MOUNT HARRISON INTERPRETIVE AREA
MOUNT HARRISON SPECIAL AREAS
MOUNT HARRISON RESEARCH NATURAL AREA (RNA)
What is a "Research Natural Area"?
Research Natural Areas (RNAs) are lands within the National Forest system that are
permanently protected for the purposes of maintaining biological diversity, conducting
research, monitoring, and fostering education. These areas serve as a "living library"
where scientists learn more by collecting and interpreting information in a natural
environment that has not been disturbed.
The Mount Harrison RNA was established in 1996 by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service because it
contained rare plant populations, healthy sagebrush-grasslands, subalpine shrub communities,
and striking geology in an isolated high-elevation ecosystem.
The RNA encompasses 381 acres of stunning beauty and an estimated 23 percent of the only known population of
Christ's Indian paintbrush.
MOUNT HARRISON
OTANICAL SPECIAL INTEREST AREA (BSIA)
What is a "Botanical Special Interest Area"?
A botanical Special Interest Area (BSIA) is a unit of land that contains
plant species, groups, or communities that are significant because of their
form, color, occurrence, habitat, location, life history, ecology, or rarity.
These areas are protected and managed for public use and enjoyment
as part of the National Forest System.
The Mount Harrison BSIA was established in 2003 by the U.S.D.A
Forest Service for its unique alpine and subalpine habitats and rare
species. The area provides protection for the remaining portion of
Christ's Indian paintbrush not included in the RNA. In addition,
Mount Harrison has one of two Davis wavewing populations
and two of the largest intact tall forb communities remaining in Idaho.
THE TALL FORB COMMUNITY
What is a "Tall Forb Community"?
The tall forb community has been described as one of the most
beautiful and unique plant communities in the intermountain West.
It is characterized by tall (1.6- to 48-inch) and luxuriant plant species,
and was historically found at 6,300 to 11,000 foot-elevations.
Today, this highly productive community has been largely converted to
shorter and more drought-tolerant species due to a variety of land uses.
This fascinating plant community is comprised of an array of colorful
wildflower species, including sticky geranium, yarrow, sedges, lupine,
daisies and sage. This diversity and splendor exists because more rain
falls at higher elevations and deep soils provide moisture for growth
throughout the summer.
