Horse Ridge Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 37; Forest Service general technical rept

摘要

This guidebook describes Horse Ridge Research Natural Area, a 243-ha (600-ac) tract established to represent an example of the western juniper/big sagebrush/threadleaf sedge (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemis iatridentata/Carex filifolia) plant association. Horse Ridge 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; and Genepool preserves for all types of organisms, especially rare and endangered types.