Research Natural Areas
The Research Natural Area (RNA) program is a nationwide system
created to protect a network of federally administered public
lands for the primary purposes of maintaining biological diversity,
providing baseline ecological information, and encouraging
research and university natural-history education. Areas selected
exemplify minimally disturbed ecosystems representative of
the range of widespread and unique natural vegetation types
on federal lands. Non-manipulative research, monitoring, and
education are promoted on these RNA lands.
In California, the RNA program is administered jointly by
the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station
and Pacific Southwest Region and protects some of the finest
examples of natural ecosystems in the state. The Forest Service
RNAs in California represent a wide range of habitats, including
coastal forests, desert, valley grasslands, and high-alpine
ecosystems. There are presently 60 established Research Natural
Areas in California. The oldest RNA in California is Indiana
Summit RNA, established in 1932 on the Inyo National Forest;
additional RNAs are being established annually. More than
35 areas are in various stages of review and evaluation, pending
establishment.
The Research Natural
Areas Program is administered jointly by Pacific
Southwest Research Station headquartered in Albany, California
and the Pacific Southwest
Region (Region 5) of the Forest Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
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