Powell Butte Research 

Natural Area

Guidebook Supplement 38

Reid Schuller and Ron Halvorson

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest Service

Pacific Northwest 

Research Station

General Technical Report

PNW-GTR-773

October 2008

DEPAR TMENT OF AGRICULT URE
Authors

Reid Schuller is a plant ecologist, Western Stewardship Science Institute, P.O. 

Box 1173, Bend, OR 97709. Ron Halvorson is a botanist, U.S. Department of the 

Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District, 3050 NE 3rd Street, 

Prineville, OR 97754.

The PNW Research Station is publishing this guidebook as part of a continuing 

series of guidebooks on federal research natural areas begun in 1972.

The Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the principle of 

multiple use management of the Nation’s forest resources for sustained yields of wood, 

water, forage, wildlife, and recreation. Through forestry research, cooperation with the 

States and private forest owners, and management of the National Forests and National 

Grasslands, it strives—as directed by Congress—to provide increasingly greater service 

to a growing Nation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and 

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, 

sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic 

information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income 

is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all 

programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of 

program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET 

Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write 

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 

20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer.
Abstract

Schuller, Reid; Halvorson, Ron. 2008. Powell Butte Research Natural Area: 

guidebook supplement 38. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-773. Portland, OR: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

20 p.

This guidebook describes Powell Butte Research Natural Area, a 210-ha (520-ac) 

tract established to represent examples of the western juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho 

fescue (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis) plant 

association, the western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus 

occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant association, and 

the western juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant association.

Keywords: Research natural area, Juniperus occidentalis, western juniper, 

Artemisia tridentata, big sagebrush, Pseudoroegneria spicata, bluebunch 

wheatgrass, Festuca idahoensis, Idaho fescue, juniper woodland, sagebrush 

steppe, Northern Great Basin, Oregon High Desert.
Preface

The research natural area (RNA) described in this supplement1 is administered by 

the Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of 

the Interior.

Scientists and educators wishing to visit or use the RNA for scientific or 

educational purposes should contact the Prineville BLM field office manager in 

advance and provide information about research or educational objectives, sampling 

procedures, and other prospective activities. Research projects, educational visits, 

and collection of specimens from the RNA all require prior approval. There may 

be limitations on research or educational activities.

Powell Butte RNA is part of a federal system of such tracts established for 

research and educational purposes. Each RNA is a site where natural features are 

protected or managed for scientific purposes and natural processes are allowed to 

dominate. Their main purposes are to provide:

• Baseline areas against which effects of human activities can be measured 

or compared.

• Sites for study of natural processes in undisturbed ecosystems.

• Gene pool preserves for all types of organisms, especially rare and endangered types.

The federal system is outlined in A Directory of the Research Natural Areas on 

Federal Lands of the United States of America.2 

Of the 183 federal RNAs established in Oregon and Washington, 45 are 

described in Federal Research Natural Areas in Oregon and Washington: A Guidebook for Scientists and Educators (see footnote 1). Supplements to the guidebook 

such as this publication constitute additions to the system or comprehensive revisions of previously published guidebooks.

The guiding principle in management of RNAs is to prevent unnatural 

encroachments or activities that directly or indirectly modify ecological processes 

or conditions. Logging and uncontrolled grazing are not allowed, for example, 

nor is public use that might impair scientific or educational values. Management 

practices necessary to maintain or restore ecosystems may be allowed.

Federal RNAs provide a unique system of publicly owned and protected 

examples of undisturbed ecosystems where scientists can conduct research with 

1 Supplement to Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, C. 1972. Federal research 

natural areas in Oregon and Washington: a guidebook for scientists and educators. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and 

Range Experiment Station. 498 p.

2 Federal Committee on Ecological Reserves. 1977. A directory of the research natural 

areas on federal lands of the United States of America. Washington, DC: U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Forest Service. [Irregular pagination].
minimal interference and reasonable assurance that investments in long-term studies will not be lost to logging, land development, or similar activities. In return, a 

scientist wishing to use an RNA is obligated to:

• Obtain permission from the appropriate administering agency before using 

the area.3

• Abide by the administering agency’s regulations governing use, including 

specific limitations on the type of research, sampling methods, and other 

procedures.

• Inform the administering agency on progress of the research, published 

results, and disposition of collected materials.

The purpose of these limitations is to:

• Ensure that the scientific and educational values of the tract are not 

impaired.

• Accumulate a documented body of knowledge and information about the 

tract.

• Avoid conflict between studies and activities.

Research must be essentially nondestructive; destructive analysis of vegetation is generally not allowed, nor are studies requiring extensive modification of 

the ground surface or extensive excavation of soil. Collection of plant and animal 

specimens should be restricted to the minimum necessary to provide voucher 

specimens and other research needs. Under no circumstances may collecting 

significantly reduce populations of species. Collecting also must be carried out in 

accordance with agency regulations. Within these broad guidelines, appropriate 

uses of RNAs are determined by the administering agency.

Prineville BLM management direction is to preserve, protect, or restore native 

species composition and ecological processes of biological communities including 

terrestrial and aquatic cells4 listed in the 2003 Oregon Natural Heritage Plan. These 

RNAs are available for short- or long-term scientific study, research, and education 

and will serve as a baseline against which human impacts on natural systems can 

be measured. 

3 Six federal agencies cooperate in this program in the Pacific Northwest: U.S. Department 

of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park 

Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; U.S. Department of Energy; and 

U.S. Department of Defense.

4 Cells are the basic units that must be represented in a natural area system. A cell can 

be an ecosystem, community, habitat, or organism. Taken from Dyrness, C.T.; Franklin, 

J.f.; Maser, C.; Cook, S.A.; Hall, J.D.; Faxon, G. 1975. Research natural area needs in the 

Pacific Northwest: a contribution to land-use planning. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-38. Portland, 

OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range 

Experiment Station. 231 p.
Contents

1 Introduction

1 Access and Accommodations

2 Environment

4 Climate

4 Vegetation

9 Fauna

9 Research History

10 Disturbance History

10 Site History

11 Maps

11 Acknowledgments

11 English Equivalents

11 References

14 Appendix 1: Vascular Plants and Ferns

17 Appendix 2: Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals
Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Introduction

Powell Butte Research Natural Area (RNA) is a 210-ha (520-ac)1 tract that occupies 

southwest to southeast-facing slopes in Crook County, Oregon. Powell Butte RNA 

was established as a research natural area and as an area of critical environmental concern (ACEC) in 1989 with publication of the Brothers/LaPine Resource 

Management Plan and Record of Decision (USDI BLM 1989). This management 

designation was subsequently reaffirmed in 2005 in the Upper Deschutes Resource 

Management Plan and Record of Decision (USDI BLM 2005).

The tract supports late-seral examples of three plant associations representative of warm, dry juniper woodlands in central Oregon (Hopkins and Kovalchik 

1983, Johnson and Swanson 2005): (1) the western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) 

plant association, (2) the western juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue (Juniperus 

occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis) plant association, and the 

western juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Pseudoroegneria 

spicata) plant association. The site is located in the extreme southwest portion of 

the Blue Mountains Ecological Province in central Oregon (Oregon Natural Heritage Program 2003, USDA FS 2008, USDI BLM 1996, Dyrness et al. 1975). 

Access and Accommodations

From the intersection of U.S. highway 97 and state route 126 in Redmond, Oregon, 

proceed east for 10.8 km (6.7 mi) to Powell Butte highway. Turn south (right) 

on Powell Butte highway and proceed 4.5 km (2.8 mi) south to S. Alfalfa Road. 

Continue south on S. Alfalfa Road (also known as Johnson Market Road) for 8.7 

km (5.4 mi) to Becker (Stearns) Road. Proceed east on Becker (Stearns) Road (dirt) 

for 2.9 km (1.8 mi) to an unnamed, high-clearance seasonal road. Proceed north on 

this dirt road for 1.8 km (1.1 mi) and park. Proceed on foot from this point (fig. 1). 

Permission for public access must be obtained prior to entering the site. Inquiries should be directed to the Prineville District Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Prineville, Oregon. Lodging is available in Bend, Redmond, and 

Prineville, Oregon.

1 These data are on file at the Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District Office, and 

at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 

Corvallis, Oregon.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Environment

Elevations within the RNA range from 1080 m (3,543 ft) in the southwestern edge 

to 1380 m (4,528 ft) in the northeastern portion of the RNA. Four moderate- to 

steep-sloping canyons oriented in a south to southwest direction, extend through the 

RNA. These canyons do not support seasonal streams and lack streambed development (fig. 2). The parcel is situated on moderate to steep midslopes and lower slopes 

of Powell Butte. The long axis of the RNA extends 2.8 km (1.75 mi) in an east-west 

direction. The shorter, north-south axis ranges from 0.4 to 0.8 km (0.25 to 0.5 mi) 

in width.

The RNA occupies the southern slopes of a large, northeast-southwest trending 

diastrophic butte system. Rugged, rhyolite ridgetops and canyon walls are present 

Figure 1–Powell Butte Research Natural Area location and access.

The RNA occupies 

the southern slopes 

of a large, northeastsouthwest trending 

diastrophic butte 
Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

at higher elevations within the various canyons. Soils are residuum and ash and are 

very stoney, especially on the upper elevation slopes (Hopkins and Kovalchik 1983). 

Lower elevation slopes are composed of gravelly alluvium that commonly includes 

wind-deposited sands (USDI BLM, n.d.). Rocks are present through all horizons. 

Depth to lithic bedrock is 25 to 51 cm (10 to 20 in). Soils are well drained. The 

Anatone-Tuscor complex with 30- to 75-percent south slopes occurs over 70 percent 

of the RNA (USDA NRCS 2008). A typical soil profile includes:

0 to 8 cm (0 to 3 in) Extremely cobbly ashy loam

8 to 18 cm (3 to 7 in) Very gravelly loam

18 to 28 cm (7 to 11 in) Very cobbly loam

28 to 38 cm (11 to 15 in) Extremely cobbly clay loam

38 to 48 cm (15 to 19 in) Unweathered bedrock

Figure 2–Powell Butte Research Natural Area topography and boundary.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Climate

Climate within the RNA is continental and semiarid, modified by marine air currents from the Pacific Ocean, which provide precipitation as rain and snow. Located 

24 km (15 mi) northwest of Powell Butte, the Redmond FAA AP, Oregon (357062) 

weather station provides climate data for the 1948-2007 period that are comparable 

to the Powell Butte climate (table 1). 

In winter, precipitation is a mixture of rain and snow. Annual precipitation is 

low. Summers are dry with warm days and cool nights. Frost occurs rarely during 

the summer but may occur anytime between October and June. Fourteen percent 

of annual precipitation occurs during the 3-month dry period from July through 

September. Snowfall occurs from October through April. January receives the highest average monthly snowfall of 160 mm (6.3 in) (Western Regional Climate Center 

2008).

Vegetation

The RNA is situated along the southwestern boundary of the Blue Mountains 

physiographic province (Franklin and Dyrness 1988, USDA FS 2008). Western 

juniper is the sole tree species present within the RNA. Major shrubs include big 

sagebrush, and gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), and antelope bitterbrush 

(Purshia tridentata). Rocky, shallow-soiled areas also support small populations of 

rigid sagebrush (Artemisia rigida), and rock spirea (Holodiscus dumosus).

The herb layer is dominated by native bunchgrasses, including bluebunch 

wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), and Cusick’s bluegrass (P. cusickii). The highly invasive annual, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), is 

locally common on south-facing slopes. Although vascular plant species richness 

is moderately high for a western juniper/big sagebrush stand, only a few species 

are conspicuous (app. 1), including arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), 

spiny phlox (Phlox hoodii), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and nineleaf 

biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum). 

Table 1—Temperature and precipitation summary, 7/01/1948 to 

6/30/2007–Redmond FAA AP, Oregon (357062)

Average minimum January temperature -5.5 °C (22.1 °F)

Average maximum January temperature 5.2 °C (41.4 °F)

Average minimum July temperature 8.2 °C (46.7 °F)

Average maximum July temperature 29.7 °C (85.4 °F)

Average annual precipitation 221 mm (8.71 in)

Average July—September precipitation 32 mm (1.26 in)

Average annual snowfall 495 mm (19.5 in)


Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

The prominent plant communities present within the RNA have been described 

by Hopkins and Kovalchik (1983). Similar vegetation has been described to the 

north in the Blue and Ochoco Mountains by Johnson and Swanson (2005), and to 

the south by Volland (1985). 

Occupying roughly 128 ha (317 ac) on primarily high-elevation slopes and 

ridges in the northern portions of the site, the western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass plant association is the most prevalent of the three associations 

within the RNA (fig. 3). Generally, the lower elevation south-facing slopes support 

this type, but the distribution is patchy and alternates with more highly disturbed 

areas where western juniper is ringed by dense populations of cheatgrass. Fiftyeight hectares (143 ac) of the western juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass association is 

represented on steep, southerly aspects above 1158 m (3,800 ft) (fig. 4). The western 

juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant association (fig. 5) occurs on mesic sites, 

on protected northeast to northwest aspects totaling about 8 ha (20 ac) (USDI BLM, 

n. d.).

In 2005, four 0.1-ha circular plots were established to monitor structural and 

compositional vegetation change over time within the RNA. These plots occur on 

a variety of slope exposures within the central portions of the site (table 2). Table 3 

summarizes plot data from the ground surface. Table 4 summarizes vegetation data 

Figure 3–Plot 697, facing southwest. An example of the western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch 

wheatgrass plant association on a midslope ridge. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the principal perennial 

bunchgrass. Soils show a typically high rock and stone content.

The western juniper/big 

sagebrush/bluebunch 

wheatgrass plant 

association is the most 

prevalent of the three 

associations within the 

RNA.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Figure 4–Plot 700, facing southeast. An example of the western juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass plant 

association. Shrubs include sparse amounts of rubber rabbitbrush and big sagebrush.

Figure 5–Plot 698. An example of the western juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant association 

in mesic, northeast-facing slopes. Western juniper recruitment evident in midground. The major 

understory bunchgrass is Idaho fescue.
Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

from the herb, shrub, and tree layers within the four permanent plots. All three of 

the principal plant associations present within the Powell Butte RNA were sampled. 

These include relatively undisturbed representative examples of the western 

juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass association (plot 697), the western 

juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue association (plots 698 and 699), and the western 

juniper/bluebunch wheatgrass association (plot 700). 

Western juniper live tree density ranged from 110 to 210 trees per ha (292 

to 519 trees per ac) and averaged 145 trees per ha (358 trees per ac) in the four, 

combined plots. Small sapling2 density ranged from 0 to 30 per ha (74 per ac) and 

averaged 12.5 per ha (31 per ac). Large sapling density varied from 0 to 240 per ha 

(593 per ac) and averaged 70 per ha (173 per ac). In the combined, four-plot data set, 

4 trees had dead tops and 14 trees were standing-dead. Coarse woody debris from 

downed, dead western juniper was absent in two of the four plots and sparse in the 

other two plots. About 10 percent of the total live trees were branched below breast 

height (1.47 m).

Table 2—Physical features of four permanent plots within Powell Butte Research 

Natural Area

Plot

697 698 699 700

Elevation (m) 1150 1208 1240 1213

Aspect (°) 260 332 320 167

Slope grade (°) 3 17 16 14

Slope position Ridge Lower 1/3 Upper 1/3 Upper 1/3

Table 3—Soil, rock, litter, and microbiotic crusta cover and frequency within four permanent plots, Powell 

Butte Research Natural Area

Plot

697 698 699 700

Coverb Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

Percent

Rockc 5 32 6 39 18 79 24 89

Gravel 35 79 7 68 6 61 24 100

Bare soil 33 79 37 75 23 82 37 100

Litter 17 57 17 43 26 68 10 68

Moss 4 36 17 86 14 93 5 61

Lichen 5 61 22 68 23 86 21 93

a Taken together, moss and lichen cover make up the ground surface-dwelling microbiotic crust.

b Cover is expressed as percentage of aerial cover; frequency is expressed as percentage of occurrence within 28, 2 by 5-dm microplots. Zero values are 

not included.

c Rock = particles >8 cm, gravel = 2 mm to 8 cm, bare soil = <2 mm.

2 “Saplings” refers to two groups of small trees (a) those > 10 cm and < 1..47 m (> 4 in and 

<4.8 ft) in height but less than 5 cm (2 in) diameter at breast height and (b) those slightly 

larger small trees > 1.47 m but less than 5 cm (2 in) diameter at breast height.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Table 4–Plant association, understory coverage and frequency of four permanent plots in Powell Butte 

Research Natural Area

Plant association

JUOC/ARTR/ JUOC/ARTR/ JUOC/ARTR/

PSSP-FEIDa FEID-PSSP FEID-PSSP JUOC/PSSP

Plot 697 Plot 698 Plot 699 Plot 700 

Species Coverb Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

Percent

Shrubs 

Artemisia tridentatac 3 – – 2 – –

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 1 – 6 – 3 – –

Ericameria nauseosa 2 – – – –

Tetradymia canescens 6 – – – –

 

Grasses 

Poa secunda 5 75 7 75 8 86 8 89

Festuca idahoensis 2 7 16 79 12 75 1 7

Poa cusickii 3 25 + 4 2 25 + 4

Vulpia microstachys 3 75 2 64

Pseudoroegneria spicata 1 7 11 79

Achnatherum thurberianum 3 25

Bromus tectorum 2 14 1 14

Koeleria macrantha 1 11 1 21 

 

Herbs 

Phlox hoodii 4 46 1 11 1 18 3 39

Achillea millefolium + 7 + 4 + 7

Antennaria dimorpha 2 11 + 4

Phacelia linearis + 11 + 7 + 7

Erigeron poliospermus 1 14 + 4

Collinsia parviflora 2 75 + 18

Descurainia pinnata + 4 1 21 2 36

Phlox gracilis + 7 + 4 1 14

Holosteum umbellatum 1 4 3 46 + 7 

Lomatium triternatum + 4 + 14 + 7

Lithophragma parviflora + 4 + 11

Plectritis macrocera + 14 + 4

Crepis intermedia + 7 + 4

Idahoa scapigera + 14

Calochortus macrocarpus + 7 

Lewisia rediviva + 4

Nothocalais troximoides + 4

Astragalus conjunctus + 4

Blepharipappus scaber + 4

Nemophila parviflora 2 21 + 4

Draba verna 3 61 + 14
Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Fauna

Reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals known or expected to occur within the 

RNA are listed in appendix 2. These lists have been compiled from field observations and knowledge of species’ geographic ranges and habitat affinities (Csuti et 

al. 1997). Species on this list are likely to occur within the RNA for at least some 

portion of their life cycles.

Research History 

Research focusing on vegetation classification and synecology:

• Plant Associations of the Crooked River National Grassland (Hopkins and 

Kovalchik 1983)

Research on Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) growth and expansion:

• Topoedaphic and Morphological Complexity of Foliar Damage and 

Mortality With Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis) 

Woodlands Following an Extreme Meteorological Event (Soulé and Knapp 

2007)

• Climatic Regionalization and the Spatio-Temporal Occurrence of Extreme 

Single-Year Drought Events (1500-1998) in the Interior Pacific Northwest, 

USA (Knapp et al. 2002)

• Detecting Potential Regional Effects of Increased Atmospheric CO2 on 

Growth Rates of Western Juniper (Knapp et al. 2001a)

Gilia sinuata + 4 + 4

Eriogonum sphaerocephalum 4 68

Lomatium macrocarpum + 7

Cryptantha pterocarya + 7

Astragalus filipes +

Cryptantha affinis 1 25

Note: JUOC = Juniperus occidentalis, ARTR = Artemisia tridentata, FEID = Festuca idahoensis, PSSP = Pseudoroegneria spicata, + = trace (<0.5 

percent foliar cover), - = not recorded.

a Plant association names and acronyms follow Hopkins and Kovalchik (1983) but have been modified to incorporate current nomenclature as in Flora of 

North America (1993+).

b Cover is expressed as percentage of foliar cover; frequency is expressed as percentage of occurrence within 28, 2- by 5-dm microplots. Zero values are 

not included.

c See appendix 1 for a listing of scientific and common names.

Table 4–Plant association, understory coverage and frequency of four permanent plots in Powell Butte 

Research Natural Area (continued)

Plant association

JUOC/ARTR/ JUOC/ARTR/ JUOC/ARTR/

PSSP-FEIDa FEID-PSSP FEID-PSSP JUOC/PSSP

Plot 697 Plot 698 Plot 699 Plot 700 

Species Coverb Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

Percent
10

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

• Post-drought Growth Responses of Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis) in Central Oregon (Knapp et al. 2001b)

• Occurrence of Sustained Droughts in the Interior Pacific Northwest (A.D. 

1733-1980) Inferred From Tree-Ring Data (Knapp et al. 2004)

• Comparative Rates of Western Juniper Afforestation in South-Central 

Oregon and the Role of Anthropogenic Disturbance (Soulé et al. 2003)

• Human Agency, Environmental Drivers, and Western Juniper 

Establishment During the Late Holocene (Soulé et al. 2004)

Vegetation monitoring data from 2005 are on file at the BLM Prineville District 

Office, and the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station, USDA Forest Service 

(USFS), Corvallis, Oregon.

Disturbance History

Dense patches of cheatgrass have established under the canopy of western juniper 

at lower elevations, and on south-facing slopes. There is some evidence of terracing 

on steeper slopes (USDI BLM, n.d.). No recent fires have occurred within the area, 

although lightning strikes periodically occur on Powell Butte. Long-lived individuals of big sagebrush can be periodically subjected to infestation by Aroga websteri, 

a leaf-defoliating moth. This was observed throughout eastern and parts of central 

Oregon from 1962 to 1966 (Gates 1964).

The role of human-induced disturbance from grazing by domestic livestock 

appears to have had some impact within the RNA, especially at low elevations and 

south-facing aspects. The relatively low to moderate abundance of invasive grasses 

such as cheatgrass, so prevalent on big sagebrush sites throughout the intermountain West (Young et al. 1972), suggests the importance of Powell Butte RNA as a 

baseline or reference area for researchers and natural resource managers. 

Site History

The site was designated as an area of critical environmental concern (ACEC) and 

an RNA in the Brothers/LaPine resource management plan and record of decision 

(USDI BLM 1989). During the mid and late 20thcentury, the site was part of a grazing allotment, but received only minor use because of relatively steep slopes and 

long distance to water for grazing animals. Although there is no fence surrounding the RNA today, the site is only infrequently subject to trespass grazing at lower 

elevations. 

No recent fires have 

occurred within 

the area, although 

lightning strikes 

periodically occur on 

Powell Butte.
11

Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

The RNA is a fragmented “habitat island” that today is partially isolated on 

its southern margin by developed lands. Two major resort developments on the 

southwest and southeast flanks of Powell Butte have substantially altered habitat 

conditions and surrounding human use patterns on adjacent lands.

Maps 

Maps applicable to Powell Butte RNA: topographic—Powell Butte, Oregon, 7.5 

minute, 1:24,000 scale, 1998; Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National 

Grassland, 1:126,720 scale, 2000; Brothers/LaPine Planning Area–West Half, 

1:100,000, 1998.

Acknowledgments

We thank Sarah Greene, U.S. Forest Service forest ecologist, for assistance in the 

field, and BLM specialists Rick Demmer and Bill Dean for assistance in preparing 

appendix 2. We also thank the Prineville District BLM for funding the project and 

the USFS PNW Research Station for publishing this guidebook supplement.

English Equivalents

1 hectare (ha) = 2.47 acres (ac)

1 kilometer (km) = 0.62 miles (mi)

1 meter (m) = 3.28 feet (ft)

1 centimeter (cm) = 0.394 inch (in)

1 millimeter (mm) = 0.0394 inch

 References 

Csuti, B.; Kimerling, A.J.; O’Neil, T.A.; Shaughnessy, M.M.; Gaines, E.P.; 

Huso, M.M.P. 1997. Atlas of Oregon wildlife. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State 

University Press. 427 p. + map.

Dyrness, C.T.; Franklin, J.F.; Maser, C.; Cook, S.A.; Hall, J.D.; Faxon, G. 

1975. Research natural area needs in the Pacific Northwest: a contribution to 

land-use planning. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-38. Portland, OR: U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment 

Station. 231 p.

Federal Committee on Ecological Reserves. 1977. A directory of the research 

natural areas on federal lands of the United States of America. Washington, DC: 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
12

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Flora of North America. 1993+. Partial nomenclature of vascular plants, ferns, 

and fern allies within Oregon. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1. 

(November 3, 2006).

Franklin, J.F.; Dyrness, C.T. 1988. 2nd ed. Natural vegetation of Oregon and 

Washington. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press. 452 p.

Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, C. 1972. Federal research 

natural areas in Oregon and Washington: a guidebook for scientists and 

educators. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 498 p.

Gates, D.H. 1964. Sagebrush infested by leaf defoliating moth. Journal of Range 

Management. 17(4): 209-210.

Hopkins, W.E.; Kovalchik, B.L. 1983. Plant associations of the Crooked River 

National Grassland. PNWR6Ecol. 133-1983. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 98 p.

Johnson, C.G., Jr.; Swanson, D.K. 2005. Bunchgrass plant communities of the 

Blue and Ochoco Mountains: a guide for managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNWGTR-641. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Research Station. 119 p.

Knapp, P.A.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D.; Soulé, P.T. 2002. Climatic regionalization 

and the spatio-temporal occurrence of extreme single-year drought events (1500-

1998) in the interior Pacific Northwest, USA. Quaternary Research. 58: 226-233. 

Knapp, P.A.; Soulé, P.T.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D. 2001a. Detecting potential 

regional effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on growth rates of western 

juniper. Global Change Biology. 7: 902-917.

 Knapp, P.A.; Soulé, P.T.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D. 2001b. Post-drought growth 

responses of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis) in central 

Oregon. Geophysical Research Letters. 28(13): 2657-2660.

Knapp, P.A.; Soulé, P.T.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D. 2004. Occurrence of sustained 

droughts in the interior Pacific Northwest (A.D. 1733-1980) inferred from tree 

ring data. Journal of Climate. 17(1): 140-150.

Oregon Flora Project. 2008. The Oregon plant atlas. http://www.oregonflora.org/

oregonplantatlas.html. (January 6, 2008).

Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 2003. Oregon natural heritage plan. Salem, 

OR: Department of State Lands. 167 p.
13

Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Soulé, P.T.; Knapp, P.A. 2007. Topoedaphic and morphological complexity of 

foliar damage and mortality with western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. 

occidentalis) woodlands following an extreme meterological event. Journal of 

Biogeography. 34(11): 1927-1937.

Soulé, P.T.; Knapp, P.A.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D. 2003. Comparative rates 

of western juniper afforestation in south-central Oregon and the role of 

anthropogenic disturbance. The Professional Geographer. 55(1): 43-55.

Soulé, P.T.; Knapp, P.A.; Grissino-Mayer, H.D. 2004. Human agency, 

environmental drivers, and western juniper establishment during the late 

Holocene. Ecological Applications. 14(1): 96-112.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service [USDA FS]. 2008. http://www.

fsl.orst.edu/rna/images/maps/orbluemt.htm. (January 28, 2008).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

[USDA NRCS]. 2008. Soil maps from Crook County, Oregon. http://

websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. (January 31, 2008).

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

1989. Brothers/LaPine resource management plan record of decision and 

rangeland program summary. On file with: Prineville District, 3050 NE 3rd

Street, Prineville, OR 97754. 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

1996. Research natural areas in Washington and Oregon. 2nd ed. BLM/OR/WA/

PL-96/016+1792. Portland, OR. 74 p.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

2005. Upper Deschutes resource management plan record of decision and 

rangeland program summary. On file with: Prineville District, 3050 NE 3rd

Street, Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

[N.d.]. Powell Buttes. Unpublished manuscript. On file with: Prineville District, 

Bureau of Land Management, 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754.

Young, J.A.; Evans, R.A.; Major, J. 1972. Alien plants in the Great Basin. 

Journal of Range Management. 25(3): 195-201.

Volland, L. 1985. Plant associations of the central Oregon pumice zone. R6-ECOL104-1982. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Region. 138 p.

Western Region Climate Center. 2008. Oregon climate data. http://www.wrcc.dri.

edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?or7062. (January 25, 2008).
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GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Appendix 1: Vascular Plants and Fernsa b

Scientific name Common name

Coniferous trees

Juniperus occidentalis Hook. Western juniper

 

Medium shrubs 0.5 to 2 m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall

Artemisia arbuscula Nutt. ssp. longiloba Low sagebrush

 (Osterhout) L.M. Shultz

Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana Mountain big sagebrush

 (Rydb.) Beetle

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. Green rabbitbrush

 ssp. viscidiflorus

Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Rubber rabbitbrush

 Nesom & Baird

Grayia spinosa (Hook.) Moq. Spiny hopsage

Holodiscus dumosus (Nutt. ex Hook.) Heller Rock spirea

Linanthus pungens (Torr.) J.M. Porter & Granite prickly phlox

 L.A. Johnson 

Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC. Antelope bitterbrush

Ribes velutinum Greene var. velutinum Desert gooseberry

Tetradymia canescens DC. Spineless horsebrush

Herbs

Achillea millefolium L. Common yarrow

Alyssum alyssoides (L.) L. Pale madwort

Amsinckia lycopsoides Lehm. Tarweed fiddleneck

Amsinckia tessellata Gray var. tessellata Bristly fiddleneck

Antennaria dimorpha (Nutt.) T. & G. Low pussytoes

Antennaria geyeri Gray Pinewoods pussytoes

Antennaria microphylla Rydb. Littleleaf pussytoes

Arabis cusickii Wats. Cusick’s rockcress

Arabis holboellii Hornem. Holboell’s rockcress

Astragalus conjunctus S. Wats. Idaho milkvetch

Astragalus curvicarpus (Heller) J.F. Macbr. Curve-pod milkvetch 

Astragalus filipes Torr. ex Gray Basalt milkvetch

Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl. ex Hook. Broadleaf milkvetch

 var. chartaceus M.E. Jones

Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook. Woollypod milkvetch

Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt. Arrowleaf balsamroot 

Blepharipappus scaber Hook. Rough eyelashweed 

Calochortus macrocarpus Dougl. Sagebrush mariposa lily

Chaenactis douglasii (Hook.) Hook. & Arn. Douglas’ dustymaiden

Claytonia perfoliata Donn ex Willd. Miner’s lettuce

 ssp. perfoliata

Collinsia parviflora Dougl. ex Lindl. Maiden blue-eyed Mary

Crepis intermedia Gray Limestone hawksbeard 

Cryptantha affinis (Gray) Greene Quill cryptantha

Cryptantha circumscissa (Hook. & Arn.) Cushion cryptantha

 I.M. Johnston

Cryptantha pterocarya (Torr.) Greene Wingnut cryptantha
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Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Western tansymustard

Draba verna L. Spring draba

Erigeron filifolius (Hook.) Nutt. Threadleaf fleabane

Erigeron linearis (Hook.) Piper Desert yellow fleabane

Erigeron poliospermus Gray Cushion fleabane

Eriogonum microthecum Nutt. var. Slender buckwheat

 laxiflorum Hook.

Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat

 Dougl. ex Benth Rock buckwheat

 var. sphaerocephalum

Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum Blue Mountain buckwheat

 (T. & G.) Stokes var. anserinum Greene

 R.J. Davis

Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. strictum Blue Mountain buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. Sulphur-flower buckwheat

Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex. Benth. Wickerstem buckwheat

Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) J. Forbes Common woolly sunflower

Erodium cicutarium (L.) L’Her. ex Ait. Redstem storksbill

Fritillaria pudica (Pursh) Spreng. Yellow fritillary

Galium sp. Bedstraw

Gayophytum ramosissimum T. & G. Pinyon groundsmoke

Gilia sinuata Dougl. ex Benth. Rosy gilia

Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. Roundleaf alumroot

Holosteum umbellatum L. Jagged chickweed

Idahoa scapigera (Hook.) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. Oldstem idahoa

Lactuca serriola L. Prickly lettuce

Layia glandulosa (Hook.) Hook. & Arn. Whitedaisy tidytips

Leucocrinum montanum Nutt. ex Gray Common starlily

Lewisia rediviva Pursh var. rediviva Bitter root

Linanthus pungens (Torr.) J.M. Porter Granite prickly phlox

 & L.A. Johnson

Lithophragma glabrum Nutt. Bulbous woodlandstar

Lithophragma parviflorum (Hook.) Nutt. ex T. & G. Smallflowered woodlandstar

Lithospermum ruderale Dougl. ex Lehm. Western stoneseed

Lomatium macrocarpum (Nutt. ex T. & G.) Bigseed biscuitroot

 Coult. & Rose

Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose Nineleaf biscuitroot

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. Yellow sweet clover

Mentzelia albicaulis (Dougl. ex Hook.) Dougl. Whitestem blazingstar

 ex Torr. & Gray

Mimulus nanus Hook. & Arn. Dwarf purple monkeyflower 

Nemophila parviflora Dougl. ex Benth. Smallflower nemophila

 var. austiniae (Eastw.) Brand

Nothocalais troximoides (Gray) Greene False agoseris

Orobanche corymbosa (Rydb.) Ferris Flat-top broomrape

 ssp. corymbosa

Penstemon deustus Dougl. ex Lindl. var. Scabland penstemon

 variabilis (Suksdorf) Cronq.

Penstemon humilis Nutt. ex Gray Low beardtongue

Penstemon richardsonii Dougl. ex Lindl. Cut-leaf beardtongue

Penstemon speciosus Dougl. ex Lindl. Royal penstemon

Scientific name Common name
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GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Phacelia linearis (Pursh) Holz. Threadleaf phacelia

Phlox gracilis (Hook.) Greene Slender phlox

Phlox hoodii Rich. Spiny phlox

Plectritis macrocera T. & G. Longhorn plectritis

Polemonium micranthum Benth. Annual polemonium

Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. ssp. glandulosa Sticky cinquefoil

Ranunculus glaberrimus Hook. Sagebrush buttercup

Sedum stenopetalum Pursh Wormleaf stonecrop

Senecio canus Hook. Woolly groundsel

Sisymbrium altissimum L. Tall tumblemustard

Tragopogon dubius Scop. Yellow salsify

Zigadenus venenosus S. Wats. Meadow deathcamas

Grasses and sedges

Achnatherum hymenoides (Roem. & Schult.) Indian ricegrass

 Barkw.

Achnatherum occidentale (Thurb.) Barkw. Common western needlegrass

Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkw. Thurber’s needlegrass

Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. Crested wheatgrass

Bromus tectorum L. Cheatgrass

Carex filifolia Nutt. Threadleaf sedge

Carex geyeri Boot Geyer’s sedge

Carex rossii Boott in Hook. Ross’ sedge

Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey Bottlebrush squirreltail

Festuca idahoensis Elmer Idaho fescue

Hesperostipa comata (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkw. Needle-and-thread

 ssp. comata

Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult. Prairie junegrass

Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Love Basin wildrye

Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Barkw. & Dewey Western wheatgrass

Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii Cusick’s bluegrass

Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia Big bluegrass

Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. secunda Sandberg bluegrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love Bluebunch wheatgrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love Bluebunch wheatgrass X

 X Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey bottlebrush squirreltail hybrid

Vulpia microstachys (Nutt.) Munro Small fescue

a Compiled from numerous sources.

b Nomenclature for vascular plants, ferns, and fern-allies follows the Flora of North America (1993+) and the 

Oregon Flora Project Web site (2008).

Scientific name Common name
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Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Appendix 2: Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and 

Mammalsa

Family Scientific name Common name

Amphibians

Bufonidae Bufo boreas Western toad

Hylidae Pseudacris regilla Pacific chorus frog

Pelobatidae Scaphiopus intermontanus Great Basin spadefoot

Reptiles 

Anguidae Elgaria multicarinata Southern alligator lizard

Boidae Charina bottae Rubber boa

Colubridae Coluber constrictor Racer

Hypsiglena torquata Night snake

Masticophis taeniatus Striped whipsnake

Pituophis melanoleucus Gopher snake

Thamnophis elegans Western terrestrial garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis Common garter snake

Iguanidae Phrynosoma douglasii Short-horned lizard

Sceloporus graciosus Sagebrush lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis Western fence lizard

Uta stansburiana Side-blotched lizard

Scincidae Eumeces skiltonianus Western skink

Teiidae Cnemidophorus velox Plateau striped whiptail

Viperidae Crotalus viridis Western rattlesnake

Birds

Accipitridae Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk

Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk

Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned hawk

Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle

Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk

Circus cyaneus Northern harrier

Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle

Pandion haliaetus Osprey

Cathartidae Cathartes aura Turkey vulture

Falconidae Falco mexicanus Prairie falcon

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon

Falco sparverius American kestrel

Phasianidae Alectoris chukar Chukar

Callipepla californica California quail

Oreortyx pictus Mountain quail

Perdix perdix Gray partridge

Charadriidae Charadrius vociferus Killdeer

Columbidae Columbia livia Rock dove

Zenaida macroura Mourning dove

Tytonidae Tyto alba Barn owl

Strigidae Asio otus Long-eared owl

Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl
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GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Bubo virginianus Great-horned owl

Glaucidium gnoma Northern pygmy owl

Otus kennicottii Western screech-owl

Caprimulgidae Chordeiles minor Common nighthawk

Apodidae Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated swift

Chaetura vauxi Vaux’s swift

Trochilidae Archilochus alexandri Black-chinned hummingbird

Stellula calliope Calliope hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus Rufous hummingbird

Picidae Colaptes auratus Northern flicker

Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker

Picoides villosus Hairy woodpecker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped sapsucker

Tyrannidae Contopus sordidulus Western wood peewee

Empidonax oberholseri Dusky flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii Gray flycatcher

Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe

Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-throated flycatcher

Tyrannus verticalis Western kingbird

Alaudidae Eremophila alpestris Horned lark

Hirundinidae Hirundo pyrrhonota Cliff swallow

Hirundo rustica Barn swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern rough-winged swallow

Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallow

Tachycineta thalassina Violet-green swallow

Corvidae Aphelocoma californica Western scrub-jay

Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow

Corvus corax Common raven

Cyanocitta stelleri Steller’s jay

Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Pinyon jay

Nucifraga columbiana Clark’s nutcracker

Pica hudsonia Black-billed magpie

Paridae Parus atricapillus Black-capped chickadee

Parus gambeli Mountain chickadee

Aegithalidae Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit

Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-breasted nuthatch

Troglodytidae Catherpes mexicanus Canyon wren

Salpinctes obsoletus Rock wren

Troglodytes aedon House wren

Muscicapidae Myadestes townsendi Townsend’s solitaire

Sialia mexicana Western bluebird

Sialia currucoides Mountain bluebird

Turdus migratorius American robin

Mimidae Oreoscoptes montanus Sage thrasher

Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing

Laniidae Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike

Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris European starling

Vireonidae Vireo solitarius Blue-headed vireo

Emberizidae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird

Chondestes grammacus Lark sparrow

Family Scientific name Common name
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Powell Butte Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 38

Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped warbler

Dendroica nigrescens Black-throated gray warbler

Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s blackbird

Icterus bullockii Bullock’s oriole

Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed junco

Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird

Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah sparrow

Passerella iliaca Fox sparrow

Pipilo chlorurus Green-tailed towhee

Pipilo maculatus Spotted towhee

Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow

Spizella breweri Brewer’s sparrow

Spizella passerina Chipping sparrow

Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark

Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned sparrow

Fringillidae Carduelis pinus Pine siskin

Carduelis psaltria Lesser goldfinch

Carduelis tristis American goldfinch

Carpodacus cassinii Cassin’s finch

Carpodacus mexicanus House finch

Mammals 

Soricidae Sorex merriami Merriam’s shrew

Sorex preblei Preble’s shrew

Sorex vagrans Vagrant shrew

Talpidae Scapanus orarius Coast mole

Vespertilionidae Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat

Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s big-eared bat

Eptesicus fuscus Big brown bat

Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired bat

Myotis californicus California myotis

Myotis ciliolabrum Western small-footed myotis

Myotis evotis Long-eared myotis

Myotis lucifugus Little brown myotis

Myotis thysanodes Fringed myotis

Myotis volans Long-legged myotis

Myotis yumanensis Yuma myotis

Leporidae Lepus californicus Black-tailed jackrabbit

Sylvilagus nuttallii Mountain cottontail

Sciuridae Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel

Spermophilus beldingi Belding’s ground squirrel

Spermophilus townsendii Townsend’s ground squirrel

Tamias townsendii Townsend’s chipmunk

Geomyidae Thomomys talpoides Northern pocket gopher

Heteromyidae Dipodomys ordii Ord’s kangaroo rat

Perognathus parvus Great Basin pocket mouse

Muridae Lemmiscus curtatus Sagebrush vole

Marmota flaviventris Yellow-bellied marmot

Microtus longicaudus Long-tailed vole

Neotoma cinerea Bushy-tailed woodrat

Onychomys leucogaster Northern grasshopper mouse

Family Scientific name Common name
20

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-773

Peromyscus crinitus Canyon mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse

Peromyscus truei Pinyon mouse

Erethizontidae Erethizon dorsatum Common porcupine

Canidae Canis latrans Coyote

Vulpes vulpes Red fox

Procyonidae Procyon lotor Common raccoon

Mustelidae Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk

Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel

Spilogale gracilis Western spotted skunk

Taxidea taxus American badger

Felidae Felis concolor Mountain lion

Lynx rufus Bobcat

Cervidae Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed deer

 ssp. hemionus

a Nomenclature, distribution and habitat characteristics taken from Csuti et al. 1997.

Family Scientific name Common name
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