https://protectpinemountain.org/news daily 0.75 2024-12-20 https://protectpinemountain.org/news/appeals-court-clears-path-for-controversial-pine-mountain-logging-project monthly 0.5 2024-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1695151594732-3JXRL3D8DHIA8QYAKDPT/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200606_1674_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Appeals Court Clears Path for Controversial Pine Mountain Logging Project - Make it stand out Jeffrey pines within the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/final-appeal-written-arguments-filed monthly 0.5 2024-04-26 https://protectpinemountain.org/news/groups-file-logging-appeal-opening-brief monthly 0.5 2024-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/3e368366-cc44-4f31-9421-5fa96644307e/Snow+Plant_Pine+Mountain_20200606_554_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Groups File Opening Arguments in Pine Mountain Logging Appeal - Make it stand out Unique snow plants within the project area. Pine Mountain is one of the best and only places in the Los Padres National to see this odd species. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1705554263895-8AUTV581Q9M0RFHXCQA3/Sunset+from+Pine+Mountain_20190928_081_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Groups File Opening Arguments in Pine Mountain Logging Appeal - Make it stand out Sunset as seen from the project area on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/0690a4a3-60f1-4fc9-a9f4-a4dc4b0c697f/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_20200613_162_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Groups File Opening Arguments in Pine Mountain Logging Appeal - Make it stand out Mature Jeffrey pines on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/380f0247-e2ea-4b32-b0fe-62979999ceea/Montane+Chaparral_Pine+Mountain_20211117_038_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Groups File Opening Arguments in Pine Mountain Logging Appeal - Make it stand out Manzanita-dominated montane chaparral in the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://protectpinemountain.org/news/appeal-aims-to-protect-pine-mountain monthly 0.5 2023-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/26f5c7a9-b739-4d63-bb56-7ad4d2da5980/Mixed-conifer+Forest_20180805_227_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Appeal Aims to Protect California’s Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak from Controversial Logging Project - Make it stand out Pine Mountain has the highest native conifer diversity of anywhere in Ventura County. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/75e5aebd-8c8b-4974-bfdf-95672dac91a5/Sunset+from+Pine+Mountain_20190928_185_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Appeal Aims to Protect California’s Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak from Controversial Logging Project - Make it stand out Sunset view from Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/3463bb29-a842-4a41-8cf7-62839e0b025f/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200613_0679_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Appeal Aims to Protect California’s Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak from Controversial Logging Project - Make it stand out Jeffrey pine, manzanita, and California goldenbanner growing on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/53c2f1be-6ba8-46d6-a088-6890f2253ee8/Ceanothus+Chaparral_Pine+Mountain_20200613_0459_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Appeal Aims to Protect California’s Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak from Controversial Logging Project - Make it stand out The project also includes masticating native shrubs in the chaparral-dominated areas on the mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/court-rules-in-favor-of-logging-on-pine-mountain monthly 0.5 2023-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/9f11d536-b13f-4e90-8eaa-c4a3be66d633/Rabbitbrush+and+Jeffrey+Pines_20180903_130_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Court Rules in Favor of Controversial Logging and Chaparral Clearing Project on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Rabbitbrush and Jeffrey pines on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/eacc0fc0-a2a7-4a4e-a15a-256ff7eab028/Pine+Mtn+Project+Map_LPFW_update.jpg News - Court Rules in Favor of Controversial Logging and Chaparral Clearing Project on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/8ebbf71d-dbda-4ae3-9e03-c8692e50d4da/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200606_1674_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Court Rules in Favor of Controversial Logging and Chaparral Clearing Project on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Jeffrey pine forest on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/groups-file-opening-arguments-in-pine-mountain-logging-lawsuit monthly 0.5 2023-03-15 https://protectpinemountain.org/news/coalition-files-lawsuit monthly 0.5 2022-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/dc6aa02e-652e-4eea-8725-39f3303004fb/Jeffrey+Pine+Forest_Pine+Mountain_20180805_077_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Legal Actions Challenge Huge Logging Project in Los Padres National Forest - Make it stand out Jeffrey pines in the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633744210297-OC3YWW8115T6MLCQPTFM/Pine+Mtn+Project+Map_LPFW_update.png News - Legal Actions Challenge Huge Logging Project in Los Padres National Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/ventura-county-supervisors-ojai-city-council-vote-to-oppose-forest-services-logging-project-on-pine-mountain monthly 0.5 2021-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1634166700414-Z7AG9NE9LWYOIJ6Z9135/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200613_0579_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Ventura County Supervisors, Ojai City Council Vote to Oppose Forest Service’s Logging Project on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Jeffrey pines and white firs in the Pine Mountain Project area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://protectpinemountain.org/news/pine-mountain-project-approved monthly 0.5 2021-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633388845557-PJ32IC5ZX64WFZT06NAX/Jeffrey+Pine+Stand+2_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Forest Service Uses Loopholes to Approve Pine Mountain Logging Project Despite Widespread Opposition - Make it stand out Jeffrey pines in the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633392005517-5VEXHXKUS25QVUQG6DFI/2021+Dixie+Fire_Management+History_V12.png News - Forest Service Uses Loopholes to Approve Pine Mountain Logging Project Despite Widespread Opposition - Make it stand out ForestWatch’s analysis of the Dixie Fire in northern California revealed that it burned through large swaths of forest that had been exposed to the same types of activities as those just approved on Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633393045495-KRX7A7LJQ8VUA61EUK8I/Pine+Mountain_Jeffrey+Pines+and+Chaparral_July+2019_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Forest Service Uses Loopholes to Approve Pine Mountain Logging Project Despite Widespread Opposition - Make it stand out Ecotone between chaparral and mixed-conifer forest in the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/over-16000-comments-of-opposition-submitted-to-forest-service monthly 0.5 2021-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633390072775-OS71GOCFOQZBWUJ9JZNB/Jeffrey+Pine+Trunks_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Over 99.9% of Public Comments Oppose Pine Mountain Project According to Analysis - Make it stand out Jeffrey pines in the project area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633390060234-2CBZINV1CSUIA5PZXYTJ/Sunset+in+the+Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker_web.jpg News - Over 99.9% of Public Comments Oppose Pine Mountain Project According to Analysis - Make it stand out Forested area on Pine Mountain at sunset. Photo by Bryant Baker. https://protectpinemountain.org/news/o4uhf3siqv65r32zmy0v7d3xyhnurn monthly 0.5 2021-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633486404147-1GRM6944HBIRIKYNBFMT/Dozer+Line+2_Invasive+Grasses_Pine+Mountain+Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Forest Service to Expedite Logging and Habitat Clearance in Proposed Wilderness on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out The dozer line that was created along much of Pine Mountain Ridge during the 2017 Thomas Fire (and was never used to actually fight that fire) is now nearly entirely covered by invasive cheatgrass. This annual non-native grass has a lower ignition temperature and spreads wildfire more quickly than the surrounding native vegetation. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633486574138-YK75DUYNFQ2627PT195K/Snow+Plant+and+Pine+Cones_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Forest Service to Expedite Logging and Habitat Clearance in Proposed Wilderness on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Snow plant—which is a fascinating parasitic species in the same family as manzanita—is among the hundreds of unique plant species that grow on pine mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633486160226-LE0EXF8KAXB16M888HF8/Jeffrey+Pine+Trunks_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Forest Service to Expedite Logging and Habitat Clearance in Proposed Wilderness on Pine Mountain - Make it stand out Pine Mountain has a distinct mix of conifer forest and chaparral. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633486328193-4G00X4OSICHDS6HIZY69/Jeffrey+Pine_45+in+DBH_Log_Human+for+Scale_Bryant+Baker.jpg News - Forest Service to Expedite Logging and Habitat Clearance in Proposed Wilderness on Pine Mountain Trees up to 64" in diameter can be removed as part of the project. The tree shown here (with our conservation director for scale) is only 45" in diameter. Photo by Bryant Baker https://protectpinemountain.org/about daily 0.75 2022-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1594847032671-J7GQRFO8GN0PVS7PET48/Manzanita+Chaparral_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg About - Old-growth chaparral will be masticated (shredded into mulch) in areas across over 300 acres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/eacc0fc0-a2a7-4a4e-a15a-256ff7eab028/Pine+Mtn+Project+Map_LPFW_update.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1594848915393-Z5LWJ7ZMNB3APQ3GPI16/Jeffrey+Pine_Nearly+24+in+DBH_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg About - Live trees up to the size shown here (24” in diameter) can be removed without stipulations. Even larger trees up to 64” in diameter (over five feet) can be removed under loose stipulations. Trees would be removed using ground-disturbing heavy equipment or chainsaws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/26f5c7a9-b739-4d63-bb56-7ad4d2da5980/Mixed-conifer+Forest_20180805_227_Bryant+Baker.jpg About Learn about the amazing conifers of Pine Mountain. https://protectpinemountain.org/take-action daily 0.75 2021-10-06 https://protectpinemountain.org/home daily 1.0 2024-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1594842547931-KP3XHMQU9T2UFD5I85UM/The+Forest+at+Sunset_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Home - About the Logging Project The Trump administration proposed the project in late May 2020, amid a pandemic, economic crisis, and widespread protests against racial injustice. The U.S. Forest Service provided only a single comment period for the public to weigh in with their concerns before approving the project in October 2021. For anyone interested, it’s crucial to understand what is being proposed and how it may impact Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1594842882754-8AXC55KZSH8OJNIW50O9/Old-growth+Manzanita+Chaparral_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Home - Stronger Together Dozens of organizations are banding together to push back on this project. Find out which groups have joined the effort and how your organization can get involved. https://protectpinemountain.org/partners daily 0.75 2021-10-05 https://protectpinemountain.org/supporters daily 0.75 2022-04-26 https://protectpinemountain.org/faq daily 0.75 2021-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633744210297-OC3YWW8115T6MLCQPTFM/Pine+Mtn+Project+Map_LPFW_update.png FAQ - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633745788069-BUK0CALNPAU50TJVJPXA/Feller+Buncher_210605_1918_Bryant+Baker.jpg FAQ - Make it stand out Feller bunchers like this can be used as part of logging operations on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633739547153-QTWCTTPLYTY4BHXYBCYE/Dozer+Line_Invasive+Grasses_Pine+Mountain+Bryant+Baker.jpg FAQ - Make it stand out Non-native invasive cheatgrass, shown here growing in a bulldozer line that was created on Pine Mountain during the 2017 Thomas Fire (which stopped miles away from Pine Mountain), rapidly spreads in areas disturbed with heavy equipment. This annual grass has shallow roots, dries out early in the year, and ignites more easily than native plants in the area. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633739848720-24QHJH6NGMVR1BXIP95D/The+Forest+at+Sunset_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg FAQ - Make it stand out California spotted owls require complex forests with multi-storied canopies and dense understory habitat for small rodents, their preferred prey. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633739461421-5GZYHZB72O20T2284RX7/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200606_1674_Bryant+Baker.jpg FAQ - Make it stand out Mature Jeffrey pines on Pine Mountain. Photo by Bryant Baker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1633739328874-UKIJNL5VTCHOZI323214/Broken-top+Snag_Nest+Cavities_Portrait_Bryant+Baker_180328_079_Bryant+Baker.jpg FAQ - Make it stand out A broken-top Jeffrey pine snag with at least three separate woodpecker nest cavities. Photo by Bryant Baker https://protectpinemountain.org/conifers-of-pine-mountain daily 0.75 2022-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/41302e6e-de1a-4001-b2e6-c538f7ae1b54/Jeffrey+Pine_Flat+Crown_20180805_1000_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Mature Jeffrey pine in mixed-conifer forest on Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/5b23c292-245a-42b8-8341-ac1b0fc7a591/White+Fir+at+Sunset_20210703_0176_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain White firs are often cone-shaped with a pointed tip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/d18ce54b-5cc2-42a6-af79-a1558422fcc3/Incense+Cedar+Leaves_20190908_932_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The easiest way to spot an incense-cedar on Pine Mountain is to look at the foliage. Its scale-like leaves are distinctly different than all other conifers on the ridge, with the exception of the related but shrubby California juniper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/d817506d-7fca-420f-a597-6fd24a19392c/Bigcone+Douglas-firs_Pine+Mountain_20211108_173_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain A small stand of bigcone Douglas-firs oddly growing on the south side of the ridge among chaparral and a sugar pine or two (which can look similar from a distance). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/d4b4a6da-ddd9-44ae-a93c-c5db8d8f88d5/Sugar+Pine_54_Aug+2019_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Mature sugar pine towering above other species. The sugar pine is the largest and second-tallest pine species on Earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/2756b056-ba1b-4676-a85a-093f9ce0bc98/Pinyon+Pine_Pine+Mountain_20200606_0298_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Singleleaf pinyon pine found at lower elevation on Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/0a50c81e-2903-4aaa-b2a6-42f7c322a48e/Jeffrey+Pine+with+Dwarf+Mistletoe_20200613_0639_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Jeffrey pine foliage with dwarf mistletoe (orange clumps). Needles or leaves occur in bundles of three. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/b18bee93-eae2-48f4-a8ec-4896d7059f1d/White+Firs_Pine+Mountain_20180826_234_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain You may notice that many white firs on Pine Mountain host bollean mistletoe, a native parasitic plant that creates prominent "witch's brooms" and provides food and nesting habitat for some birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/84c704e2-3040-4e99-86c4-fc9d69a2c99d/Incense+Cedar_20210131_249_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain This tree's bark is more like a redwood than a pine or fir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/bd3a915b-12b1-41ad-8d7f-8da06c92cc9e/Bigcone+vs+Douglas-fir_Cones_211205_02_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain While bigcone Douglas-fir cones don't seem that big on their own, they are about twice the size of the Douglas-fir cone in the north—hence the common name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/574dfb10-48dd-45d1-bf87-64413183e705/Sugar+Pine+Cones_20190706_339_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Sugar pine needles are relatively short compared to Jeffrey and ponderosa pine and they occur in bundles of five. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/641e94ce-05f0-4000-9042-2f3cb2d62b74/Pinyon+Pine_Leaves+and+Cone_20180903_469_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain These pinyon pines are unique as they do not have bundled leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/9b92575b-c989-45ff-9647-0c01a0799956/Jeffrey+Pine+Cone_190727_0151_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Jeffrey pine cones are generally larger than cones of the similar ponderosa pine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/45089e4e-5a9e-42f6-bb61-c70542ba224f/White+Fir+Leaves_190728_0615_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The tree's needles or leaves are pale green and even look bluish sometimes. They're relatively flat, blunt-tipped, and do not occur in bundles. They are also intensely fragrant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/695c30f8-00d9-4b61-bba3-1b4319376639/Incense+Cedar+and+Sugar+Pine_20201011_319_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Bark differences are easier to see side by side—a incense-cedar is on the left and a sugar pine is on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/c01e7d5d-4428-446e-bf4d-8c338d95da2e/Bigcone+Douglas-fir_Bryant+Baker-7.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The flat unbundled leaves and hanging cones are most similar to spruces, which don't occur in the Los Padres region, and this is likely why the species has sometimes been called "bigcone spruce." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/8e9f150a-43d4-4019-ae0b-128cceb83848/Sugar+Pine+Cone_Human+for+Scale_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Sugar pines also have the longest cone of any pine species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/c6c5013c-e440-46ce-87b0-1f8a96edd741/White+Fir_Cones_20210704_0989_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Rather than hang like pine cones, the cones of white firs stand straight up on the branches toward the top of the tree. They slowly break apart after ripening while still on the tree, which is why you don't often find white fir cones on the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/bdb33b46-2d6d-430e-a6b6-2d611ff76299/Incense+Cedar_Pine+Mountain_20190706_058_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain This is one of the easiest incense-cedars to find on Pine Mountain as it's right along Reyes Peak Trail about a quarter-mile from the trailhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/7fb16ac2-8be2-4e82-8f99-f6766124a367/Bigcone+Douglas-fir+Trunk_322_Oct+2020_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Of all the trees in the southern Los Padres National Forest, none have thicker and more fire-resistant bark than the bigcone Douglas-fir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/e4160211-54c1-4f31-b5d5-8924ce9a8a37/Jeffrey+Pine+Leaves+and+Pollen+Cones_200613_0809_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Pollen cones are much smaller than the more recognizable seed cones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/0c537920-2446-4806-b031-9c4f267876cf/White+Fir_Young+Bark_20211203_004_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain White fir is named so because of its white bark that's easy to see in younger trees or in new growth on older trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/47b4aee8-61e9-40f1-aa6f-09e5034fc354/Incense+Cedar_Seed+Cones_20190908_944_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Like other members of the cypress family, the seed cones of the incense-cedar are quite small and unusual, especially compared to the more recognizable cones of pines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/8790d87a-e85d-48d3-934e-77c7e90ce778/Bigcone+Douglas-firs_Snow_191130_578_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain A pure stand of the species growing on the north side of Pine Mountain during a 2019 snowstorm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/9d57b1c2-d671-4b1a-a950-30a3af6a4ebe/Jeffrey+Pine_20210703_0071_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Jeffrey pines often have a flat top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/bd1689d8-ddcf-476a-8edd-2740fcc6bd2a/Old-growth+White+Fir+Forest_211117_117_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Mature white firs develop fairly thick, rough grayish bark around the base of their trunks where you can usually find bright yellow-green wolf lichen growing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/f13a4a7e-14e8-4049-a098-bdfe9d93ec62/Incense+Cedar_201011_305_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain This stately specimen survived the 2006 Day Fire along the aptly named Cedar Creek Trail northeast of Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/74e44cdc-c362-4828-99ec-cdced9628096/Large+Bigcone+Douglas-fir_20180909_1000_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Bigcone Douglas-firs generally have many long limbs, giving it a lanky appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/1fdf887a-54ab-4af6-8e88-68ab0b5c3fb4/Jeffrey+Pine+and+California+Goldenbanner+2_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The bark of Jeffrey pine is very similar to that of ponderosa pine. In fact, this species was once thought to be a subspecies of ponderosa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/5a0382ae-3998-4b39-82c3-27dc7967f3bf/Jeffrey+Pines_Pine+Mountain_200606_1674_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Drier forest sites on top of the mountain are dominated by Jeffrey pine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/536ecffc-f198-45c6-a231-c4ee84b72b22/Sugar+Pine_158_Jul+2019_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The long, droopy branches make sugar pines stand out among the Jeffrey pines and white firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/0279de00-4921-4e67-bdf7-03686633f62d/White+Fir+with+Lichens_20180805_999_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain You may notice other lichens growing in rings around younger trunks where branches once grew. The bark of these whorls is more conducive to lichen attachment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/e7cd7121-3f54-43dc-b967-7f7a490f4276/Incense+Cedar+Seedling_Portrait_20201011_349_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain The foliage of incense-cedar seedlings is very similar to that of mature trees, so they are easy to identify even when just starting to grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/4f1e8335-23e0-4e14-b730-d2f1901bff8a/Bigcone+Douglas-fir+Cone_190824_469_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Cones have distinctive bracts that stick out between the scales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/bcfb383c-a214-4248-867f-472c689e28c6/Sugar+Pine_Pine+Mountain_20190928_068_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain There's nothing quite like seeing a mature sugar pine with cones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/a6d8e947-3063-43ab-ad05-2f32cd2545c4/White+Fir_Nest+Cavities_20200724_508_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain White fires also provide excellent habitat for woodpeckers after dying. Look for woodpecker nest cavities like those shown here in a standing dead tree (snag). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/af5f7cfd-5e93-445e-a32b-d3b7a31a14de/Bigcone+Douglas-firs_Thomas+Fire_200606_0224_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain This stand of bigcone Douglas-firs near Dry Lakes Ridge south of Pine Mountain survived the 2017 Thomas fire with little to no tree mortality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/8cb703b6-4938-498b-a792-47e4d25666de/Young+Sugar+Pine_20190902_356_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Young sugar pine bark is smooth and white, which may cause confusion with young white firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/005174dc-5b61-4ca7-8f96-6d8346be0db6/Pinyon+Pines+in+Snow_20191130_528_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain This species tends to have a forked trunk, unlike the other pines of Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/b9ff42c8-f804-4762-9648-10386f9744d0/Sugar+Pine+Cones_20190706_404_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Sugar pines occasionally have flat tops that make them look more like a Jeffrey pine from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/28d616e6-cf7e-4b34-a7f5-8aec28ccf7c7/Pinyon+Pines+and+Chaparral+3_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Singleleaf pinyon pines sometimes blend into the chaparral landscape on Pine Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/ebf7bea3-29cb-48f2-8c71-d73a86cf4926/Pinyon+Pines+and+Chaparral+2_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain These trees are easy to see up close at lower elevations along Pine Mountain Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/2c3700c7-d5a7-4156-a46e-fb73a2225ee8/Singleleaf+Pinyon+Pine+in+Snow_Pine+Mountain_Bryant+Baker_20191130_500_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Cones are small, numerous, and full of large, delicious seeds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f08c61893a5392fb8e83f71/f5a63862-e462-4e76-ac05-4608ff0950b3/Singleleaf+Pinyon+Pine_Resin_20180325_047_Bryant+Baker.jpg Conifers of Pine Mountain Singleleaf pinyon pine bark is often caked in oozing pitch or hardened resin.