Little Sink Research 

Natural Area

Guidebook Supplement 31 

Reid Schuller and Ronald L. Exeter

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest Service

Pacific Northwest 

Research Station

General Technical Report

PNW-GTR-725

October 2007

DE PARTMENT OF AGRICULT URE
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.

Authors

Reid Schuller is a consulting plant ecologist living in Bend, Oregon; Ronald 

L. Exeter is a botanist, Salem District, Marys Peak Resource Area, U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1717 Fabry Road SE, 

Salem, OR 97306.

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

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

Cover: 

Perennial sag pond created by rotational soil slumping. The pond supports 

aquatic and semiaquatic vegetation including cattail (Typha latifolia) marshes, 

sedge (Carex obnupta and C. hendersonii) marshes, and floatingleaf pondweed 

(Potamogeton natans). Surrounding forest is primarily Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga 

menziesii) mixed with bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and scattered grand 

fir (Abies grandis) in the midcanopy.
Abstract

Schuller, Reid; Exeter, Ronald L. 2007. Little Sink Research Natural Area: guidebook 

supplement 31. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-725. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 24 p.

This guidebook describes the Little Sink Research Natural Area, a 32.38-ha (80-ac) 

tract occupying an area of geologically unstable marine siltstone exhibiting natural 

geomorphic disturbances including landslides, slump benches, scarps, basins and 

ponds. The area supports forested stands dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga 

menziesii) as well as stands codominated by Douglas-fir and bigleaf maple (Acer 

macrophyllum) representative of coniferous forest along the foothills of the Willamette 

Valley.

Keywords: Research natural area, geomorphic instability, natural disturbance, 

Douglas-fir forest, Oregon Coast Range, Willamette Valley foothill forest.
Preface

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

by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of the Interior. The 

BLM/Salem District office has RNA program administrative responsibility and 

the Mary’s Peak Resource Area has on-the-ground management responsibility for 

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

or educational purposes should contact the resource area office field 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.

Little Sink RNA is part of a federal system of such tracts established for 

research and educational purposes. Each RNA constitutes 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 96 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.

The guiding principle in managing 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.

1

Supplement No. 31 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].
Federal RNAs provide a unique system of publicly owned and protected 

examples of undisturbed ecosystems where scientists can conduct research with 

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; destruction of vegetation is 

generally not allowed, nor are studies requiring extensive modification of the forest 

floor 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.

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

species composition and ecological processes of biological communities (including 

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.
Contents

1 Introduction

2 Access and Accommodations

2 Environment

5 Climate

6 Vegetation

11 Fauna

12 Disturbance History

13 Research History

13 Site History

14 Maps and Aerial Photography

14 Acknowledgments

14 English Equivalents

14 References

17 Appendix 1

21 Appendix 2

4

Cells are the basic units which 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. U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 231 p.

Oregon Natural Heritage Plan terrestrial and aquatic cells4 in RNAs. These areas 

will be 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. The Marys Peak Resource Area does not issue special forest product 

permits within RNAs. 
Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Introduction

The Little Sink Research Natural Area (RNA) is a 32.4-ha (80-ac) tract of coniferous forest situated in the Willamette Valley foothills on the eastern margin of the 

Oregon Coast Range. The RNA exemplifies the Willamette Valley foothill Douglas-fir forest type (Franklin and Dyrness 1973) underlain by marine siltstone where 

frequent mass soil movement has produced slump benches, scarps, basins, and 

several ponds. Stands are generally of two types; (1) stands dominated by Douglasfir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

1

 and (2) stands codominated by Douglas-fir and bigleaf 

maple (Acer macrophyllum) (Dyrness et al. 1975, Hawk 1974, USDI BLM 1996). 

Grand fir (Abies grandis) seedlings and saplings are common throughout the Little 

Sink area. 

Little Sink RNA supports a cross section of representative low-elevation forest 

associations that occupy low elevations along the eastern flanks of the Oregon 

Coast Range and within the western foothills of the Willamette Valley (Dyrness 

et al. 1975, Franklin and Dyrness 1973, Hawk 1974.

Three ponds, created by rotational soil slumping in concert with beaver (Castor 

canadensis) activity, add significantly to the diversity of the area. The diversity 

within Little Sink is represented in both old-growth and mature Douglas-fir stands, 

mixed bigleaf maple and Douglas-fir stands, and ponds and transitional wetlands 

between aquatic and terrestrial upland ecosystems (see apps. 1 and 2). This 

diversity is further enhanced by slumping landscape.

Little Sink RNA was established in 1973 as an RNA. The RNA is administered 

by the Salem District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and managed by 

the Marys Peak Resource Area, BLM. 

A guidebook supplement was written for Little Sink RNA in 1974 (Hawk 1974). 

Since that time, a substantial amount of new information has been developed 

through inventory, research, and monitoring of Little Sink and the Willamette 

Valley Foothill ecological province (Franklin and Dyrness 1973, Hawk 1974, 

Oregon Natural Heritage Program 2003, USDI BLM 1996). This includes information on plants and vegetation, animals, and soils present within the RNA. A 

regional vegetation classification (McCain and Diaz 2002) has been completed that, 

combined with an updated statewide natural area plan (Oregon Natural Heritage 

Plan 2003), provides added perspective to the significance of Little Sink RNA. New 

data on the statewide distribution and habitat requirements of amphibians, reptiles, 

birds, and mammals (Csuti et al. 1997) has been supplemented by ongoing surveys 

1

See appendixes for a listing of scientific names matched with their common 

name equivalent.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

at Little Sink (Johnson 1973) by local universities. A new soil survey of Polk 

County, Oregon, has also been recently completed (USDA NRCS 2006). In 

summary, much more is known about Little Sink and how it fits into the broader 

landscape than in 1974 when the original guidebook was prepared.

Access and Accommodations

Little Sink RNA is located in section 33, T. 8 S., R. 6 W., Willamette Meridian 

approximately 2 air miles south of Falls City, Oregon. The site is most easily 

accessed over lands owned by the Willamette Council, Campfire Boys and Girls. 

Permission is required to cross these lands. Alternate routes to the Little Sink 

RNA may be available. Please contact the Salem BLM, Marys Peak Resource 

Area for access information and to obtain permission to use the area. 

Figure 1 shows road access up to the adjacent private land located immediately west of Little Sink. Directions are as follows: from the junction of Kings 

Valley Highway (223) and the Bridgeport Road/Independence Highway intersection, travel west on Bridgeport Road for approximately 1.4 mi (2.25 km) to 

the junction of Liberty Road and Bridgeport Road. Continue left on Bridgeport 

Road for approximately 2.2 mi (3.5 km) to the intersection of Bridgeport and 

Frost Road. Continue west on Frost Road for approximately 0.2 mi (0.32 km) to 

the intersection of Frost Road and Clark Road. Frost Road turns south and Clark 

Road continues west. Continue west on Clark Road for approximately 0.1 mi 

(0.16 km) to Teal Creek Road. Turn left on Teal Creek Road and proceed for 

approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) to the access route across private land. 

There are no maintained trails accessing or within Little Sink. However, 

unmaintained trails are evident in the west-central portion of Little Sink around 

the ponds. Foot travel within the RNA may be limited in some areas by dense 

vegetation and uneven terrain. Lodging accommodations are available in Dallas, 

Oregon.

Environment

Elevations range from 177 m (580 ft) in the northwestern portion of Little Sink 

to 328 m (1,075 ft) on Tater Hill along the east-southeastern boundary of the 

RNA (fig. 2). Slopes are predominately northwest- to west-facing. Little Sink has 

gentle slopes near the ponds but is fairly steep in the higher elevations and in the 

northwest corner down to Teal Creek. An intermittent stream flows west through 

the RNA into the largest of three ponds, then drains into Teal Creek about 400 m 

(1,312 ft) west of the RNA.
Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Figure 1—Little Sink Research Natural Area location and access.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

The permanent ponds are located at lower elevations in the west-central portion of 

the site. The largest pond (see front cover photo), approximately 0.81-ha (2-ac) in 

size, receives channel flow from the intermittent stream and has an outlet channel, 

which has been dammed and is maintained by American beaver.

Bedrock consists primarily of marine siltstone deposited during the Eocene. 

Soils derived from this rock have been disturbed by a series of landslides, which 

have resulted in rotational slumps, escarpments, and slump ponds. Terrain is broken 

and undulating upslope from the slump ponds. Trees of varying sizes have curved 

stems (pistol butts), which are generally oriented toward the direction of movement 

or the back of the rotation.2

Figure 2—Little Sink Research Natural Area boundary and topographic map.

2

Unpublished field notes on file at the USDI-BLM Salem District office.
Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Soils within the RNA have been mapped as of 2005 (USDA NRCS 2006, USDA 

SCS 1982). Forested soils are silty clay loam or gravelly silty clay loam and slopes 

vary between 3 to 50 percent steepness. Kilowan Series soils make up 57 percent 

of the area; Blachly Series soils make up 23 percent; and Klickitat Series soils 

comprise 17 percent. All three soil series are dominantly deep to moderately deep, 

well drained, and occur on mountainous uplands (USDA SCS 1982). Parent material is colluvium and residuum weathered from sedimentary rock (Kilowan and 

Blachly Series) or basalt (Klickitat Series). Three percent of the RNA is mapped as 

water (USDA NRCS 2006, USDA SCS 1982). Forest soils are generally classified as 

Haplumbrepts (Franklin and Dyrness 1973). 

Climate

The climate of Little Sink RNA is modified, rain-shadow climate effect resulting 

from its position along the lee side of the Oregon Coast Range (Franklin and 

Dyrness 1973) and its geographic proximity to the warm, dry Willamette Valley 

(Hawk 1974). Summers are usually moderately dry and warm with the June–

August period receiving about 4 percent of the total annual precipitation. Winters 

are typically cool and wet with the majority of precipitation, mostly in the form of 

rain, occurring during the November-March period. Average annual snowfall of 

274 mm (10.8 in) occurs predominantly from December through February. Snow 

typically melts quickly. For the 40-year period 1961 to 2001, snowpack depth 

monthly averages are 0 mm (0 in) (Western Regional Climate Center 2006). 

Meteorological data from the nearest climatic station of comparable elevation 

and distance from the Pacific Ocean are taken from Falls City 2, Oregon (352805) 

(Western Regional Climate Center 2006). The Falls City station is approximately 

11.3 km (7 mi) northwest of Little Sink.

Period of Record: 5/8/1961 to 3/31/2001—Falls City 2, Oregon (352805)

Average minimum January temperature -0.06° C (31.9° F)

Average maximum January temperature 7.9° C (46.2° F)

Average minimum July temperature 9.6° C (49.3° F)

Average maximum July temperature 26.8° C (80.3° F)

Average annual precipitation 1703 mm (67.03 in)

Average June–August precipitation 65 mm (2.56 in)

Average annual snowfall 274 mm (10.8 in)
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Vegetation

Little Sink RNA is situated along the western boundary of the Willamette Valley 

Foothills ecological province. However, the vegetation is consistent within a 

“transition zone” between the Oregon Coast Range province and the Willamette 

Valley Foothill ecological province (Franklin and Dyrness 1973, Hawk 1974, 

Oregon Natural Heritage Program 2003, USDI BLM 1996). 

Forest vegetation occupies approximately 97 percent of the site and is similar 

to low-elevation forests located on the eastern portion of the Oregon Coast Range 

province (the transition into the Willamette Valley Foothill ecological province). 

The major plant communities reflect the relatively warm and dry site conditions 

present within Little Sink compared to other coniferous forests of the Oregon Coast 

Range. Conifer forests located at higher elevations and to the west of Little Sink 

typically support Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) and Douglas-fir as forest 

overstory dominants. Western hemlock dominates reproduction layers at higher 

elevations (Hawk 1974, McCain and Diaz 2002). 

Douglas-fir is the most common and widespread overstory tree throughout the 

RNA. Bigleaf maple varies from a minor overstory component to a major codominant with Douglas-fir in areas that have been subjected to mass soil movement, 

especially rotational slumping (Hawk 1974). Grand fir occurs in many areas as a 

midcanopy to subcanopy component of the tree layer. Grand fir seedlings appear to 

be sparse to absent in the warmest, driest sites. 

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) exhibits a tree growth form within the RNA 

and occurs sporadically within the midlayer of the forest canopy. Pacific yew (Taxus 

brevifolia) occasionally occupies the midcanopy as a minor component of the tree 

stratum. Pacific yew occurs mostly around the ponds. 

Figure 3 illustrates the age-class distribution of forest communities within 

Little Sink. Stands in the 200-year-old-or-older age class predominate. Scattered 

individuals of Douglas-fir 400+ years occur within these stands along with many 

codominant trees in the 100- to 200-year-old age class. 

Tree ages data were collected from four plots established in 2006. A total of 18 

trees were cored, 8 of which were dominant. Tree diameters at core height (approximately 1.47 m) and ages of 17 Douglas-fir and one grand fir reflect a multiaged 

stand with at least one old-growth cohort originating in the 18th century. Diameters 

at core height ranged between 94 and 185.5 cm (37 and 73 in). Tree ages ranged 

from 94 years old to 429 years. The 429-year-old Douglas-fir is likely a lone survivor of a previous naturally occurring event (wildfire, windstorm, etc.). The grand 

fir, 87.6 cm (34.5 in) at core height, extended into the subcanopy and was aged at 

165 years. Upper canopy Douglas-fir ranged in diameter at core height between 

Tree ages
Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

109.7 cm and 185.5 cm (43.2 and 73 in). Tree ages within this group ranged 

between 189 and 429 years. The median diameter and age for the group was 

87.2 cm (34.3 in) and 118 years, respectively. 

The tall shrub layer is well represented by hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. 

californica) throughout the RNA. Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) and baldhip 

rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) also occur in moderate abundance in some areas. Similarly, salal (Gaultheria shallon) and Oregongrape (Berberis nervosa) characterize 

the mid- and low-shrub layers, respectively.

The most conspicuous and widespread herbaceous species, swordfern 

(Polystichum munitum), occurs on mesic footslopes and benches at lower 

elevations with the RNA. A large diversity of herbs occur in the area, in part due 

to the numerous habitats present, including open-water ponds, pond margins, 

perennial and intermittent streams, slump benches and scarps, open and closed 

hardwood, and coniferous forest microhabitats of various ages (Hawk 1974).

Figure 3—Stand age-class distribution in Little Sink Research Natural Area.
GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Permanent vegetation plots were established in 2006 to quantitatively characterize stand structure and vegetation composition of representative stands within 

the RNA. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the physical features, plant association, and 

understory composition and frequency of four permanent plots.

Plots number 116, 117, and 119 represent examples of the Abies grandis/Berberis 

nervosa-Gaultheria shallon) forest plant associations as defined by McCain and 

Diaz (2002). Figure 4 shows an example of the understory conditions of this plant 

association taken from plot 116. Douglas-fir is a major overstory dominant and the 

shade-tolerant grand fir occurs in the form of seedlings, saplings, and subcanopy 

individual trees in each of the three plots. Hazelnut, salal, and Oregongrape range 

between 4 and 29 percent cover. Swordfern is the principal herbaceous species and 

ranges between 6 and 47 percent cover. Other herbaceous species include vanilla 

leaf (Achlys triphylla), three-leaved Anenome (Anemone deltoidea), sweetscented 

bedstraw (Galium triflorum), and starflower (Trientalis latifolia) (see table 2). 

Plot 118 (fig. 5) occurs on a warm, dry site that supports the Pseudotsuga menziesii/Berberis nervosa plant association (McCain and Diaz 2002). Shrub cover in 

this plot is very low compared to the other plots. Grand fir reproduction is similarly 

very sparse and is confined to a few individuals (fig. 5). The sparcity of grand fir 

reproduction may be attributed to the site being slightly warmer and drier than most 

of the surrounding forest at Little Sink. The herbaceous ground cover is similar, 

however, to that occurring in plots 116, 117, and 119 (table 2). Appendix 1 lists vascular plants, ferns, and fern-allies known to occur within the Little Sink RNA.

Hawk (1974) described three forested plant communities within Little Sink 

based on current vegetation and apparent position along a soil moisture gradient. The 

“driest” community occurs on upper elevation slopes, benches and on south-facing 

aspects. The tree layer is dominated by Douglas-fir with an occasional bigleaf maple 

or Pacific dogwood. Douglas-fir is the most common sapling in the forest understory 

followed by the more shade-tolerant grand fir. This community type is characterized 

by an abundance of tall and low shrubs, including hazelnut, Oregongrape, salal, 

Table 1—Physical features of four permanent plots in Little 

Sink Research Natural Area

Plot number

Physical features 116 117 118 119

Elevation (m) 214 262 267 216

Aspect (°) 324 294 352 80

Slope grade (%) 15 27 30 24

Landform Midslope Midslope Midslope Midslope

Forest plant 

associations
Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Table 2—Plant association, understory coverage and frequency of four permanent plots in the Little Sink 

Research Natural Area

Plots and plant associations

116 117 118 119

ABGR/ ABGR/ ABGR/

 BENE-GASHa b c d BENE-GASH PSME/BENE BENE-GASH

Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

Percent

Shrub cover:e

Berberis nervosa f 29 — 20 — 6 — 6 —

Corylus cornuta var. californica 8 — 9 — — 25 —

Gaultheria shallon 4 — 13 — — 22 —

Linnaea boreais var. longistylis — — 1 — tr —

Lonicera ciliosa tr g — — — —

Rosa gymnocarpa tr — — 1 — —

Symphoricarpos mollis — — tr — —

Toxiodendron diversilobum — tr — — —

Vaccinium parvifolium 1 — — — —

Herb cover and frequency:e 

Polystichum munitum 16 36 6 14 22 39 47 75

Achlys triphylla 3 25 4 18 10 39 4 25

Galium triflorum 1 25 1 18 3 54 1 29

Anemone deltoidea 1 18 tr 4 2 39

Thalictrum occidentale 1 4 1 7 tr 4 4 25

Viola sempervirens tr 7 tr 7 tr 11 tr 4

Trientalis latifolia tr 4 3 43 1 18 1 14

Potentilla glandulosa tr 7 

Asarum caudatum tr 4

Cardamine sp. tr 7 tr 14

Adenocaulon bicolor tr 4 2 11

Prosartes smithii 1 7 2 18 1 7

Osmorhiza berteroi tr 4 1 11 tr 14

Bromus vulgaris tr 7 tr 4 tr 4

Trisetum ceruum tr 14 tr 7

Campanula scouleri 1 11 

Melica sp. tr 4

Rubus ursinus 1 14

Carex hendersonii tr 4

Maianthemum stellatum 2 29

a

ABGR = Abies grandis, BENE = Berberis nervosa, GASH = Gaultheria shallon, PSME = Pseudotsuga menziesii. b

Plant association names all have a suffix, NWO Coast, which differentiates them from plant associations having similar names 

that occur in the Oregon Cascades sensu McCain and Diaz (2002) . Plant association names refer to potential vegetation. 

c

Current vegetation may be dominated by different species as that implied by the plant association name depending on the type 

and size of past disturbance, and the length of time since the past disturbance. Long-lived seral species (such as Douglas-fir) may 

currently be abundant within the plant association.

d

McCain and Diaz (2002) refer to Berberis nervosa as Mahonia nervosa. We use the currently accepted name of Berberis nervosa

in this document. See: Flora of North America (2006) and the Oregon Flora Project (2006) in the reference section. 

e

Cover is expressed as percentage of foliar cover; frequency is expressed as percentage of relative frequency. Zero values are 

not included.

f

See appendixes for a listing of scientific names matched with their common name equivalent.

g

tr = trace (<0.5 percent foliar cover).
10

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

baldhip rose, and oceanspray. A second, more mesic plant community differs 

from the drier community primarily by exhibiting a much less developed shrub 

layer. Other, additional shrub species occur in this type, including vine maple 

(Acer circinatum), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), thimbleberry (Rubus 

parviflorus), false huckleberry (Menziesia ferruginea), and Indian plum (Oemleria 

cerasiformis). A third plant community occurs in previously disturbed settings such 

as slump benches and scarps. Bigleaf maple predominates in these areas along with 

scattered individuals of Douglas-fir, which are often twisted and bent as a result 

of mass soil movement. Red alder (Alnus rubra) is locally abundant in some areas 

mostly near the ponds or in areas with a high water table. The upper canopy is more 

open than in the two undisturbed plant communities resulting in a well-developed 

and diverse shrub layer, which includes the shrub species mentioned above in 

addition to mockorange (Philadelphus lewisii), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), 

and poison oak (Toxiodendron diversilobum).

Figure 4—Grand fir/Oregongrape-salal (Abies grandis/Berberis nervosa-Gaultheria shallon Northwest Oregon Coast) plant association with mature Douglas-fir overstory mixed with Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) in the midcanopy and western swordfern 

(Polystichum munitum) is abundant as an herbaceous groundcover. Taken from plot number 116 (see ABGR/BENE-GASH in table 2).
11

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Figure 5—Douglas-fir/Oregongrape (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Berberis nervosa Northwest Oregon Coast) plant association 

supports large Douglas-fir with bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) in the upper canopy. Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. 

californica) occupies the tall shrub layer and Western swordfern (Polystichum munitum) is the dominant ground cover. 

Taken from plot number 118 (see PSME/BENE in table 2).

Soil movement and slumping have contributed to the formation of three small 

ponds within the RNA. Collectively, these ponds occupy approximately 1.2 ha (3 

ac) in the west-central portion of the RNA. However, they add significant diversity 

to the area by providing specialized habitats for both plants and animals. Some 

prominent habitats include cattail (Typha latifolia) marshes, sedge (Carex obnupta) 

marshes, skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) bogs, and poorly drained springs 

occupied by devil’s club (Oplopanax horridum). 

Fauna

Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals known or expected to occur within Little 

Sink are listed in appendix 2. The high species diversity in this 32.4-ha (80-ac) area 

can be attributed to the interface of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, its proximity 

to the Willamette Valley, and the low level of nonnative and introduced organisms 
12

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

within the RNA. These lists have been compiled from a combination of field 

observations and published literature. Taken together, they represent an informed 

approximation of species expected to occur within or use the RNA for portions of 

their life cycles (Csuti et al. 1997, Hawk 1974). 

Disturbance History

Little Sink RNA has been subjected to both natural and human-induced disturbances of differing spatial scales over the past few centuries. The most conspicuous 

disturbance, both past and present, is mass soil movement. Rotational slumping has 

caused uprooting of trees in many areas within the RNA.

This has resulted in openings in the forest canopy as well as the presence of 

exposed mineral soil in some areas. The recent and apparent ongoing nature of this 

soil and geomorphic process at Little Sink is one of the primary reasons that the 

RNA was established for research and education.

The fire regime of the Tsuga heterophylla zone is highly variable, and where 

western hemlock forests occur in transitional areas to other forest types, the fire 

regimes of these areas take on characteristics of both areas (Agee 1993). The location of Little Sink RNA lies within such a transitional area. The characteristics of 

the fire regime can be expected to be a blend of relatively dry, Willamette Valley 

margins where Douglas-fir is often an overstory dominant with varying mixtures of 

grand fir, and the more mesic, higher elevations to the west where western hemlock 

becomes a major dominant in the Oregon Coast Range. 

Details of the fire history and fire regime at Little Sink are largely unknown. 

However, tree core samples taken from 18 trees in 2006 indicate the occurrence of 

a (near) stand-replacement fire in the 18th century followed by episodic Douglas-fir 

recruitment. This supports Hawk’s (1974) statement that the last major fire at Little 

Sink occurred between 1600 and 1700. 

Evidence of human impacts within the RNA is primarily limited to areas 

around the ponds, especially beaver dams. Educational groups visiting the RNA 

walk along pond margins and atop beaver dams, which are used as bridges across 

pond outlets. Foot trails are evident in these areas. However, most visitation does 

not coincide with periods when the site is used for nesting by migratory waterfowl 

(Hawk 1974).

The adjacent lands along the western and northern boundaries were logged in 

the 1930s. The western boundary was logged again in 2004 and several new natural 

surfaced roads constructed. Today, logging roads serve as primary foot access from 

the west. It also appears the privately owned timbered lands adjacent to the other 

three sides of Little Sink may soon be logged, as newly constructed roads provide 
13

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

access to the northwest corner and the southern boundaries of Little Sink. Blowdown along Little Sink’s edges may increase in the years following harvest on the 

adjacent private lands; especially along the southwestern edge where several trees 

have blown down in the past. Although the Oregon Coast Range can receive storm 

winds exceeding 161 km per hour (100 mph), there is little evidence that large-scale 

windthrow has occurred within the RNA. Similarly, there is no evidence of catastrophic damage within the RNA resulting from insects or disease. 

Research History

Scientists from universities and colleges in western Oregon began conducting 

biological studies in the RNA in the early 1950s. Inventories of birds, mammals, 

amphibians, and plants were conducted over the years by scientists from Western 

Oregon University and Willamette University (Johnson 1973). Hawk (1974) prepared an RNA guidebook supplement describing the natural areas biotic and abiotic 

significance. Juday (1976) sampled Little Sink RNA as part of his Ph.D. dissertation: “The location, composition and structure of old-growth forests in the Oregon 

Coast Range.” Carroll and Carroll (1978) used Little Sink to examine the distribution and role of fungi on conifer needle surfaces. Greene et al. (1986) reported that 

a researcher from the University of Kansas used the area to study the population 

genetics of the northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile). 

Four permanent vegetation plots were established in 2006 to characterize and 

monitor change in forest composition and structure in geologically unstable slump 

benches, scarps and basins (the project is summarized, in part, in table 2.) Data are 

on file at the Salem District office of the BLM, and the Pacific Northwest Research 

Station, U.S. Forest Service, Corvallis, Oregon.

Site History

The RNA has been used extensively by researchers and as an outdoor laboratory 

by classes from Western Oregon University, Willamette University, Oregon State 

University, and the University of Oregon. The Willamette Chapter of the Campfire 

Boys and Girls at Camp Kilowan has traditionally used Little Sink RNA for outdoor education. The National Audubon Society uses the area for annual Christmas 

and spring bird counts.

In response to Camp Kilowan’s promotion of the outdoor educational values of 

Little Sink, scientists and educators became knowledgeable of the area. This eventually led to Little Sink becoming established as a research natural area in 1973.

In the mid-1970s, as part of the inventory of the wilderness characteristics 

of BLM lands, Congress directed that research natural areas and primitive areas 
14

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

designated prior to November 1, 1975, be examined. Because Little Sink had been 

designated as a RNA in 1973, it became designated as an Instant Study Area. A 

review of the Little Sink Instant Study Area was completed and sent to Congress as 

part of a national package of Instant Study Areas in 1985. Congress has yet to take 

action on the 1985 study submitted by BLM. Pending future congressional action, 

the wilderness values of Little Sink will be protected. 

Maps and Aerial Photography

Maps—applicable to Little Creek RNA: Topographic—Falls City 7.5 Minute 

1:24,000 scale, 1974; BLM Salem District Westside Recreation Map 1:10,560 1996. 

Aerial photography—2003 color 1:12,000.

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the following for assistance in the field; Sarah Greene, Greg 

Downing, Claire Hibler, Hugh Snook, and to Dave Calver for assistance in the 

field and creating maps for this publication. We also would like to thank the 

Salem District, Bureau of Land Management for funding this project and the 

USFS PNW Research Station for publishing this 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)

References 

Agee, J.K. 1990. The historical role of fire in Pacific Northwest forests. In: 

Walstad, J.; Radosevich, S.; Sandberg, D., eds. Natural and prescribed fire in 

Pacific Northwest forests. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press: 25–38.

Agee, J.K. 1993. Fire ecology of Pacific Northwest forests. Washington, DC: 

Island Press. 493 p.

Carroll, G.C.; Carroll, F.E. 1978. Studies on the incidence of coniferous 

needle endophytes in the Pacific Northwest. Canadian Journal of Botany. 

56(24): 3034–3043.
15

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

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. 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.

Flora of North America. 2006. 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. 1973. Natural vegetation of Oregon and Washington. 

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-8. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest 

Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 417 p.

Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, M. 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.

Greene, S.E.; Blinn, T.; Franklin, J.F. 1986. Research natural areas in Oregon 

and Washington: past and current research and related literature. Gen. Tech. Rep. 

PNW-GTR-197. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 

Pacific Northwest Research Station. 115 p.

Hawk, G.M. 1974. Little Sink Research Natural Area: Supplement No. 4 to: 

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

in Oregon and Washington. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 14 p.

Johnson, M. 1973. Floral and faunal studies of Willamette foothill forests and 

ponds. Unpublished report. On file at: USDI Bureau of Land Management, 

Salem District office, 1717 Fabry Road SE, Salem, OR 97306.

Jones, L.L.C.; Leonard, W.P.; Olson, D.H., eds. 2005. Amphibians of the Pacific 

Northwest. Seattle, WA: Seattle Audubon Society. 227 p.
16

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Juday, G.P. 1976. The location, composition, and structure of old-growth forests 

of the Oregon Coast Range. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University. 206 p. 

Ph.D. dissertation.

McCain, C.; Diaz, N. 2002. Field guide to the forested plant associations of the 

Northern Oregon Coast Range. Tech. Pap. R6-NR-ECOL-TP-02-02. Portland, 

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

250 p.

Missouri Botanical Garden 2006. Listing of bryophyte nomenclature according 

to the International Rules of Botanical Nomenclature. http://www.mobot.org/

MOBOT/tropicos/most/bryolist.shtml.

Oregon Flora Project. 2006. The Oregon plant atlas. http://www.oregonflora.org/

oregonplantatlas.html. (September 22, 2006).

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

Department of State Lands, Salem, OR. 167 p.

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

2006. Soil maps from Polk County, Oregon. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/

app/. (November 15, 2006).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1982. Soil survey of 

Polk County, Oregon. [Place of publication unknown]. 250 p + maps.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 1996. Research 

natural areas in Washington and Oregon, 2nd ed. BLM/OR/WA/PL-96/016+1792. 

Portland, OR. 74 p.

Western Region Climate Center. 2006. Oregon climate data. http://www.wrcc.dri.

edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?orfall. (November 15, 2006).
17

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Appendix 1

Table 3—Scientific and Common Names of Plantsa b

Scientific name Common name 

Coniferous trees:

Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl. Grand fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco Douglas-fir

Taxus brevifolia Nutt. Western yew

Thuja plicata Donn. Western redcedar

Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. Western hemlock

Deciduous trees >8 m (26.3 ft) tall:

Acer circinatum Pursh Vine maple

Acer macrophyllum Pursh Bigleaf maple

Alnus rubra Bong. Red alder

Arbutus menziesii Pursh Pacific madrone

Corylus cornuta L. var. californica (DC.) Sharp Hazelnut

Quercus garryana Dougl. Oregon white oak

Tall shrubs 2 to 8 m (6.6 to 26.3 ft) tall:

Acer circinatum Pursh Vine maple

Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. Serviceberry

Cornus nuttallii Aud. ex Torr. & Gray Pacific dogwood

Cornus stolonifera Michx. Red-osier dogwood

Fraxinus latifolia Benth. Oregon ash

Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim. Oceanspray

Oemleria cerasiformis Torr. & Gray ex Hook. & Am. Indian plum

Philadelphus lewisii Pursh Mockorange

Rhamnus Purshiana DC. Cascara

Salix sp. Willow

Sambucus mexicana C. Presl Blue elderberry

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

Gaultheria shallon Pursh Salal

Lonicera sp. Honeysuckle

Menziesia ferruginea Smith False huckleberry, azalea

Oplopanax horridum (Smith) Miq. Devilsclub

Ribes bracteosum Dougl. Stink currant

Ribes divaricatum Dougl. Straggly gooseberry

Ribes laxiflorum Pursh Trailing black currant

Ribes lobbii Gray Lobb’s gooseberry

Ribes sanguineum Pursh Red-flowering currant

Rosa gymnocarpa Nutt. Baldhip rose

Rosa pisocarpa Gray Peafruit rose

Rubus laciniatus Willd. Cut-leaf blackberry

Rubus leucodermis Dougl. ex Torr. & Gray Whitebark raspberry

Rubus parviflorus Nutt. Thimbleberry

Rubus spectabilis Pursh Salmonberry

Sambucus racemosa L. var. arborescens (Torr. & Gray) A. Carrey Red elderberry

Spiraea douglasii Hook. Douglas’ spirea

Symphoricarpos mollis Nutt. Common snowberry

Toxiodendron diversilobum (Torr. & Gray) Greene Poison oak 

Vaccinium parvifolium Smith Red huckleberry
18

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Scientific name Common name 

Low shrubs <0.5 m (1.6 ft) tall:

Berberis nervosa Pursh Oregongrape

Linnaea borealis L. var. longiflora Torr. Western twinflower

Rubus ursinus Cham. & Schlecht. California dewberry

Ferns and allies:

Adiantum pedatum L. Maidenhair fern

Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth. Lady fern

Polypodium glycyrrhiza DC. Eat. Licorice fern

Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) Presl Western swordfern

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Bracken fern

Herbs:

Achlys triphylla (Smith) DC. Vanilla leaf; deer foot

Adenocaulon bicolor Hook. Pathfinder, Trail plant

Anaphalis margaritacea (L.) Benth. & Hook Pearly everlasting

Anemone deltoidea Hook. Three-leaved anemone

Anemone lyallii Britt. Lyall’s anemone

Aquilegia formosa Fisch. Red columbine

Arnica longifolia D.C. Eat. Longleaf arnica

Asarum caudatum Lindl. Wild ginger

Azolla filiculoides Lam. Pacific azolla

Callitriche sp. Water starwort

Callitriche hermaphroditica L. Autumnal water starwort

Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes Calypso orchid

Cardamine angulata Hook. Angled bittercress

Cardamine oligosperma Torr. & Gray Little western bittercress

Cardamine pensylvanica Muhl. Pennsylvania bittercress

Cardamine pulcherrima Greene Slender toothwoort

Cerastium arvense (L.) Scop. Field chickweed

Chrysosplenium glechomaefolium Nutt. Water carpet 

Cicuta douglasii (DC.) Coult. & Rose Western waterhemlock

Circaea alpina L. Alpine circaea

Cirsium arvense Canada thistle

Claytonia perfoliata (Donn) Howell Miner’s lettuce

Claytonia sibirica (L.) Howell Siberian miner’s lettuce

Corallorhiza maculata (Raf.) Raf. var. maculata Spotted coralroot

Dicentra formosa (Andr.) Walpers Pacific bleedingheart 

Digitalis purpurea L. Foxglove

Epilobium sp. Willowweed

Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. Giant horsetail

Erythronium oregonum Appleg. Oregon fawnlily

Fragaria vesca L. var. crinita (Rydb.) C.L. Hitchc. Hairly woodland strawberry

Galium aparine L. Stickywilly

Galium trifidum L. var. pacificum Wieg. Small bedstraw

Galium triflorum Michx. Sweetscented bedstraw

Goodyera oblongifolia Raf. Western rattlesnake plantain

Heracleum lanatum Michx. Common cowparsnip

Hieracium albiflorum Hook. White-flowered hawkweed

Hydrophyllum tenuipes Heller Slender-stem waterleaf

Hypericum anagalloides Cham. & Schlecht. Trailing St. John’s wort
19

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Scientific name Common name 

Hypericum perforatum L. St. John’s wort

Iris tenax Dougl. Oregon iris

Lathyrus polyphyllus Nutt. Leafy peavine

Lemna minor L. Common duckweed

Ligusticum apiifolium (Nutt.) Gray Parsley leaved lovage

Lotus sp. Deervetch

Lycopus americanus Muhl. Cutleaf water horehound

Lysichiton americanus Hult. & St. John Skunk cabbage

Maianthemum dilatatum (Wood.) Nels. & Macbr. False lily of the valley

Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link Feathery false-Solomonseal

Maianthemum stellatum (L.) Desf. Starry false-Solomonseal

Mimulus guttatus DC. Common monkeyflower

Mimulus moschatus Dougl. Muskplant monkeyflower

Mitella caulescens Nutt. Leafy mitrewort

Moehringia macrophylla (Hook.) Fenzl Bigleaf sandwort

Montia parvifolia (Moc.) Greene Streambank springbeauty

Nemophila parviflora Dougl. ex Benth. Smallflower nemophila

Osmorhiza berteroi DC. Mountain sweet-cicely

Oxalis oregana Nutt. Oregon oxalis

Peltiphyllum pedatum (Torr.) Engl. Umbrella saxifrage

Petasites frigidus (L.) Fries var. palmatus (Ait.) Cronq. Coltsfoot

Plantago major L. Common plantain

Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. Gland cinquefoil

Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc. Japanese knotweed

Polygonum hydropiper L. Marshpepper smartweed

Potamogeton natans L. Floatingleaf pondweed

Prosartes hookeri Torr. Hooker’s fairybells

Prosartes smithii (Hook.) Utech, Shinwari & Kawano Smith’s fairybells

Ranunculus orthorhynchus Hook. Straightbeak buttercup

Ranunculus uncinatus D. Don Little buttercup

Rumex acetosella L. Sheep sorrel, sour weed

Rumex conglomeratus Murr. Clustered dock

Senecio jacobaea L. Tansy ragwort

Senecio triangularis Hook. Arrowleaf groundsel

Sparganium emersum Rehmann Simple stem bur reed

Stachys sp. Hedge-nettle

Stellaria crispa Cham. & Schlect. Crisped starwort

Stellaria media (L.) Cyrill. Common chickweed

Tellima grandiflora (Pursh) Dougl. Fringecup

Thalictrum occidentale Gray Western meadowrue

Tolmiea menziesii (Pursh) Torr. & Gray Piggy back plant

Trientalis latifolia Hook. Starflower

Trillium ovatum Pursh Western trillium

Typha latifolia L. Common cattail

Urtica dioica L. Stinging nettle

Vancouveria hexandra (Hook.) Morr. & Dec. Inside-out flower

Veratrum californicum Durand var. caudatum (Heller) C.L. Hitchc. Cascade false hellebore

Veronica americana Schwein. ex Benth. American speedwell

Viola glabella Nutt. Stream violet; yellow wood violet

Viola sempervirens Greene Redwoods violet
20

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Scientific name Common name 

Wolffia borealis (Hegelm) Landolt & O. Wildi Northern watermeal

Wolffia columbiana Karst. Columbia watermeal

Grasses, sedges, and rushes:

Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear Columbia brome

Carex hendersonii L.H. Bailey Henderson’s sedge

Carex obnupta L.H. Bailey Sough sedge

Glyceria elata (Lam.) A. Hitchc. Tall mannagrass

Holcus lanatus L. Common velvetgrass

Juncus effusus L. Common rush

Luzula parviflora (Ehrh.) Desv. Small-flowered woodrush

Melica subulata (Griseb.) Scribn. Alaska oniongrass

Scirpus fluviatilis (Torr.) Gray River bulrush

Trisetum canescens Buckl. Tall trisetum

Trisetum cernuum Trin. Nodding trisetum

a

Compiled from numerous sources. Identifications confirmed. 

b

Nomenclature for vascular plants, ferns, and fern-allies follows the Flora of North America Web site (2006) 

and the Oregon Flora Project Web site (2006).
21

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Appendix 2

Table 4—Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals expected to use Little Sink Research 

Natural Areaa b

Order Scientific name Common name

Amphibians:

Caudata Ambystoma gracile Northwestern salamander

 Ambystoma macrodactylum Long-toed salamander

 Aneides ferreus Clouded salamander

 Dicamptodon tenebrosus Pacific giant salamander

 Ensatina eschscholtzi Ensatina

 Plethodon dunni Dunn’s salamander

 Plethodon vehiculum Western redback salamander

 Rhyacotriton variegatus Southern torrent salamander

 Taricha granulosa Rough-skinned newt

Anura Ascaphus truei Tailed frog

 Bufo boreas Western toad

 Pseudacris regilla Pacific tree frog

 Rana aurora Red-legged frog

Reptiles:

Squamata Elgaria coerulea Northern alligator lizard

 Charina bottae Rubber boa

 Coluber constrictor Racer

 Contia tenuis Sharptail snake

 Eumeces skiltonianus Western skink

 Sceloporus occidentalis Western fence lizard

 Thamnophis elegans Western terrestrial garter snake

 Thamnophis ordinoides Northwestern garter snake

 Thamnophis sirtalis Common garter snake

Testudines Clemmys marmorata Western pond turtle

Birds:

Ciconiiformes Ardea herodias Great blue heron

Anseriformes Aix sponsa Wood duck

 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard

 Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded merganser

 Mergus merganser Common merganser

Falconiformes Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk

 Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk

 Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned hawk

 Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk

 Cathartes aura Turkey vulture

 Circus cyaneus Northern harrier

 Falco sparverius American kestrel

 Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle

Galliformes Bonasa umbellus Ruffed grouse

 Callipepla californica California quail

 Dendragapus obscurus Blue grouse

 Oreortyx pictus Mountain quail

 Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked pheasant
22

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Order Scientific name Common name

Gruiformes Fulica americana American coot

 Porzana carolina Sora

 Rallus limicola Virginia rail

Charadriiformes Actitis macularia Spotted sandpiper

 Brachyramphus marmoratus Marbled murrelet

 Charadrius vociferous Killdeer

Columbiformes Columba fasciata Band-tailed pigeon

 Zenaida macroura Mourning dove

Strigiformes Aegolius acadicus Northern saw-whet owl

 Bubo virginianus Great-horned owl

 Glaucidium gnoma Northern pygmy owl

 Otus kennicottii Western screech-owl

 Strix occidentalis Spotted owl

 Strix varia Barred owl

Caprimulgiformes Chordeiles minor Common nighthawk

Apodiformes Chaetura vauxi Vaux’s swift

 Selasphorus rufus Rufous hummingbird

Coraciiformes Ceryle alcyon Belted kingfisher

Piciformes Colaptes auratus Northern flicker

 Dryocopus pileatus Pileated woodpecker

 Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker

 Picoides villosus Hairy woodpecker

 Sphyrapicus ruber Red-breasted sapsucker

Passeriformes Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird

 Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing

 Carduelis pinus Pine siskin

 Carduelis tristis American goldfinch

 Carpodacus purpureus Purple finch

 Catharus ustulatus Swainson’s thrush

 Certhia americana Brown creeper

 Chamaea fasciata Wrentit

 Cinclus mexicanus American dipper

 Cistothorus palustris Marsh wren

 Coccothraustes vespertinus Evening grosbeak

 Contopus borealis Olive-sided flycatcher

 Contopus sordidulus Western wood peewee

 Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow

 Corvus corax Common raven

 Cyanocitta stelleri Steller’s jay

 Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped warbler

 Dendroica nigrescens Black-throated gray warbler

 Dendroica occidentalis Hermit warbler

 Dendroica petechia Yellow warbler

 Empidonax difficilis Pacific-slope flycatcher

 Empidonax hammondii Hammond’s flycatcher

 Empidonax traillii Willow flycatcher

 Geothlypis trichas Common yellowthroat

 Hirundo pyrrhonota Cliff swallow
23

Little Sink Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 31

Order Scientific name Common name

 Icteria virens Yellow-breasted chat

 Ixoreus naevius Varied thrush

 Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed junco

 Loxia curvirostra Red crossbill

 Melospiza melodia Song sparrow

 Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird

 Myadestes townsendi Townsend’s solitaire

 Oporornis tolmiei MacGillivray’s warbler

 Parus atricapillus Black-capped chickadee

 Parus rufescens Chestnut-backed chickadee

 Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah sparrow

 Perisoreus canadensis Gray jay

 Pheucticus meelanocephalus Black-headed grosbeak

 Pipilo maculattus Spotted towhee

 Piranga rubra Western tanager

 Progne subis Purple martin

 Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit

 Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned kinglet

 Sialia mexicana Western bluebird

 Sitta canadensis Red-breasted nuthatch

 Sitta carolinensis White-breasted nuthatch

 Spizella passerina Chipping sparrow

 Stelgidopterix serripennis Northern rough-winged swallow

 Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallow

 Tachycineta thalassina Violet-green swallow

 Thryomanes bewickii Bewick’s wren

 Troglodytes aedon House wren

 Troglodytes troglodytes Winter wren

 Turdus migratorius American robin

 Vermivora celata Orange-crowned warbler

 Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville warbler

 Vireo gilvus Warbling vireo

 Vireo huttoni Hutton’s vireo

 Vireo solitarius Solitary vireo

 Wilsonia pusilla Wilson’s warbler

 Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned sparrow

Mammals:

Didelphimorphia Didelphis virginiana Virginia opossum

Insectivora Neurotrichus gibbsii Shrew-mole

 Scapanus townsendii Townsend’s mole

 Scapanus orarius Coast mole

 Sorex bairdi Baird’s shrew

 Sorex bendirii Pacific marsh shrew

 Sorex pacificus Pacific shrew

 Sorex sonomae Fog shrew

 Sorex trowbridgii Trowbridge’s shrew

 Sorex vagrans Vagrant shrew
24

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-725

Order Scientific name Common name

Chiroptera Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s big-eared bat

 Eptesicus fuscus Big brown bat

 Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired bat

 Lasiurus cinereus Hoary bat

 Myotis californicus California myotis

 Myotis evotis Long-eared myotis

 Myotis lucifugus Little brown myotis

 Myotis thysanodes Fringed myotis

 Myotis volans Long-legged myotis

 Myotis yumanensis Yuma myotis

Lagomorpha Lepus americanus Snowshoe hare

 Sylvilagus bachmani Brush rabbit

Rodentia Aplodontia rufa Mountain beaver

 Castor canadensis American beaver

 Clethrionomys californicus Western red-backed vole

 Erethizon dorsatum Common porcupine

 Glaucomys sabrinus Northern flying squirrel

 Microtus longicaudus Long-tailed vole

 Microtus oregoni Creeping vole

 Microtus townsemdii Townsend’s vole

 Neotoma cinerea Bushy-tailed woodrat

 Neotoma fuscipes Dusky-footed woodrat

 Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat

 Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse

 Phenacomys albipes White-footed vole

 Phenacomys longicaudus Red tree vole

 Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel

 Tamias townsendii Townsend’s chipmunk

 Tamiasciurus douglasii Douglas’ squirrel

 Thomomys mazama Western pocket gopher

 Zapus trinotatus Pacific jumping mouse

Carnivora Canis latrans Coyote

 Felis concolor Mountain lion

 Lutra canadensis Northern river otter

 Lynx rufus Bobcat

 Martes americana American marten

 Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk

 Mustela erminea Ermine

 Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel

 Mustela vison Mink

 Odocoileus hemionus ssp. columbianus Black-tailed deer

 Procyon lotor Common raccoon

 Spilogale gracilis Western spotted skunk

 Urocyon cinereoargenteus Common gray fox

 Ursus americanus Black bear

 Vulpes vulpes Red fox

Artiodactyla Cervus elaphus Elk

a

Nomenclature, distribution and habitat characteristics taken from Csuti et al. 1997. Atlas of Oregon wildlife. 

Oregon State University Press, Corvallis. 492 p + map.

b

Nomenclature and common names for amphibians taken from Jones et al. 2005. 
Pacific Northwest Research Station

Web site http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/

Telephone (503) 808-2592

Publication requests (503) 808-2138

FAX (503) 808-2130

E-mail pnw_pnwpubs@fs.fed.us

Mailing address Publications Distribution

Pacific Northwest Research Station

P.O. Box 3890

Portland, OR 97208-3890
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Pacific Northwest Research Station

333 SW First Avenue

P.O. Box 3890

Portland, OR 97208-3890

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use, $300