Horse Rock Ridge Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Research Natural Area Restoration Plan

Horse Rock Ridge Areas of Critical Environmental Concern/ Research Natural Area (ACEC/RNA) is a remnant example of a grassy bald habitat within the Western foothills of the Oregon Cascades. As a mosaic of grassy openings interspersed between mixed conifer stands, this site is characterized by steep slopes, varying soil depths, as well as seeps and dry/rocky outcrops. Existing plant communities (both invasive and native) have been mapped to determine priority restoration areas.

The over-all objectives of this restoration plan are to sustain or increase existing communities and populations of native plant species and decrease the abundance of exotic species. Restoration efforts aim to increase native cover and diversity by creating native seed ‘islands’ throughout the site, which can resist invasive encroachment and slowly spread native cover as the seed bank increases. Several invasive species occurring as individuals or in small populations are targeted for aggressive removal. More ubiquitous and/or high cover invasives are to be combated through the establishment of these native seed islands, that can serve as seed sources for the surrounding untreated areas.