Mineral Ridge - Bureau of Land ManagementMineral Ridge TRAIL GUIDE ... is the most widely distributed pine in the United States. The species often forms park-like forests and is tolerant

Coeur d’A

lene Field Office / Idaho

U.S. Department of the InteriorBureau of Land ManagementCoeur d’Alene Field Office

3815 Schreiber WayCoeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815

(208)769-5000

Mineral Ridge TRAIL GUIDE

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WELCOME TO MINERAL RIDGE, the first recreation site developed bythe Bureau of Land Management in Idaho. Construction began in 1963, with

additions and improvements made in later years. On April 13, 1982, the trail wasdesignated as a National Recreation Trail.

Mineral Ridge is a “classroom in the forest.” The plant and animal communitiesare used by local school districts for environmental education. This publicationwill help you learn about and explore forest biological and physical interrelation-ships on the 3.3 mile trail.

The booklet is divided into two main sections. The first section is a guide tothe trail. Twenty-two stations along the trail are marked with correspondingnarrative descriptions in the booklet. Also included in this first sectionare review questions and answers. The second section is supplemental trailinformation. Here you will find lists of both plants and animals found at MineralRidge. They are designed as checklists so you can keep a record of the speciesyou observe as you walk the trail. Also included in this section is a glossary ofMineral Ridge place names that highlight the area’s mining history.

Enjoy your hike!

M EINERAL RIDGTRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDE

MAP OF AREAMAP OF AREAMAP OF AREAMAP OF AREAMAP OF AREA

Wolf Lodge Bay

interstate 90

Minera l R idge

Blue Creek Bay

to Coeur d’Alene

Beauty Bay

Highway 97

N

Minera l R IdgePark ing Lot

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TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSMAP OF MINERAL RIDGE ............................................................................ii

STATION 1: Forest Plants ......................................................................... 1STATION 2: Soils ..................................................................................... 4STATION 3: Forest Management .............................................................. 5STATION 4: Litter Hurts ........................................................................... 5STATION 5: Rotten Log ............................................................................ 6STATION 6: Plant Succession ................................................................... 7STATION 7: The Living Forest .................................................................. 8STATION 8: Witches Broom & Bark Beetles .............................................. 9STATION 9: Effects of Trailing ................................................................ 10STATION 10: Wildfire .............................................................................. 11STATION 11: Radio Viewpoint .................................................................. 11STATION 12: Forest Habitat ......................................................................12STATION 13: Abandoned Prospect Spur Trail ............................................ 13STATION 14: Columbus Tree .................................................................... 14STATION 15: Douglas-Fir Stand ............................................................... 15STATION 16: Summit ................................................................................16STATION 17: Pit Excavations (Questions 1, 2, and 3) ............................... 17STATION 18: Fire Scar (Questions 4, 5, and 6) ......................................... 17STATION 19: Habitat Contrast (Questions 7 and 8) ................................... 18STATION 20: Snags (Questions 9 and 10) ................................................ 19STATION 21: Root System (Questions 11, 12, 13, and 14) ......................... 19STATION 22: Silver Tip Viewpoint (Questions 15 and 16) .......................... 20

Question 17 ............................................................................................ 21Question 18 ............................................................................................ 21

HISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMES .............................................. 23PLANT CHECKLIST ................................................................................... 27WILDLIFE CHECKLIST .............................................................................. 31REVIEW ANSWERS/SCORING ................................................................... 33


the Stations 9 and 12 narratives.

10. List two

a. ____________________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________________

11. True _____ False _____

12. True _____ False _____

13. List two

a. ____________________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________________

14. True _____ False _____

15. True _____ False _____

16. Match correct letter, check plants found

1) _____ 2) _____ 3) _____ 4) _____ 5) _____ 6) _____

17. Check plants found

1) _____ 2) _____ 3) _____ 4) _____

18. Check if found _____

_________ Your total score

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ANSWER SHEETANSWER SHEETANSWER SHEETANSWER SHEETANSWER SHEET

Record your answers to the nineteen questions here.

1. True _____ False _____

2. True _____ False _____

3. True _____ False _____

4. Beneficial Impacts

a. ____________________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________________

c. ____________________________________________________

Adverse Impact ____________________________________________

5. True _____ False _____

6. True _____ False _____

7. Circle the correct answers

Part A a b c d e f g

Part B a b c d e f g

8. Circle the correct answers

a b c d e f

9. True _____ False _____

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Diverse, lush vegetation is the first thing you probably will notice about thisforest habitat. The basic requirements for plant growth are mineral nutrients,water, carbon dioxide, light, a medium to grow in such as soil and a tolerabletemperature range. With these requirements met, plants manufacture chlorophyll,grow, and reproduce.

Trees compose the overstory and shrubs and ground cover plants such as forbs,grasses, moss and lichens compose a vegetation understory. The primary tree speciesyou will notice are ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. You should be able to see each ofthese species from this location.

PONDEROSA PINEPonderosa pine is native to North America from British Columbia to Mexico andis the most widely distributed pine in the United States. The species often formspark-like forests and is tolerant of droughtas evidenced by its ability to grow ondry sites.

Larger trees, often referred to as yellowpine, have thick, scaly bark makingthem somewhat fire resistant. Bark isbrownish-black on younger trees and iscinnamon-red colored on mature trees.Needles are in bundles of threes or twos,and are 5 to 11 inches long. A tiny bristleis found on each scale of the cone.

It is the most important commercialpine in western North America and issecond only to Douglas-fir in totaltimber production.

DOUGLAS-FIRDouglas-fir is native to western NorthAmerica from Canada to California.Although it is most abundant on moistsites, the tree is drought-resistant and

GUIDE TO THE TRAILGUIDE TO THE TRAILGUIDE TO THE TRAILGUIDE TO THE TRAILGUIDE TO THE TRAIL

STATION

1 FOREST PLANTS

ponderosapine

1

SCORINGSCORINGSCORINGSCORINGSCORING

43-55 POINTS: EXPERT

Congratulations! You not only have a good basic understanding of the MineralRidge environment, but also have used this knowledge to adopt a sound landuse ethic. The plants and animals of Mineral Ridge invite you to return andvisit their home again.

30-42 POINTS: INTERMEDIATE

You are off to a good start! The plants and animals of Mineral Ridge would likeyou to come back again to learn some more about them and their home.

18-29 POINTS: NOVICE

You tried! However, the plants and animals that live here would appreciate itif you did some additional studying so you would better understand themand their habitat.

17 or less: TENDERFOOT

If you did fair on the questions but received five or more penalty points, wehope the information provided here will help you understand why it is importantto take care of our natural areas.

If you did poorly on the questions, we hope you picked up a few interestingfacts. We invite you to come back again and enjoy Mineral Ridge!

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▼▼

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often found on dry sites withponderosa pine. Bark on older trees isgray and rough with deep cracks.Cones are about 3 inches long withthin scales. They have little wing-likeprotrusions from the underside of thescales called bracts. Some people thinkthe bracts look like a mouse crawlinginto a hole. Needles are short, aboutone inch long, blue-green, flattenedand stand out from all sides of thetwig like a bottle brush. Whencrushed, the needle has a strong,fruity fragrance.

Douglas-fir ranks first in theUnited States for timber production; itsstrong, durable wood has many uses.

Common understory shrubs alongthe trail include ocean-spray, snow-berry, ninebark and wild rose. As youproceed to the next few stations, try tofind an example of these four shrubs.

QCEAN-SPRAYUsually found with ponderosa pine or Douglas-fir, ocean-sprayhas a panicle, or flower cluster, of creamy colored blossoms inthe spring. The seed pods persist through winter and spring.Leaves are alternate and doubly serrated. Individual plantscan grow over 10 feet tall. The seeds of this shrub were

eaten both raw and cooked by native Americans.

douglas-fir

ocean-spray

SNOWBERRYSnowberry has small, opposite, smooth-edged leaves andproduces small white berries in the fall. The shrub is 3 to 7feet tall. Although it is found with ocean-spray, snowberryprefers areas with a little more shade.

2

snowberry

QUESTION MAXIMUM POSSIBLE SCORE

16. Score one point for each of the following correct answers 12and score one point for each of the plants found. Referto the Station 1 narrative.

1. f 2. a 3. c 4. e 5. b 6. d

17. Score one point for each plant found. 4

18. Score one point if you observed evidence of bark beetle damage. 1

Total possible score 45

1. Did you stay on the main trail?a. For your entire hike Add 5 pointsb. At all times after learning of soil erosion at Station 9 Add 3 pointsc. A majority of the time or Add 1 pointd. Not often Subtract 5 points

2. Did you pack out your litter and trash?a. All of it and picked up other litter found Add 5 pointsb. All your own litter Add 3 pointsc. Most of it or Add 1 pointd. Very little of it Subtract 5 points

Add your bonus points or subtract the penalties from your score to determineyour final score.

BONUS AND PENALTY POINTSBONUS AND PENALTY POINTSBONUS AND PENALTY POINTSBONUS AND PENALTY POINTSBONUS AND PENALTY POINTS

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7. Part A. Correct answers are a, b, d, e, f, and g. Score one 6point for each correct answer and subtract one point foreach incorrect answer. Oxygen is a by-product ofphotosynthesis. Refer to the Stations 1 and 6 narratives.

Part B. The most correct answer is d, but f is also 1acceptable. Score one point for either of these answers.Refer to the Station 15 narrative.

8. Correct answers are b, d, and e. Score one point for each 3correct answer and subtract one point for each incorrectanswer. The elevation and slope of both sites are similar.Refer to the Station 15 narrative.

9. True. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1the Station 7 and 14 narratives.

10. Score one point for each of any two of the following 2correct answers. Refer to the Station 14 narrative.

1. cover and feeding areas for small animals such as insects2. food source for insectivores3. feeding, nesting, roosting, or perching sites for birds4. den, resting or escape cover for mammals

11. True. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1the Station 5 narrative.

12. False. Score one point for the correct answer. This is a 1description of the topsoil, not the subsoil. Refer to theStation 2 narrative.

13. Score one point for each of any two of the following 2correct answers. Refer to the Station 2 narrative.

a. mechanical support b. food c. water d. air

14. False. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1the Station 12 and 15 narratives.

15. True. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1

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NINEBARKNinebark is not plentiful but easily distinguishedby its distinct shreddy bark. Leaves are alternate,lobed and serrated. The plant has clusters ofwhite flowers and prefers sunny, open hillsides.Ninebark is a medium-sized shrub that cangrow 2 to 7 feet tall.

Over 100 plant species have been identified on MineralRidge. They are not all described in this booklet, but thePlant Checklist at the back of this guide can help youkeep a record of those that you do find and identify.Use the plant list with any of the various plant fieldguides commercially available. If you make apositive identification of a species not included

on the list, let us know.

wild rose

ninebark

3

WILD ROSEThree different species of rose grow here. Leaflets ofits compound leaves are serrated. Blossoms are pinkand produce fruits called hips, which are red andfleshy. Various sizes and amounts of thorns arepresent depending on the species. Rose hipsprovide food for birds.


Soils are weathered rock fragments combined with decaying plant and animalremains. Wind-blown loess and volcanic ash can also form part of the soil. Soilfurnishes support, food, water and air for growing plants. In return, the soil isheld in place and protected from erosion by plant roots. When the plants die,minerals are returned to the soil by bacterial decay and decomposition. Asorganic matter decomposes, carbon dioxide is released, which combines withwater to form a weak acid solution. This acid reacts chemically with some of thesoil minerals to further break down rock and soil particles. Decomposition is abasic forest process that will be discussed more as you continue your hike.

STATION

2 SOILS

SOIL PROFILESOIL PROFILESOIL PROFILESOIL PROFILESOIL PROFILE

5

2

1 HUMUS: a decomposition layer of plant/animal material

TOPSOIL: contains more organic matter than subsoils andappears darker in color; coarse texture; larger pore spaces allowfor more water absorption, so plant roots concentrate here

SUBSOIL: lighter in color than topsoil layer; finer textured;lacks organic matter

PARENT MATERIAL: composed of fractured rock;lacks organic matter

BEDROCK

3

4

4

ANSWERS/REVIEW SCORINGANSWERS/REVIEW SCORINGANSWERS/REVIEW SCORINGANSWERS/REVIEW SCORINGANSWERS/REVIEW SCORING


1. FALSE. Score one point for the correct answer. Prior to 11920, our mining laws allowed people to explore federallands and purchase the mineral deposits they found.Refer to the Station 13 narrative.

2. FALSE. Score one point for the correct answer. Claims 1can be staked for some minerals. However, others mustbe purchased or leased. Refer to the Station 13 narrative.

3. TRUE. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1the Station 13 narrative.

4. Score one point for each correct answer. Refer to the 4Station 10 narrative.

BENEFICIAL ADVERSE1. adds soil nutrients 1. destroys valuable timber2. thin densely populated trees 2. promotes soil erosion3. rejuvenates forage plants 3. destroys the lands’ scenic value4. control insect and disease infestations5. reduce dangerous fire fuels

5. FALSE. Score one point for the correct answer. Many fires 1are suppressed. However, fire is a natural part of theforest ecosystem and can be beneficial. Where conditionswarrant, fires are allowed to go their natural course.Refer to the Station 10 narrative.

6. TRUE. Score one point for the correct answer. Refer to 1the Station 10 narrative.

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7. mountain chickadee8. chestnut-backed chickadee9. white-breasted nuthatch10. red-breasted nuthatch11. pygmy nuthatch12. brown creeper13. winter wren14. American robin15. varied thrush16. Swainson’s thrush17. hermit thrush18. Townsend’s solitaire19. golden-crowned kinglet20. ruby-crowned kinglet21. Yellow-rumped warbler22. Wilson’s warbler23. Northern oriole24. Vaux’s swift25. Rufous hummingbird26. Calliope hummingbird27. northern flicker28. pileated woodpecker29. hairy woodpecker30. downy woodpecker31. northern 3-toed woodpecker32. western tanager33. evening grosbeak34. pine grosbeak35. red crossbill36. dark-eyed junco37. yellow-bellied sapsucker38. Williamson’s sapsucker39. western-wood pewee

WATER BIRDS AND WATERFOWL(Can be seen on lake around Mineral Ridge)

1. mallard2. canvasback3. common merganser4. hooded merganser5. Canada goose6. tundra swan7. common goldeneye8. American coot

9. ringbilled gull10. belted kingfisher11. great blue heron12. killdeer13. spotted sandpiper14. common snipe15. least sandpiper16. black tern

AMPHIBIANS1. northern long-toed salamander2. Coeur d’Alene salamander

REPTILES1. Rocky Mountain rubber boa2. western garter snake3. western skink

FISH(in Beauty and Wolf Lodge Bays)

1. kokanee salmon2. chinook salmon3. cutthroat trout4. rainbow trout5. northern squawfish6. longnose sucker7. brown bullhead8. largemouth bass9. black crappie10. yellow perch11. longnose dace12. tench13. pumpkinseed

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Forest management is a part ofmaintaining a healthy ecosystem.An obvious use of a forest is timberproduction and harvest to supplywood products. Although MineralRidge is managed for recreational andeducational use, the stand of trees inthe area above the trail was cut in1975 to demonstrate the forestmanagement practice of “thinning.”Thinning takes out some trees whileallowing others to grow. As a result,the remaining trees will get bigger andgrow faster. Think for a minute. Canyou guess why this is true?

If you guessed that the remainingtrees had more light, water and

STATION

3 FOREST MANAGEMENT

6 REQUIREMENTS6 REQUIREMENTS6 REQUIREMENTS6 REQUIREMENTS6 REQUIREMENTSFOR PLANT GROWTHFOR PLANT GROWTHFOR PLANT GROWTHFOR PLANT GROWTHFOR PLANT GROWTH

MINERAL NUTRIENTS

WATER

SUNLIGHT

CARBON DIOXIDE

MEDIUM TO GROW IN

TOLERABLE TEMPERATURE

nutrients available to them, you’re right. They didn’t have to compete with othertrees for the important things that make them grow.

Take a second look at the tree stand. The tops or “crowns” of the trees arebeginning to touch and crowd one another. Once again they are starting tocompete. You’ll also notice that some of the trees are dead. They were killed byinsects. This is one way nature thins trees.

At another station, you will learn more about forest insects and the importanceof dead trees.

Below the trail, in the draw, you can see a rusted metal cylinder. Mineralprospectors probably used it, but its exact purpose is not known. Farther alongthe trail you can see some actual mineral prospecting sites.

The metal cylinder has been rusting for many years. It will probably take 150to 200 years for complete decomposition. In this area, a piece of paper can take

STATION

4 LITTER HURTS

5

up to 3 years to break down into soil elements used by plants. A small, thinpiece of plastic can take up to 10 years to decompose. An aluminum can willremain virtually forever since there is little in the soil to break it down. Becausethe decomposition process works slowly, you can see why we ask all trail usersto pack out their own litter and trash. Bureau of Land Management maintenancecrews periodically pick up litter along the trail, but we need your help. Pleasepack out your own trash, and the litter of others.

Remember the decaying layer of organic material on the soil’s surface calledhumus? The tree that once stood above the trail at this location and then fellacross it is a good example of matter decomposing to become humus, andeventually, soil.

Bacteria, fungus, molds, yeast, worms and insects break down the woodymaterial. These small organisms are important because the wood they decayis the only natural source of soil nutrients.

Plants require three primary minerals for growth — nitrogen, phosphorus andpotassium. Other elements such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur are alsoneeded in smaller quantities. However, all of these minerals are of no use to theplant unless water is present. Plant roots absorb water containing the minerals sothe plant can photosynthesize its food or store it for later use. Most of theseminerals will be returned to the soil when the trees die and decompose. Thus, theforest cycle is continuous.

STATION

5 ROTTON LOG

6

WILDLIFE CHECKLISTWILDLIFE CHECKLISTWILDLIFE CHECKLISTWILDLIFE CHECKLISTWILDLIFE CHECKLIST

Wildlife diversity on Mineral Ridge is shown in this list of animals. It includesspecies that have been seen here or thought to frequent the area. It is designedas a checklist so you can keep a record of what you observe. Species in italicsuse snags as part of their habitat.

MAMMALS

UNGULATES (hoofed animals)1. white-tailed deer

RODENTS AND LAGOMORPHS(gnawing mammals)1. porcupine2. mountain cottontail3. snowshoe hare4. Colombian ground squirrel5. golden mantled squirrel6. red squirrel7. northern flying squirrel8. yellow pine chipmunk9. deer mouse10. bushy tail woodrat11. longtail vole

CARNIVORES (meat eaters)1. black bear (also eats plants)2. coyote3. striped skunk4. bobcat5. pine marten6. long-tailed weasel

SHREWS1. vagrant shrew2. cinereus shrew

BATS1. silver haired bat2. big brown bat3. hoary bat

BIRDSRAPTORS1. sharp-shinned hawk2. red-tailed hawk3. osprey4. bald eagle (endangered species)5. western screech owl6. flammulated owl7. great horned owl8. northern pigmy owl9. boreal owl10. northern saw whet owl

GROUSE1. ruffed grouse

INSECT AND SEED EATERS1. gray jay2. Stellar’s jay3. American crow4. common raven5. Clark’s nutcracker6. black-capped chickadee

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GRASSES1. bluebunch wheatgrass Agropyron spicatum2. tall oatgrass Arrhenatherum elatins3. pine grass Calamagrostis rubescens4. Idaho fescue Festuca idahoensis5. bluegrass Poa spp.

MOSSES1. curved-leaved moss Dicranum spp.2. curly-moss Drepanocladus spp.3. creeping moss Hypnaceae spp.4. grey rock-moss Rhacomitrium spp.5. triangle-leaved moss Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus6. club moss Selaginella spp.7. twisted moss Tortula spp.

LICHEN1. old man’s beard Alectoria spp.2. crustose lichen Cladonia spp.3. foliose lichen Lobaria spp.4. foliose lichen Parmelis spp. (on trees)5. reindeer moss Usnea spp.

PARASITES1. dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium douglasii (on Douglas-fir)2. dwarf mistletoe Arcenthobium campylopodum (on ponderosa pine)

30 7

The old roadbed that the trail crosses was built years ago for mineral prospectingand has not been used since the 1920s. Although long abandoned, the road isstill easily visible. The trees were removed before road construction. Only grassesgrew when the road was first used. Shrubs began growing after the road wasabandoned, and now young trees are beginning to grow. The ultimate vegetationthat any site can support is known as its “climax plant community,” and theprocess of change toward climax is known as plant succession. Sub-climaxspecies are known as seral species and occupy different seral stages. Becauseof different habitat requirements, wildlife changes according to each seral stage.People can influence the rate of change and even reverse its direction to earlierstages of plant succession. In this case, people built a road.

Another example of artificial change is timber harvest. Land managers cansimulate a certain stage of succession by cultivating plants of a specific seralstage. For example, browse for deer and elk can be created by promotingbrushfields on south-facing slopes after timber is removed. This can be done byburning the area periodically to kill young trees that would eventually shade outthe shrubs. Managers may also try to change the rate of succession by plantingseral tree species that are less susceptible to insect and disease problems.

Through succession, sites always progress to the point that they are populatedwith climax vegetation. However, climax vegetation is not the same for all sites.It may be a pine forest for one site and a grassland for another site. Each willvary according to the conditions of the surrounding habitat. Still, you will oftensee many areas with seral plants. Why do you suppose this is true? Think aboutit as you hike to the next station.

PLANT SUCCESSIONSTATION

6

STATION

7

THE LIVING FORESTTHE LIVING FORESTTHE LIVING FORESTTHE LIVING FORESTTHE LIVING FORESTA forest is composed of variousplants and animals living together.Populations of each species, whetherthey be plant or animal, will haveindividuals of all ages, from infantto old. Populations of trees mayeven have dead trees called snags.A healthy forest will have balancedproportions of its inhabitants, andindividual plants will have sufficientspace to grow without competition forsoil nutrients, water, and sunlight.Plant succession will proceed towardclimax in the absence of naturaldisturbances such as fire or humandisturbances such as timber harvest.Without disturbances to maintainthese balanced proportions, selectedspecies may become too denselypopulated. Consequently, the chancefor infestations of insects, diseases, or

catastrophic wildfire will increase. These processes retard plant succession fromachieving climax vegetation.

Habitat is “home” for any living thing and provides food, shelter (alsoknown as cover), water, and living space. Generally, the diverse forest vegeta-tion provides food and cover for the variety of wildlife that inhabits the forest.For example, ruffed grouse and deer primarily eat buds and twigs, whereasfinches and sparrows eat seeds. Red squirrels cache tree cones for later useduring harsh winters. Standing trees provide habitat for insects and spiders,which are eaten by chickadees. Three-toed woodpeckers and black-backedwoodpeckers feed almost exclusively on bark and wood-boring beetles. Nearlyall infant birds need animal protein from insects to grow. Forest plants providesecurity cover for animals to rest or roost, escape cover from predators includingpeople, protective cover from extreme weather, and reproductive cover for givingbirth and rearing young. Each animal species has its unique habitat requirementsand relies upon different plant species to provide its needs.

THE LIVING FOREST

8

49. corn gromwell Lithospermum philosum50. lemon weed Lithospermum ruderale51. narrow-leaved parsley Lomatium triternatum52. wild lupine Lupinus perennis53. blue lupine Lupinus wyethii54. white campion Lychnis alba55. bluebell Mertensia longiflora56. bluebell Mertensia virginica57. mitrewort Mitella stauropetala58. cancer root Orobanche uniflora59. sweet cicely Osmorhiza chilensis60. penstemon Penstemon eriantherus61. penstemon Penstemon venustus62. wild sweetwilliam Phlox longifolia63. buckhorn plantain Plantago lanceolata64. nippleseed plantain Plantago major65. cinquefoil Potentilla glandulosa66. cinquefoil Potentilla millegrana67. pine drops Pterospora andromedea68. leafless wintergreen Pyrola aphylla69. buttercup Ranunculus eschscholtzii70. early buttercup Ranunculus glaberrimus71. sheep sorrel Rumex acetosella72. skullcap Scutellaria angustifolia73. stonecrop Sedum douglasii74. stonecrop Sedum stenopetalum75. butterweed Senecio intergerrimus76. ragwort Senecio leibergii77. night flowering catchfly Silene douglasii78. false solomon’s seal Smilacina racemosa79. starry solomon plume Smilacina stellata80. nodding ladies tresses Spiranthes cernua81. common chickweed Stellaria media82. twisted stalk Streptopus amplexifolius83. dandelion Taraxacum officinale84. early meadow rue Thalictrum dioicum85. early meadow rue Thalictrum occidentale86. goatsbeard Tragopogon dubius87. salsify Tragopogon major88. alsike clover Trifolium hybridum89. western trillium Trillium ovatum90. mullein Verbascum thapsus91. blue violet Viola adunca92. meadow death camas Zigadenus venenosus

FERNS1. brittle fern Cystopteris fragilis2. sword fern Polystichum munitum3. bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens4. mountain woodfern Woodsia scopulina

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20. white spirea Spirea lucida21. snowberry Symphoricarpos albus22. dwarf snowberry Symphoricarpos vaccinioides

FORBS1. yarrow Achillea millefolum2. goat chicory Agoseris grandiflora3. pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea4. alkanet Anchusa azurea5. common bugloss Anchusa officinalis var.6. anemone Anemone piperi7. windflower Anemone drummondii8. dogbane Apocynum pumilum9. kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi10. arnica Arnica cordifolia11. arnica Arnica fulgens12. arrow-leaf balsam-root Balamorhiza sagittata13. brodea Brodea lactea watts14. wild hyacinth Brodiaea hyacinthina15. sego lily Calochortus elegans16. fairy slipper Calypso bulbosa17. harebell Companula perry; var idahoensis18. harebell Campanula rotundifolia19. squaw root Canopholis americana20. yellow paintbrush Castilleja angustifolia21. field chickweed Cerastium arvense22. prince’s pine Chimaphila umbellata23. spring beauty Calytonia lanceolata24. miner’s lettuce Claytonia perfoliata25. spring beauty Claytonia virginica26. blue clematis Clematis columbiana27. blue-eyed mary Collinsia parviflora28. western goldthread Coptis occidentalis29. larkspur Delphinium depauperatum30. fairybells Disporum oreganum31. shooting star Dodecatheon pauciflorum32. shooting star Dodecatheon puberulum33. western wallflower Erysimum capitatum34. western wallflower Erysimum elatum35. dog-toothed violet Erythronium grandiflorum36. wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana37. rice-root Fritillaria lanceolata38. yellowbell Fritillaria pudica39. gaillardia Gaillardia arisystata40. sweetscented bedstraw Galium triflorum41. wild geranium Geranium viscosissimum42. northern gentian Gentiana acuta43. northern gentian Gentiana amarella44. foxfire Gilia aggregata45. alumroot Heuchera cylindrica46. water-leaf Hydrophyllum capitatum47. pea vine Lahyrus bijugatus48. woodland star Lithophragma bulbifera

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Parasitic insects and diseases can infecttrees in the forest. A parasite is a livingorganism that lives on or in anotherorganism called a ”host.” Parasites derivetheir nourishment from their hosts andreturn nothing. Insects and diseasecan kill a tree or weaken it and slow itsgrowth. Weakened trees are less ableto compete with healthy trees and canbe crowded out. They are also moresusceptible to infestation by otherparasites. Infestations can thin a timberstand or eliminate the climax vegetation and the plant succession cycle isrepeated. In this way, vegetation diversity is maintained and we will continueto see seral vegetation. Wildfire also causes vegetation to diversify.

As you stand at this station, take a look around. Can you find an example ofa parasite infecting a tree? The large Douglas-fir below the trail and the othertrees in this area have deformities that appear as multi-branched broom-likegrowths on otherwise normal tree branches. The deformity is called witchesbroom, and is caused by dwarf mistletoe, a parasitic plant. The branched forma-tion is caused by the tree’s own disease-combating defenses. The tree tries tocure itself by rushing nutrients to the infected area, much as white blood cellsare rushed to human wounds. This rush of nutrients causes the sporadic growthpattern. Dwarf mistletoe is a serious parasite in many western conifers and cancause great economic losses.

A parasitic insect found in the area is the bark beetle. Since the start of the trailyou have probably noticed many dead ponderosa pine trees. They were killed bya tiny beetle that enters the tree and feeds just under the bark. The feeding actionof the beetle eventually will girdle the tree, cutting off the flow of nutrients,immediately killing it. Bark beetles are a common and serious pest. They usuallyattack weakened or dying trees. Many of the dead pine trees you see on MineralRidge were killed in the 1980s after several years of warm, dry weather madethe trees vulnerable to beetle attack. As you proceed up the trail, see how manyponderosa pine trees you can find that may have been killed by the bark beetle.

WITCHES BROOM & BARK BEETLESSTATION

8

bark beetle

9

EFFECTS OF TRAILINGSTATION

9

A trail runs down the center of thesteep old road that crosses here.The vegetation is trampled and worn.Did you see other examples of trailingtoward the beginning of your hike andat trail switchbacks? Trailing is causedmostly by people taking shortcuts.Hikers need to stay on the main trailto prevent trailing, but obviously, somedo not heed this request. Soil erosionand sedimentation are the main effectsof trailing. Water erosion is the main

concern. How much soil erosionoccurs depends on the amount of

water, steepness of the slope,the soil type, and the kind and

amount of plants. When tramplingoccurs, vegetation is destroyed andplant roots will not hold soil in place.With the ground left unprotected, soil iswashed away by rainfall. The situationis worsened because as topsoil is lost,

the soil’s capacity to absorb wateris further reduced. Trailing alsocauses soil compaction.Compaction reduces soil’s ability

to absorb water. In short, water runs offinstead of sinking in, further escalatingthe damage to plants and soil.

Stay on the main trail. It is built toparallel the land’s natural contour, and

is sloped so that water falling on it quickly flows off into undisturbed vegetatedareas rather than being channeled down the trail. Culverts under the trail helpthe runoff drain in its natural pattern rather than being blocked and diverted ontothe trail.

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PLANT CHECKLISTPLANT CHECKLISTPLANT CHECKLISTPLANT CHECKLISTPLANT CHECKLISTA wide diversity of terrestrial plant life can be observed on Mineral Ridge.The following list has been compiled as a checklist so you can keep a recordof those that you find. Use the list with any of the commercially available fieldguides to plants. Plants are listed here alphabetically be genus and species.Their Latin scientific names are shown because sometimes more than one plantwill have the same common name or a plant may be known by more than onecommon name.

TREES

1. grand fir Abies grandis2. western paper birch Betula papyrifera var. occidentalis3. western larch Larix occidentalis4. western white pine Pinus monticola5. ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa6. black cottonwood Populus trichocarpa7. Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii8. western red cedar Thuja plicata9. western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla

SHRUBS

1. mountain maple Acer glabrum2. thin-leaved alder Alnus sinuata3. serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia4. Oregon grape Berberis repens5. ocean-spray Holodiscus discolor6. twin flower Linnaea borealis7. orange honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa8. red twin-berry Lonicera utahensis9. mountain lover Pachistima myrsinites10. syringa Philadelphus lewisii11. ninebark Physocarpus malvaceus12. wild cherry Prunus emarginata13. sticky currant Ribes viscosissimum14. peartip rose Rosa woodsii15. wood rose Rosa gymnocarpe16. nootka rose Rosa nutkana17. thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus18. blue elderberry Sambucus coerulea19. white spirea Spirea betulifolia

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You can see the effects of wildfire on plant succession at this location. The treecanopy is more open and more brush is present. Young trees are just nowbeginning to grow and eventually will shade out much of the brushy understory.

Fire is a natural part of the forest’s ecosystem. When small and not too hot,fire can have beneficial effects. For example, fire can return nutrients to the soilfrom plants, thin densely populated trees, rejuvenate growth of forage plants forwildlife, control infestations of insects and disease, and reduce plant material thatcould fuel a large, hot fire. Fire-tolerant trees, such as mature ponderosa pine,can survive repeated occurrences of low-intensity ground fires.

Aggressive fire suppression has allowed excessive plants to accumulate todangerous levels in many forests. The potential exists for a low-intensityground fire to become a raging inferno. Not only do they destroy valuabletimber, but these fires can increase serious soil erosion by removing groundcover. Also, large, high-intensity fires that race through the forest’s crown canleave an unpleasant sight for the visitor. BLM recognizes that fire is a naturalpart of the forest ecosystem and can have beneficial effects, so not all fires areimmediately suppressed. However, too many fires, or very hot fires can bedestructive. Please be careful with your campfires and matches.

WILDFIRESTATION

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RADIO VIEWPOINT

You might be wondering about the odd name for this location. After all, there isno radio or tower here. The name refers to the Radio Mining Company, whichconsisted of five mining claims at the head of Varnum Creek. The company wasactive in the early 1930s leaving 1,375 feet of underground workings. Othernames used on Mineral Ridge, along with an explanation of where they werederived, starts on page 23.

The distance to Station 12 is fairly long. As you proceed, see if you canidentify plant species that were introduced at the start of the hike, find a rottinglog and explore soil building and decomposition processes, or look for signs offorest insects and disease.

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STATION

11

The vegetation in this area is typical of most of the area you have hikedthrough thus far. This south-facing slope of Mineral Ridge is considered aDouglas-fir habitat type meaning that Douglas-fir is the climax tree species inthis area. However, you have seen quite a few ponderosa pine as well. Ponderosapine will not germinate or grow well in shade. Although the tree grows best inrelatively moist, but well-drained soils, it can tolerate dry, shallow, rocky soils.Here the soil is somewhat dry and shallow, suitable for pine but also moistenough to support Douglas-fir. Eventually, the ponderosa pine will bereplaced by more shade-tolerant Douglas-fir.Because the soil is shallow, it’s important that you stay on the trail.

Remember the extensive damage that trailing and erosion cause. If you leftthe main trail, look back at the route you took. Is the vegetation trampled?Is the ground bare? Will the trail that you took drainwater quickly, or will it act as a channel? Did youhelp prevent erosion or did you worsen the problem?

FOREST HABITATSTATION

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SILVER TIP VIEWPOINTThe Silver Tip Mining Association was very active on one of the most extensivelydeveloped properties in the Beauty Bay Mining District for a short time. It wasincorporated on April 27, 1922, but disbanded seven months later. The propertyconsisted of sixteen unpatented claims located on Varnum Creek, a tributary ofBeauty Creek, in lead-zinc-pyrrhotite deposits. Some ore from the property wastreated at the Caribou Custom Mill. Mine development consisted of two mainadits on opposite sides of the creek.

The viewpoint affords an overlook of both Beauty Bay and Wolf Lodge Bayfrom about 600 feet above the lake, an elevation of 2,724 feet. It is located2,905 feet west from Caribou Cabin. From here the Johnny Mack Trail winds4,170 feet back to the parking lot.

SILVER WAVE VIEWPOINTThis was the name given to the first mining claim located on Mineral Ridge. In1891, prospectors Marshall, Hoelzle, O’Brien and Moor staked the claim and laterdrove 700 feet of drift into the hillside below the viewpoint.

The viewpoint affords an excellent panoramic view of the Wolf Lodge Valleyand the Coeur d’Alene Mountains to the north from an elevation of 3,020 feet.

WILSON M. M. & M. TRAILThe Wilson Mutual Mining and Milling Company worked four groups of claimsin the vicinity of Wolf Lodge Bay. The largest group was located on the northslope of Mineral Ridge on November 21, 1917, and identified as the WilsonGroup. The Wilson M. M. & M. Trail connects Caribou Cabin with the Lost ManTrail and is 2,055 feet long. The Royal and Blue Bird Viewpoints are on the trail.

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The short spur trail to the west leads to an abandoned mine.Prior to 1920, the United States mining laws provided that mineral deposits

on federal land were open to exploration and purchase to the person who foundthem. Mining laws became more complex as uses for a wider variety of types ofminerals developed. Today, claims can still be staked out or located for “hardrock” minerals such as gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc. Other minerals suchas oil, natural gas and phosphate can be leased and the resources extracted.Common minerals such as sand, gravel and building stone are sold by the ton orcubic yard.

Only hard rock mining occurred at Mineral Ridge. Miners came from the Eastand from the California gold fields when gold was discovered at Prichard, northof Wallace, in 1881. The first recorded claims were filed on Mineral Ridge in1891.

Many people would call this a mine shaft, but that is incorrect. A shaft is avertical or inclined excavation. This excavation is horizontal and is properlyreferred to as a prospect, or if a mine had been developed, an adit. Where an aditis extended through a mountain so it has an opening on each end, it is called atunnel. A “mine” is an excavation where mineral deposits, or ore, are extracted.Ore was never found and extracted from this site so it is considered a prospect.A prospect is any shaft, pit, drift, or drill hole used to determine if an areawarrants development of a mine.

CARIBOU CABINThe Caribou Mining Company was incorporated July 5, 1918. The Caribou Groupconsisted of ten unpatented claims located about two miles up Beauty Creek inlead-zinc-pyrrhotite deposits. Unpatented claims are those where the land beingmined still belongs to the public. Underground workings on the claims total about1,700 feet, primarily in two exploratory drifts. In 1919 a mill on this propertywas equipped to do custom milling and in 1931 treated ore from several proper-ties in the district for a short time.

GRAY WOLFNine unpatented mining claims, located two miles up Beauty Creek in lead-zinc-pyrrhotite deposits, were operated by the Gray Wolf Mining Company. It wasdeveloped with one main 990-foot adit. The company was incorporated on May18, 1917, and forfeited its charter November 30, 1938.

The scenic point honoring this company is located 1,850 feet northwesterlyfrom Caribou Cabin and is situated at an elevation of 2,824 feet, about 700 feetabove lake level. A commanding view of Wolf Lodge Bay and vicinity is offered.

LOST MAN TRAILThe first three claims located in the Johnny Mack Group on a tributary of VarnumCreek were named the Lost Man Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Lost Man No. 1 was recordedon November 1, 1928, and the others 17 days later.

The trail extends from the Royal Viewpoint to the Elk Mountain Road. The trailis 1,955 feet in length. It presents several natural vistas enroute.

MINERAL RIDGEThe Mineral Ridge Mining and Milling Company was incorporated in 1908and the first claims located here were the Buckeye and Silver Wave datingback to 1891.

ROYAL VIEWPOINTThese mining claims were operated by the Royal Basin Mining Companywhich was incorporated December 14, 1910. The property consisted of nineunpatented claims located about two miles above the mouth of Beauty Creekin undifferentiated deposits. The company’s workings included three adits, theprincipal one being about 500 feet long. The company forfeited its charterNovember 30, 1942.

The Royal Viewpoint is located 2,055 feet east of Caribou Cabin at anelevation of 2,815 feet.

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ABANDONED PROSPECT SPUR TRAILSTATION

13

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HISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMESHISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMESHISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMESHISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMESHISTORY/GLOSSARY OF PLACE NAMES

The first two recorded mining claims on Mineral Ridge were located on its northslope in 1891 by John Marshall, Emanuel Hoelzle, Michael O’Brien, and MarionMoor. They were staked out and named Buckeye and Silver Wave. Marshall,Hoelzle, and Charles Williams, carpenters, boat builders, and lifelong friends,worked the claims and explored the ridge ever more intently for telltale signs ofvaluable minerals. They built a prospector’s cabin of hand-hewn logs near thepresent parking lot in 1900. Together they located the Beartooth, Racoon, andMascot mining claims on the hillside above the cabin in 1907. The next yearthey were instrumental in forming, along with four others, the Mineral RidgeMining and Milling Company. Like fever, the “mining bug” spread to others whodreamed of making a fortune on “The Ridge.” Claims were located throughoutthe 1930s by J.S. Green, Clyde Pittman, Johnny Mack, the Wilson Brothers,Anderson, Brennan and Ed Burns, spawning such names as General Pershing,Last Chance, Sante, Bull Elk, Black Bear, Silver Tip, Gray Wolf, Last Dollar,Hercules, Dam-site, Stern Winder, Lost Man, North Star, Diamond Hitch, PeggyN., and Pack Rat.

The high price of metal during World War I stimulated mining activity. It dwindledafter the war with the collapse of the metal market. In 1923 a reported rich platinumdiscovery lead to intense excitement. This later proved to be a hoax. Small bodies oflead-zinc ore, however, were discovered in the Beauty Bay Mining District, and thesecontinued to attract attention.

The Beauty Bay area’s first homesteader was David H. “Colonel” Budlong,who received patent to 160 acres (a portion is now Beauty Bay Resort) onMarch 8, 1902. The legendary names of the mining companies and individualswho prospected in the Beauty Bay Mining District were located from the recordsto highlight this interesting era of the area’s past.

BLUE BIRD VIEWPOINTThis viewpoint on the Wilson Trail offers a splendid view of Wolf Lodge Creek,Bay, and the surrounding Coeur d’Alene Mountains. Its namesake, the BlueBird Mining Company, was incorporated on September 2, 1924. The propertyconsisted of nine unpatented mining claims located on Mineral Ridge in arse-nopyrite deposits. It had a 65-foot shaft, and an adit about 100 feet long thathave since been obliterated. The charter was forfeited in November 30, 1941.

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STATION

14

This ponderosa pine was killed bywestern pine beetles in 1974.It was more than 480 years old andprobably the second oldest tree onMineral Ridge. The tree was alivewhen Columbus sailed to NorthAmerica and was nicknamed theColumbus Tree. For several yearsit stood as a dead tree, or snag.Snags provide valuable habitatfor many wildlife species.For small animals, such asinsects, snags serve as coverand places for feeding andhomes. Insects, in turn,provide food for otheranimals. Snags are usedfor feeding, nesting, roostingand perching by a variety ofbird species. Some birds useexisting cavities in the snagsfor their nests while othersexcavate and create nestingcavities in the soft wood.

The importance of snags forperching is exemplified by howbald eagles use snags on MineralRidge. Each winter, eagles visitthis area to feed on kokanee salmon. Eagles perch on snags along the shorelinewatching for salmon. Snags are easier to fly from and land on than living trees.Mammals also use cavities in snags for dens or as resting or escape cover. Areasunder loose bark are used by bats for roosting.

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COLUMBUS TREE M EINERAL RIDGTRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDETRAIL GUIDE

STATION

15 DOUGLAS-FIR STAND

Did you notice a change in the vegetation at arriving at this station? This istypical of a Douglas-fir forest stand. Obviously, there has been a change inenvironmental factors that favors Douglas-fir. What major factor is different?This site is more moist and the soil is deeper so it can hold more water. Also, itsexposure is not as directly south as the areas you were just in. There is lesssunlight and wind here so there is less evaporation. Also, since Douglas-firs havebecome established and they grow in a more dense stand than ponderosa pine,the area is more shaded. This makes it cooler, further reducing the amount ofsunlight and slowing evaporation.

What can you tell about plant succession on this site and what is the site’sprobable climax plant species? There are both ponderosa pine and Douglas-firhere. However, notice that the larger, older trees are pines and the younger, moreabundant trees are Douglas-fir. Do you see any pine seedlings? Probably not,since ponderosa pine do not reproduce well in shaded areas. Notice that theshade also limits the amount of understory vegetation. Douglas-fir is the climaxtree species here.

In October 1991, the areaexperienced unusually high windsexceeding 60 miles per hour. Manytrees, including the Columbus Tree,were blown over. Several fell acrosspowerlines igniting fires that weredriven by the extreme winds into hugefire-storms. Ironically, the high windsthat toppled the Columbus Treeoccurred just a few days afterColumbus Day on October 12.

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STATION

16 SUMMIT

This is the summit ofthe Mineral Ridge Trail.You have climbed to anelevation of 2,800 feet,a rise of 660 feet from theparking lot. The main looptrail continues to the westand returns to the parkinglot. This brochure corre-sponds to points on themain trail. The Wilson M.M. & M. trail to the eastconnects with the LostMan Trail. The total lengthof these two trails is lessthan one mile. However,they do not form a loopand dead end where theLost Man Trail intersects the Elk Mountain Road (Forest Service Road Number1575). Along these spur trails are two viewpoints of Wolf Lodge Bay, Wolf LodgeCreek and the surrounding Coeur d’Alene Mountains. The trails traverse slopeswith northerly exposures with moist and cool grand fir, hemlock and cedarhabitat types.

You can also see a soil profile of the north slope of Mineral Ridge. This cut ismuch deeper than the first one you looked at. It also has a thick topsoil layer thatis formed in weathered volcanic ash. This ash originated from Mt. Mazama over6,000 years ago. A huge volcanic eruption blew the top off the mountain to formpresent day Crater Lake in Oregon. The ash was wind blown hundreds of milesto its present resting place. Because it is light and fluffy, it helps this soil absorbmuch more water than it would without it.

As you continue your hike, you can review the forest interrelationships ofMineral Ridge. We’ve added some questions at the back of this booklet to helpyou learn more about forest ecology. Record your answers on the Answer Sheet(pages 37-38).

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QUESTION 17Remember, there are over 100 terrestrial plant species found on Mineral Ridge.Only six have been highlighted thus far. Here are descriptions of four additionalplants. Identify and find an example of each.

1. SYRINGA sometimes called mockorange, is the state flower of Idaho. It hasshowy, fragrant flowers with four white petals. Leaves are opposite and ovatewith an acute tip. Edges may be smooth or can have sharp teeth pointingoutward. Its bark is somewhat shreddy.

2. OREGON GRAPE is a low-growing shrub with shiny evergreen, compoundleaves. Leaves are alternate. Leaflets have prickly and serrated edges. It growson both open and shady hillsides. Older leaves may have red and yellow colora-tions. It provides forage for deer and elk.

3. SERVICEBERRY is a large-spreading shrub that prefers drier, open hillsides.It has small, serrate, elliptical, and alternate leaves. Bark on older branches isgrey. The dark, purple berries are edible. It is an important browse plant for deerand elk.

4. BRACKEN FERN is common in moist, mountainous areas. Its large com-pound leaves are broadly triangular in outline and are usually solitary.

QUESTION 18Along the descent trail you will notice numerous dead, dying or unhealthy-looking ponderosa pine trees. They have been attacked by bark beetles. Find anexample of bark beetle damage. Look for holes bored into the bark. There may beballs or globs of pitch oozing from the holes. This is how the tree tries to expelthe beetle. On dead trees, look for trails or etchings the insects have left on thedebarked trunks.

Score your review when you reach the bottom of the trail.Correct answers to the questions can be found on page 33.

▼

21

a ponderosa pine. Because the larger older trees here are pines, it is probably theclimax tree species for this site. TRUE OR FALSE?

STATION

22 SILVER TIP VIEWPOINT

This location provides one of the more popularly photographed views of LakeCoeur d’Alene. Note the grassy vegetation on this open hillside.

QUESTION 15At this location it is especially important to stay on the main trail to preventsoil erosion because of the sparse vegetation, shallow soils and steep slopes.TRUE OR FALSE?

Silver Tip Viewpoint is the last numbered station. The trail now descendsback to the parking lot. On the way down continue the review by answering thefollowing questions. Read each of the questions before starting out so you willknow what to look for as you proceed.

QUESTION 16Match the plant drawings below with the correct names. Also find an example ofeach plant along the trail.

a. Douglas-fir

b. Wild rose

c. Ocean-spray

d. Ponderosa pine

e. Ninebark

f. Snowberry

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21 3

54 6

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STATION

17 PIT EXCAVATIONS

REVIEW QUESTIONS

These pit excavations were dug by prospectors looking primarily for lead and zinc.

QUESTION 1Prior to 1920, United States laws prohibited mining on federal lands.TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 2On federal lands, mining claims can be staked for all minerals. TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 3Valuable minerals were not removed from these diggings. Therefore, they aretechnically not called a mine but are referred to as a prospect. TRUE OR FALSE?

STATION

18 FIRE SCAR

The old ponderosa pine here was scarred and burned about 55 to 75 years ago.

QUESTION 4List three beneficial effects and one adverse impact of wildfire.

QUESTION 5Since fires can be extremely devastating, all fires located on federal landsare suppressed. TRUE OR FALSE?


QUESTION 6Although fire is a natural part of the forest’s ecosystem, visitors to the forest stillneed to be careful with campfires and matches. TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 9Do you see any old, dead standing trees from this location? Standing dead treesare called snags. TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 10Dead trees can provide habitat for numerous different wildlife species. List twohabitat needs that snags can fulfill.

STATION

19 HABITAT CONTRAST

You can see a sharp, distinct change in habitats along the narrow ridgetop.Compare the differences in kind and amount of vegetation on the north andsouth slopes.

QUESTION 7 (A & B)A. Certain basic requirements must be met for plant growth common to all plants.What are they?

B. What plant growth requirement is the most different between the ponderosapine and the Douglas-fir habitats?

Choose your answers from the following list:a. A medium such as soil to grow inb. Mineral nutrientsc. Oxygend. Watere. Carbon dioxidef. Lightg. A tolerable temperature range

QUESTION 8Comparing the north and south facing slopes, what environmental factorsare different?

Choose your answers from the following list:a. Elevationb. Aspect (exposure)c. Sloped. Soil depth and structuree. Temperaturef. All of the above

STATION

20 SNAGS

STATION

21 ROOT SYSTEM

By looking at the exposed roots of this fallen tree you can see how plant rootshelp to stabilize the soil and protect it from erosion.

QUESTION 11Besides holding the soil in place and protecting it from erosion, plants also addmineral nutrients to the soil through the process of decay and decomposition.Decomposition provides the primary natural source of soil nutrients.TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 12The subsoil contains most of the organic matter found in the soil. Consequently itis coarse and has large pore spaces enabling it to absorb relatively large amountsof water. TRUE OR FALSE?

QUESTION 13Not only are plants considered beneficial to the soil, but soil provides necessitiesfor plant growth. In general terms, list two of these vital characteristics.

QUESTION 14Notice that the larger trees around the ridgetop are ponderosa pines. Therefore,you can logically conclude that this fallen tree with the exposed roots was also

1918

Documents

Mineral Ridge - Bureau of Land ManagementMineral Ridge TRAIL GUIDE ... is the most widely distributed pine in the United States. The species often forms park-like forests and is tolerant