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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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THREE SISTERS |
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| General Description |
The Three Sisters Biosphere Reserve represents the essentially undisturbed landscape straddling the crest of the central Cascade Range (Oregon). The name refers to the three volcanoes that dominate the area and exemplify how glaciers and time can change the volcano landscape. The biosphere reserve comprises permanent snowfields and glaciers, and numerous streams and small rivers. Coniferous forests dominate the area. The western slopes (below 1,200 meters above sea level) are dominated by douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). The subalpine forests are dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), P. albicaulis and alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). Extensive parkland with a mosaic of forest patches and subalpine meadow communities extends from 1,500 - 2,000 meters above sea level. Except intensive studies on geology, little research has been carried out in the biosphere reserve. However, the forests on western part are comparable with those of H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest and Biosphere Reserve, thus serving as a large control area for research. There is no permanent human settlement in the biosphere reserve. Recreational use is moderate though some hunting and fishing occurs. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Mixed mountain and highland systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | ||||
| Location | 44°N; 121°50'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 80,900 | |||
| Core area(s) | ||||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +600 to +3,407 | |||
| Year designated | 1976 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Three Sisters Wilderness USDA, Forest Service | |||
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| Brief description |
Vegetation Geology |
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| Specific variables... | ||||
| Abiotic | Geology. | |||
| Biodiversity | Vegetation studies/Plant cover. | |||
| Socio-economic | n.a. | |||
| Integrated monitoring | n.a. | |||
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| Contact address |
Ruby Seitz McKenzie Ranger District 57600 McKenzie Highway 97413 McKenzie Bridge, Oregon United States of America |
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| Telephone | (1.541) 822 7256 | |||
| Fax | (1.541) 822 7254 | |||
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ruseitz@fs.fed.us |
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| Web site | www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/ | |||
| Contact address |
John Allen McKenzie Ranger District 57600 McKenzie Highway 97413 McKenzie Bridge, Oregon United States of America |
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| Telephone | (1.541) 822 3381 | |||
| Fax | (1.541) 822 7254 | |||
| Web site | www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/ | |||
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| Last updated: 7/15/2003 |
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