at the eastern edge of 

the Nez Perce National Forest near the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary, approximately 40 

road miles northeast of Red River Ranger Station or approximately 116 road miles east of 

Grangeville, Idaho. The RNA is approximately two miles west of Parachute Ridge and is at the 

southern end of Patrol Ridge. 

Size (acres): 530 Elevation Range (feet): 3,910- 5,320 

Site Description: Warm Springs Creek RNA is mountainous country containing two thermal springs 

and a number of Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, and Thuja plicata habitat types. Elevations 

in the RNA range from approximately 3,910 feet where Running Creek flows from the RNA at the 

mouth of Patrol Creek to approximately 5,320 feet at the northern point of the RNA. The RNA is 

located at the southern limit of the occurrence of Thuja plicata and eastern limit of Larix 

occidentalis in Idaho. Larix occidentalis has not been observed in the RNA, but occurs nearby and 

may be found within the boundaries. The upper spring is undisturbed. The RNA also contains some 

old growth Pinus ponderosa trees, a result of past fires in the area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies grandis/Senecio triangularis 25 

Abies grandis/Taxus brevifolia/Asarum caudatum 75 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

88 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
NORTHWEST BASIN AND RANGE SECTION (3428} 

FORMATION SPRINGS CDC Site# 97 

County: Caribou 

Location: From Soda Springs, proceed east and north on State Hwy 34 for approxiamstely three 

miles. Turn east on the Trail Canyon Road to the preserve entrance. 

Size (acres}: 192 Elevation Range (feet}: 6,070 - 6,130 

Site Description: Formation Springs emanates from the base of the Aspen Range and flows across 

the valley floor for approximately one mile, where it then sinks into the porous substrate. Water 

from the spring originates from deep sources and is supersaturated with calcium carbonate. As the 

creek flows along the surface, large amounts of calcium carbonate precipitate out of solution, 

forming extensive travertine deposits. Damming action resulting from these deposits is responsible 

for continuous changes in the direction of water flow. This process, occurring over thousands of 

years, has formed a number of interesting features, including a cave, travertine barrens, active 

(wet) and inactive (dry) rimmed pools, and a unique aquatic ecosystem. The main spring channel is 

vegetated by a band of the Betula occidentalis. Patches of the Prunus virginiana and Populus 

ttemuloides with an understory of Berberis repens are also present. Betula occidentalis also occurs 

on drier hummocks, with Purshia tridentata, Amelanchier alnifolia, and Berberis repens. Drier 'sites 

are occupied by the Purshia tridentata/Poa nevadensis and Artemisia tripartita/Elymus cinereus; the 

Elymus cinereus community occurs in swales. Extensive travertine barrens are present with little 

vegetation. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Betula occidentalis 7 

Betula occidentalis/Purshia tridentata/Stipa comata 1 5 

Prunus virginiana 1 . 5 

Elymus cinereus 7 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern; TNC Preserve 

HENRY STAMPEDE PARK CDC Site # 450 

County: Caribou 

Location: The site is located on the eastern shore of Blackfoot Reservoir. From Henry, travel 0.5 

mile northwest to the marina. Access the site by walking west of the marina 0.25 mile. 

Size (acres}: 225 Elevation Range (feet}: 6,120- 6,180 

Site Description: Henry Stampede Park is largely a calcareous wetland on the east shore of 

Blackfoot Reservoir near the mouth of the Little Blackfoot River. A number of graminoid and low 

shrub communities occur throughout the fen. Shallow-water marsh associations include Scirpus 

acutus and Typha latifolia, and occur in ponds and along the shore of Blackfoot Reservoir. The 

northern shoreline of the reservoir is vegetated with Salix exigua. Drawdown areas around ponds 

and spring channels near Warm Spring have Juncus balticus, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus 

aquatilis, Myriophyllum sp., Distichlis spicata, and Salix exigua sprouts. This area has been heavily 

trampled by cows and has poor water quality. Tall shrub associations are present at the base of 

high point 6,344 with Salix lutea and Betula occidentalis communities and patches of Juniperus 

scopulorum, Salix geyeriana, Salix bebbiana, and Potentilla fruticosa present. Travertine 

accumulations occur throughout the site. These are most extensive near the southern site 

boundary. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 45 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 89 
Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 

Salix exigua/Barren 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 

Deschampsia cespitosa 

Distichlis stricta 

Carex nebraskensis 

Eleocharis palustris 

Juncus balticus 

Scirpus acutus 

Typha latifolia 

Eleocharis rostellata 

Land Manager: Bureau Of Indian Affairs 

Designation: Unprotected 

NEGRO CREEK EXCLOSURE 

County: Caribou 

11 

7 

15 

23 

7 

11 

7 

23 

23 

11 

7 

CDC Site # 194 

Location: The site is located approximately 29 miles by road north-northwest of Soda Springs along 

the Blackfoot River; approximately 5 miles below Blackfoot Reservoir. 

Size (acres): 4 Elevation Range (feet): 5920 

Site Description: The site is a small exclosure constructed in 1990 in an area that had been heavily 

grazed in the past. This history is expressed by the low abundance of Festuca idahoensis in the 

understory of Artemisia tripartita stands and the dominance of Poa pratensis in the understory of 

willow stands. Approximately three quarters of the area is a relatively dry terrace (Artemisia 

tripartita-dominated) while the remainder is dominated by Salix boothii and a small amount of Salix 

geyeriana. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid 1 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

SODA SPRINGS NATURAL SCENIC AREA 

County: Caribou 

CDC Site# 416 

Location: Soda Springs Natural Scenic Area is located west of downtown Soda Springs and east of 

the Soda Springs Golf Course, between Alexander Reservoir and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. 

Size (acres): 152 Elevation Range (feet): 5, 700- 5, 790 

Site Description: The Soda Springs Natural Scenic Area is a mosaic of wetland and upland plant 

associations. Phreatophytic woodlands are dominated by Pinus flexilis and Juniperus scopulorum. 

Wetlands are influenced by subsurface water flows, springs, and spring channels, and consist of a 

repeating mosaic of several plant associations. Deschampsia cespitosa and Potentilla 

fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa occur with the largest aerial extant. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 30 

Phalaris arundinacea 7. 5 

Carex utriculata 7. 5 

Spartina gracilis 7. 5 

Deschampsia cespitosa 30 

Carex simulata 4.5 

Eleocharis acicularis 1.5 

Juncus balticus 7. 5 

Scirpus acutus 7. 5 

Typha latifolia 1 .5 

90 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Eleocharis rosteffata 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Transportation 

Designation: Natural Area 

1 .5 

TRAVERTINE PARK CDC Site# 255 

County: Caribou 

Location: Travertine Park is approximately 29 miles north-northwest of Soda Springs., The site is 

east of Fort Hall Indian Reservation and west of Blackfoot Reservoir, along both the north and south 

sides of the Blackfoot River. 

Size (acres): 835 Elevation Range (feet): 6,000 -_6,350 

Site Description: The riparian vegetation along this reach of the Blackfoot River consists primarily of 

a narrow band of deciduous shrubs (both dense clusters and widely scattered individuals). The river 

has a moderate-gradient boulder channel with little floodplain development. Springs emerge on 

uplands on the north side of the RNA, and a small shrubland is present along with the Deschampsia 

cespitosa community. The low shrub association Potentilla fruticosa/Fescue idahoensis and the 

Elymus cinereus community occur in the draw leading to the river. Gently sloping uplands are 

dominated by Artemisia tripartata with lesser amounts of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana. 

Prunus virginiana is present on stabilized talus slopes in the canyon. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentiffa fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 5 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 1 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 1 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 

Salix exigua/Barren 1 

Elymus cinereus 1 

Carex utriculata 2 

Deschampsia cespitosa 2 

Carex nebraskensis 2 

Eleocharis palustris 1 

Juncus balticus 1 

Salix lasiandra/Cornus stolonifera 2 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

TEX CREEK CDC Site # 249 

County: Bonneville 

Location: Tex Creek is located northeast of Idaho Falls and south of Ririe in Bonneville County, 

Idaho. The west side of the site surrounds the upper end of Ririe Reservoir; the east side borders 

the Caribou National Forest. The southern portions of the site encompasses portions of the Grays 

Lake Outlet Valley. A network of roadways leads visitors to all portion of the site. 

Size (acres): 28,750 Elevation Range (feet): 5,119- 7,287 

Site Description: High upland desert dominates the western portion of Tex Creek. Upland plant 

associations are dominated primarily by Artemisia tridenata ssp. vaseyana. A series of lava 

rock-rimmed canyons winds through the region. On the eastern portion of the area, elevations climb 

to 7,300 feet, and shrub-dominated vegetation merges with managed fields and forested plant 

associations. Pseudotsuga menziesii and Populus tremuloides define the landscape, providing food 

and cover for numerous wildlife species. Riparian areas are largely dominated by Salix exigua with 

lesser amounts of Salix boothii, Salix geyeriana, Salix lutea, Salix lasiandra and Salix bebbiana. 

Significant amounts of Betula occidentalis are present along Tex Creek with an understory 

dominated by Cornus sericea. Cornus sericea occasionally forms its own community on high 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 91 
gradient narrow valley bottom reaches. An approximate 0.25 mile reach with a narrow band of 

cottonwoods is present on Pipe Creek. Emergent vegetation is present on recent bars and best 

developed on Indian Fork and Meadow Creek where it occurs in association with natural (beaver) 

and human enhanced ponds. Common emergent species include Eleocharis palustris, Carex 

utriculata, Carex nebraskensis, Juncus balticus, Agrostis stolonifera, and Typha latifolia. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 1 50 

Cornus stolonifera 1 50 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 50 

Salix exigua/Mesic forb 150 

Carex utriculata 20 

Carex nebraskensis 20 

Eleocharis palustris 20 

Juncus balticus 20 

Typha latifolia 50 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

92 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS SECTION (M333A) 

ARMSTRONG MEADOWS CDC Site # 287 

County: Bonner 

Location: Armstrong Meadows is located north of Priest Lake. 

Size (acres): 120 Elevation Range (feet): 2,480- 2,680 

Site Description: Armstrong Meadows encompasses rich fen communities dominated by Spiraea 

douglasii, Alnus incana, Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, Carex 

aquatilis, and other sedges. Intermediate and poor fen communities are found in the southwestern 

lobe of the meadows and are dominated by Sphagnum centrale, Sphagnum teres, Aulacomnium 

palustre, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex cusickii, Eriophorum chamissonis, Eriophorum gracile, Menyanthes 

trifoliata, Spiraea douglasii, Betula glandulosa, and Salix pedicellaris. A rich fen dominated by Carex 

lasiocarpa, Carex buxbaumii, and Carex cusickii is present on the south end of Armstrong 

Meadows. In areas of paludified forest, located south of the intermediate and poor fen, the root 

boles of Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla, and Pinus monticola are covered by hummocks of 

Sphagnum centrale. Between these raised sphagnum hummocks are pools of standing water with 

Scirpus microcarpus, Equisetum sylvaticum, Equisetum fluviatile, Calamagrostis canadensis, 

Senecio triangularis, Glyceria grandis, Carex brunnescens, and Carex leptalea. Vaccinium globulare, 

Linnaea borealis, Cornus canadensis, Rubus pedatus, and Aralia nudicaulis are common on the 

hummocks. Most of the margins of the meadow are dominated by shrub carr rich fen characterized 

by Spiraea douglasii, Alnus incana, and other shrubs. A spring stream emerges somewhere in the 

eastern part of Armstrong Meadows and runs through the northeastern portion of the meadow. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 5 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 5 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Carex buxbaumii 3 

Carex lasiocarpa 8 

Paludified forest 9 

Carex cusickii 3 

Poorfen 3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

BEAR CREEK FEN 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 288 

Location: From Coolin, Idaho travel north up the East Shore Road approximately 13 miles to the 

bridge over Bear Creek. From the bridge, walk downstream to the fen communities. 

Size (acres): 425 Elevation Range (feet): 2,438- 2,600 

Site Description: Bear Creek Fen has formed along the low-gradient stretch of Bear Creek near the 

mouth of Priest Lake. Along the margins of Priest Lake is a stand of Typha latifolia and Carex 

lasiocarpa, which gives way to a rich fen characterized by Carex utriculata, Carex lasiocarpa, and 

Dulichium arundinaceum. These high-quality fen communities, however, occur in a relatively narrow 

band. Approximately 33 feet inland they are replaced by a dense monoculture of Phalaris 

arundinacea. Along the margins of Bear Creek, near the mouth is a shrub carr dominated by Salix 

spp., Spiraea douglasii with Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, and Phalaris arundinacea in the 

understory. The flow of Bear Creek becomes almost imperceptible near the mouth. The very 

sluggish margins support Hippurus montanus and Challitriche sp. High quality peatlands are located 

upstream from the mouth of Bear Creek. This area supports the full range of peatland communities: 

poor fen, intermediate fen, rich fen, shrub carr, and paludified forest. Several rare plant populations 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 93 
are located in these habitats, including the only population of Maianthemum dilitatum known to 

occur in Idaho. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 1 00 

Phalaris arundinacea 20 

Carex utriculata 20 

Carex lasiocarpa 20 

Typha latifolia 20 

Paludified forest 70 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: State Endowment Lands 

BINARCH CREEK 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site# 35 

Location: Binarch Creek RNA is located in the upper portion of the Binarch Creek drainage on the 

Priest Lake Ranger District, approximately 30 miles north-northwest of Priest River, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 660 Elevation Range (feet): 2,660- 3,200 

Site Description: Binarch Creek RNA consists of a low gradient stream with beaver dams and 

ponds, inhabited by a very pure strain of westslope cutthroat trout, and adjacent steep forested 

slopes containing habitat types dominated by Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 

and Tsuga heterophylla. The stream valley is 50 to 400 feet wide and is floored by glaciofluvial 

outwash gravels. The adjacent slopes are partially underlain by granites and partly by Belt 

metasediments. The stream and ponds harbor an unusually high diversity of aquatic invertebrates 

and plants. Once a predominantly Pinus monticola drainage, infestation by the white pine blister 

rust and mountain pine beetle has decimated the species. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 1 0 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

BISMARK MEADOWS 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 291 

Location: Bismark Meadows is located west of the central portion of Priest Lake, Bonner County, 

Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,275 Elevation Range (feet): 2,600- 2,720 

Site Description: Bismark Meadows contains a unique mosaic of fen plant communities along the 

low-gradient meandering Reeder Creek. The most extensive community within the mosaic is a shrub 

carr dominated variously by Spiraea douglasii, Alnus incana, Betula glandulosa, Salix geyeriana, and 

Salix bebbiana. Interspersed among the shrub carr habitats are sedge-dominated rich fens. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betula glandulosa/Carex utriculata 1 00 

Spiraea douglasii 70 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 1 00 

Carex utriculata 300 

Carex buxbaumii 1 00 

Carex lasiocarpa 200 

Paludified forest 14 

Carex cusickii 20 

94 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

BLUE LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 292 

Location: Blue Lake is located approximately eight air miles northeast of Priest River, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 810 Elevation Range (feet): 2,238 - 2,600 

Site Description: Blue Lake is a glacial kettle drainage lake nearly 100 acres in size. The Blue Creek 

inlet is on the east side and the outlet is on the west side of the lake. Much of the lake consists of 

vegetated littoral zones. Deep littoral zones are dominated by the submerged aquatic: macrophytes 

Potamogeton praelongus, Potamogeton amplifolius, and Myriophyllum sibericum. Shallow littoral 

zones are dominated by Brasenia schreberi, Nuphar polysepalum, Utricularia vulgaris, Potamogeton 

berchtoldii, Elodea canadensis, and Ceratophyllum demersum. The north and west sides of the lake 

are encroached on by diverse floating mats, dominated by shrub carr and graminoid rich fens that 

intermix with each other freely. Characteristic species include Spiraea douglasii, Salix geyeriana, S. 

sitchensis, S. bebbiana, Alnus incana, Betula glandulosa, Typha latifolia, Carex utriculata, C. 

cusickii, Potentilla palustris, Juncus effusus, Phalaris arundinacea, Carex lasiocarpa, Dulichium 

arundinaceum, and Eleocharis palustris. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 20 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 30 

Phalaris arundinacea 70 

Carex utriculata 20 

Carex lasiocarpa 30 

Nuphar polysepalum 7 

Typha latifolia 60 

Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum 25 

Carex cusickii 5 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: State Endowment Lands 

BOG CREEK FEN 

County: Boundary 

CDC Site# 6 

Location: Bog Creek is in the extreme northernmost portion of the U.S. Selkirk Mountains. It flows 

into Canada where it feeds Blue Joe Creek, and ultimately the Kootenai River. It can be accessed 

from either the Priest Lake side of the Selkirks or from the Kootenai River side. 

Size (acres): 400 Elevation Range (feet): 4,200 - 4,520 

Site Description: Bog Creek is a slow-moving, low gradient, meandering stream. Fen communities 

have formed along the stream scattered between forest stands dominated by Abies lasiocarpa, 

Picea engelmannii, and Pinus contorta. High quality Thuja plicata and Tsuga heterophylla plant 

associations are also present. The site is one of the few subalpine peatlands in which Carex 

lasiocarpa occurs as an important constituent. This species is typically restricted to valley 

peatlands. Carex utriculata, Carex aquatilis, Carex scopulorum, Carex lasiocarpa, and Eriophorum 

polystachion are the prominent sedges. Scattered patches of Sphagnum mosses also occur in the 

portions of the fen. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Carex aquatilis 

Carex lasiocarpa 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 95 
Carex scopulorum 

Eriophorum polystachion 

Poor fen 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

BOTTLE LAKE 

County: Bonner 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site# 40 

Location: Bottle Lake RNA lies along the west side of Priest Lake in northern Idaho, northwest of 

Bottle Bay, approximately 4 7 miles north of Priest River or approximately 11 miles north-northeast 

of Nordman, Idaho. Access to Bottle Lake RNA is by paved road from Nordman. 

Size (acres): 260 Elevation Range (feet): 2,800 - 3,368 

Site Description: Bottle Lake RNA consists of Bottle Lake, a 15-acre sphagnum fen and lake, and 

adjacent slopes. Elevations in the RNA range from 2,800 feet where Bottle Creek leaves the area to 

3,368 feet on the high knoll west of Bottle Lake. The primary feature of the RNA is the sphagnum 

fen. The open water of Bottle Lake presently covers two acres. This open water zone is surrounded 

by a thick border of sphagnum moss and associated macrophytes which ranges between 15-65 

feet in width. Beyond this mat is a swampy border occupied by standing and down snags of trees 

and various aquatic flora. A one acre meadow on the northwest side of the lake is a wet muskeg 

bog during prolonged wet weather. The surrounding area is heavily forested with old-growth Thuja 

plicata, Tsuga heterophylla, and Pinus monticola. Abies grandis and Pseudotsuga menziesii also 

occur in the overstory. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 6 

Poor fen Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CANYON CREEK 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site# 54 

Location: Canyon Creek RNA is located in the southeastern corner of the Priest River Experimental 

Forest in the vicinity of Gisborne Mountain, in the Priest River drainage of the Idaho Panhandle. 

Size (acres): 977 Elevation Range (feet): 4,150- 5,970 

Site Description: Canyon Creek RNA lies at the southern end of the Selkirk Mountains. Elevations in 

the RNA range from 4,150 feet at the point where Canyon Creek flows out of the tract to 5,970 

feet on the ridge at the extreme southeast corner near the location of the old Experimental Forest 

lookout. Most of the RNA is forested with late seral stands of Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, 

and Abies lasiocarpa plant associations. approximately 30 acres on the southern slope are an 

upper-slope "bald" grassland dominated by Festuca viridula and patches of Xerophyllum tenax. 

Huge rockslides occur throughout the RNA. A cold spring on the west slope of the RNA is the origin 

of Benton Creek. Canyon Creek originates from several springs within the RNA and flows 

northward. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Abies lasiocarpa/Streptopus amplexifolius 20 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 10 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 1 0 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 40 

96 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CHASE LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site# 285 

Location: Chase Lake is located two miles southeast of Coolin, Idaho, which is on the southeast 

end of Priest Lake. It can be accessed by following the East Side Road south of Coolin to the short 

access road to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game boat launch on the west side of the lake. 

Size (acres): 835 Elevation Range (feet): 2,438 - 2,600 

Site Description: Chase Lake is a shallow lake with extensive vegetated littoral and limnetic zones. 

The deeper limnetic zones are dominated by deepwater pondweeds, including Potamogeton 

amplifolius, Potamogeton praegracilis, and Potamogeton richardsonii. Shallower littoral zones are 

dominated by Brasenia schreberi, Nymphaea odorata, Potamogeton natans, and Nuphar 

polysepalum. One rare aquatic species, Scirpus subterminalis, is found in shallow littoral habitats. 

Chase Lake also contains the most extensive peatlands in the state. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 28 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 30 

Carex lasiocarpa 30 

Nuphar polysepalum 80 

Ombrotrophic bog 0.1 

Paludified forest 20 

Betula glandulosa/Carex lasiocarpa 1 0 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: State Endowment Lands 

CHIPMUNK POTHOLES 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 284 

Location: Chipmunk Potholes is located on the east side of the Priest River, two miles south of the 

Dickensheet Junction. 

Size (acres): 77 Elevation Range (feet): 2,320 - 2,400 

Site Description: Chipmunk Potholes is in an oxbow just north of Chipmunk Rapids on the Priest 

River. The potholes area is doughnut-shaped with an island of upland forest in the middle. The pond 

is approximately one acre in size and is mostly littoral with scattered patches of Nuphar 

polysepalum. The pond is surrounded by floating Sphagnum mats dominated by an intermediate fen 

community. Epilobium palustre is found scattered throughout the floating mat. An extensive Spiraea 

douglasii shrub carr surrounds the floating mats. The rare plant species, Trientalis arctica, Carex 

paupercula, and Dryopteris cristata, occur within this habitat. Small pools containing Glyceria 

borealis, Utricularia minor, Ranunculus gmelinii, and Potamogeton gramineus are found in beaver 

channels between the S. douglasii hummocks. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 11 

Carex utriculata 5 

Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Nuphar polysepalum 2 

Carex cusickii 2 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: State Endowment Lands 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 97 
COW CREEK MEADOWS CDC Site # 1 02 

County: Boundary 

Location: Cow Creek Meadows is located along Cow Creek, which is in the extreme northern 

portion of the Selkirk Mountains within Idaho. Cow Creek is a tributary of Smith Creek, which is a 

direct tributary of the Kootenai River. 

Size (acres): 690 Elevation Range (feet): 4,200 - 4,400 

Site Description: Cow Creek Meadows contains scattered open sphagnum-rich and sphagnum-poor 

fen habitats over a three mile stretch along the upper reaches of Cow Cr. Bursik ( 1993) described 

four wetland plant communities at Cow Creek Meadows: 1) Sphagnum-dominated intermediate fen 

which contains the rare plant species known from the site (Carex buxbaumii, Carex pal!percula, 

Carex leptalea, Carex flava, Lycopodiella inundata, Trientalis arctica, and Scirpus hudsonianus), 2) 

Carex scopulorum fen, 3) Carex vesicaria/Carex utriculata fen, and 4) Deschampsia 

cespitosa/Danthonia intermedia/Calamagrostis canadensis moist meadows. Pinus contorta-, Abies 

lasiocarpa- and Picea engelmannii-dominated moist to wet forest stands occur between the fen 

communities. Much of the upper portion of the drainage was burned in the 1967 Trapper Peak fire. 

Much of the area was salvage logged following the fire. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Carex scopulorum 

Deschampsia cespitosa-Danthonia intermedia 

-Calamagrostis canadensis 

Poor fen 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

DUBIUS CREEK FEN 

County: Bonner 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 293 

Location: Dubius Creek Fen is located approximately 17 miles north of Priest River, Idaho and 5 

miles south of the Dickensheet Junction just east of Hwy 57. 

Size (acres): 565 Elevation Range (feet): 2,430 - 2, 700 

Site Description: Dubius Creek Fen contains a diverse mosaic of peatland plant associations. The 

western portion of the site is dominated by shrub carr communities adjacent to uplands. 

Characteristic species in the shrub carr include Spiraea douglasii, Betula glandulosa, Salix geyeriana, 

Salix pedicellaris, Salix bebbiana, Rhamnus alnifolia, and Alnus incana. Intermediate fen occurs in 

the wetter portions of western lobe. Two rare plant species, Epilobium palustre and Salix 

pedicellaris, are common in this habitat. Rich fen dominated by Carex lasiocarpa, Carex 

chordorrhiza (a rare species), Carex utriculata, and Potentilla palustris is present on the northern 

lobe of the wetland complex. In this portion of the wetland Scheuchzeria palustris (a rare podgrass) 

is found in scattered patches of intermediate fen habitats. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 80 

Phalaris arundinacea 30 

Carex utriculata 30 

Glyceria borealis 5 

Carex lasiocarpa 20 

Carex limosa 2 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

Typha latifolia 30 

98 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

FREEMAN LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 185 

Location: Freeman Lake is approximately three miles north of Oldtown, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 40 Elevation Range (feet): 2,460- 2,462 

Site Description: Freeman Lake is a 40 acre kettle lake north of Oldtown, Idaho. The deep littoral 

and shallow limnetic zones of the lake support aquatic communities dominated by Potamogeton 

amplifolius and Brasenia shreberi. Typha latifolia forms a fringe of vegetation around the lake which 

grades into shrublands dominated by Spiraea douglasii and Alnus incana. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Typha latifolia 9 

Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum 3 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Unprotected 

GAMLIN LAKE CDC Site# 294 

County: Bonner 

Location: Gamlin Lake is located on the northeastern point of the Pend Orielle peninsula south and 

east of Lake Pend Orielle. The lake name is frequently labeled incorrectly, as Gamble Lake, on maps 

of the area. A boat is necessary to access most of the floating rich fen mats. 

Size (acres): 465 Elevation Range (feet): 2,079 - 2,280 

Site Description: Gamlin Lake is a 200-acre seepage lake with no apparent inlet or outlet. It is an 

eutrophic lake with extensive vegetated littoral and limnetic zones. The deep littoral and limnetic 

zones are dominated by Potamogeton amplifolius, Potamogeton praelongus, and Elodea canadensis. 

Shallow littoral zones are covered by patches of Brasenia schreberi, Nuphar polysepalum, 

Nymphaea odorata, Potamogeton natans, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton robbinsii, 

Utricularia vulgaris, and the rare Scirpus subterminalis. The lake margins support extensive floating 

mats dominated by a rich fen community including Typha latifolia, Scirpus acutus, Carex lasiocarpa, 

Agrostis scabra, Dulichium arundinaceum, Potentilla palustris, and Lycopus uniflorus. Calliergonella 

cuspidata, a brown moss, forms a thick mat over many of the floating mats and a few patches of 

Sphagnum teres are also located on the mats. Two rare species are present on the floating mats: 

Cicuta bulbifera and Hypericum majus. Surrounding the floating mats are rich fens on fixed 

substrate dominated by Carex utriculata, Carex stipata, Potentilla palustris, Scirpus microcarpus, 

Scirpus cyperinus, Scutellaria galericulata, and Lycopus uniflorus. A few scattered shrub carr 

habitats dominated by Spiraea douglasii, Alnus incana, Salix geyeriana, and Salix bebbiana are 

located on the fixed mats around the lake. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 3 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 8 

Carex utriculata 60 

Carex lasiocarpa 30 

Scirpus acutus 1 0 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

Typha latifolia 1 0 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: Proposed Area of Critical Environmental Concern; TNC Preserve 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 99 
GRASS CREEK MEADOWS CDC Site# 131 

County: Boundary 

Location: Grass Creek Meadows is located along Grass Creek, which is in the extreme northern 

portion of the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho. 

Size (acres): 730 Elevation Range (feet): 4,200 - 4,600 

Site Description: Grass Creek contains open sphagnum-rich and sphagnum-poor fen habitats 

scattered along its upper reach. All the communities described in Bursik (1993) for Cow Creek and 

Smith Creek RNA peatland communities occur along Grass Creek. The Sphagnum-dominated fens 

contain the rare species known from the site (Carex paupercula, Trientalis arctica, and Scirpus 

hudsonianus). Other communities include: 1) Carex scopulorum fen, 2) Carex vesicaria/C.arex 

utriculata fen, and 3) Deschampsia cespitosa/Danthonia intermedia/Calamagrostis canadensis moist 

meadows. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Carex scopulorum 

Deschampsia cespitosa-Danthonia intermedia 

-Calamagrostis canadensis 

Poor fen 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

HAGER LAKE FEN 

County: Bonner 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 297 

Location: Hager Lake Fen is located west of Priest Lake and south of Nordman, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 135 Elevation Range (feet): 2,600- 2,680 

Site Description: Hager Lake is a two-hectare pond located in the Priest River Valley, Bonner 

County, Idaho. It is a seepage pond with no apparent inlet or outlet. The basin of Hager Lake is 

enclosed and underlain by ice-contact fluvial gravels. The depression likely formed as a result of an 

ice block melting near the terminus of the glacier that occupied this portion of the Priest River 

Valley, a depression commonly referred to as a "glacial kettle" (Mack et al. 1978). The origin of the 

basin dates between 11,500 and 12,000 years before the present based on the presence of Glacier 

Peak tephra near the base of peat cores extracted in 1992 (Bursik et al. 1994). Several distinct 

plant communities are found at Hager Lake Fen. The most extensive is a shrub carr dominated by a 

dense stand of Spiraea douglasii. This shrub carr covers most of the fen north of Hager Lake, 

except for the northeastern corner, which was cleared and reditched in 1988. This area was 

harvested for hay in 1994. The Spiraea douglasii shrub carr also occurs in a band around Hager 

Lake. Pinus contorta and Pinus monticola trees are scattered throughout the shrub carr. The middle 

of the fen basin north of Hager Lake is covered by a rich fen codominated by Carex lasiocarpa and 

Spiraea douglasii. An extensive floating mat encroaches on the south side of the lake. The floating 

mat is covered by a poor fen community dominated by Sphagnum angustifolium, Sphagnum 

subsecundum, and Sphagnum centrale. Common vascular species include Vaccinium oxycoccos (a 

rare species), Scheuchzeria palustris (a rare podgrass), Carex limosa, Kalmia microphylla, and 

Lycopus uniflorus. Between the floating mat and the shrub carr to the south is a fixed mat zone. 

The fixed mat also occurs around the east, west, and north lake margins. The fixed mat is 

characterized by intermeidate fen vegetation codominated by Sphagnum subsecundum, Carex 

lasiocarpa, and Dulichium arundinaceum. Two rare species are found in this community: 

Lycopodiella inundata and Hypericum majus. A narrow, shallow littoral zone is found on the east, 

west, and north lake margins. It is characterized by Nuphar polysepalum, Brasenia schreberi, 

100 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Potamogeton natans, Scirpus acutus, and the rare Scirpus subterminalis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 1 0 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 0 

Carex limosa 2 

Dulichium arundinaceum 1 

Nuphar polysepalum 3 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

HAUSER LAKE FEN 

County: Kootenai 

CDC Site # 298 

Location: Hauser Lake Fen is located along the southern and southwestern shores of Hauser Lake. 

Hauser Lake is less than one mile from the Idaho/Washington border. 

Size (acres): 325 Elevation Range (feet): 2,185 - 2,280 

Site Description: Hauser Lake is a drainage lake that receives water from several small, apparently 

ephemeral streams from the northwest and the northeast. Hauser Creek is dammed at the outlet to 

maintain high water level. It flows out into the Rathdrum Prairie to the south where it is channelized 

and highly modified as it flows through the farmfields toward the Spokane River. An extensive fen 

community formed in the shallow bay/seepy inlet on the southwestern end of the lake. This fen 

contains extensive intermediate and rich fen communities. Aquatic communities prevail in a small 

pond near the road and in ditches along the road. The margins of Hauser Lake are covered with a 

dense shrub carr dominated almost exclusively by Spiraea douglasii. Toward the lake the fen 

becomes strictly rich fen dominated by monocultural stands of Carex utriculata, Phalaris 

arundinacea, Typha latifolia, and Scirpus acutus with some Spiraea douglasii shrub carrs scattered 

about. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii Undetermined 

Phalaris arundinacea Undetermined 

Carex utriculata 

Carex lasiocarpa 

Scirpus acutus 

Nuphar polysepalum 

Typha latifolia 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

KANIKSU MARSH CDC Site # 134 

County: Bonner 

Location: Kaniksu Marsh RNA is located on the west side of the lower Priest River in the Idaho 

Panhandle. 

Size (acres): 195 Elevation Range (feet): 2,420 - 2,525 

Site Description: Kaniksu Marsh RNA consists of an undisturbed, 90-acre, crescent-shaped marsh 

and wet meadow, and adjacent forested slopes. Elevations in the RNA are low, ranging from 2,420 

feet to 2,525 feet. Open water, less than six feet deep, with submergent aquatic plants surrounds 

an "island" of emergent vegetation at the lower end of the marsh. The central portion of the marsh 

ranges from shallow water to saturated soil with sedges and rushes interspersed with beaver 

ponds. This habitat grades into Pice a-Tsuga bog and Sphagnum bog to progressively drier sites with 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 101 

. :· .. ··
margins of Betula glandulosa and Alnus and a forest setting at the upper end. The old-growth and 

second-growth forests are composed of Pinus ponderosa, Pinus monticola, Larix occidentalis, Abies 

grandis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, Picea engelmannii, and Pinus 

contorta. A number of rare plants are associated with the wetlands in the RNA, including 

Eriophorum viridicarinatum, Gaultheria hispidula, Lycopodium inundatum, Trientalis arctica, and 

Vaccinium oxycoccus. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betl;Jia glandulosa/Carex utriculata 67 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 5 

Carex lasiocarpa 1 3 

Paludified forest 2 

Carex cusickii 2 

Poor fen 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

KELSO LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 304 

Location: Kelso Lake is located approximately 20 miles north of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and 4 miles 

directly north of Athol, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 295 Elevation Range (feet): 2,145 - 2,400 

Site Description: The site encompasses Kelso, Round, and Granite lakes. Kelso Lake is a 1 50-acre 

drainage lake with an apparent inlet coming from Beaver Lake, two miles to the north and from 

Hoodoo Creek, which flows to the northwest from the meadow to the west of Kelso Lake. The 

outelt is to the east through Round Lake and Granite Lake. Round Lake is approximately 20 acres in 

size and Granite Lake covers approximately 60 acres. All three lakes are eutrophic with extensive 

vegetated littoral and limnetic zones. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 5 

Carex utriculata 30 

Carex lasiocarpa 20 

Scirpus acutus 5 

Nuphar polysepalum 5 

Typha latifolia 1 0 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

LAMB CREEK MEADOWS 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 286 

Location: Lamb Creek Meadows is located approximately one mile north of the Priest Lake School 

and golf course, and is just north of the junction of FS Road 302 with State Hwy 57. 

Size (acres): 905 Elevation Range (feet): 2,553 - 3,100 

Site Description: The south end of Lanb Creek Meadows is covered by a sedge-dominated rich fen. 

The perimeter of the fen is ditched. The margins of the ditch are covered by a dense monoculture 

of Spiraea douglasii. Several slightly raised areas are found within the fen otherwise dominated by 

sedges. The raised areas are covered with shrub carr. The northwestern portion of the site is 

successfully ditched and is seasonally cut for hay. Trientalis arctica, Carex buxbaumii, Hypericum 

majus, and Epilobium palustre are rare plants found in this area. A series of beaver ponds form the 

headwaters of Reynolds Creek, which enters Priest Lake on the south side of Kalispell Bay. The 

102 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
ponds are shallow and well vegetated. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betula glandulosa/Carex utriculata 40 

Spiraea douglasii 40 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 30 

Carex utriculata 60 

Carex buxbaumii 20 

Carex lanuginosa 40 

Carex lasiocarpa 40 

Typha latifolia 50 

Carex cusickii 20 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

LEE LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 307 

Location: Lee Lake is located one and a half miles due east of Coolin, Idaho on the southeast end 

of Priest Lake. 

Size (acres): 135 Elevation Range (feet): 2,475- 2,485 

Site Description: Floating mats ring the margins of Lee Lake on most sides. The mat communities 

range from intermediate to poor fen communities that are Sphagnum spp. and Carex-dominated. 

Much of the lake is shallow and littoral. Stands of Potamogeton amplifolius and Nuphar 

polysepalum are common. On the upland side of the floating mats is an extensive shrub carr 

(intermediate to rich fen shrub carr). Throughout much of the shrub carr, Betula glandulosa forms a 

shrub overstory; Kalmia microphylla and Vaccinium oxycoccos form a low-shrub layer beneath, 

while Sphagnum centrale, Aulocomnium palustre, and other mosses dominate the herb layer. Near 

the upland margins, Spiraea douglasii increases in prominence (replacing B. glandulosa) and the 

understory of low shrubs and mosses disappears. North of the lake, a dome of peat is found over 

the top of a slightly raised morraine that separates Lee Lake from the rest of the Lee Creek wetland 

basin to the north. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 1 0 

Carex utriculata 40 

Carex limosa 2 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

Paludified forest 7 

Betula glandulosa/Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: State Endowment Lands 

LOST LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 308 

Location: Lost Lake is located two miles due east of Garfield Bay and one mile north of Mineral 

Point on the south side of the Pend Orielle peninsula, south and west of Lake Pend Orielle. 

Size (acres): 55 Elevation Range (feet): 2,520 - 2,560 

Site Description: Lost Lake is a small seepage lake nearly 30 acres in size, with no apparent inlet or 

outlet. Beavers have been active at this site in the past, but they were not active in 1994 and 

much of the lake was dried up during this very dry year. The lake appears to be shallow 

throughout, entirely lacking a limnetic zone. Marginal floating mat communities are intermediate 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 103 
fens. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 3 

Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Scirpus acutus 2 

Nuphar polysepalum 2 

Typha latifolia 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Proposed Special Interest Area 

MCARTHUR LAKE 

County: Bonner and Boundary 

CDC Site # 309 

Location: McArthur Lake is located near the headwaters of the Deep Creek drainage, which is a 

tributary of the Kootenai River. 

Size (acres): 1 ,230 Elevation Range (feet): 2,085 - 2,170 

Site Description: McArthur Lake is a drainage lake located near the headwaters of Deep Creek, 

which flows north through the Purcell Trench south of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where it ultimately 

feeds the Kootenai River just west of Bonners Ferry in the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is a 

glacial depression in the Purcell Trench that has been enhanced with a dam on the Deep Creek 

outlet on the northeast side of the lake. Extensive rich fen and shrub carr communities are found 

around most sides of the lake. Marsh habitats are interspersed with the peatland communities. The 

lake is very shallow and almost entirely vegetated littoral zone. Rich fen habitats are sedge 

dominated. Shrub carr habitats are dominated by Spiraea douglasii, Alnus incana, Betula pumila, 

Rhamnus alnifolia, Salix bebbiana, and other Salix spp. On the south end of the lake, scattered 

clumps of shrubs are interspersed within the graminoid fen. This fen area, even more so than other 

areas around the lake, appears to be highly modified hydrologically, and appears to be drying out. 

The graminoid fen is characterized by a number of typical rich fen species. However, a number of 

weedy and mesic-indicator species, including Agrostis stolinifera, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, 

Poa palustris, Phalaris arundinacea, Cirsium arvense, Prunella vulgaris, and Agropyron repens, are 

common to prominent in the area. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 230 

Phalaris arundinacea 1 00 

Carex utriculata 200 

Carex lasiocarpa 20 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

Typha latifolia 1 00 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

PACK RIVER CDC Site# 205 

County: Bonner 

Location: The site is located near the outlet of the Pack River which enters the northernmost point 

of Lake Pend Oreille. 

Size (acres): 497 Elevation Range (feet): 2,060- 2,080 

Site Description: The Pack River delta includes a highly sinuous reach of the Pack River as it flows 

into Lake Pend Oreille. The site has open water areas created by abandoned meanders with margins 

dominated by Typha latifolia. Phalaris arundinaceae is abundant on the floodplain. Salix bebbiana 

and Salix commutata are the dominant shrubs with patches of Alnus incana and scattered Populus 

104 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
trichocarpa present. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Spiraea douglasii 30 

Alnus incana/Mesic graminoid 20 

Salix bebbiana/Mesic graminoid 60 

Phalaris arundinacea 91 

Typha latifolia 40 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

PACKER MEADOWS CDC Site # 268 

County: Bonner 

Location: The site is located on the west side of Priest Lake, near Nordman, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 520 Elevation Range (feet}: 3,680- 3,640 

Site Description: Packer Meadows contains a unique mosaic of fen communities along the 

low-gradient meandering stretch of Packer Creek. Within the mosaic are patterned areas on slight 

slopes toward the creek with string-flark topography. The raised strings run perpendicular to the 

slope and are intermediate fen communities dominated with Sphagnum spp., Betula glandulosa, 

Carex utriculata, and Salix pedicellaris. The shallowly inundated flarks are dominated by Carex 

utriculata, Carex cusickii, Carex leptalea, and Carex aquatilis. Other, small areas of nearly level 

substrate are poor fen dominated by Sphagnum spp., Carex limosa, Drosera rotundifolia, 

Eriophorum polystachion and other poor fen species. Sedge-dominated rich fen occurs over a 

majority of Packer Meadows. These areas appear more mesic with shallower, firmer peat. They are 

dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex utriculata, Senecio triangularis, Carex aquatilis, and 

Carex scopulorum. Periodic beaver activity in Packer Creek on the south end of Packer Meadows 

leads to the formation of a several-acre shallow lake. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Carex utriculata 30 

Carex aquatilis 30 

Carex limosa 30 

Paludified forest 1 7 

Eriophorum polystachion 3 

Carex cusickii 1 0 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

POTHOLES 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 192 

Location: Potholes RNA is located on the north side of Kalispell Creek near the Idaho/Washington 

border, approximately 38 miles north-northwest of Priest River, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 274 Elevation Range (feet}: 2, 750 - 3,150 

Site Description: Potholes RNA is an example of a diverse aquatic-wetland area, resulting from 

Pleistocene glaciation, surrounded by forests of Tsuga heterophylla and associates. The area 

contains a large cold spring. Spring ponds drain into a stream which supplies water for wet 

meadows, a fen, and several beaver ponds. In places, low dams have been built by beaver, and 

elsewhere Sphagnum moss and sedges have formed dams. The ponds are drained by three streams. 

Two of these unite on a lower bench of Alnus sp. meadows, marshes, and a Sphagnum fen. The 

streams have reaches of gentle gradient, and the two that break over the bench and tumble to 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 105 
Kalispell Creek become steep gradient streams. A number of rare and interesting plant species are 

found in the area including Gaultheria hispidula, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Epilobium palustre, Trientalis 

arctica, Salix pedicellaris, Carex leptalea, and C. paupercula. A rare plant community also occurs in 

the RNA: Thuja plicata/Lysichitum americanum habitat type. Additionally Thuja plicata is present 

with an understory dominated by common horsetail. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Lysichitum americanum 50 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 1 0 

AlnlJS incana/Carex utriculata 20 

Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum 1 5 

Paludified forest 5 

Poorfen 10 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

SHEPHERD LAKE 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site# 313 

Location: Shepherd Lake is located on the Pend Oreille peninsula south and west of Lake Pend 

Oreille; approximately six miles due south of Sandpoint, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 355 Elevation Range (feet): 2,280 - 2,400 

Site Description: Shepherd Lake is a 150-acre seepage lake with no apparent inlet or outlet. It is a 

eutrophic lake with extensive vegetated littoral and limnetic zones. The deep littoral and limnetic 

zones are dominated by Potamogeton amplifolius, P. richardsonii, P. robbinsii, Myriophyllum 

sibericum, and Elodea canadensis. Shallow littoral zones are covered by patches of Brasenia 

schreberi, Nuphar polysepalum, Potamogeton natans, P. epihydrus, P. robbinsii, Utricularia vulgaris, 

Ceratophyllum demersum, and the rare Scirpus subterminalis. The lake margins support extensive 

floating mats dominated by a rich fen community including Typha latifolia, Scirpus acutus, Carex 

lasiocarpa, Agrostis scabra, Dulichium arundinaceum, Potentilla palustris, and Lycopus uniflorus. 

Calliergonella cuspidata, a brown moss, forms a thick mat over some of the floating mats. No 

Sphagnum was seen on the rich fens at Shepherd Lake. Two rare species were found scattered 

throughout the floating mats: Cicuta bulbifera and Hypericum majus. Surrounding the floating mats 

are rich fens on fixed substrate dominated by Carex utriculata, C. stipata, Potentilla palustris, 

Scirpus microcarpus, Scirpus cyperinus, Scutellaria galericulata, and Lycopus uniflorus. A few 

scattered shrub carr habitats dominated by Spiraea douglasii, Salix geyeriana, and S. bebbiana are 

found on the fixed mats around the lake. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 3 

Carex utriculata 5 

Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Scirpus acutus 20 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

Typha latifolia 20 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Unprotected 

SMITH CREEK CDC Site# 219 

County: Boundary 

Location: Smith Creek RNA is located along the crest of the Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho 

Panhandle, 23 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. 

106 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Size (acres): 1,340 Elevation Range (feet): 4,700- 6,742 

Site Description: Smith Creek RNA is located along the crest of the Selkirk Mountains on the West 

Fork of the West Fork Smith Creek. The topography of the RNA is the result of Pleistocene 

glaciation. An outstanding example of divide crossing by glacial ice occurs in the RNA, as 

evidenced by the glacial trough that runs across the Selkirk Crest in an east-west direction. The 

main features of the area are the outstanding wetland communities of the valley bottom, including 

undisturbed Sphagnum fen and associated ponds, and other wetland areas dominated by Carex 

spp., Eriophorum polystachion, Picea engelmannii, and Abies lasiocarpa. The vegetation of the area 

consists largely of Abies lasiocarpa series forest associations. Of special interest is the Abies 

lasiocarpa/Rhododendron albiflorum community type. Unusual aquatic species occur in the area, 

including the algae Ulothrix zonata, which occurs in unusually high densities in the streams of the 

RNA, and an uncommon Diptera, and Palpomyia sp. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex scopulorum 27 

Eriophorum polystachion 27 

Poorfen 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

TEPEE CREEK 

County: Bonner 

CDC Site # 349 

Location: Tepee Creek RNA is located approximately 0.25 mile west of Priest Lake on the 

northwest side of the lake, approximately 11 miles north-northeast of Nordman, Idaho; 

approximately 18 miles north-northwest of Coolin, Idaho; or 41 miles north of Priest River, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 746 Elevation Range (feet): 2,450- 3,200 

Site Description: Tepee Creek RNA contains the Tepee Creek drainage, consisting of a rather flat 

valley, a few short tributary gulches, and low, rounded ridges. The RNA is a virtual island of climax 

forest within an otherwise largely cutover area of extremely productive forests. The soil is a deep, 

sandy loam, overlying schistose rocks of the Idaho Batholith. The area was subjected to continental 

glaciation. The RNA was established in 1935 for its stands of 300-year-old Pinus monticola, Thuja 

plicata, and Tsuga heterophylla. Since that time white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, and 

windthrow have taken a heavy toll on the western white pine. The RNA supports one rare wetland 

plant, Rubus spectabilis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 181 

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 1 81 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

THREE PONDS 

County: Boundary 

CDC Site # 253 

Location: Three Ponds RNA is located on the western edge of the Purcell Trench near Bonners 

Ferry, Idaho. The RNA is four and a half air miles southwest of the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station, 

which is on U.S. Route 95. 

Size (acres): 240 Elevation Range (feet): 3,340 - 3,905 

Site Description: Three Ponds RNA is a small, heavily-glaciated basin containing three small, 

productive lakes or ponds. Each pond is shallow, between three to five acres in size, without fish, 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 107 
and with the pond level controlled by beavers. Middle Pond has a central mat dominated by Carex 

lasiocarpa and Sphagnum spp. approximately one acre in area. approximately a third of the RNA is 

mature forest which originated approximately 1850, and approximately two-thirds is a mixture of 

older trees and young stands that originated following a 1929 fire. Much of the 1929 burn was 

severe and has restocked to cover types of either Pseudotsuga menziesii or Pinus contorta. Tree 

cover in parts of the RNA is low, with shrub species common. The RNA contains Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, and Tsuga heterophylla habitat types. An excellent stand of 

Betula papyrifera occurs on the northern side of East Pond. A sharp, deep valley near the western 

boundary of the RNA marks a fault line. A small stream in this valley is bordered by Alnus sinuata 

and Athyrium filix-femina. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Thuja plicata/Athyrium filix femina 2 

Carex lasiocarpa 5 

Alnus incana/Athyrium filix femina 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

UPPER PRIEST LAKE FEN 

County: Boundary 

CDC Site# 30 

Location: Located approximately 21 miles north of Coolin, Idaho along the eastern shore of Upper 

Priest Lake. 

Size (acres): 165 Elevation Range (feet): 2,438 - 3,160 

Site Description: Upper Priest Lake Fen contains a short spring stream that emerges within the fen 

and runs for a short distance. It feeds a small, shallow pond whose origin could relate to past 

beaver activity. Portions of the peatland communities are intermediate sedge/sphagnum fen 

dominated by Carex lasiocarpa, C. diandra, C. utriculata and various Sphagnum spp. A unique 

poor/intermediate fen shrub carr dominates much of the non-treed peatland. This community is 

dominated by very tall Betula pumila, Spiraea douglasii, Salix pedicellaris, Kalmia microphylla, and 

Vaccinium oxycoccos over a nearly continuous mat of Sphagnum. Paludified forest areas with 

Abies lasiocarpa, Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, Picea engelmannii, and Abies grandis surround 

the open fen. The understory is characterized by Sphagnum angustifolium. S. teres, S. centrale, S. 

magellanicum, and S. rubellum and the vascular spp. Carex brunnescens, Scirpus microcarpus, 

Athyrium felix-femina, Linnaea borealis, Vaccinium globulare, Calamagrosits canadensis, Cornus 

canadensis, and others. Stringer marshy meadows extend from Upper Priest Lake Fen all the way to 

the southeast edge of Upper Priest Lake. The banks of Upper Priest Lake have a mix of shrub 

species including Alnus incana, Rhamnus alnifolia, Spiraea douglasii, Salix bebbiana, and Cornus 

sericea. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Spiraea douglasii 1 0 

Alnus incana/Spiraea douglasii 1 0 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Paludified forest 20 

Poorfen 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

UPPER PRIEST RIVER CDC Site # 264 

County: Bonner 

Location: Upper Priest River is located at the northwest end of Upper Priest Lake, near the 

108 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
confluence of the Hughes Fork and Upper Priest River, in the Idaho Panhandle. The site is 

approximately 13 air miles north of Nordman, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 1,325 Elevation Range (feet}: 2,460 - 2,600 

Site Description: Upper Priest River encompasses the level land of Upper Priest River and the 

Hughes Fork, to the mouth of Upper Priest Lake. Included are riparian floodplain lands along the 

two rivers, isolated oxbows in various stages of filling, and a series of old river terraces that 

become drier with increasing elevation. Vegetation within the site is distributed along the soil 

moisture gradient. The driest plant associations are Tsuga heterophylla habitat types located on the 

highest, well drained river terraces. On the lower terraces, where the water table is near the 

surface, Thuja plicata habitat types occur with an understory flora rich in ferns. A diversity of 

habitat types occur where surface water is present, ranging in sequence from Thuja plicata 

/Athyrium filix-femina and Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum in drier areas to Alnus .incana/Mesic 

forb to Cornus stolonifera to Salix bebbiana to Spiraea 

douglasii to Carex vesicaria and finally to open water with Utricularia vulgaris. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Th1,.1ja plicata/Oplopanax horridum 254.2 

Tsuga heterophylla/Gymnocarpium dryopteris 60.1 

Populus trichocarpa/Ainus incana 3.4 

Spiraea douglasii 14.2 

Alnus incana/Carex utriculata 3.2 

Alnus incana/Mesic forb 2 

Alnus incana/Spiraea douglasii 39.5 

Comus stolonifera 35.7 

Salix bebbiana 2 

Carex utriculata 9.4 

Alnus incana/Athyrium filix femina 95.1 

Carex vesicaria 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 109 
OVERTHRUST MOUNTAINS SECTION (M331 D) 

BIG ELK CREEK CDC Site# 31 

County: Bonneville 

Location: From Palisades, travel 11 miles southeast on U. S. Hwy 26 to FS Road 097. Continue 

west on FS Road 097 along Big Elk Creek to the trailhead. Walk approximately one and a half miles 

west to the east end of the site. 

Size (acres): 823 Elevation Range (feet): 5,930- 9,449 

Site Description: Big Elk Creek features forest and shrub types on limestone and includes a 3/4-mile 

reach of Big Elk Creek, as well as an ephemeral stream draining Needle Peak. The reach of Big Elk 

Creek is for the most part on a boulder bed and has the Cornus stolonifera community type along 

its banks. Riparian woodland development occurs on channel bars with smaller particle size and is 

minimal on high-gradient, entrenched portions of the reach. A range of cottonwood stands is 

present, from the mature Populus angustifolia/Poa pratensis community type to younger stands of 

the Populus angustifolia/Cornus stolonifera community type. Ephemeral side channels flowing into 

the site from the north contain shrub thickets classified as Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 

community type with some Populus angustifolia sprouts. Uplands on the south side of Big Elk Creek 

are primarily dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii; uplands on the north side are dominated by 

Artemisia tridentata vaseyana and Cercocarpus ledifolius. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus angustifolia/Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Cornus stolonifera 

Salix exigua/Mesic forb 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

BLACKFOOT RIVER WILDLIFE 

MANAGEMENT AREA 

County: Caribou 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 2586 

Location: Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 16 air miles northwest of Soda 

Springs, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 2,360 Elevation Range (feet): 6,400- 6,800 

Site Description: Blackfoot River WMA is situated in a high valley between the Wooley Range and 

Grays Range. The WMA includes approximately a 7 .5-mile reach of the Blackfoot River and a 

0.5-mile reach of Angus Creek. The Blackfoot River is a moderately wide, low-gradient channel 

meandering through the valley. The floodplain is up to a half a mile wide in places and supports a 

diverse mosaic of wetland plant communities. Both tall- and low-shrub communities are present. 

Tall-shrub communities are dominated by Salix boothii or S. geyeriana with native understories of 

Carex utriculata or C. aquatilis. Poa palustris dominates the understory of portions of the tall shrub 

carr. The low willow, S. wolfii, is also present with a nearly pure understory of C. aquatilis. 

Artemisia cana is present on drier benches; associated species are exotics. This type may have 

been interseeded as were large parts of the drier meadows. A rich mosaic of native graminoid types 

occurs within the WMA, including expansive Deschampsia cespitosa and C. simulata community 

types, with pockets of C. utriculata, C. aquatilis, Eleocharis palustris, and Juncus balticus. Several 

small and large springs emerge within the site. There is a large open-water area on the south end of 

the site. Additionally, ephemeral potholes with the E. acicularis community type occur on the north 

side of the Blackfoot River. Upland communities are dominated by Artemisia tridentata/Agropyron 

spp., Pinus contorta, and Populus tremuloides. 

110 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 50 

Salix geyeriana/Carex aquatilis 20 

Salix wolfii/Carex aquatilis 1 0 

Carex utriculata 50 

Deschampsia cespitosa 200 

Carex aquatilis 24 

Carex simulata 50 

Eleocharis acicularis 1 

Eleocharis palustris 1 0 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

BURNS CANYON CDC Site# 47 

County: Madison and Teton 

Location: Burns Canyon is located in the Big Hole Mountains northeast of the of the Snake River. 

The area is roughly 15 air miles east of Heise, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 490 Elevation Range (feet): 5,810- 7,652 

Site Description: Burns Canyon is situated on a steep, mountainous tract of complex sedimentary 

rock in the Overthrust Belt of Idaho. The area contains a stabilized landslide which probably 

resulted from an earthquake. A low- to moderate-gradient (300 feet/mile) stream traverses the site 

for approximately one mile and is mostly narrow and confined by steep canyon slopes. Most (75 

percent) of the riparian zone is dominated by the Cornus stolonifera/Heracleum lanatum community 

type with lesser amounts of the Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera community. A short stream 

segment is the Salix exigua/Mesic forb community. A subirrigated terrace approximately 140 feet 

wide is dominated by a Crataegus douglasii community. South-facing slopes are occupied by 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Agropyron spicatum and Cercocarpus ledifolius/Agropyron 

spicatum habitat types, plus stands of Acer grandidentatum and Populus tremuloides. On 

north-facing slopes, seral stands of P. tremuloides and Pinus contorta occur on lower slopes, 

Pseudotsuga menziesii habitat types occur up to mid-elevations, and Abies lasiocarpa types are 

found on the higher slopes. Open shrubfields of Physocarpus malvaceus, Ceanothus velutinus, and 

Acer glabrum occur on mid-elevation north-facing slopes. A slump area near the highest ridge 

supports a forb-grass cover type. The riparian zone and the site are not grazed. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Crataegus douglasii/Heracleum lanatum 5 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 0.3 

Alnus incana/Ribes hudsonianum 5 

Cornus stolonifera/Heracleum lanatum 8 

Salix exigua/Mesic forb 3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

BURTON CANYON 

County: Caribou 

CDC Site# 48 

Location: Burton Canyon is located on the west slope of the Bear River Range, in southeastern 

Idaho. The site is east of the Gem Valley and approximately two and a half air miles east of the 

town of Grace, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1 ,005 Elevation Range (feet): 6,020 - 7,855 

Site Description: Burton Canyon RNA comprises a small watershed on the west slope of the Bear 

River Range and contains a diversity of habitat types, largely on a calcareous substrate. The 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 111 
geology of the area is complex, containing rocks of Cambrian, Tertiary, and Quaternary ages. The 

vegetation of the area displays an elevational zonation pattern with Artemisia tridentata ssp. 

vaseyana, Cercocarpus ledifolius, and mixed shrub communities at lower elevations, Populus 

tremuloides and Pseudotsuga menziesii communities at mid-elevations, and Abies lasiocarpa and 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis types at higher elevations. A Cornus stolonifera/Galium 

triflorum riparian community occupies the valley bottom in the lower portion of the drainage. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Cornus stolonifera/Galium triflorum 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

CROW CREEK/JULIE'S FENCE 

County: Caribou 

CDC Site# 417 

Location: From Montpelier, travel east on U.S. Hwy 89 to Crow Creek Road (FS Road 111 ). 

Travel north on FS Road 111 for 12 miles (2 miles past junction with FS Road 147) to a lodgepole 

rail fence labeled II Julie's Fence. II 

Size (acres): 19 Elevation Range (feet): 6,910- 6,930 

Site Description: Julie's Fence is a 0.5 mile fence along the east side of Crow Creek. Fencing 

continues on the west side of the creek, but does not enclose the entire site. The moderately wide 

valley bottom is a mosaic of graminoid and shrub communities. The Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

community type occurs at the confluence of tributaries and on former beaver dams. Wet sites 

adjacent to the channel are dominated by a mosaic of Carex types. Drier types include Betula 

glandulosa/Carex simulata, Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid, and Artemisia tridentata/Stipa comata on 

a wet to dry gradient. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 2 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid 4 

Carex utriculata 2 

Carex aquatilis 2 

Carex lanuginosa 2 

Carex praegracilis 1 

Carex simulata 2 

Juncus balticus 1 

Betula glandulosa/Carex simulata 2 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

ELK VALLEY 

County: Caribou 

CDC Site# 90 

Location: Elk Valley is located in the Gannett Hills, near the Idaho-Wyoming border, at the head of 

Spring Creek, approximately 28 miles northeast of Montpelier, Idaho by road. 

Size (acres): 280 Elevation Range (feet): 7,450- 7,450 

Site Description: Elk Valley consists of a marsh occupying the wide, flat valley floor near the 

headwaters of Spring Creek in the Gannett Hills. Spring Creek forms the main inlet and outlet 

stream, supplemented by perennial springs issuing from the base of the west range. The marsh is 

characterized by emergent vegetation, primarily sedges, and dominated by the Carex aquatilis 

community type. The Carex utriculata community type is more localized and associated with pools 

and channels. Other emergent types associated with shallow water portions of the marsh include C. 

112 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
simulata, Juncus balticus, and C. praegracilis. The Scirpus acutus community type occurs in four 

deep ponds within the marsh. The Deschampsia cespitosa and Salix wolfii/C. aquatilis community 

types are associated with perennial springs. Scirpus validus community type is also present. The 

marsh has a muskeg-like quality resulting from partially decomposed vegetation; this has historically 

made it difficult to traverse and has kept livestock from encroaching upon the area. The drought of 

recent years, however, has caused considerable drying of peatland, allowing a level of cattle 

grazing that is unprecedented in at least 20 years. Adjacent uplands on the east and west are 

vegetated with sagebrush-grass communities on their lower slopes, changing to Populus 

tremuloides and Pseudotsuga menziesii forests at higher elevations on the west and southeast 

slopes. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix wolfii/Carex aquatilis 1 

Carex utriculata 14 

Deschampsia cespitosa 1 

Carex aquatilis 112 

Carex praegracilis 14 

Carex simulata 42 

Juncus balticus 28 

Scirpus acutus 2 

Scirpus validus 20 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

GAME CREEK 

County: Teton 

CDC Site# 101 

Location: Game Creek is located on the Idaho/Wyoming border, approximately three air miles 

southeast of Victor. 

Size (acres): 375 Elevation Range (feet): 5,640- 7,800 

Site Description: Game Creek encompasses a cross section of the lower Game Creek Canyon. The 

steep gradient stream emanating high in the Teton Range in Wyoming plunges through the 

glaciated canyon. Riparian vegetation consists largely of communities dominated by Picea 

engelmannii and Cornus stolonifera. The site includes both the north- and south-facing canyon 

sides. The north-facing slope is dominated mainly by Abies lasiocarpa, while the south slope has a 

diversity of types including sagebrush-grass, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Populus tremuloides. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense 0. 75 

Picea engelmannii/Cornus stolonifera 30 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

GIBSON JACK CREEK 

County: Bannock and Power 

CDC Site # 689 

Location: Gibson Jack Creek is approximately six miles south of Pocatello, Idaho. The RNA 

occupies the headwaters of Gibson Jack Creek, a tributary of the Portneuf River. 

Size (acres): 2,210 Elevation Range (feet): 5,400- 7,214 

Site Description: Gibson Jack Creek contains shrub habitats in unusually fine condition. These 

include Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana types, a Artemisia nova type, a Juniperus osteosperma 

type and Prunus virginiana-Amelanchier utahensis communities. The area also contains several 

forest types, including Acer grandidentatum, Populus tremuloides, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 113 

,· ... · .. 
Abies lasiocarpa. It includes a small drainage basin complete with streams, beaver dams, and 

ponds. Cornus stolonifera dominates the riparian zone, with willows, including Salix lasiandra, 

attaining prominence on the lower 0.25 mile. An unclassified forb-dominated community interrupts 

the Corn us stolonifera and continues up the northerly fork to the end of permanent water. The 

mountainous country provides geologic, elevational, slope, and aspect variation. These result in 

great differences in vegetation. Forests cover most of the north-facing slopes while shrubs and 

grass dominate on southern slopes. Boundaries between vegetation communities are sharp and 

easily distinguished. The site is part of a city watershed, and as such, the area has been protected 

from most uses for over 75 years. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Cornus stolonifera 1 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

GRAYS LAKE 

County: Bonneville and Caribou 

CDC Site# 110 

Location: approximately 27 miles north of Soda Springs, Grays Lake extends from U.S. Hwy 34 

and the Little Gray Ridge northward to Grays Lake Outlet near Herman, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 32,825 Elevation Range (feet): 6,384 - 6,920 

Site Description: Grays Lake, west of the Caribou Mountains, is situated in the upper Snake River 

drainage of the Columbia River drainage. All the major drainages in the area flow northwestward 

into the Snake River. Grays Lake overflows either into the artificial Clarks Cut at the marsh's south 

end or into the natural Grays Lake Outlet at the north end. The lake includes an extensive 

freshwater marsh bordered by wet meadows. A large island in the Grays Lake marsh, Bear Island, 

originates from basalt. Bear Island supports upland plant communities dominated by Populus 

tremuloides and Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana and a small occurrence of the Artemisia 

cana/Poa pratensis community type. The shallow-water marsh is dominated by extensive stands of 

the Scirpus acutus community type with lesser amounts of the Typha latifolia community type. 

Extensive patches of Carex lasiocarpa, with local dominance by Triglochin maritima, are present in 

the interior of the Scirpus marsh. The drier marsh perimeter has the Carex utriculata community 

type. Carex atheroides creates monotypic swards in potholes and is included with the Carex 

utriculata community type. Ponds with annual drawdown have either the Eleocharis palustris or 

Eleocharis acicularis community type. The outlet channel supports the Nuphar polysepalum 

community type. Juncus balticus is present on slightly raised topography and along the ecotone to 

wet meadow types. Meadow types include the Deschampsia cespitosa, Muhlenbergia richardsonis, 

Spartina gracilis, Carex simulata, and Carex nebraskensis community types, as well as pasture 

grasses. Patches of willow, including types dominated by Salix geyeriana and S. bebbiana, are 

present on raised topography and along channels. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix bebbiana 20 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid 20 

Carex utriculata 985 

Spartina gracilis 40 

Deschampsia cespitosa 328 

Carex lasiocarpa 400 

Carex nebraskensis 328 

Carex simulata 328 

Eleocharis acicularis 1 0 

Eleocharis palustris 328 

Juncus balticus 328 

Scirpus acutus 19295 

Nuphar polysepalum 20 

114 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Typha latifolia 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis 

Land Manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

HORSE CREEK 

County: Caribou 

3282 

40 

CDC Site # 34 7 

Location: Horse Creek is located on the east slope of the Webster Range, near the Idaho/Wyoming 

border, approximately 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Afton, Wyoming. 

Size (acres): 550 Elevation Range (feet): 6,680 - 8,275 

Site Description: Horse Creek is a typical forested area composed mainly of a number of Abies 

lasiocarpa habitat types occupied by subclimax mature Pinus contorta stands in the process of 

relinquishing dominance, via the mountain pine beetle, to A. lasiocarpa. The site also supports 

scattered stands of Populus tremuloides and Pseudotsuga menziesii. An interesting community type 

occurs with a P. contorta overstory and a Shepherdia canadensis shrub layer. As the underlying 

rock of the area is calcareous, the RNA does not contain any perennial streams except Horse Creek, 

the northern boundary of the site. A substantial cold spring emerges at the slope's base in the 

northwestern part and contributes the main flow to Horse Creek, a moderate-gradient stream 

flowing over rocks and boulders. Wider valley bottoms are dominated by Salix spp., and Picea 

engelmannii and A. lasiocarpa regeneration is occurring in the wider bottoms. Where valleys narrow 

and the stream gradient increases, narrow bands of the Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera, Cornus 

stolonifera, and Picea engelmannii/Calamagrostis canadensis community types occur. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Calamagrostis canadensis 0. 75 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 1 0 

Cornus stolonifera 2.5 

Salix boothii/Calamagrostis canadensis 7. 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

HORSESHOE CREEK 

County: Teton 

CDC Site # 327 

Location: From Driggs, travel four and a half miles west on substation road. At "T," continue west 

for two miles, then north for one mile. Turn west and travel half a mile to FS Road 235. Continue 

southwest approximately two miles to the Forest boundary. Site lies along Horseshoe Creek west of 

Forest boundary. 

Size (acres): 70 Elevation Range (feet): 6,280 - 6,600 

Site Description: Horseshoe Creek supports an extensive shrub carr in a moderately wide valley 

bottom. The Salix boothii/Carex utriculata, S. boothii/Equisetum arvense, S. boothii/Poa pratensis, 

and Crataegus douglasii/Heracleum lanatum community types occur along a wet-to-dry gradient. 

The area has been previously grazed, and Poa pratensis dominates the understory of more open 

community types. In the lower reach there were no signs of grazing. Salix geyeriana is present and 

appears to be more associated with wetter sites supporting the Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

community. Where the valley bottom narrows above Idaho Canyon, the streamside vegetation is 

dominated by the Pice a engelmannii/Equisetum arvense community. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense 3 

Crataegus douglasii/Heracleum lanatum 5 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 11 5 
Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

OXFORD SLOUGH 

County: Bannock and Franklin 

16 

41 

CDC Site # 177 

Location: Oxford Slough lies just east and southeast of Oxford. The north end of the site is 

accessible from the site of Coulam (Siding). 

Size (acres}: 2,500 Elevation Range (feet}: 4, 741 - 5,000 

Site Description: Oxford Slough is a freshwater marsh located on the northern end of the Cache 

Valley approximately six miles southeast of Red Rock Pass, the division between the Bear River 

drainage to the south and the Snake River Drainage to the north. Deep- and shallow-water plant 

community types are present, primarily Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus. Scirpus maritimus, 

Juncus balticus, Carex utriculata, and Phalaris arundinacea are minor components of the emergent 

vegetation types. Alkali flats are dominated by the Spartina gracilis and Distichlis spicata var. stricta 

community types. Drier hummocks are dominated by the Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis spicata 

var. stricta community type with Bromus tectorum locally dominant. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis stricta 1 8 

Phalaris arundinacea 54 

Carex utriculata 90 

Spartina gracilis 1 8 

Distichlis stricta 1 8 

Juncus balticus 1 79 

Scirpus acutus 537 

Scirpus maritimus 18 

Typha latifolia 358 

Land Manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

PORTNEUF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA CDC Site # 453 

County: Bannock 

Location: Portneuf Wildlife Management Area is along the west slope of the Portneuf Range, 

approximately 16 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho and 4 miles north of McCammon, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 3104 Elevation Range (feet}: 4,666- 7,500 

Site Description: A description of the riparian attributes of the site follows. Three perennial streams 

traverse the site: the northernmost is Upper Rock Creek (0. 75 mile), central is Crane Creek (2 

miles), and the southernmost is Robbers Roost Creek (2 miles). Quinn Creek, on the very southern 

boundary, is fenced out of the site and is grazed. Three communities occur in the site: Populus 

angustifolia/Betula occidentalis along lower Robbers Roost Creek; Betula occidentalis/Cornus sericea 

along upper Robbers Roost and lower Crane Creeks; and Populus tremuloides/Cornus sericea along 

upper Crane and Upper Rock Creeks. All stands are narrow, occurring in steep-sided valleys. The 

uplands are dominated by Juniperus scopulorum, Acer grandidentatum, and mountain shrub 

communities. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Populus tremuloides/Cornus stolonifera 20 

Populus angustifolia/Betula occidentalis 1 5 

116 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera 15 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern; Research 

Natural Area 

PREUSS CREEK HEADWATERS CDC Site # 2559 

County: Bear Lake 

Location: Preuss Creek is approximately 12 air miles northeast of Montpelier, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 96 Elevation Range (feet): 7,180- 9,000 

Site Description: Preuss Creek is a southeast-trending drainage in a narrow valley bottom. Riparian 

vegetation in the headwaters reach is limited to mesic forbs such a Senecio trianguraris, Actaea 

rubra, Saxifraga odontoloma, and Geranium richardsonii, and scattered shrubs including Rubus 

strigosus, Salix boothii, and Lonicera involucrata. Perched beaver ponds occur on the high-gradient 

reach, and the Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense community type occurs on benches between ponds. 

Where the gradient decreases, willow community types occur and are in fair to excellent condition 

(those in excellent condition are so wet as to preclude grazing). The lower-gradient reaches may 

represent areas of distant past beaver activity. Downstream the valley again narrows and the 

gradient increases, and stringer conifer riparian types are present. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense 1 

Cornus stolonifera 3 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 24 

Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense 1 5 

Salix boothii/Mesic forb 1 0 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 9 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 1 

Carex utriculata 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE RIVER-IRWIN TO HEISE CDC Site # 5 

County: Bonneville 

Location: Site includes the riparian corridor and related features on both sides of the River from 

approximately river mile 854 to 893, beginning approximately 20 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, 

Idaho. 

Size (acres): 2,070 Elevation Range (feet): 5,050- 5,320 

Site Description: The South Fork of the Snake River is located in a deep river canyon. The site is 

situated in a northwest-trending valley between the Snake River Range to the north and the Caribou 

Range to the south. The portion of the valley within the site includes a deep canyon and Swan and 

Conant valleys extending from near Irwin downstream to the Heise Gauge. The site contains a large 

part of the most extensive cottonwood/willow riparian forest in Idaho and includes the majority of 

remaining pristine wildlife habitat on the South Fork. It is habitat to a wide array of species with 

high conservation priority. Communities that occur within the site are Populus angustifolia/Cornus 

stolonifera, Populus angustifolia/Elaeagnus commutata, Populus angustifolia/Chrysopsis villosa, 

Populus angustifolia/Poa pratensis, Salix exigua/Poa pratensis, Betula occidentalis/Cornus 

stolonifera, Elaeagnus commutata, P. tremuloides/Amelanchier alnifolia-Symphoricarpos albus, 

Artemisia tridentata/Cercocarpus ledifolius, and Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus malvaceus. 

Small occurrences of Typha latifolia, Scirpus validus, Eleocharis palustris, and Carex utriculata are 

USDA Forest Se-rvice Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 117 
present in backwater sloughs and abandoned channels. The site supports the highest concentration 

of nesting bald eagles in Idaho and in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as three other 

endangered bird species and a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus angustifolia/Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Elaeagnus commutata Undetermined 

Betula occidentalis/Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Carex utriculata 

Eleocharis palustris 

Typha l'atifolia 

Scirpus validus 

Populus angustifolia/Chrysopsis villosa 

Populus angustifolia/Eiaeagnus commutata 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service; The Nature Conserv~ncy; 

Private 

Designation: TNC Preserve; Area of Critical Environmental Concern; Research Natural Area 

STUMP CREEK EXCLOSURE CDC Site # 637 

County: Caribou 

Location: The exclosure is adjacent to the Stump Creek Guard Station on Horse Creek, 

approximately three air miles west of Auburn, Wyoming, and one and a half miles west of the 

Idaho/Wyoming border. 

Size (acres): 39 Elevation Range (feet): 6,180 - 6,360 

Site Description: The site consists of an exclosure divided into three sections beginning at Stump 

Creek Guard Station and extending upstream along Horse Creek for over 0.25 mile. The two 

downstream exclosures are on the Caribou National Forest and are older than the upstream section, 

which is on BLM land and was constructed recently. The lower two sections are dominated by Salix 

boothii and S. geyeriana, with scattered shrubs including Betula glandulosa, Potentilla fruticosa, and 

Artemisia cana. The understory is dominated by graminoids in most areas, with introduced grasses 

such as Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense locally abundant. Native Carex spp. and Juncus balticus 

are often confined to narrow strips along the creek and are rare in the exclosure section adjacent to 

the Guard Station. The uppermost exclosure section contains a series of old meandering channels 

and associated cutoff points and supports additional Carex communities. Salix cover is sparse in 

the upstream exclosure, but appears to be recovering. There is a stark fenceline contrast regarding 

willow size and density between this upper exclosure and the middle section. Stream bank 

conditions are mostly good in the lower two sections and are improving in the uppermost (newest) 

section. All sections within the exclosure are in considerably better condition than upstream areas 

off site which are accessible to livestock. Salix spp. are rare (poor condition) to absent upstream of 

the exclosures. Salix spp. occur downstream from the exclosure to the confluence with Stump 

Creek; this reach has poor bank conditions, greater sedimentation in the channel, and a weedier 

understory. Artemisia tridentata vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis covers most of the exclosure south of 

the generally narrow riparian zone, with abundant Potentilla fruticosa along the ecotone. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 1 5 

Carex utriculata 1 5 

Carex lanuginosa 1 5 

Carex nebraskensis 1 5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

118 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
THOMAS FORK VALLEY CDC Site # 172 

County: Bear Lake 

Location: The Thomas Fork Valley is approximately 18 miles east of Montpelier, Idaho along U.S. 

Hwy 30 near Border Junction, Wyoming. The site lies immediately north of U.S. Hwy 30 as it 

crosses the Thomas Fork Valley, just upstream of the confluence of the Thomas Fork and Bear 

River. 

Size (acres): 2,110 Elevation Range (feet): 6,050 - 6,070 

Site Description: The site is largely covered by a mosaic of native graminoid communities that are 

distributed along micro-hydrological gradients across the lower Thomas Fork Valley. These 

communities cover nearly approximately square miles. Scirpus acutus, Typha latifolia, Carex 

utriculata, and Eleocharis palustris communities occur in old stream channels that range from nearly 

dry soil surface to having two feet of standing water. The remaining communities occur on level 

alluvial terraces that in August 1996 had dry soil surface. Extensive areas of Deschampsia 

cespitosa occur on the eastern half of the site. The highest terraces are dominated by an odd 

mixture of Artemisia arbuscula, A. cana, A. tripartita, and a small amount of A. tridentata occurring 

on the relatively fine textured alluvium. These small areas do not fit existing classifications. Another 

odd cover type, also small in area, is dominated by Atriplex nuttallii and Sporobolus airoides. The 

Thomas Fork meanders at a sluggish rate from N to S through the site. This relatively wide, deep 

creek has thick beds of Potamogeton in its channel. Bordering the creek are (remnant) stands of 

mostly Salix exigua and some S. boothii. Portions of the Deschampsia community are hayed and a 

small area near the SW corner was recently plowed. Some areas have been seeded to Bromus 

inermis and Alopecurus pratense. Otherwise, much of the site is native and has seen little livestock 

grazing in the recent past. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 200 

Deschampsia cespitosa 200 

Distichlis stricta 50 

Hordeum jubatum 1 00 

Carex simulata 1 00 

Eleocharis palustris 1 00 

Scirpus acutus 20 

Typha latifolia 20 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis 5 

Land Manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

TRAIL CREEK, TETON COUNTY CDC Site # 339 

County: Teton 

Location: From Victor travel approximately four miles southeast on U.S. Hwy 33 to Mike Harris 

Campground. 

Size (acres): 55 Elevation Range (feet): 6,500- 6660 

Site Description: The Trail Creek site consists of an extensive, nearly closed-canopy shrub carr. 

Vegetation includes the Carex utriculata community type and closed shrubs with co-dominance by 

Salix boothii and Salix geyeriana. Wetter sites within the carr have the Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

community type, drier sites the Salix boothii/Poa pratensis community type. Ephemeral rivulets run 

through the carr, and portions of thick carr are saturated for long periods and have a barren 

understory. Drier, more open margins may be influenced by grazing; however, the Salix 

boothii/Mesic forb community type present in parts of the margins is not overly weedy. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 119 
Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 1 5 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic forb 1 5 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

WEST FORK MINK CREEK 

County: Bannock 

CDC Site # 276 

Location: West Fork Mink Creek is located seven miles south of Pocatello, Idaho approximately 

midway up the West Fork Mink Creek drainage, a tributary of the Portneuf River. 

Size (acres): 640 Elevation Range (feet): 5,600- 7,000 

Site Description: West Fork Mink Creek site is divided into two units with a buffer strip between 

the two along the old road/trail that heads up the creek. The two units are quite different and the 

site features a variety of vegetative cover types including Pseudotsuga menziesii and Populus 

tremuloides forests on north-facing slopes and sagebrush-grass types on south-facing slopes. The 

upper slopes of Slate Mountain have a thin soil mantle with many exposed shale outcrops and 

support a predominantly Artemisia arbuscula nova-Poa secunda association. approximately 10 

percent of the upper slopes have a Juniperus osteosperma cover. The lower xeric slopes support 

the Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Eiymus cinereus association and a variety of shrub species. 

The western portion of the site is predominantly timbered with Pseudotsuga menziesii and Populus 

tremuloides, with several small dry meadow-like openings. West Fork Mink Creek is formed by 

numerous springs which emerge approximately 0.5 mile above the site. Four riparian communities 

occur along the creek. At least two small stands of Carex amplifolia are present on seeps that 

emerge at the base of slopes and on stream terraces above high water. A small stand of Salix 

boothii/Carex utriculata occurs on a seepy bench near the upper boundary of the site. The 

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Cornus stolonifera community occurs along approximately 0. 75 mile of the 

stream through the upper end of the site and approximately 0.25 mile of a lower tributary stream. 

Stream gradients are approximately 10 percent through the P. menziesii community. Downstream 

of where two side tributaries enter West Fork Mink Creek, stream gradient lessens and the Betula 

occidentalis/Mesic forb community occupies the stream bottom and extends downstream of the 

site boundary. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Cornus stolonifera 1 5 

Artemisia tridentata tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 40 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 3 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 1 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

120 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 

.·.:· 

•',•'., 
OWYHEE UPLANDS SECTION (342C) 

45 RANCH CDC Site # 373 

County: Owyhee 

Location: 45 Ranch is located along the South Fork Owyhee River, just downstream of the South 

Fork Owyhee River and Little Owyhee River confluence; approximately 54 miles west of the 

highway on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. 

Size (acres): 240 Elevation Range (feet): 4,330 - 4,904 

Site Description: The 45 Ranch inholding is a wide spot in the South Fork Owyhee River Canyon 

surrounded by BLM land. During the summer, the South Fork is a wide, relatively shallow, 

slow-moving river through this stretch of canyon. It makes a big sweep through the 45 Ranch after 

exiting through the steep-walled canyon upstream. The valley is approximately 2,500 feet wide and 

most of the river terrace is cultivated for hay. A narrow riparian zone borders the river and 

Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis occurs on the slopes. The channel of the Little Owyhee River 

(which flows only during flood events) has a beaver pond at its mouth and ephemeral wash 

vegetation above. The beaver pond and the South Fork have extensive aquatic beds in them, 

mostly Ranunculus aquatilis, Potamogeton pectinatus, P. nodosus, and Sparganium emersum. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia tridentata tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 5 

Scirpus pungens 1 0 

Artemisia ludoviciana 5 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: TNC Preserve 

CAMAS CREEK 

County: Blaine and Camas 

CDC Site# 51 

Location: Camas Creek lies on the Camas Prairie area north of the Bennett Hills, approximately nine 

miles west of Fairfield, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 100 Elevation Range (feet): 4,840- 4,940 

Site Description: Camas Creek represents riparian and aquatic habitats of the Camas Prairie area. 

The site is primarily a canyon with an incised stream, canyon walls, and riparian vegetation. The 

principal feature of the area is Camas Creek, which is a fourth order stream with a slight gradient, 

fed by springs from the side. Beaver activity in the stream has resulted in large pools. The riparian 

zone is dominated by Salix exigua with lesser amounts of S. lutea and Cornus stolonifera. 

Eleocharis palustris community type is present, with small amounts of Scirpus americanus occurring 

on cobble and sand bars. Patches of Equisetum sp. are also present. In addition to aquatic and 

riparian habitats, several sagebrush types are also present. Upland types are dominated by 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana and A. tridentata ssp. tridentata, with Agropyron spicatum and 

Festuca idahoensis dominant in the understory. The Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Agropyron 

spicatum habitat type is well developed on the south-facing slope; the Artemisia tridentata ssp. 

vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis habitat type is best represented on north-facing slopes. The Artemisia 

tridentata ssp. tridentata/Agropyron spicatum habitat type is found along the bottom of the canyon 

and contains very large sagebrush. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Cornus stolonifera 2 

Salix exigua/Barren 5 

Eleocharis palustris 1 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 121 
Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

COTTONWOOD CREEK CDC Site# 69 

County: Owyhee 

Location: Cottonwood Creek is a tributary of Big Jacks Creek and lies approximately 30 miles 

·south-southwest of Bruneau, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 346 Elevation Range (feet): 4,600- 5,380 

Site Description: Cottonwood Creek consists of a narrow canyon which begins below the falls at 

the southern end of the RNA and extends downstream for approximately 2 + miles to the 

confluence of Cottonwood Creek with Big Jacks Creek. Canyon sides are mostly steep-walled with 

some colluvial slopes covered with Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Festuca idahoensis 

community type. Cottonwood Creek lies in a narrow canyon bottom and is largely spring-fed, 

although flash floods do occur. The stream channel is 3-5 feet wide. Redband trout 

(Onchorhynchus my kiss gairdneri) were present in 1997. Corn us stolonifera thoroughly fills the 

canyon bottom floodplain in nearly impenetrable thickets. A few small terraces, generally above the 

floodplain, are occupied by tall, dense stands of Prunus virginiana. The waterfall is approximately 

40 feet tall and free falls from a ledge into a plunge pool. Thick riparian vegetation and steep 

canyon walls prevent livestock from grazing the site. Interesting floating mats of Mantia chamissoi 

occur in small eddies along the channel and indicate stable flows. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Prunus virginiana 1 5 

Cornus stolonifera 40 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

HILL CITY MARSH CDC Site # 122 

County: Camas and Elmore 

Location: The site is approximately ten miles west-southwest of Fairfield, Idaho on the Camas 

Prairie. 

Size (acres): 4,000 Elevation Range (feet): 5,050 - 5,100 

Site Description: Hill City Marsh is a nearly flat prairie basin in a high desert valley at the base of 

the Bennett Hills. Camas Creek forms a channel near the west end of the site, and wet meadows 

are dominated by Carex nebraskensis, Carex praegracilis, and Juncus balticus. Deschampsia 

cespitosa and Poa juncifolia are locally dominant. Willows occur irregularly on Camas Creek as they 

have been eliminated by grazing. Much of the prairie bordering the mid-section of the site has been 

converted to agriculture land. Downstream, the Camas Creek channel is barely discernible, and 

water flows over the entire prairie to create a shallow water marsh. The marsh is dominated by 

Juncus balticus and Eleocharis palustris with lesser amounts of Carex nebraskensis. Areas of 

slightly raised topography which drawdown early in the growing season have grasslands dominated 

by Distichlis spicata and Elymus cinereus and shrublands dominated by Artemisia cana. Vernal pools 

are also present witt-: the annuals Psilocarphus brevissimus, Naverretia breweri, and Polygonum 

polygaloides. Camas Creek once again forms a channel at the northeast end of the site. Uplands are 

dominated by Artemisia tridentata, Purshia tridentata, and Chrysothamnus nauseosus. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia cana/Festuca idahoensis 20 

Elymus cinereus 20 

122 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Deschampsia cespitosa 

Distichlis stricta 

Carex nebraskensis 

Carex praegracilis 

Carex simulata 

Eleocharis palustris 

Juncus balticus 

Polygonum amphibium 

Typha latifolia 

30 

10 

1000 

20 

50 

500 

1000 

50 

200 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Private 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

JUMP CREEK CANYON CDC Site # 132 

County: Owyhee 

Location: Jump Creek Canyon lies along the northern slope of the Owyhee Mountains, 

approximately seven miles southwest of Marsing, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 612 Elevation Range (feet): 2,600 - 3,905 

Site Description: Jump Creek Canyon consists of a steep, narrow canyon with several undisturbed 

riparian and aquatic communities and an upland sagebrush community occurring in isolated pockets 

on the otherwise vertical canyonsides. At the uppermost limit of the canyon there is no perennial 

flow in the creek; however, considerable spring or flash flooding takes place. Riparian vegetation 

here is sparse, consisting mostly of tall forbs and mesic-site grasses. Ephemeral pools and deep, 

isolated perennial pools are common. Downstream from this area numerous springs discharge along 

a quarter-mile stretch of creek. Below the springs, the water flow in Jump Creek is constant to the 

lower boundary of the site at Jump Creek Falls. A very dense, shrubby community occurs along the 

stream dominated by Philadelphus lewisii. Lesser amounts of Cornus stolonifera also occur in the 

stands. Below this area the canyon narrows and the stream flows over a series of cataracts. As the 

stream widens again, two riparian communities dominated by Betula occidentalis occur: one with a 

gallery of Betula and a sparse understory of Phildelphus lewisii along the creek, the second 

community occurs on stream terraces and has a mixed forb understory. Salix lasiolepis occurs as 

dense stands near the upper limit of permanent water and in the ephemeral section. Stands of 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Agropyron spicatum occur in pockets on the canyon walls. 

Redband trout occurs in several populations throughout the length of the perennial-flowing creek 

and in some of the permanent pools upstream. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 1 0 

Philadelphus lewisii 30 

Betula occidentalis/Philadelphus lewisii 50 

Salix lasiolepis 1 0 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

LITTLE JACKS CREEK 

County: Owyhee 

CDC Site # 145 

Location: Little Jacks Creek is approximately 23 miles southwest of Bruneau, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,921 Elevation Range (feet): 4,060- 5,280 

Site Description: The site encompasses part of the Owyhee Plateau and a segment of the very 

steep, deep Little Jacks Creek canyon, as well as lower Rattlesnake Creek. The site contains 

·undisturbed examples of several major sagebrush-steppe habitat types, the most extensive being: 

Artemisia arbuscula/Agropyron spicatum, Artemisia arbuscula/Poa secunda, and Artemisia 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 123 
tridentata spp. wyomingensis/Agropyron spicatum. Extensive stand of dense riparian vegetation 

dominate the Little Jacks Creek stream bottom, mostly Salix lasiolepis, with some Cornus 

stolonifera at the upstream end. Stream terraces above the high water are dominated by Prunus 

virginiana/Eiymus glaucus stands. Rattlesnake Creek is an ephemeral drainage. Rhyolite cliff bands, 

boulderfields and talus occur on the canyon slopes. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Salix lasiolepis 40 

Prunus virginiana/Eiymus glaucus 1 0 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

MAHONEY FLAT 

County: Blaine 

CDC Site # 226 

Location: Mahoney Flat is approximately 23 air miles east of Fairfield, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 554 Elevation Range (feet): 4,802 - 4,900 

Site Description: Mahoney Flat includes a 2.5 mile reach of the Big Wood River just upstream of 

Magic Reservoir. The broad floodplain is occupied by stands of Populus trichocarpa/Cornus sericea 

and Salix lasiandra/Cornus sericea. Where the valley narrows well established channel bars have the 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid community type with local dominance by Salix lutea. The stream 

channel has recently deposited cobble/sand bars and islands with scattered graminoids and some 

cottonwood and willow establishment. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus trichocarpa/Cornus stolonifera 68 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 30 

Salix lutea/Carex utriculata 30 

Populus trichocarpa/Recent alluvial bar 1 0 

Salix lasiandra/Cornus stolonifera 30 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Idaho Transportation Department; Bureau of 

Land Management; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

PLEASANT VALLEY TABLE CDC Site # 1 594 

County: Owyhee 

Location: Pleasant Valley Table lies along the North Fork Owyhee River, between South Mountain 

and Juniper Mountain, approximately 30 miles southeast of Jordan Valley, Oregon. 

Size (acres): 1 ,467 Elevation Range (feet): 5,300 - 5,650 

Site Description: Pleasant Valley Table contains communities dominated by Artemisia papposa, A. 

cana, and A. arbuscula. The patterned ground or "biscuit and swale" topography creates poorly 

drained areas with thin soil over bedrock (swales) between deep soil mounds (biscuits). The 

Artemisia papposa community occurs in swales where there is little soil, and water perches on the 

bedrock in the spring or during the summer rains and drains via ephemeral, low-gradient stream 

channels across the table. Poa secunda is one of the few species associated with A. papposa in 

this community. The Artemisia cana/dry graminoid community occurs in areas where a relatively 

deep, fine-textured soil has been deposited along the stream courses and the water table is high 

during certain times of the year. Artemisia arbuscula occurs with Festuca idahoensis on mounds 

where the soil is deep and well-drained. The current site boundaries include a segment of the North 

Fork Owyhee River adjacent to Pleasant Valley Table and slopes north of the river that are 

124 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
dominated by Juniperus occidentalis. The juniper stands have not been inventoried in any detail. 

Salix lasiandra is the dominant species along the river segment, with Salix geyeriana becoming 

common on the downstream end. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix lasiandra/Cornus stolonifera Undetermined 

Artemisia papposa 

Danthonia californica 

Artemisia cana/Dry graminoid 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

SILVER CREEK 

County: Blaine 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site# 215 

Location: Silver Creek is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Sun Valley. Access to the 

area is by an unnamed county road that crosses State Route 68 two miles south of Gannett. 

Size (acres): 15,764 Elevation Range (feet): 4,820- 5,000 

Site Description: Silver Creek lies in a broad agricultural valley at the base of the Picabo Hills. The 

site encompasses the headwaters of Silver Creek, a renowned fly fishing stream containing rainbow 

trout. Silver Creek is in what was formerly a sagebrush-grass zone. Agricultural use dating back 

several decades has altered the native vegetation. A large portion of the valley is planted in barley 

and alfalfa. Artemisia tridentata and Artemisia tripartita dominate several areas of higher gound and 

adjacent hillsides. Emergent wetlands containing bulrush, cattail, and sedges alternate along stream 

channels with willows and birch. Potentilla fruticosa shrublands and sedge-dominated grasslands 

(dominated by Carex simulata, Carex praegricilis, and Carex cusickii) are present in spring fed 

meadows which have not been converted to agricultural use. Aspen stands are present as swamps 

on what may formerly have been spring heads. Thickets of wild rose are of occasional occurrence 

on drier ground on the valley floor. A large wetland complex is present near the confluence of 

Stalker Creek and Patton Creek. The complex includes open water, emergent wetlands dominated 

by Scirpus acutus and Typha latifolia, and seeps dominated by Eleocharis rostellata, Spartina 

gracilis, and Potentilla fruticosa with significant amounts of Poa juncifolia. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Populus tremuloides/Cornus stolonifera 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Eiymus cinereus 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 

Betula occidentalis/Mesic forb 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 

Phalaris arundinacea 

Carex utriculata 

Spartina gracilis 

Deschampsia cespitosa 

Carex buxbaumii 

Carex lanuginosa 

Carex nebraskensis 

Carex simulata 

Juncus balticus 

Typha latifolia 

Scirpus validus 

Eleocharis rostellata 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy; Private 

Designation: TNC Preserve 

43 

10 

60 

50 

50 

300 

200 

5 

50 

30 

10 

200 

30 

300 

200 

200 

5 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 125 
THE TULES CDC Site # 258 

County: Owyhee 

Location: The Tules site lies on the Owyhee Plateau in the southwest corner of Idaho, 

approximately six miles northwest of Duck Valley Indian Reservation. 

Size (acres): 113 Elevation Range (feet): 4, 700- 5,100 

Site Description: The Tules is an abandoned meander of the Owyhee River in an area where the 

river is incised approximately 300 feet into the Owyhee Plateau. The area contains a diversity of 

wetland and upland communities, although the upland communities are limited in extent because of 

the steep canyon walls. Most of the colluvial cones are dominated by Artemisia tridentata 

wyomingensis/Festuca idahoensis, although a small, sandy terrace at the north end has a nice 

stand of A. tridentata tridentata/Stipa comata. Sedimentation into the abandoned meander has 

resulted in an extensive wetland system. Salix exigua dominates the areas proximate to 1he river, 

while Scirpus acutus dominates most of the rest of the meander. Small areas of Carex utriculata 

and C. sheldonii occur along the western edge. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 14 

Carex utriculata 1 

Scirpus acutus 1 7 

Carex sheldonii 5 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

TNC TRACT -SNAKE RIVER BIRDS OF PREY CDC Site# 378 

County: Ada 

Location: approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Sinker Butte; approximately 0.5 mile north of the 

mouth of Sinker Creek; on the east side of the Snake River, between river mile 459 and 460. 

Size (acres): 70 Elevation Range (feet): 2320 

Site Description: The TNC Tract is a river terrace adjacent to the dam pool behind Swan Falls Dam 

in the Snake River canyon. The shoreline is meandering and creates embayments largely dominated 

by Scirpus acutus. Most of the terrace is habitat for the Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichilis stricta 

community. Extensive stands of Salix exigua/Barren occur along the river edge. Adjacent canyon 

slopes are dominated by Atriplex confertifolia communities. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix exigua/Barren 5 

Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Distichlis stricta 30 

Scirpus acutus 1 0 

Land Manager: The Nature Conservancy 

Designation: TNC Preserve 

TRIPLET BUTTE 

County: Owyhee 

CDC Site # 256 

Location: Triplet Butte lies along the West Fork Bruneau River 1.5 miles north of the Idaho/Nevada 

border, approximately 45 air miles southeast of Grasmere, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 372 Elevation Range (feet): 4,660 - 6,013 

Site Description: Triplet Butte consists of Triplet Butte and the canyonsides extending from the 

butte and ridges to the north and south down to the river. The area contains undisturbed examples 

126 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
of several shrubland types. The Artemisia arbuscula/Agropyron spicatum type is found on the 

summit plateau. Artemisia arbuscula also occurs on the northeast slope of the butte, but with an 

understory dominated by Festuca idahoensis. Lower east-facing slopes are occupied by the 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Agropyron spicatum type. Artemisia tridentata ssp. 

vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis is scattered among pockets of deeper soils on the east- and 

northeast-facing slopes of the butte. A large stand of Juniperus occidentalis occurs on the east 

face of the butte and in small areas below the east rim of the butte. A narrow riparian zone occurs 

along the Bruneau River. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres}: 

Cornus stolonifera 

Salix exigua/Mesic graminoid 

Juniperus scopulorum/Mesic forb 

Undetermined 

5 

5 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

YP LAKE BED CDC Site# 371 

County: Owyhee 

Location: Approximately 5.0 air miles northeast of "45" Ranch, on the YP Desert (Owyhee Plateau); 

approximately 35 miles west of Riddle, Idaho. 

Size (acres}: 200 Elevation Range (feet): 5,181 

Site Description: Large vernal lake on a volcanic plateau. The lake bed is an obvious depression, 

and surrounded by Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Festuca idahoensis community raised roughly 

3 to 5 feet above the lake bed. The largest and wetter area is covered with the Eleocharis palustris 

vernal pool community. The eastern side of the depression is drier and contains the Artemisia 

cana/Muhlenbergia richardsonis community type. The lake bed was dry and hard (hard enough to 

drive on) during the July 1997 visit. The lake bed may flood to as much as 0.5 m deep during some 

springs, at which time a rich avifauna visits the lake during migration. A peregrine falcon was 

observed at this site during the spring of 1993, hunting the abundant shorebirds. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia cana/Muhlenbergia richardsonis 37 

Eleocharis palustris vernal pool 1 60 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Unprotected 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 127 
PALOUSE PRAIRIE SECTION (331A) 

CAPTAIN JOHN CREEK CDC Site# 1274 

County: Nez Perce 

Location: Captain John Creek is located approximately 16 miles southeast of Lewiston, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1,361 Elevation Range (feet): 3,000- 4,400 

Site Description: Captain John Creek is located in the Snake River drainage within the upper 

reaches of Captain John Creek. The area is very steep and rugged. Basalt rock outcrops and cliffs 

occur throughout the area. The soils are formed in loess, weathering basalt, and volcanic ash. 

Grasslands occur primarily on south and west aspects, while timbered areas occur on north and 

east aspects. Plant communities primarily include Pseudotsuga menziesii, Agropyron spicatum, 

Festuca idahoensis, and riparian habitats. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Alnus rhombifolia/Betula occidentalis 5 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 5 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

LOWER AND MIDDLE COTTONWOOD ISLANDS CDC Site # 1270 

County: Nez Perce 

Location: Lower and Middle Cottonwood Islands site is located approximately 19 air miles 

east-northeast of Lewiston, Idaho in the Clearwater River. 

Size (acres): 14 Elevation Range (feet): 840 

Site Description: Lower and Middle Cottonwood Islands consists of two islands in the Clearwater 

River. Flow in this portion of the river is affected by a single dam on the North Fork of the 

Clearwater River, 25 miles upstream. The North Fork drains roughly 30 percent of the Clearwater 

basin upriver of the area. Because most of the flow within the basin is uncontrolled, "normal" 

spring flooding still occurs to some degree. The islands contain the following plant communities: 1) 

Salix exigua occurring on the extensive cobble bars that dominate the upstream sides of both 

islands; this zone experiences the highest frequency and longest duration of flooding resulting in a 

bare cobble substrate. 2) Chrysopsis villosa - occurring above the Salix zone on cobble bars with 

sand in the interstices; Lupinus lepidus is co-dominant in the upper half of this zone. 3) Artemisia 

ludoviciana - occurring only on the middle island, this community is restricted to sand deposits 

below high water. 4) Populus trichocarpa/Festuca idahoensis - occupying most of the middle island 

on the highest surface above the water; distinguished by the presence of mature deciduous trees. 

5) Pinus ponderosa/Agropyron spicatum - occupying the most elevated surface of either island; the 

substrate is sandy soil with exposed cobble in some places; pines of sapling to 40 feet tall. The 

area also provides valuable nesting habitat for geese and ducks and wintering habitat for bald 

eagles. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix exigua/Barren 2 

Populus trichocarpa/Festuca idahoensis 4 

Chrysopsis villosa 8 

Artemisia ludoviciana 0.5 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management 

Designation: Research Natural Area; Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

128 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
SNAKE RIVER BASALTS (342D) 

STERLING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA CDC Site # 454 

County: Bingham 

Location: Sterling is located in Bingham County just east of Aberdeen, Idaho along the northwest 

shore of American Falls Reservoir. The WMA consists of three separate blocks. 

Size (acres): 132 Elevation Range (feet): 4,370 - 4,385 

Site Description: The WMA encompasses a wetland complex bounded by farmland under cultivation 

or in pasture. These wetlands receive water from natural runoff and springs, as well as from 

irrigation runoff and canal seepage. The landscape is very gently rolling volcanic plains with little 

surface water connection between many of the wetland complexes. Approximately 138 acres of 

wetland and open water habitat exist on the site. Scirpus acutus and Typha latifolia communities 

comprise most of the wetlands. Small, but significant areas of the Juncus balticus and Distichilis 

stricta communities also occur in the area. Very small stands of the Carex nebraskensis and C. 

praegracilis communities occur on the mesic fringes of the wetlands. Of special interest is the 

occurrence of the Allenrolfea occidentalis community. A rather large, barren area on the Orth 

Segment (northeast corner of the site) has a salt-encrusted soil surface and very low plant cover. 

Allenrolfea is one of nine chenopods present and, along with Salicornia rubra, one of the only 

species with significant cover. The discovery of Allenrolfea occidentalis at Sterling in 1997 was the 

first in Idaho. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Distichlis stricta 1 5 

Carex nebraskensis 5 

Carex praegracilis 

Juncus balticus 

Scirpus acutus 

Typha latifolia 

1 

20 

1 

5 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

BIG LOST RIVER SINKS CDC Site # 375 

County: Butte 

Location: Located within the INEEL, a restricted access area. The northern edge of the Sinks are 

located approximately one mile south of U.S. Hwy 22, approximately seven and a half miles east 

of Howe, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 920 Elevation Range (feet): 4, 790 

Site Description: Big Lost River Sinks is an extensive depression feature in an area of generally 

minor topographic relief supporting a mosaic of graminoid-dominated wetland communities. The 

two main community types are Eleocharis palustris, best expressed in areas that are wet (standing 

water, or saturated to super-saturated soils), and the Agropyron smithii community. There are 

generally sharp demarcations between the wetland and upland vegetation. The adjacent uplands 

support Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis vegetation. The main channel of the Big Lost River 

along with a system of secondary channels course through the Sink. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Agropyron smithii 200 

Eleocharis palustris vernal pool 50 

Land Manager: Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory 

Designation: Unprotected 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 129 
CANYON CREEK, MADISON COUNTY CDC Site # 340 

County: Madison 

Location: From Sugar City, travel approximately 16 miles on State Hwy 33 to Pincock Hot Springs 

Road (Canyon Creek Road). Site begins in canyon approximately 0. 75 mile upstream (south) of 

State Hwy 33. 

Size (acres): 66 Elevation Range (feet): 5, 720- 5, 780 

Site Description: The site contains a high-gradient channel with the Salix lasiandra and S. exigua 

community types occurring in the broader valley at the head of the canyon. Downstream, the 

canyon narrows and the Comus sericea/barren community type most commonly lines the channel 

banks. Patches of the Alnus incana/Comus sericea and Juniperus scopulorum/C. sericea community 

types also occur on the mid-canyon reach; Comus sericea is the most expansive type. At the 

downstream end of the site, the canyon becomes very steep and consists of shear basalt walls. 

Vegetation here is dominated by the Comus sericea community type with a narrow band of Prunus 

virginiana upslope. Ephemeral side channels have Elymus cinereus and Juniperus 

scopulorum/Comus sericea community types; Eleocharis palustris occurs on recently deposited 

bars. The Artemisia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum community type with abundant Bromus 

tectorum and scattered Juniperus scopulorum occurs on gently sloping canyon walls. The uplands 

have been partially converted to agriculture, but historically were likely vegetated with Populus 

tremuloides and Artemisia tridentata community types. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Juniperus scopulorum/Cornus stolonifera 7 

Alnus incana/Cornus stolonifera 6 

Cornus stolonifera 

Salix exigua/Barren 

Elymus cinereus 

Eleocharis palustris 

20 

6 

3 

1 

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management; Idaho Department of Lands; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

FOX CREEK/FOSTER SLOUGH CDC Site # 125 

County: Teton 

Location: From Driggs travel 5.5 miles south on State Hwy 33 to Chapin; then travel west 3.6 

miles on Chapin Road. Follow Idaho Department of Fish and Game access signs to the parking area. 

Size (acres): Elevation Range (feet): 6,000 - 6,010 

Site Description: Fox Creek/Foster Slough site is a wetland complex that includes the confluence of 

Foster Slough and Fox Creek and the confluence of Fox Creek and the Teton River. The wettest 

sites support the Carex utriculata community type, with Carex nebraskensis along its margins. In 

drier swales, Carex nebraskensis forms its own community. The Juncus balticus community type is 

in transitional zones between sedge types and drier meadows. Hummocks are dominated by Poa 

pratensis and Phleum pratense. Open willow carrs are dominated by the Salix geyeriana/Mesic 

graminoid community type. Wetter carrs have the Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata community type, 

and the willow canopy is nearly closed. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid Undetermined 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Carex nebraskensis 

Juncus balticus 

130 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

LOWER LITTLE WOOD RIVER CDC Site # 223 

County: Lincoln 

Location: The Lower Little Wood River is south of Carey, Idaho. From Carey travel south on Hwy 

93. Preacher Bridge Access Area is approximately 12 miles south of Carey and Bear Track/Williams 

Access Area is approximately 14 miles south of Carey. 

Size (acres): 667 Elevation Range (feet): 4,505 - 4,600 

Site Description: The Little Wood River creates a shallow canyon in the lava beds south of Carey. 

Uplands have a significant amount of soil development overlying the lava flows with Artemisiadominated shrub types. The transition to the riparian zone is sometimes gradual with patches of 

Elymus cinereus. More often the transition is abrupt and the Little Wood River is confined to a 

moderately wide channel with riparian vegetation limited to a narrow fringe dominated by graminoid 

species and occasional shrubs (Betula occidental is and Salix spp.). Shrub vegetation is best 

developed at the south end of the site where the channel is less confined. Some vernal pools are 

present within the site with Artemisia cana and the annuals Psilocarphus brevissimus, Polygonum 

polygaloides, and Langloisia setosissima. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Phalaris arundinacea 1 0 

Carex utriculata 2 

Carex aquatilis 2 

Carex lanuginosa 2 

Carex praegracilis 2 

Juncus balticus 2 

Scirpus validus 2 

Salix exigua/Rosa woodsii 5 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

TETON CREEK MITIGATION SITE CDC Site # 1976 

County: Teton 

Location: Approximately 2.8 air miles southwest of Driggs, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 35 Elevation Range (feet): 6,015 

Site Description: Site includes an exclosure along Teton Creek which has been heavily grazed in the 

past. Teton Creek is a highly sinuous, moderately wide, low-gradient stream. Salix spp. including S. 

exigua ssp. melanopsis, S. boothii, S. geyeriana, and S. lasiandra create a closed canopy with a 

mesic graminoid understory. Dry benches are composed of mesic graminoids with a significant 

amount of Cirsium arvense and Smilacina stellata. Ephemeral side channels have Carex utriculata. 

Patches of Crataegus douglasii/Rosa woodsii are located along the main channel. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Crataegus douglasii/Rosa woodsii 4 

Salix exigua/Barren 4 

Land Manager: Private 

Designation: Private Conservation Lands 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 131 
TETON CREEK/BATES BRIDGE CDC Site# 25 

County: Teton 

Location: Approximately three and a half air miles southwest of Driggs, Idaho. Bates Bridge is near 

the confluence of Teton Creek and the Teton River. 

Size (acres): 19 Elevation Range (feet): 6,000 

Site Description: Floodplain of the Teton River with the Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata community 

type present. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata 5 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

Designation: Wildlife Refuge I Management Area 

WOODS CREEK FEN CDC Site# 311 

County: Teton 

Location: In the Teton Basin along Woods Creek, the site is 1 .0 to 2.8 miles due west of the 

intersection of Bates Road with State Route 33 in downtown Driggs, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 1 ,241 Elevation Range (feet): 6,000 - 6,070 

Site Description: Woods Creek Fen is a complex mosaic of wetland communities. Community types 

in saturated areas include Carex buxbaumii, C. simulata, C. utriculata, Eleocharis rostellata, and 

Betula glandulosa/Carex simulata. The Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa community type 

occurs in slightly drier sites. The Salix geyeriana/Deschampsia cespitosa and Salix geyeriana/Carex 

utriculata community types are present along larger channels. Drier benches support the Poa 

pratensis community type and patches of Populus tremuloides with an understory dominated by 

Rosa woodsii and Poa pratensis. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Potentilla fruticosa/Deschampsia cespitosa 248 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata 37 

Salix geyeriana/Deschampsia cespitosa 62 

Carex utriculata 12 

Deschampsia cespitosa 12 

Carex buxbaumii 12 

Carex simulata 1 2 

Betula glandulosa/Carex simulata 600 

Eleocharis rostellata 1 

Land Manager: Private 

Designation: Private Conservation Lands 

132 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
YELLOWSTONE HIGHLANDS SECTION (M331A) 

ASHTON MARSH CDC Site # 337 

County: Fremont 

Location: From Ashton, Idaho travel one mile west on Road 1300 north. 

Size (acres): 437 Elevation Range (feet): 5,200 - 5,223 

Site Description: Ashton Marsh is a large, shallow water marsh with open water areas surrounded 

by dense swards of the Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus community types. Shallower ponded 

areas, which appear to draw down annually, have the Eleocharis palustris and Polygonum 

amphibium community types with Alisma plantago-aquatica locally abundant. The drier marsh 

margins have the Carex utriculata community type with small patches of Glyceria borealis. Tree-size 

Salix lasiandra occur in narrow bands in the driest parts of the marsh adjacent to ha·y meadows. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Phalaris arundinacea Undetermined 

Carex utriculata 

Eleocharis palustris 

Scirpus acutus 

Polygonum amphibium 

Typha latifolia 

Land Manager: Private 

Designation: Conservation Easement 

BIG SPRINGS-HENRYS FORK CONFLUENCE 

County: Fremont 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 835 

Location: The site is downstream from the confluence of Henrys Lake outlet and Big Springs outlet 

in Island Park, Idaho and includes land on both the north and south sides of the Henrys Fork River. 

Size (acres): 250 Elevation Range (feet): 6,380- 6,400 

Site Description: The area supports an extensive spring fed wetland complex dominated by the 

Carex utriculata community type. The Carex nebraskensis, Carex aquatilis, Carex praegracilis-Carex 

aquatilis, Carex simulata, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus balticus, and Deschampsia cespitosa 

community types are present in lesser amounts. The Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata community 

type is present along the Henrys Fork with the Salix wolfii/Carex aquatilis type away from the 

channel. Pinus contorta with a mesic graminoid understory is present on portions of the complex 

with slightly raised topography. Cicuta bulbifera population is the only one in southern Idaho, 

disjunct by over 350 miles from nearest Idaho populations. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata 25 

Salix wolfii/Carex aquatilis 5 

Carex utriculata 1 00 

Deschampsia cespitosa 12.5 

Carex aquatilis 25 

Carex buxbaumii 12.5 

Carex nebraskensis 12.5 

Carex praegracilis 1 2. 5 

Carex simulata 7.5 

Eleocharis palustris 7.5 

Juncus balticus 12.5 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 133 
BLUE SPRING CREEK CDC Site # 328 

County: Fremont 

Location: The site is in Island Park, Idaho approximately half mile north of Last Chance. 

Size (acres): 298 Elevation Range (feet): 6,160 - 6,180 

Site Description: Blue Spring Creek is a large, wet meadow complex that includes ponds influenced 

by beaver activity. A number of graminoid communities with low species diversity are present. 

Sh~llow ponds, drying late some years, have the Eleocharis palustris and Carex utriculata 

community types. Patches of Carex atherodes are also present. The Glyceria borealis community 

type is an extensive type which occurs on pond margins and is associated with seasonal 

drawdown. Shrub communities include Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata and Salix 

geyeriana/Deschampsia cespitosa. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 25 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 25 

Carex utriculata 25 

Glyceria borealis 25 

Deschampsia cespitosa 25 

Eleocharis palustris 25 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

EAST SHORE HENRYS LAKE 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site # 142 

Location: From Macks Inn, travel approximately eight miles north to Henrys Lake State Park road. 

Travel two mites east on State Park road and park at boat ramp. A nature trait along east shore 

continues for approximately one-fourth mile along the shore. Site extends an additional two and a 

half miles north along shoreline after the trail ends. 

Size (acres): 1,000 Elevation Range (feet): 6,472- 6,528 

Site Description: The area supports an extensive wetland complex along the east shore of Henrys 

Lake. Tall willow communities are dominated by Salix geyeriana with S. boothii and S. planifolia 

often present along active streams. Low willow communities include those dominated by S. wolfii 

and S. brachycarpa. The low willow occurrences are spring-fed and often adjacent to the C. 

simulata community type. A Picea glauca swamp occurs along the northern part of the east shore. 

Understories are dominated by Carex utriculata at the wettest sites with shaded microsites 

containing understories dominated by C. disperma or Equisetum arvense. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea glauca/Carex disperma 5 

Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense 1 0 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid 1 00 

Salix planifolia monica/Carex aquatilis-Carex utriculata 30 

Salix wolfii/Carex utriculata 30 

Carex utriculata 200 

Deschampsia cespitosa 1 00 

Carex nebraskensis 70 

Carex simulata 50 

Typha latifolia 50 

Picea glauca/Carex utriculata 1 0 

Land Manager: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation; Idaho Department of Lands; Bureau of 

Land Management; Private 

Designation: Area of Critical Environmental Concern; State Park 

134 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
FISH CREEK SPRINGS CDC Site # 353 

County: Fremont 

Location: From Warm River in Island Park, Idaho travel approximately five miles northeast on Fish 

Creek Road (USFS Road 082) to USFS Road 092. Continue east one and a half miles on USFS Road 

092 to Section 36. The site lies along Fish Creek and continues upstream to Fish Creek Spring. 

Size (acres): 36 Elevation Range (feet): 5, 780 - 5,980 

Site Description: Fish Creek Springs consists of a sequence of active and inactive stringer beaver 

ponds along Fish Creek and includes Otter and Fish Creek Springs. Salix species (including S. 

drummondiana, S. geyeriana, and S. bebbiana) occupy old beaver dams and the ecotone to the 

uplands. Emergent vegetation in ponds includes the Eleocharis palustris and Carex 

utriculata/community types with patches of Glyceria elata. The shrub carr is dominated by Salix 

drummondiana and has extensive areas of closed willows with standing water. Drier, more open 

areas have the Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata community type, and drawdown areas have 

the Salix drummondiana/Equisetum arvense community type. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Equisetum arvense 14 

Carex utriculata 7 

Eleocharis palustris 1 

Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata 4 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Lands 

Designation: Unprotected 

HATCHERY BUTTE CDC Site # 709 

County: Fremont 

Location: Hatchery Butte is located approximately two and a half miles southwest of Pineview, 

Idaho. 

Size (acres): 73 Elevation Range (feet): 6,350 -

Site Description: The site encompasses a volcanic cinder cone. The prominent feature of the site is 

the lake at the summit of the cone. The lake and associated wetland habitats provide nesting 

habitat for Cygnus buccinator. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

LUCKY DOG CREEK 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site # 837 

Location: approximately 4.2 air miles east-southeast of Macks Inn, Idaho and U.S. Route 20. 

Size (acres): 124 Elevation Range (feet): 6,390- 6,410 

Site Description: Approximately one-half of this moderately wide, shallow, spring-fed site is covered 

by open marsh, fen, and Carex-dominated habitats. Community types associated with the wetter 

sites (creeks, springs, and swales) are Carex lanuginosa, C. utriculata, C. buxbaumii, Nuphar 

polysepalum, and Scirpus acutus. Meadow areas are dominated by the Deschampsia cespitosa 

community type; subordinate species within this community type include Agoseris glauca on flats 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 135 
and Juncus balticus in swales. The riparian area grades into Pinus contorta with a mesic graminoid 

(Poa palustris, Poa pratensis, Fragaria sp.) understory and ultimately into forested uplands. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 12 

Deschampsia cespitosa 74 

Carex buxbaumii 3 

Carex lanuginosa 6 

Juncus balticus 6 

Scirpus acutus 1 

Nuphar polysepalum 4 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

MOSS SPRING BEAVER PONDS 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site # 336 

Location: From Ashton, Idaho travel six miles east on Warm River Road to Cave Falls Road (USFS 

Road 582). Continue east on Cave Falls Road approximately 15 miles to Moss Spring. The site lies 

along Strong Creek, westward half mile downstream of the spring and eastward to one fourth mile 

upstream of the spring. 

Size (acres): 34 Elevation Range (feet): 6,140- 6,240 

Site Description: This site along Strong Creek consists of old beaver ponds and meadows in a 

moderately wide valley bottom. Open-water areas have the Eleocharis palustris community type 

within the ponds and on pond margins. Meadows have the Glyceria borealis community type in 

drawdown zones, as well as a mosaic of the Carex utriculata and Carex simulata community types. 

As the valley narrows, the stringer riparian community Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense occurs 

with patches of Cornus stolonifera and Ribes lacustre. The westernmost ponds just downstream 

from Moss Spring have a floating mat dominated by the Carex lasiocarpa community type, which 

also occurs on more stable substrates as a mosaic with the Carex utriculata, Carex simulata, and 

Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata community types. Old beaver dams are vegetated with mesic 

forbs, including Heracleum lanatum, Rudbeckia laciniata, Aconitum columbianum, and Urtica dioica. 

One of the beaver dams may have been reinforced by humans. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense 3 

Carex utriculata 1 0 

Glyceria borealis 1 

Carex lasiocarpa 3 

Carex simulata 7 

Eleocharis palustris 1 . 7 

Salix drummondiana/Carex utriculata 3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

PUTNEY MEADOWS 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site# 324 

Location: From Ashton travel six miles east and then north on Warm River Road to Cave Falls Road 

(USFS Road 582). Continue east on Cave Falls Road approximately 17 miles to Sheep Falls Road 

(USFS Road 124). Travel two miles south on Sheep Falls Road. Park and walk west one fourth mile 

to site. 

Size (acres): 205 Elevation Range (feet): 6,340- 6,400 

136 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Site Description: Putney Meadows is an extensive graminoid-dominated wetland complex. The 

wettest sites are dominated by the Carex utriculata community type with pockets of Glyceria 

borealis community type. Ponds are most commonly open water with the emergent Eleocharis 

palustris community type. The Nuphar polysepalum community type is present in saturated areas 

with approximately twp feet of standing water. Pond margins in drawn-down areas have the 

Eleocharis acicularis community type. The wetland ecotone to the uplands includes a narrow band 

of the Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid community type with Salix geyeriana, S. lasiandra, S. 

eastwoodiae, S. drummondiana, S. bebbiana, and S. planifolia present. Carex canescens and 

Equisetum arvense dominate the understory in the willow type. Drier meadow areas have the 

Deschampsia cespitosa and Carex nebraskensis community types with increasers such as Valeriana 

edulis, Senecio hydrophilus, and Poa palustris locally dominant. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Mesic graminoid 4 

Carex utriculata 21 

Glyceria borealis 21 

Deschampsia cespitosa 82 

Carex nebraskensis 21 

Eleotharis acicularis 2 

Eleocharis palustris 1 0 

Nuphar polysepalum 41 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

ROBINSON LAKE, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK CDC Site # 836 

County: Fremont 

Location: Robinson Lake site is one mile northwest of Bechler Ranger Station in the southwestern 

corner of Yellowstone National Park. 

Size (acres): 240 Elevation Range (feet): 6,440- 6,532 

Site Description: The site consists of a complex of at least four wetlands and is the most 

floristically significant of the wetlands surveyed in Fremont and Teton counties. Community types 

within the complex are Dulichium arundinacea, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex buxbaumii, Carex rostrata, 

Eleocharis pauciflora-Carex aquatilis (Carex livid a phase), Carex limosa, Nuphar polysepalum, and 

valley peatland floating mat. Six rare plant species occur within the site. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata Undetermined 

Carex buxbaumii 

Carex lasiocarpa 

Carex limosa 

Dulichium arundinaceum 

Nuphar polysepalum 

Eleocharis pauciflora-Carex aquatilis, Carex livida 

Land Manager: National Park Service 

Designation: National Park 

STAMP MEADOWS 

County: Fremont 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

Undetermined 

CDC Site # 1966 

Location: From Macks Inn, Idaho travel 1.5 miles north to Sawtell Peak Road (FS Road 024); 

thence east on FS Road 024 for 1. 7 miles to FS Road 052. Continue South on FS Road 052 

approximately 1 .3 miles to the first of three meadows. 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 137 
Size (acres): 70 Elevation Range (feet): 6,440- 6,490 

Site Description: Stamp Meadows is a series of three spring fed meadows dominated by 

graminoids. Margins consist of the Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata and S. geyeriana/Poa palustris 

community types. These types are also present in small patches within the graminoid complex. 

Patches of Pinus contorta are also present with an exotic graminoid (Poa palustris, Phleum 

pratense) understory. The graminoid communities include Eleocharis palustris, Carex vesicaria, 

Carex aquatilis, Eleocharis acicularis, Deschampsia cespitosa, and Poa pratensis along a wet-to-dry 

gradient. The west meadow, east of the primitive road shown on the topo, is a drier site dominated 

by tall graminoids with a high cover of Calochortus eurycarpus. The area west of the primitive road 

contains numerous small to large emerging springs. The vegetation is predominantly the Poa 

pratensis community type dominated by Alopecurus pratensis, with Carex aquatilis and Carex 

vesicaria community types surrounding springs and outlets. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata 4 

Salix geyeriana/Poa palustris 7 

Deschampsia cespitosa 1 

Carex aquatilis 7 

Eleocharis acicularis 2 

Eleocharis palustris 4 

Carex vesicaria 1 0 

land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

THURMON CREEK 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site # 254 

location: Thurmon Creek is in eastern Idaho along U.S. Route 20 near Harriman State Park in 

Island Park, Idaho. 

Size (acres): 607 Elevation Range (feet): 6,145 - 6,745 

Site Description: The Thurmon Creek site is composed of a portion of the southeast slope of 

Thurmon Ridge and adjacent gently sloping land at the base of the ridge, near Harriman State Park. 

Thurmon Ridge is a low, moderately steep, southwest to northeast trending ridge, a segment of the 

Henrys Fork Caldera. Several cold springs and streams emanating from the base of the ridge are the 

main features of the site. Other features include wet sedge meadows, mainly along the streams; 

several forest types, including Populus trichocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Pinus contorta 

types; shrub types including Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana and Prunus virginiana; essential 

habitat for bald eagles, Situation 3 grizzly bear habitat, and elk in abundance. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Carex utriculata 1 8 

Carex aquatilis 1 8 

land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Research Natural Area 

TOMS CREEK/BUFFALO RIVER WETLANDS 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site# 351 

Location: From Island Park, Idaho travel two and a half miles south to Eccles Road (USFS Road 

291). Continue east on Eccles Road to the railroad bed that has been converted to a recreational 

trail. Park and walk half mile north to Toms Creek and the south boundary of site. 

Size (acres): 1,050 Elevation Range (feet): 6,280- 6,300 

138 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 

. :· ~·- ·: 
Site Description: Toms Creek/Buffalo River site is a spring-fed complex that flows into both Toms 

Creek and the Buffalo River. Wet meadows have the Eleocharis palustris, Typha latifolia, Carex 

aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Carex lanuginosa, Carex simulata, and Deschampsia cespitosa 

community types present on a wet-to-dry gradient. Parts of the Deschampsia cespitosa occurrence 

are influenced by past grazing on the west side of the trail. However, native species are present 

and reproducing so rehabilitation potential is high. Drier portions of the west meadow have been 

converted by grazing to the Poa pratensis community type with Danthonia californica, Phleum 

pratense, Poa palustris, Potentilla gracilis, Senecio serra, Achillea millefolium, and Trifolium repens 

present. The wet meadow substrate is primarily sedge peat with small areas of floating mats. 

Hummocks of moss peat are present (1 0 square meters), mostly fed by groundwater. A moderate 

Glyceria borealis community occurrence is present in the pond margins and in shallow water on 

Toms Creek. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Artemisia cana/Deschampsia cespitosa 5 

Salix geyeriana/Mesic graminoid 5 

Carex utriculata 82 

Glyceria borealis 1 

Deschampsia cespitosa 205 

Carex aquatilis 1 6 

Carex lanuginosa 41 

Carex simulata 1 64 

Eleocharis palustris 41 

Scirpus acutus 5 

Nuphar polysepalum 5 

Typha latifolia 24 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Lands; Private 

Designation: Unprotected 

WARM RIVER DAMS CDC Site # 182 

County: Fremont 

Location: From Last Chance travel two and a half miles east on Mesa Falls Road. Continue east 

12.5 miles on Eccles Road. On Fish Creek Road (USFS Rd 161) travel east for two miles to Black 

Spring Road (USFS Rd 352), then north four and a half miles to a logging road headed east. Take 

this road 0.3 miles to its end. A primitive trail on a dam crosses the site. 

Size (acres): 31 Elevation Range (feet): 6,275 - 6,280 

Site Description: Warm River Dams is a large, previously forested wetland on Warm River. An open 

dam exists perpendicular to the Warm River, creating small, open-water areas on the upstream side. 

Communities upstream of the dam include Carex lasiocarpa, Eleocharis palustris, and Carex 

utriculata, all in standing water. Hummocks are occupied by Pinus contorta saplings. Downstream 

of the dam, Warm River is very sinuous; there is current beaver activity, including a dam built in 

1995. Pinus contorta occurs with Equisetum arvense and Carex nebraskensis in areas that 

previously supported the Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis community type. Pinus contorta 

mortality indicates that recently flooded areas may revert to a mesic graminoid wetland type if the 

current water regime remains unaltered. Occasional willows and patches of Deschampsia cespitosa 

occupy the site, but do not constitute an element occurrence. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis 1 

Carex utriculata 3 

Carex lanuginosa 1 

Carex nebraskensis 1 2 

Eleocharis palustris 3 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service; Private 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 139 
Designation: Unprotected 

WARM RIVER FEN CDC Site # 326 

County: Fremont 

Location: From Hwy 20 travel approximately two and a half miles east on State Route 4 7 (Mesa 

Falls Scenic Byway) to Eccles Road. Continue east and then north approximately 12 miles total to 

USFS Road 150. Follow USFS Road 150 east and north approximately five and a half miles. Park 

and walk one eighth mile to the site. 

Size (acres): 87 Elevation Range (feet): 6,200 - 6,250 

Site Description: The site consists of a series of historic beaver ponds with an extensive floating 

mat over most of the south side. Stagnant, open-water areas have the Nuphar polysepalum and 

Typha latifolia community types present. Other aquatics include Ranunculus aquatilis, Menyanthes 

trifoliata, Potentilla palustris, Myriophyllum sp., and Sagitaria sp. The floating mat is dominated by 

the Carex lasiocarpa and Carex simulata community types. The ecotone to the uplands, the active 

channel, the north and south end of the site, and old beaver dams have the Salix geyeriana/Carex 

utriculata community type with Carex simulata, Carex canescens, and Carex lasiocarpa locally 

abundant. Drier areas of the site have the Carex utriculata community type. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Salix boothii/Carex utriculata 4 

Carex utriculata 9 

Carex lasiocarpa 26 

Carex nebraskensis 9 

Carex simulata 35 

Nuphar polysepalum 3 

Typha latifolia 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

WYOMING CREEK 

County: Fremont 

CDC Site # 345 

Location: From Ashton, Idaho travel six miles east and north on Warm River Road to Cave Falls 

Road (USFS Road 582). Continue approximately 17 miles east on Cave Falls Road to Sheep Falls 

Road (USFS Road 124). Travel three-fourth mile south on this road, and continue to where bridge 

crosses Wyoming Creek. 

Size (acres): 100 Elevation Range (feet): 6,160- 6,400 

Site Description: Wyoming Creek site is a large carr- and graminoid-dominated complex in a broad 

meadow. The carr includes the Salix geyeriana/Calamagrostis canadensis community type away 

from the channel with Salix boothii locally codominant. The Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata and 

Salix geyeriana/Carex aquatilis community types are common along banks with small occurrences 

of the Nuphar polysepalum community type in the slow-moving channel. Numerous beaver dams 

occur along the reach. The large meadow includes an expansive occurrence of the Deschampsia 

cespitosa community type in somewhat drier sites. Saturated areas are a mosaic of the Carex 

utriculata and Carex aquatilis community types. Slightly raised microsites are dominated by mesic 

graminoids with occasional Pinus contorta individuals. The graminoids include Poa palustris, 

Danthonia californica, and Phleum pratense. The valley narrows near the bridge on the west end of 

the site, and the downstream reach is dominated by Salix carr vegetation. 

Wetland and Riparian Plant Associations and Size (in acres): 

Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis Undetermined 

Salix geyeriana/Calamagrostis canadensis 7 

140 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 
Salix geyeriana/Carex aquatilis 

Salix geyeriana/Carex utriculata 

Carex utriculata 

Deschampsia cespitosa 

Carex aquatilis 

Nuphar polysepalum 

Land Manager: USDA Forest Service 

Designation: Unprotected 

20 

10 

10 

40 

10 

1 

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-20.1999 141 
,,. 

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESEARCH STATION 

The Rocky Mountain Research Station develops scientific information and technology to improve management, protection, and use of 

the forests and rangelands. Research is designed to meet the needs 

of National Forest managers, Federal and State agencies, public and 

private organizations, academic institutions, industry, and individuals. 

Studies accelerate solutions to problems involving ecosystems, 

range, forests, water, recreation, fire, resource inventory, land reclamation, community sustainability, forest engineering technology, 

multiple use economics, wildlife and fish habitat, and forest insects 

and diseases. Studies are conducted cooperatively, and applications 

may be found worldwide. 

Research Locations 

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Logan, Utah 

Ogden, Utah 

Provo, Utah 

Laramie, Wyoming 

*Station Headquarters, 240 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526 

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