Kahlotus Ridgetop Natural Area Preserve
This 240-acre site preserves one of the last remaining examples of the vast native arid grassland that once covered much of the eastern Columbia Basin in Washington. A population of Piper's daisy—a state-listed sensitive plant species that grows only in the Columbia Basin—occurs within the preserve. This site was designated a National Natural Landmark in 2011, in recognition of its nation-wide significance to natural area protection.
Features Protected: Bluebunch wheatgrass – Idaho fescue plant community and Piper’s daisy
Ecoregion: Columbia Plateau (Franklin County)
Ecoregion: Columbia Plateau (Franklin County)
Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Kahlotus Ridgetop NAP, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.
Examples of research and monitoring projects
- Blinnikov, M.S. 2005. Phytoliths in plants and soils of the interior Pacific Northwest, USA. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 135 (2005) 71–98.
- Suspended Dust and PM10 Emission Rates in the Columbia Basin. Northwest Columbia Plateau Wind Erosion Air Quality Project: 1997 Interim Report.
Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Kahlotus Ridgetop NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Southeast Region natural areas manager.
