The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Three Sisters
General Description
The Three Sisters Biosphere
Reserve represents the essentially undisturbed landscape straddling the crest of
the central Cascade Range (Oregon). The name refers to the three volcanoes that
dominate the area and exemplify how glaciers and time can change the volcano
landscape.
The biosphere reserve comprises permanent snowfields and glaciers, and numerous
streams and small rivers. Coniferous forests dominate the area. The western
slopes (below 1,200 meters above sea level) are dominated by douglas fir (Pseudotsuga
menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). The subalpine forests are
dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), P. albicaulis and alpine fir (Abies
lasiocarpa). Extensive parkland with a mosaic of forest patches and subalpine
meadow communities extends from 1,500 - 2,000 meters above sea level.
Except intensive studies on geology, little research has been carried out in the
biosphere reserve. However, the forests on western part are comparable with
those of H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest and Biosphere Reserve, thus serving
as a large control area for research. There is no permanent human settlement in
the biosphere reserve. Recreational use is moderate though some hunting and
fishing occurs.
Last updated: 06/27/2005