Benjamin Research Natural Area: guidebook supplement 36.

The Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the principle of multiple use management of the Nation's forest resources for sustained yields of wood, water, forage, wildlife, and recreation. Through forestry research, cooperation with the States and private forest owners, and management of the national forests and national grasslands, it strives—as directed by Congress—to provide increasingly greater service to a growing Nation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). Cover Benjamin Research Natural Area. Open stand of western juniper woodland with low sagebrush and Idaho fescue predominant in the understory. The abundance of perennial bunchgrass in the foreground characterizes the site and distinguishes it from the majority of juniper woodlands in the High Lava Plains and foothills of the Blue Mountains. Flat and gently sloping terrain typically supports a much higher percentage of annuals, especially the nonnative cheatgrass. Bare soil surface alternates with patches of (barely visible) microbiotic crust in foreground. originally established to represent an example of the western juniper/Idaho fescue (Juniperus occidentalis/Festuca idahoensis) plant association. Subsequent field surveys indicate the predominant vegetation is best characterized as the western juniper/low sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant association. Current vegetation is dominated by western juniper woodland with an understory vegetation mosaic that varies with soil depth. Low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula Nutt.) occurs as the major shrub in shallow or rocky soils, and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) predominates in areas with deeper or more finely textured soil. Scientists and educators wishing to visit or use the RNA for scientific or educational purposes should contact the Prineville BLM field office manager in advance and provide information about research or educational objectives, sampling procedures , and other prospective activities. Research projects, educational visits, and collection of specimens from the RNA all require prior approval. There may be limitations on research or educational activities. Benjamin RNA is part of a federal system of such tracts established for research and educational purposes. Each RNA is a site where natural features are protected or managed for scientific purposes …