Barker Mountain Natural Area Preserve

Color photo of Barker Mountain Natural Area Preserve (NAP)
The mid to upper slopes of Barker Mountain, from about 3,200 to 4,000 feet in elevation, are included within this preserve. A broad, east-west ridgetop with ledges and steep slopes defines the south side, while small depressions with seeps form the north side. This 120 acre preserve protects examples of shrub-grassland ecosystems (also known as shrub-steppe), including a large area of antelope bitterbrush/Idaho fescue habitat on the gently sloping summit ridge. Wooded areas with ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and antelope bitterbrush form a mosaic with the grassland patches and represent an important forest type within the foothills of the Okanogan Highlands of north- central Washington.

Features Protected: Ponderosa pine-Douglas fir/antelope bitterbrush plant community, antelope bitterbrush/ldaho fescue plant community, and antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass plant community
Ecoregion: Okanogan (Okanogan 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 Barker Mountain NAP, contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov

Environmental Education and Public Access

Currently no formal educational programs are available at Barker Mountain NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Northeast Region natural areas manager.