Interesting Ecotone

This view south from near the ridge high point reveals an interesting transition between deep soiled grasslands and a harsh, scabby stiff sagebrush community. The deeper soils were once spots of great floral diversity, but now are mainly infested with dense weeds and introduced pasture grasses. Most native species are now found in the harsh sites where its more difficult for weeds to establish. In the distance are the canyons of Kessler, Squaw, and Papoose creeks. The canyon in the extreme upper left is the Little Salmon. July 2005