Biological:

Coniferous forest covers most of the reserve. Small areas dominated by ponderosa pine, sumac and bluebunch wheatgrass occur on south -facing slopes at the south end of the reserve. Mixed stands of Douglas- fir and ponderosa pine cover most of the remaining area. Common understory species on southern exposures are common and Rocky Mountain juniper, kinnikinnick, arrow -leaved balsam -root, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Wallace’s selaginella. Soopolallie, falsebox and pinegrass are abundant on north-facing slopes. Trembling aspen and Douglas maple occur in moist draws. Pondweed communitiesoccur in the lakes, and cattail-bulrush stands between several lakes. Small areas dominated by paper birch,western redcedar, or a mixture of these occur in the valley bottom. Fifty-eight species of lichens, nine liverworts, 47 mosses, 84 fungi and 318 vascular plants have been recorded.

Fifty-six species of birds have been noted. Ring -necked and mallard ducks and Canada geese nest at the lakes. Mammals include Mule and White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Beaver, Muskrat, Coyote, Red Squirrel, chipmunk, and voles. Interesting reptiles here are the Northern Alligator Lizard, Western Blue Racer, Rattlesnake , and Painted Turtle