Hayden Lampe

ORL 130

Winter Skills Presentation: Lassen National Park Ecology

Overview: While most famously known for its volcanic geological activity, Lassen National Park is also
home to over 700 plant species and 250 vertebrates. Both the parks unique geographic location and
diverse range in habitats are factors contributing to the abundance of species. Lassen NP is situated at the
crossroads of three geological provinces with the Cascades Range to the North, the Sierra Nevada to the
South, and Great Basin to the East. The plethora of habitats are caused by variations in environmental
conditions such as changes in elevation, from 5,000’ to 10,457’ and from changes in moisture where the
western side of the park receives more precipitation than the eastern side. Rock type, soil depth,
temperature, sunlight, and both natural and human disturbances are causes for habitat abundance.

Habitats & Wildlife: Below 7800 feet the park is comprised mostly of mixed conifer forest, including
white fir, red fir, Jeffrey pine and lodgepole pine. Species that typically inhabit forested areas are black
bear, mule deer, marten, brown creeper, mountain chickadee, white headed woodpecker, long-toed
salamander, as well as a wide variety of bat species. Above 7800’ vegetation turns into a limited stand of
Mountain hemlock, housing Clark’s nutcracker, deer mice, and various chipmunk species. Above the
Mountain hemlock zone is the subalpine zone, where little to no vegetation grows due to harsh
conditions, species found in this area include gray-crowned rosy finch, pika, and golden mantled ground
squirrel. In dry, low elevations Montane chaparral can be found. Found throughout forest communities
pinemat manzanita connect stands of red fir and lodgepole pine. Species that can be found in these
habitats include dark-eyed junco, montane vole, and sagebrush lizard. Seasonally, wet meadows can be
found in valley bottoms, along streams, and lake margins. Pacific tree frog, garter snakes, common snipe,
and mountain pocket gopher can be found in this area. Lassen NP also contains many species of
invertebrate species which can be found throughout all habitats.

Noteworthy Species: Lassen NP is home to many unique species. The California Tortoise Shell butterfly
can be seen by the thousands, mass migrations are believed to be from defoliated areas in search of new
food sources. The bald eagle is currently listed as Threatened under the ESA, and as of 1999 the peregrine
falcon has been taken off the endangered species list. Once extremely well-populated, the Sierra Nevada
Red Fox resides in Lassen NP, and Sonora Pass only. Reasons for the decline of the species has remained
unknown due to its secretive nature, however it is believed that populations have been reduced due to loss
of habitat and over-grazing. The American pika is considered an indicator species used for detecting the
effects of climate change. Pika can only survive in high altitude climates, and are being forced to move to
higher and higher elevation talus fields to find the appropriate climates.