A SPECIAL CENTENNIAL EDITION
OF THE DOUBLE CONE QUARTERLY!
Forest Conditions IN THE
Monterey Forest Reserve
Transcribed and Edited by David Rogers

Those assigned to the work [of surveying reserves] viewed themselves as members of an elite group. On horseback, working alone, these men accounted for perhaps twenty thousand acres each day. Some claimed 3 million acres per man during a field season. The men had a skilled eye: despite such cursory examination, only two percent of the land selected was later judged to be inappropriate for inclusion.

FOREST CONDITIONS
IN THE MONTEREY FOREST RESERVE

By Fred G. Plummer and M. G. Gowsell

General Description

Monterey County, California, covers a broad syncline between [the] Mount Diablo Range on the east and [the] Santa Lucia Range on the west, including the western slopes of the latter range to their termination at the Pacific Ocean. This report covers an examination which was made of the western mountainous area, which although specifically known as the Santa Lucia Range, is an isolated portion of the Coast Range, so called in California, Oregon, and Washington, as distinguished from the more inland Sierras. Its well defined axis extends from near [the] Santa Maria River in latitude 35° 10' [and extends] northwesterly [and] parallel to the ocean terminating at Point Carmel in latitude 36° 31', and its highest summits, its best timbered areas, and the largest stream tributaries to which it gives rise are in this area examined.

Pending this examination, a withdrawal of lands held [by] the Government was made February 15, 1904, as follows:

On _________, 1905, this area was created the Monterey Forest Reserve by proclamation of the President.

Plate I shows the land classification of the reserve together with lands immediately adjoining in which the percentage of patented land was too high to permit of including them in the withdrawal. The greater portion has not been subdivided by the United States Land Office Surveys, but for the purposes of this report the township lines are presumed to be produced over the reserve, and the data collected in the field will be arranged in townships. Timber trees, pines, firs, etc., are estimated in feet, board measure, but the oaks and other trees which form the woodlands are estimated as cords of fuel. Chaparral is graded heavy, medium, or light. The reproduction of the various species is given as good, medium, or poor. The word "range" is used vertically in reference to the altitudinal limits, and "distribution" is used horizontally for the geographic area in which a species was found.

Topography and Drainage

A main continuous summit nearly parallels the ocean and is distant from it from three to eight miles. Its western slopes are drained by numerous short streams having steep gradients, excepting Sur and Little Sur rivers, whose drainage basins are more extensive.

East of this main backbone are two isolated summits, one of which, Santa Lucia Peak, is the culminating point in the reserve and has an elevation 5,967 [5,862] feet. An extensive basin inclosed by these summits gives rise to Arroyo Seco, which promises to be an important stream for irrigation.

From the main summit the eastern declivities are cut by deep erosion, but their general slope towards [the] Salinas Valley is less abrupt than that west of the summit, and the large streams, Nacimiento and San Antonio rivers and Arroyo Seco all have low gradients. The headwaters of [the] Carmel River drain a well-enclosed basin near the northern terminus of [the] Santa Lucia Range, and the greater portion of its perpetual flow runs off from slopes in the reserve.

All of the western drainage is perpetual, resulting from the high precipitation, the steep gradients, and the comparatively impervious nature of the surface. [The] Carmel River is perpetual [it is now intermittent in the Carmel Valley due to excessive water demands], as is also the Arroyo Seco as far as the reserve extends, but beyond this, at low stages, it quickly sinks into the porous sands and gravels of [the] Salinas Valley. [The] Nacimiento and San Antonio rivers are intermittent, and it is probable that their value has been decreased since the settlement of the valleys. Early settlers describe the former stream-beds as being narrow and well defined, with bordering growths of cottonwood trees whose foliage sometimes was above [overhung?] the streams. Such a description bears no resemblance to the present aspect of these watercourses, which, as excepting in flood seasons, are broad flats of sand, gravel, and boulders, often a quarter or half a mile in width.

The conditions at these and other smaller streams are shown by the conventional sign on Plate I.

Formations and Soils

Granitic [and high grade metamorphic] rocks form the core of [the] Santa Lucia Range from its northern terminus in latitude 36 30' in a southeasterly direction, along the main and subsidiary axes, becoming porphyritic [porphyroclastic?] south of latitude 36 . Along the main summit and on the western slopes limestone occurs with shales and jasper at lower levels.

East of the main axis of the range, and parallel with it is a belt about ten miles in width over which a thick bed of shales predominates, exposed in the deeply eroded canyons of the Salinas drainage. Below this are frequent outcrops of light sandstone.

Thin soils cover the mountains, resulting from the erosion of these formations, varying from coarse, decomposed granite in higher altitudes to light sand and shale chips at lower levels. In the reserved area the streams have deep gradients and are removing soil rather than making deposits. An exception is on Arroyo Seco at Lost Valley, where shales have contributed to soil making on the valley floor and the sand has an admixture of clay or adobe. As the larger streams emerge from the mountains and the grades become easier, the soils resulting from their deposits during flood seasons show successive layers of clay, sand, and gravels. These are the fertile lands on which irrigation is desired for and for which destined to become a protective agent.

Humus has formed only in the heavy redwood forests bordering the ocean.

Precipitation

Precipitation increases with altitude, and decreases with distance from the coast. Records of rainfall have been kept at sea-level points along the ocean front which show that fore this datum the precipitation is about 18.5 inches. Monterey, 13 miles north of the reserve, receives 15.57 inches. Point Sur receives 18.11 inches. At Piedras Blancas, 18 miles south of the reserve, the rainfall is 19.10 inches.

The coastal summits of [the] Santa Lucia Range, averaging about 4,000 feet in elevation, would receive, according to Lippincott's formula a, 42.4 inches, and the highest summits about 50 inches [actually higher]. Mr. Homer Hamlin has estimated from about 18 inches at sea level to 50 inches along the summit of the range.b The increase of precipitation with elevation is different on eastern and western slopes; an elevation of 1,000 feet east of the of the main summit, at an elevation of 960 feet, receives 18.16 inches. The lower subsidiary summits forming the relief of the eastern drainage receive a higher precipitation than [at] Jolon, but the increase due to elevation is not so great as for the main summit bordering the coast. Soledad, at an elevation of 187 feet, although but 27 miles from the coast, receives but 9.00 inches, the intervening mountains having arrested more than 50 percent of its quota.

a Lippincot, Joseph Barlow, California Hydrography: Water-Sup. and Irr. Paper No. 81, U. S. Geol. Survey, 1903, p. 355.

b Hamlin, Homer, Water Resources of Salinas Valley, Cal., Water-Sup. and Irr. Paper No. 89, U. S. Geol. Survey, 1904, p. 46.

The reserve having an average elevation of 3,000 feet probably receives for its entire area 30 inches of seasonal rainfall, and of this amount fully 90 percent falls from November to April, inclusive.

Uses of Water

The reserve contains about 287,336.69 acres, and of this amount 169,000 acres, or 59 percent, offers protection to streams tributary to [the] Salinas Valley which will be used for irrigation; 48,000 acres or 17 percent, covers the headwaters of [the] Carmel River, which supplies the city of Monterey and is also used for irrigation; 45,750 acres, or 16 percent, is tributary to [the] Sur and Little Sur rivers on which water will probably be used for developing power. The remaining 8 percent drains to [the] Pacific Ocean.

The arable lands of [the] Salinas Valley can more than use the waters which can be conserved upon this reserve, including such storage as can be obtained below prohibitive cost. The average rainfall in the valley is less than 10 inches, not enough to insure crops, and the deficit must be made up from the rainfall in the mountains. Failure of unirrigated crops is the rule rather than the exception, and only once in five or six years are the grain crops a success. Gravity ditches for taking in the water at flood seasons can have but slight fall, owing to the low grade of the valley and they silt rapidly. Water is obtained from numerous wells, dug or bored, ranging from 20 to 300 feet deep, pumped by wind, steam or gas engines.

Surveys of reservoir sites, which will be dependent upon this reserve for water, have been made, and partial data regarding them is as follows:

                        Reservoir Sites 
          in the Vicinity of the Monterey Forest Reserve 

Stream            Location                    Height     Storage  
                                              of Dam	 Capacity

Arroyo Seco       T. 19 S., R. 5 E., Sec.23    100       13,232
  "     "         "  19 "   "  6 "    "  20    100       15,847
  "     "         "  20 "   "  4 "    "   2    100          660
Vaqueros Creek    "  19 "   "  6 "    "  20    100        1,040
   "       "      "  20 "   "  6 "    "   9    100        4,600
San Antonio River "  24 "   " 10 "    "  30     50        8,200

This subject is more fully discussed in the Water Supply and Irrigation Paper, No. 89, U. S. Geological Survey, Water Resources of the Salinas Valley, by Homer Hamlin, from which the above table was prepared.

Burns and Grazing

The most extensive fires which have periodically ravaged the various watersheds have been confined largely to the chaparral. As this type of cover operates on 57 percent of the reserve, its importance in the regulation of the seasonal run-off will be obvious. Chaparral includes some arborescent types of cover, which, unmolested, attain a growth of twenty feet or more and almost reach the dignity of trees. Some of the Ceanothi are locally called "redwood" and their stems are valued for fence posts. It is in this dense, and therefore more important type of chaparral cover that the most widespread fires have occurred. For years past fires have been started and allowed to run until the value of the cover has been seriously impaired. One fire in the year 1894 raged for several weeks, covering a region embracing the upper watersheds of every perpetual stream in the area now reserved, and the traces of this burn are yet plainly to be seen.

The wonderful recuperative properties of the species comprising the bulk of the chaparral, assisted by the liberal rainfall which obtains [?] at higher elevations, affects a rapid restocking of burned watersheds. This in turn has been the cause of later fires. Stock has been ranged all over the public domain and the heavy chaparral has been an obstacle to their free movement from place to place, and fires are set out to render their passage more easy. The result has been a thinning of the cover, but not its total destruction, and it is fair to expect that when under the restrictions of forest reserve control this wilful destruction will cease and that in due time the streams will resume the normal conditions which existed before the ranging of stock. The cutting of wide lanes through the heavy covers will accomplish the double purpose of permitting the driving of stock and also to limit the spread of accidental fires.

The knobcone pine deserves special mention as a burn-defying species of conifer. On [the] Arroyo Seco and Nacimiento river watersheds its reproduction after fires is remarkable.

Zones of Plant Life

Two zones are discernable lying above and below a plain which follows approximately the 3,000 foot contour. In numbers fully fifty percent of all species enumerated are common to both zones, but a larger number of lower range species stop at this elevation and give place to others which are native to higher altitudes.

Redwood zone is suggested as the proper designation for the lower zone, for although this represents conditions found principally on the western slopes, it has a broader significance for comparison with the heavily-forested areas of California, and the determination of zones is chiefly for comparative study. Gray pine, red fir [Douglas fir], [Sargent] cypress, juniper are the other conifers, and live oak, gamble [blue] oak, cottonwoods, and sycamore represent the broadleaf species [the authors here failed to mention many of the local tree species].

[The] Sugar pine zone includes the areas above 3,000 feet which do not in any locality reach an elevation sufficient to be called subalpine. Probably subalpine conditions for this latitude would be found at 7,000 feet. The rare bristle-cone fir is best developed in this zone, and the highland oak represents the woodland species.

Quercus dumosa [Q. berberidifolia], together with low forms of Quercus [Lithocarpus] densiflora and Quercus wislizenii [Q. chysolepis should also be included here] are listed with the chaparral. The same is true of Cornus nuttallii, which does not exceed 14 feet in height. Acer negundo was found outside the reserve near Soledad, but the tree is rare and unimportant.

Conifers of the Monterey Forest Reserve, California

Knobcone Pine (Pinus attenuata) - Found in the central portion of the reserve, about the headwaters of [the] Arroyo Seco and Nacimiento rivers, where it ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 feet. It mingles with the chaparral where its of importance, owing to its fire-resisting ability, and attains its largest size among the high hills between Marble Ridge [Peak?] and [the] San Antonio River.

Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri) - Wherever this tree was found it was doing excellent work in the spreading of the forested areas, as its reproduction is good and it has the greatest altitudinal range of any of the conifers: from 550 to 4,600 feet. It is healthy and adventurous, and has managed to cover some exceedingly rocky areas near Indian Creek, where it has no competitors.

Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) - Has a limited distribution on the north slopes of Santa Lucia and Cone peaks, where it mixes with other pines and Abies venusta [A. bracteata]. Owing to its inaccessible positions it has not been logged, but a few trees have cut for shakes. Its reproduction is poor, although the standing trees are healthy, less than one percent being diseased or dead. It ranges from 4,000 to 5,950 feet.

Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa) - Along the summits bordering the coast, in the southern part of the reserve, the young trees form pure growths, but the older trees are generally mixed with other conifers. Its characteristic growth is similar to that of the yellow pine areas of Washington and Oregon, the forest floor being clean and grassy and without humus. Reproduction is medium.

Gray Pine (Pinus sabiniana) - This is the low altitude pine of the regions ranging from 400 to 2,500 feet. It is widely distributed over all the lower slopes east of the summit [the] Santa Lucia Range [and south of Junipero Serra/Santa Lucia Peak], and also on the western slopes in the vicinity of [the] Los Burros [Mines]. It is seldom found in mixed forests of conifers, but advances into woodlands and chaparral rapidly, a quality which gives it much importance, although its timber is of little value. Reproduction is medium.

Red Fir (Douglas Spruce [Fir]) (Pseudotsuga taxifolia [menziesii]) - Although this tree has an enormous distribution in the western states and territories, extending from British Columbia to Mexico in the Rocky Mountain region, it is possible that the small isolated representation found near Los Burros marks its southern advance along the coastal mountains of California. Farther southward, from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County, its southern form, Pseudotsuga macrocarpa, is common but the two species are easily distinguishable, both by the size of the cones and by the strikingly different aspect of their crowns. This representation forming part of a mixed forest over about 3,000 acres ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the sea. The trees are thrifty but reproduction is poor.

Bristlecone Fir (Abies venusta [bracteata]) - This beautiful fir has a very small geographic distribution limited to the area under consideration in this paper shown on Plate I. If a line is drawn from Uncle Sam to Mount Mars, it will fairly mark the location of a belt along [the] Santa Lucia Range, in which this species ranges from 2,250 to 5,000 feet [in] elevation. Its inaccessible positions have saved it from logging, but it has suffered some from fires. It occupies the position where one would expect to find Abies concolor, which is found on both higher and lower latitudes in the western States but it is not to be mistaken for any other conifer. The tall, acute, and spire-like crown, is not unlike that of Abies lasiocarpa. Its reproduction is good over the entire area, and it is fortunate that the creation of the Monterey Reserve will assure it a still wider distribution.

Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) - This area includes the termination of the redwood. From latitude 35 50' to latitude 36 20' it is found only on the western slopes bordering the coast, but to the northward it overlaps the summits of [the] Santa Lucia Range and is common to watersheds having both exposures. Its altitudinal range is from sea level to 3,000 feet, and its reproduction is medium, often good. It is the most valued of the timber trees, but in this region logging has only begun on Mill Creek, and no material cutting has been made against the stand of this species. The greater portion of the redwood forest lies outside the reserve [at that time] and is owned by private parties. It reaches its maximum development along the Little Sur River in the vicinity of Pico Blanco.

Incense Cedar (Libocedrus [Calocedrus] decurrens) - The geographic distribution of this cedar extends from Oregon to Mexico. In the Monterey Forest Reserve it is found in isolated patches from [the] Big Sur River to Santa Lucia [Junipero Serra] Peak, a distance of twenty miles. It is numerically not very important, forming resisting qualities. Being inaccessible, it has not been logged, but in the latter part of the eighteen century a few veterans were cut in the vicinity of Santa Lucia Peak, and the timber was used for the interior finishing of San Antonio Mission. The altitudinal range of the species is from 500 to 5,500 feet, and its reproduction is good.

Gowen [Sargent] Cypress (Cupressus goveniana [sargentii]) - Represented in the vicinity of Los Burros, where it ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, overlapping the summit of [the] Santa Lucia Range. Its reproduction is medium.

California Juniper (Juniperus californica) - An unimportant tree in this reserve, having a small distribution confined to the headwaters of [the] Arroyo Seco and San Antonio rivers. It ranges from 1,100 to 2,000 feet.

Broadleaf Species

California [Coast] Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) - Found in every township in the reserve, and is one of the important members of the woodland. Although it ranks after California White Oak in the estimate of cordwood, the fact that it is an evergreen gives it first place as cover. It ranges from sea level to 3,000 feet, forming mixed woodlands with all the broadleaf species, both on hillsides and in canyons.

California Black Oak (Quercus californica [kelloggii]) - An important member of the woodland in the central and northern portions of the reserve, mixing with other oaks and Madrona. Its large leaves and wide spreading crown furnishes good shade, and its high range, from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea adds to its value.

Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) - In the Monterey Forest Reserve this tree is by no means confined to the canyons, but reaches a high development over its extensive range which is from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, forming in some areas 15 percent of the woodland. It prefers shady locations and therefore contributes to the forming of more densely wooded areas, as distinguished from the typical open woodlands of California in which Gambel [Blue] Oak or California White Oak dominate.

California Tanbark Oak (Quercus densiflora [Lithocarpus densiflorus]) - Ranges from sea level to 5,000 feet in elevation, and is the most important of the oaks found along streams draining into the ocean, where its cover is second only in importance to the redwood. The bark is rich in tannic acid, and the stripping of the trees has been a profitable industry in the northern portion of Monterey County. At higher elevations the small trees are an important addition to chaparral cover.

Gambel Oak [Blue Oak] (Quercus gambelii [douglasii]) - Has a wide distribution on eastern declivities of [the] Santa Lucia Range from 250 to 3,000 feet above sea level, but is rare upon western slopes. On dry southern exposures it often forms pure growth, the typical woodland in which it dominates being always open or scattering. It is very important as a pioneer, and its reproduction is medium. Considering the adverse conditions under which its advances are made, it is doing well.

California White Oak [Valley Oak] (Quercus lobata) - This is the largest of the oaks and forms 25 percent of the woodland, ranging from 500 to nearly 5,000 feet above the sea. The wood is used for fuel and fencing, and there has been some culling in the vicinity of settlements. Its best developed in the broad valleys and on river benches at lower elevations.

Highland [Interior Live] Oak (Quercus wislizenii) - A paradox among the oaks in many respects. South of latitude 36 10' its range is from 1,250 to 5,000 feet, where it is an important member of the woodland. Its best development is along the summits south of Cone Peak where it entirely supplants California black oak in the latter's range. Plate VII, A, shows one of the large trees. It also forms part of [the] chaparral cover, and in such areas the trees are all searfed [seared?]; in size and aspect it is chaparral; botanically, it is wizlizenii.

Moisture-Loving Broadleaf Species

Oregon [Big Leaf] Maple (Acer macrophyllum) - Ranges from 800 to 4,200 feet above sea level. At the heads of streams along [the] Santa Lucia Range it is generally associated with Madrona and California black oak. It is a good shade tree but is numerically unimportant.

California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) - Is a small and unimportant tree, which is not common in the reserve. A few individuals were found at an elevation of 4,000 feet and its range extends down to 600 feet.

White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) - Is the most important of the shade producers along perpetual streams from 300 to 4,600 feet in elevation. Reproducing rapidly and being a fast grower it soon restocks areas washed out by freshets [Red Alder, A. rubra, is also present in this region, but only along coastal streams].

Madrona [Pacific Madrone] (Arbutus menziesii) - A valuable member of the mixed woodlands along the coastal summits, where it ranges from 800 to 4,250 feet, and in some areas forms twenty percent of the total stand. Its large leaves and red bark make it a conspicuous object and it adds much to the beauty of the woodland.

California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) - Is found along all perpetual and intermittent streams from sea level to 2,000 feet, [and is] associated with all other species.

Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) - Along all watercourses and follows the dry beds of intermittent streams through otherwise treeless areas. It is very prolific and its seedlings sometimes cover sandbars and gravel banks. Its range is from 200 to 2,600 feet.

Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa [balsamifera trichocarpa]) - Ranges from 500 to 2,700 feet above sea level, mostly along streams with a permanent character. Like Fremont cottonwood it has value as a shade tree, but its wood is of little account.

Western Black Willow (Salix lasiandra) - Is common along all streams [and] ranging from 250 to 3,000 feet.

California Laurel [Bay-Laurel] (Umbellularia californica) - Is commonly known as bay. Its best development is at an elevation of 3,000 feet, its range being from 300 to 5,000 feet. It is common on summits and on both slopes, but at higher elevations the trees are small and merge with the chaparral.

Chaparral

The thick blanket of chaparral covering large areas of the reserve should not be likened to the "under-brush" common to heavy forests of coniferae, but is a type of cover as distinct as that furnished by woodland or forest. It is also to be distinguished not alone by the species composing it, with resulting familiar aspect, but as pioneering for tree seedlings as assisting in their protection, thus aiding those trees which are endeavoring to attain wide distribution. Underbrush is not an independent type but exists under the protection of tree-crown cover and not infrequently is composed largely of their reproduction.

Locally the word "chemise" [chamise] is generally applied to the greasewood, Adenostoma fasciculatum, and "chemosal" to designate a growth in which Ceanothus cuneatus dominates. Chaparral is an all-embracing term for the treeless cover which may be twenty feet high and show forty different species on a single acre. In favorable localities the growth may be practically impassable for anything much larger than a squirrel, and from this decrease in density until bordering dry, sandy flats or semi-arid regions, it takes the low and open forms common to sagebrush country, with, however, the addition of wild buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum, and the ever-present greasewood. It lacks neither interest nor beauty, and many of the species would be prized in cultivation, but en masse it compels a certain amount of respect from the traveler who risks scratching from the thorny varieties or being impaled upon the long daggers of Yucca whipplei.

Composition of the Chaparral in the Monterey Forest Reserve, California
	Species		        Altitudinal Range	    Percent
Adenostoma fasciculatum		0 to 5,967 feet 		30
Arcostaphylos glauca	 	750 to 5,967 feet		9
Arcostaphylos pungens		2,250 to 5, 967 feet    	4
Arcostaphylos tomentosa		750 to 5,000 feet		1
Artemisia californica		250 to 4,000 feet		2
Audibertia stachyoides		750 to 3,250 feet		2
Ceanothus cuneatus    		600 to 3,500 feet		6
Ceanothus divaricatus		750 to 5,967 feet		6
Ceanothus hirsutus 	    	750 to 3,250 feet		1
Ceanothus papillosus		2,250 to 5,967 feet     	5
Cercocarpus parvifolius		750 to 3,250 feet		3
Eriogonum fasciculatum		250 to 3,500 feet		2
Heteromeles arbutifolia		0 to 4,260 feet         	1
Hosackia glabra			500 to 3,000 feet		1
Pickeringia montana		2,000 to 4,000 feet     	2
Quercus densiflora 
(small trees)                   3,250 to 5,000 feet     	3
Quercus dumosa			1,000 to 3,250 feet     	6
Quercus wislizenii 
(small trees)                   2,750 to 5,500 feet     	5
Rhamnus californica		0 to 5,000 feet         	1
Rhamnus illicifolia		750 to 3,500 feet		1
Rhus diversiloba   		0 to 3,500 feet     		1
Other species listed below                      		8
                                                           ________       
                                                              100
	

The following species of chaparral are not so widely distributed, but in different localities are important contributors to the cover:

Applopappus squarrosus [probably Hazardia squarrosa, Saw Toothed Golden Bush]
Audibertia grandiflora [Salvia spathacea, Crimson, Hummingbird or Pitcher Sage]
Bigelovia arborescens [Ericameria a., Golden Fleece]
Ceanothus dentatus [Crop-Leaf, Dwarf or Sand Scrub Ceanothus]
Ceanothus integerrimus [Deer Brush]
Clematis lasiantha [Pipe-Stem or Chaparral Virgin's Bower]
Cornus nuttallii [Mountain or Western Dogwood]
Cornus pubescens [should be C. sericea occidentalis and/or glabrata]
Dendromecon rigidum [Tree or Bush Poppy]
Eriodictyon glutinosum [E. californicum, Yerba Santa]
Eriodictyon tomentosum [Yerba Santa Lucia]
Eriogonum elongatum [Silver or Long-Stemmed Buckwheat]
Eriophyllum confertiflorum [Golden Yarrow]
Garrya veatchii [Silk Tassel, G. fremontii, flavescens and elliptica are the local species]
Lonicera hispidula [Hairy Honeysuckle]
Lonicera interrupta [Chaparral Honeysuckle]
Marrubium vulgare [Horehound, the only weed listed in this text]
Mimulus glutinosus [M. aurantiacus, Sticky Monkey Flower, and/or M. a. bifidus, Santa Lucia Sticky Monkey Flower]
Prunus illicifolia [Islay or Holly-Leaved Cherry]
Pteris aquilina [Pteridium a. pubescens, Western Bracken Fern]
Rhamnus crocea [Redberry Buckthorn]
Ribes menziesii [Canyon Gooseberry]
Ribes sanguineum [R. s. glutinosum, Pink Flowering Currant, and/or R. malvaceum, Chaparral Currant]
Ribes speciosum [Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry]
Rosa californica [California Rose]
Salix sessifolia [probably S. exigua, Sandbar Willow, and/or S. melanopis, Dusky Willow]
Sambucus glauca [S. mexicana, Blue Elderberry]
Symphoricarpus dumosus [S. albus laevigatus, Common Snowberry]
Symphoricarpus mollis [Creeping or Trip-Vine Snowberry]
Yucca whipplei [Our Lord's Candle, Spanish Bayonet]

Other species which are notably represented but are not of importance in any locality are as follows:

Amelanchier alnifolia [A. utahensis, Service Berry]
Amorpha californica [California False Indigo]
Applopappus ericoides [Ericameria e., Mock Heather]
Artemisia vulgaris [A. douglasiana, California Mugwort]
Audibertia nivea [Salvia leucophylla, Gray Sage]
Baccharis viminea [B. salicifolia, Mule Fat, Water Wally, Seep Willow]
Clematis lingusticifolia [Western Virgin's Bower, Yerba de Chivato]
Eriodictyon californica [Yerba Santa]
Eriophyllum staechadifolium [Lizard Tail]
Espidum munitum [Polystichum m., Sword Fern]
Forestiera neomexicana [Desert Olive]
Fremontodendron californica [Fremontia]
Gaultheria shallon [Salal]
Gnaphalium microcephalum [G. canescens m., White Everlasting]
Hosackia crassifolia [Lotus crassifolius, Broad-Leaved or Buck Lotus]
Lonicera ledebourii [L. involucrata l., Twinberry]
Lupines, several species
Marrubium fremontii [probably Monardella, a number of sp. & vars. are in this region]
Nutallia cerasiformus [Oemleria cerasiformis, Oso Berry]
Osmorrhiza nuda [O. chilensis, Wood or Common Cicely]
Penstemon centranthifolius [Scarlet Bugler]
Prunus demissa [P. virginiana d., Western Choke Cherry]
Rubus nutkanus [R. parviflorus, Thimble Berry]
Solanum umbellifera [Blue Witch]
Solanum xanti [Purple Nightshade]
Thermopsis californica [T. macrophylla, Golden Pea, False Lupine]
Trichostema lanatum [Romero, Wooly Blue Curls]
Vaccinium ovatum [California Huckleberry]
Zauschneria californica [Epilobium canum, Hummingbird's Trumpet, California Fuchsia]

Detailed Descriptions

TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH, RANGE 1 EAST

An area of very bold topography lying on the western slope of Santa Lucia Range, cut dy deep canyons. The timber will be tributary to the mouth of the Little Sur River and at Notley's Landing. There has been some culling among the tanbark oaks, the barks being stripped for the tannin, and when the price of fuel justified the wood has been cut for shipment. The bark brings $18 per cord, and $10 as demanded for cordwood.

Stands of Trees in Township 18 South, Range 1 East

                         Cords         Feet, board measure
Redwood                                33,600,000
California Tanbark Oak   7,300
California Live Oak      2,400
Madrona                  1,200
California Black Oak       600
California Sycamore        200
White Alder                200
                         ________________________
                         12,100        33,600,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 18 South, Range 1 East
Average total height: 130 feet.
Average height: 50 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 42 inches.
Average age: 320 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH, RANGE 2 EAST

This township is transversed by the northern termination of Santa Lucia Range, the summits being over 4,000 feet elevation, and the surface very rough and bounder-strewn. The drainage is by perpetual tributaries of Carmel and Little Sur rivers. The summits have good grazing value.

Stands of Trees in Township 18 South, Range 2 East
                        Cords        Feet, board measure
Redwood                              52,300,000
Yellow Pine                          22,400,000
California Tanbark Oak  33,600
California Black Oak    10,300
California Live Oak     10,000
Canyon Live Oak          3,300	
                        _______________________	                   
                        67,200       74,700,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 18 South, Range 2 East

Average total height:          110 feet.
Average height:                40 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 32 inches.
Average age:                   250 years.
Reproduction:                  Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH, RANGE 3 EAST

All of the drainage is northerly by Carmel River, which is fed by numerous perpetual tributaries which head in the high summits bounding the basin in which this township lies. It supports an excellent woodland but its chaparral cover has suffered from fire. The Carmel Sportsmen's Club has land holdings along the stream and maintains a guard to compel conformance to the game laws and to prevent the wilful or careless starting of fires. The club's management is most friendly towards the Government policy of forest preservation.

Stands of Trees in Township 18 South, Range 3 East
                        Cords       Feet, board measure
Yellow Pine                         9,300,000
Coulter Pine                        2,000,000
Bristle-cone Fir                    1,000,000
California White Oak    45,000
California Black Oak    30,000
California Tanbark Oak  22,800
California Live Oak     22,700
Canyon Live Oak         22,700
Madrona                  7,500
                        ______________________		                 
                        151,400     12,300,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 18 South, Range 3 East

Average total height: 60 feet.
Average height: 10 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 70 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST

The reserved portion of this township has a high relief lying on the northern slopes of an isolated summit [Chews Ridge] which has an elevation of 5,000 feet, and is drained by Carmel River tributaries which are intermittent. The woodland area has good grazing value.

Stands of Trees in Township 18 South, Range 4 East
                         Cords        Feet, board measure
Coulter Pine                          2,640,000
California White Oak     16,800
California Black Oak      8,500
California Live Oak       6,500
California Tanbark Oak    4,400
Canyon Live Oak           4,000
Madrona                   2,000
                         ______________________                 
                         42,200       2,640,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 18 South, Range 4 East
Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 14 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 40 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 19 SOUTH, RANGE 2 EAST

An exceedingly rough area on the western flank of the Santa Lucia Range, cut by numerous canyons by perpetual tributaries of [the Big] Sur River. Preliminary work is being done for the establishment of a power plant at the reserve boundary; the project contemplates electrical transmission to Monterey. There has been very little grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 19 South, Range 2 East
                         Cords           Feet, board measure
Redwood                                  39,000,000
Yellow Pine                              9,000,000
Bristlecone Fir                          6,200,000
Coulter Pine                             6,000,000
California Black Oak     4,900
California Tanbark Oak   2,400
California Live Oak      2,000
California Sycamore        600
Madrona                    600
White Alder                200
Black Cottonwood           100
Fremont Cottonwood         100
Other species              100
                         __________________________
                         11,000          60,200,000


Condition of Timber Trees in Township 19 South, Range 2 East

Average total height: 100 feet.
Average height: 130 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 26 inches.
Average age: 165 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 19 SOUTH, RANGE 3 EAST

This is one of the most inaccessible regions of the reserve, abounding in crags and cliffs and transversed by the main axis of the Santa Lucia Range. Ventana Mountain [South Ventana Cone] although not the highest point in the range is a center from which drainage radiates to [the Big] Sur and Carmel rivers and Arroyo Seco. There has been no extensive grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 19 South, Range 3 East

                        Cords         Feet, board measure
Redwood                               13,600,000
Bristlecone Fir                       6,800,000
Yellow Pine                           6,800,000
Coulter Pine                          5,100,000
Incense Cedar                         1,700,000
California White Oak    12,000
California Live Oak     10,000
California Black Oak     8,000
Canyon Live Oak          4,000
White Alder              6,000
Fremont Cottonwood       6,000	
Black Cottonwood         4,000
Other Species            2,000
                        ________________________
                        52,000        34,000,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 19 South, Range 3 East

Average total height: 95 feet.
Average height: 25 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 22 inches.
Average age: 130 years
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 19 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST

The relief consists of an isolated 5,000 foot summit [Chews Ridge] in the northwestern portion, from which the drainage runs east and south into tributaries of Arroyo Seco. The steep slopes are covered with a heavy growth of chaparral with a few coulter pines on northern exposures. The grazing value is low excepting along the watercourses.

Stands of Trees in Township 19 South, Range 4 East

Cords                              Feet, board measure

Coulter Pine                       1,360,000
California White Oak   7,200
Canyon Live Oak        5,900
California Black Oak   4,700
California Live Oak    3,600
Madrona                2,400
                       _____________________
                       23,800      1,360,000


Condition of Timber Trees in Township 19 South, Range 4 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 14 feet
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 50 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 2 EAST

The two sections which are reserved straddle high coastal summit drained by [the Big] Sur River. In addition to the timber and woodland cover the grazing value is good.

Stands of Trees in Township 20 South, Range 2 East

                      Cords       Feet, board measure

Yellow Pine                       2,480,000
California Black Oak  2,200
California Live Oak     400
Madrona                 300
White Alder             100
Other Species           200	
                      _____________________
                      3,200       2,480,000


Condition of Timber Trees in Township 20 South, Range 2 East

Average total height: 60.
Average height: 10.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 80 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 3 EAST

A coastal summit trends northwest to southeast, nearly bounding the reserved area of this township. The topography is bold and includes two passes between the headwaters of [the Big] Sur and Arroyo Seco rivers. All streams are perpetual, and the grazing value is good.

Stands of Trees in Township 20 South, Range 3 East

                         Cords         Feet, board measure

Yellow Pine                            4,575,000
Coulter Pine                           1,525,000
California Black Oak     2,200
California Tanbark Oak   2,100
California Live Oak      1,800
Madrona                    700
White Alder                200
Other Species              200
                         _______________________
                         7,200         6,100,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 20 South, Range 3 East

Average total height: 60 feet.
Average height: 15 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 65 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST

The relief consists of rugged spurs and isolated summits drained by Arroyo Seco. The stream has an east gradient in a deeply eroded canyon with precipitous walls, and with one exception [Santa Lucia Creek] its tributaries are perpetual. The western portion of the township affords good grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 20 South, Range 4 East

                       Cords         Feet, board measure

Coulter Pine                         1,600,000
California Live Oak    14,300
California White Oak   9,500
White Alder            9,500
Gambel [Blue] Oak      7,200
California Sycamore    4,800
Fremont Cottonwood     1,200
Black Cottonwood         900
Other Species            300		
                       _______________________
                       47,700        1,600,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 20 South, Range 4 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 14 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 50 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST

The principal drainage is by [upper] Santa Lucia Creek, which heads at Santa Lucia [Junipero Serra] Peak, the highest point in the reserve, 5,967 [5,862] feet. The surface is very rough and cut by numerous deep canyons. The principal cover is chaparral, which has suffered from repeated fires and is now recovering. The timber is confined to high elevations. The grazing value is poor.

Stands of Trees in Township 20 South, Range 5 East

                        Cords        Feet, board measure

Sugar Pine                           3,225,000
Incense Cedar                          645,000
Coulter Pine                           430,000
California Live Oak     3,700
Gambel Oak              3,700
California White Oak    2,400
Canyon Live Oak         1,800
California Sycamore       600		
                        ______________________
                        12,200       4,300,000


Condition of Timber Trees in Township 20 South, Range 5 East

Average total height: 70 feet.
Average height: 15 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 18 inches.
Average age: 100 years.
Reproduction: Poor.
	

TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST

The western portion of the reserved area lies on the rugged slopes of Santa Lucia Peak [actually Pinyon Peak and Bear Mountain] which drains into Vanqueros [sic] Canyon. The streams are intermittent and torrential during flood seasons. The eastern portion has been badly overgrazed.

Stands of Trees in Township 20 South, Range 6 East

                        Cords      Feet, board measure

Gray Pine                          450,000
Gamble Oak              4,400
California Live Oak     4,300
California White Oak    3,700		
                        __________________
                        12,400     450,000


Condition of Timber Trees in Township 20 South, Range 6 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 8 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 10 inches.
Average age: 40 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 3 EAST

The reserved area [of this township] straddles the main [coastal] summit of Santa Lucia Range, which at this point has an elevation of 4,00 feet. It is cut by the deep erosion of [the North Fork of] Big Creek. Its grazing value is good.

Stands of Trees in Township 21 South, Range 3 East

               Feet, board measure

Coulter Pine   1,100,000
Yellow Pine      740,000
               __________
               1, 840,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 21 South, Range 3 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 14 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 12 inches.
Average age: 40 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST

This township includes the highest summits of the coastal range, attaining an elevation of 5,000 feet, with steep boulder-strewn declivities. Its chief drainage is westerly by Devil's Canyon and Big Creek. The eastern side is tributary to Arroyo Seco. A good stand of timber, including Abies venusta [A. bracteata, Santa Lucia Fir] covers the southeastern portion. There has been but little grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 21 South, Range 4 East

                        Cords         Feet, board measure

Redwood                               27,450,000
Sugar Pine                            10,700,000
Bristlecone Fir                        9,150,000
Coulter Pine                           7,600,000
Yellow Pine                            6,100,000
California Live Oak     4,800
California Tanbark Oak  3,200
California White Oak    3,200
Highland Oak            2,400
Madrona                 1,600
White Alder             1,300
Black Cottonwood          100
Fremont Cottonwood        100
Other species             300
                        _________________________
                        16,000         61,000,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 21 South, Range 4 East

Average total height: 90 feet.
Average height: 32 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 26 inches.
Average age: 160 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST

The topography [of this township] is bold, including as it does the steep slopes from the highest summits of Santa Lucia and Cone Peaks. The northern and western portion are rough and boulder-strewn and are drained by San Antonio River, which is perpetual in the reserve, and by its tributary, Indian Creek [North Fork of the San Antonio River], which is intermittent. Between the headwaters of these streams is a flourishing growth of young Pinus coulteri. On section 17 are about 40 Indians, who were formerly wards of the old San Antonio Mission. They have a few garden patches and fruit trees under cultivation. There is very little grazing land of value excepting in the Milpitas Grant, which is not reserved.

Stands of Trees in Township 21 South, Range 5 East

                           Cords          Feet, board measure

Coulter Pine                              4,100,000
Gray Pine                                 2,700,000
Gambel Oak                 10,600
California White Oak        7,900
California Live Oak         5,300
California Sycamore         1,500
White Alder                   500
Fremont Cottonwood            300
Black Cottonwood              200
Other species                 200			
                           ________________________
                           26,500         6,800,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 21 South, Range 5 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 12 feet.
Average diameter, bresthigh: 11 inches.
Average age: 45 years.
Reproduction: Good.
	

TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST

The reserved area, which excludes the Milpitas Grant, lies principally on spurs from Santa Lucia Peak, and is drained by Bear Creek and other intermittent tributaries of San Antonio River. Chaparral cover dominates, but along the eastern boundaries is a scattering of growth of gray pines and also a woodland in which there is fair grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 21 South, Range 6 East

                        Cords        Feet, board measure

Gray Pine                            1,300,000
Gambel Oak              5,300
California White Oak    3,000
California Live Oak     2,200		
                        ______________________
                        10,900       1,300,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 21 South, Range 6 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 8 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 10 inches.
Average age: 40 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 22 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST

The reserved portion lies on steep southwest declivities of Cone Peak, draining directly to Pacific Ocean by small perpetual streams. The cover is principally timber and woodland. There has been no extensive grazing.

Stands of Trees in Township 22 South, Range 4 East

                          Cords         Feet, board measure

Redwood                                 6,300,000
Coulter Pine                            2,900,000
Yellow Pine                             2,300,000
California Tanbark Oak    3,600
Highland Oak              3,000
Canyon Live Oak           2,400
Madrona                   1,800
California Live Oak       1,200	
                          ________________________
                          12,000        11,500,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 22 South, Range 4 East

Average total height: 105 feet.
Average height: 35 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 25 inches.
Average age: 150 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 22 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST

The topography of this township is bold, consisting of many spurs and isolated summits, principally drained by Nacimiento River and its tributaries, which are perpetual in the reserved area. In section 20 [in the upper watershed of Mill Creek] is a sawmill having a capacity of 10,000 feet daily, board measure, which has been in operation during the past five or six years. when the demand for lumber justified. About 600,000 feet of timber has been cut into the northwest quarter of section 20 for the supply of the local market.

Throughout the timbered area in the western portion of the township is an admixture of Highland Oak [Interior Live Oak. Cornus nuttallii was found in section 6. The chaparral in the southern portion includes a number of young Knobcone pines. Grazing is confined to the western tiers of sections and to the valley of Nacimiento River.

Stands of Trees in Township 22 South, Range 5 East

                       Cords        Feet, board measure

Redwood                             6,300,000
Yellow Pine                         4,400,000
Coulter Pine                        1,900,000
Highland Oak           5,600
California Live Oak    1,400
California Sycamore    1,000
Madrona                1,000
Canyon Live Oak          600
Black Cottonwood         600
White Alder              300
Other species            200		
                       ________________________
                       11,300        12,600,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 22 South, Range 5 East

Average total height: 95 feet.
Average height: 30 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 25 inches.
Average age: 170 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 22 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST

The topography of the reserved area is bold and difficult of access. The drainage is by Stony Creek and Nacimiento River, which here becomes intermittent. The summit in section 8 has a few veteran Knobcone pines, but the timbered area is chiefly scattered Gray pine. Grazing is limited to eastern areas, but the value is good.

Stands of Trees in Township 22 South, Range 6 East

Cords                               Feet, board measure

Gray Pine                           3,500,000
California White Oak   12,500
Highland Oak            4,100
Gambel Oak              3,000
California Live Oak     1,000	
                       ______________________
                       20,700       3,500,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 22 South, Range 6 East

Average total height: 50 feet.
Average height: 8 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 10 inches.
Average age: 40 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 23 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST

The reserved area is crossed by the main summit of Santa Lucia Range, which at this point is low, 2,750 feet. Its rough surface drains easterly into San Miguel Creek. None of the streams are perpetual. In the northern portion is a scattering growth of timber which includes some Abies venusta [A. bracteata]. The chaparral has suffered from fires. Its grazing value is partly good.

Stands of Trees in Township 23 South, Range 5 East

                         Cords        Feet, board measure

Yellow Pine                           1,000,000
Coulter Pine                            500,000
Bristlecone Fir                         400,000
Highland Oak             1,000
Madrona                    700
California Live Oak        600
Canyon Live Oak            500
California Sycamore        100
White Alder                100
Other species              300			
                         _______________________
                         3,300         1,900,000

Condition of Timber Trees in Township 23 South, 5 Range East

Average total height: 65 feet.
Average height: 12 feet.
Average diameter, breast-high: 13 inches.
Average age: 80 years.
Reproduction: Medium.
	

TOWNSHIP 23 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST

The reserved portion is drained by San Miguel Creek, an intermittent stream with an easy gradient. There is a scattering woodland along the streambed, and the declivities support a medium chaparral in which are a few gray pines and also a number of Knobcone pines. The grazing areas are small and their value medium.

Stands of Trees in Township 23 South, Range 6 East

                      Cords

Gambel Oak            3,700
Highland Oak            900
California Live Oak     700
California Sycamore     600
Other species           300
                      ________
                      6,200
	

The work of this division [of Geology and Forestry] remained during the year in charge of Mr. Henry Gannett, geographer. Field work was carried on by two parties, one in charge of Mr. F. G. Plummer, with Mr. M. G. Gowsell as chief assistant, and the other in charge of Mr. Theodore F. Rixon. Mr. Plummer's party examined the western portion of the Santa Barbara Forest Reserve and two areas proposed for reservation, one in the neighborhood of San Luis Obispo and the other in the neighborhood of Monterey, all in California. Reports on these areas have been prepared... During the spring the work of examining forest reserves, etc., together with the men employed upon it, was transferred to the Bureau of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture. As this closes the work of the Geological Survey in the examination of forest lands, it may be well to make a brief resume of the results accomplished...