Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2020 to 03/31/2020
Inyo National Forest

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section) :
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mammoth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mono Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  Mount Whitney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Inyo National Forest,  White Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Inyo National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Eastern Sierra Fire Restoration and Maintenance Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/22/2019  		Expected:06/2020
  		07/2020 Eric Vane
760-924-5509
ericdvane@fs.fed.us 
Description: Restore and maintain fire regimes to vegetation types characterized by frequent to moderate fire return intervals using prescribed fire and wildfires managed for resource benefit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56291
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The non-wilderness portions of the Inyo National Forest outside the White or Inyo Mountains.
Eradication and Control of Invasive Plants on the Inyo National Forest
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 11/22/2019  03/2020 Blake Engelhardt
760-873-2495
bmengelhardt@fs.fed.us 
Description: Implement integrated plant management to control and eradicate non-native invasive plant infestations on the Inyo National Forest. To comment, click on "comment" on the right side of this page or email to comments-pacificsouthwest-inyo@fs.fed.us
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=38912
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California, Nevada. COUNTY - Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, Tulare, Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forestwide.
Inyo NF Personal Use Fuelwood Program Area Assessment
CE
 - Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Scott Kusumoto
760-924-5522
skusumoto@fs.fed.us 
Description: Assessment of Inyo NF Personal Use Fuelwood Program Open areas
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55238
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest-wide assessment.
Land and Resource Management Plan Revision
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  Completed  Actual: 10/21/2019  11/2019 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Revision of the 1988 Inyo National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan under the provisions of the 2012 National Forest System Planning Rule.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/landmanagement/planning
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California, Nevada. COUNTY - Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, Tulare, Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forestwide.
Permit Reissuances - Ongoing, various permit types
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/10/2018  		Expected:12/2020
  		02/2021 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Ongoing and continuous reissuance of various special use authorizations. Examples of these are resorts, research activities, utilities and events. For further information on any specific permit or permitted activities, contact Erin Noesser.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55278
Location: UNIT - Inyo National Forest All Units. STATE - California, Nevada. COUNTY - Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Over the entire Inyo National Forest.
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Inyo National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cottonwood Creek and Upper Owens River Wild and Scenic Management Plans
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special area management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2020  		Expected:08/2021  09/2021 Adam Barnett
760-873-2461
adam.barnett@usda.gov 
Description: Developing a Wild and Scenic River Management Plan for two designated rivers: Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains and the Owens River Headwaters.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57325
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Owens River Headwaters, including Deadman and Glass Creeks, in Mono County, from the headwaters to the private land boundary downstream of Hwy 395, and Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains.
ECV Monument Special Use Permit Renewal
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Carmen John
760-873-2510
cjohn@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a new permit to the Slim Princess Chapter of E. Clampus Vitus authorizing five historical markers located at various locations on the south zone Inyo National Forest. New permit term will be for 10 years.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50842
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Buttermilk Road near junction of Hwy 168; Parcher's Resort, South Fork Bishop Creek; Cardinal Gold Mine, Bishop Creek; Hwy 395 20 North of Bishop Sherwin Grade; Intake 2, Bishop Creek.
Inyo County Road maintenance and motorized mixed use
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2020  		Expected:11/2020  12/2020 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal is to provide easements to Inyo County on four roads and special use permits on 4 roads to allow for continued road maintenance by Inyo County, and to allow the County to determine the vehicle use type allowed on those roads.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57322
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Throughout Inyo County, including portions of Death Valley, County, Onion Valley, Foothill, Coyote Valley, McMurry Meadows, Division Creek and Mazourka Canyon Roads.
University of CA Santa Barbara research study "Effects of nonnative trout introduction."
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:01/2020
  		05/2020 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Multi year study from the Young Lab in wilderness locations, @ Golden Lake, No Name Lake, Fifth & Six Lake on WMRD, and heart Lake, Bench Lake, Matlock Lake and Flower Lake on MWRD;includes various temporary installations and collections.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56520
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mount Whitney Ranger District, Inyo National Forest Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multi year study from the Young Lab in wilderness locations, @ Golden Lake, No Name Lake, Fifth & Six Lake on WMRD, and heart Lake, Bench Lake, Matlock Lake and Flower Lake on MWRD;includes various t.
Valley Electric Authority Nevada Broadband Installation
EA
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Valley Electric Authority (VEA), a Nevada utility company, is proposing to add broadband cables to existing utility lines, and renew their Special Use Permit. There would be about 10.5 miles of cable added to overhead lines, and 200 feet underground.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51065
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District, Mono Ranger District. STATE - Nevada. COUNTY - Esmeralda, Mineral. LEGAL - Township 1N, Range 32 East and Range 33 East, and Township 2N, Range 33E. Along Highway 6 in Nevada, on the East side of Montgomery Pass, near the Esmeralda, Mineral County line.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mammoth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Airport Pit Disposal Site Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:05/2020  07/2020 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissuance of special use permit to the Town of Mammoth Lakes for operation of clean waste disposal at the Airport Pit
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47812
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mammoth Airport Pit.
Reds Meadow Hazardous Fuels Reduction
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/08/2018  		Expected:04/2020
  		09/2020 Eric Vane
760-920-5509
ericdvane@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project will reduce fuels within the high use Reds Meadow area to protect life and property in the event of a wildfire, and promote fire suppression activities. Secondary effects will be forest health enhancement and watershed improvement.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54312
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Madera, Mono. LEGAL - T3S R26E, Sections: 14, 15, 22, 23, 25, 26, 34, 35, 36. T4S R 26E, Sections:2, 3, 11, 14. T30S R27E, Sections: 29 - 32. This project lies .5 miles to the West of the town of Mammoth Lakes along highway 203, and the Reds Meadow Rd. It is also adjacent to the Devils Post Pile National Monument in Reds Meadow.
Shady Rest Disc Golf Course
CE
 - Recreation management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Alecia Rutledge
7609245532
amrutledge@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Town of Mammoth Lakes proposes to install an 18 hole disc golf course adjacent to the Shady Rest Park. The course would consist of 18 wood and aggregate tee pads (6x20 ft), 18 removable baskets, 18 removable tee signs and one kiosk. Summer 2019.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56051
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Adjacent to Shady Rest Park in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, CA.
Town of Mammoth Lakes, snow disposal area permit reissuance.
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissuance of expired permit to the Town of Mammoth for a snow disposal area
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51578
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Off Highway 203, before the entrance to the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Vista Towers, multi-carrier facility at Little Antelope Communication Site
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Placement of multi-carrier building and tower at the Little Antelope Communications Site
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47317
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - MDB&M, T. 3S., 28E., Sec 33. Little Antelope Communications Site, north of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport.
Woolly's Adventure Summit Summer Uses Project and Mammoth Mountain Snowmaking Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/01/2018
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2019  		Expected:09/2020
  		11/2020 Janelle Walker
760-924-5523
janellelwalker@fs.fed.us 
Description: MMSA proposes to expand year-round activities at the existing 55-acre Woolly's Adventure Summit tube park, located inside of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area INF permit area along State Route 203, and improve the snowmaking system throughout the MMSA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54453
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located inside of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area INF permit area.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mono Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Caltrans Gaz-Ex permit renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:06/2020  07/2020 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Special Use Permit reissuance to the California Department of Transportation for avalanche control systems located in the June Lake and Lee Vining areas.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52614
Location: UNIT - Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mt. Downs, above south June Lake Junction, and Lee Vining Hill, north of Lee Vining.
Driveway permit to private residence located in the Peterson Tract, June Lake Area
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issuance of a special use authorization for driveway for private residence
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47810
Location: UNIT - Mono Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. June Lake Loop, between Highway 158 and private property located in Peterson Tract.
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Inyo National Forest,   Mount Whitney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Alabama Hills Defensible Space
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Fuels management  Completed  Actual: 11/22/2019  02/2020 Lance Rosen
760-873-2542
lrosen@fs.fed.us 
Description: The primary purpose of this project is to provide defensible space to help protect structures and developments in the Granite View subdivision and Carroll Creek in the event of a wildfire. Treatments include prescribed fire, mowing, and hand cutting.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53837
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 3 miles west of Alabama Hills, CA.
Kennedy Meadows Campground Fuel Break Project
CE
 - Fuels management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Erin Noesser
760-873-2545
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Fuels reduction of shrubs and trees around the Kennedy Meadow Campground and access road, and the Wildrose Trailhead. Includes removing dead and dying trees. Treatment area will be 200-400 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50324
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Tulare. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The area of the Inyo National Forest near the community of Kennedy Meadows.
Kern Plateau Grazing Allotments Analysis
EIS
 - Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Margaret Wood
760-873-2515
mwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Review and analysis of the Monache, Mulkey, Templeton and Whitney grazing allotments in the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Mt Whitney Ranger District
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34380
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Tulare. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Templeton/Whitney Grazing Allotments in the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Lone Pine Tribe installation of a water tank and water lines
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Indian Health Services on behalf of the Lone Pine Tribe has proposed the installation of a water tank and water lines in the Indian Cemetery vicinity, west of Lone Pine. Project travels from Tribal lands, thru LADWP lands to USFS lands.
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lone Pine, CA on USFS lands west of HWY 395.
MCS Old 49er Mine Exploration and Production Plan of Operations
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  On Hold  N/A  N/A Colleen Garcia
760-873-2424
colleenggarcia@fs.fed.us 
Description: MCS Old 49er Mine Exploration and Production Plan of Operation located in Mazourka Canyon within the Inyo National Forest
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50746
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - CAMC 31348 Township 12S A Range 36 East Section 31 SW. Lode Mine tunnel and adjacent cabin at CAMC 31348 Township 12S A Range 36 East Section 31 SW.
Thacher School permit reissuance for the Golden Trout Camp
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissuance of a 10 year permit to Thacher School for their operations and facilities @ Golden Trout Camp (GTC). Thacher operates under a special use permit since 1976, the GTC for wilderness education. Name change to Golden Trout Wilderness School.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52421
Location: UNIT - Mount Whitney Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - UTM Coordinates: Zone 11, 408046 mE, 4038135 mN SE ? SW ? S33, T16S, R35E and S3 T17S, R35E USGS 7.5 min topo Cirque Peak . UTM Coordinates: Zone 11, 408046 mE, 4038135 mN SE ? SW ? S33, T16S, R35E and S3 T17S, R35E USGS 7.5 min topo Cirque Peak. .
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Inyo National Forest,   White Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R5 - Pacific Southwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Birchim Community Services District water tank and pipeline permit reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: reissue a permit to the Birchim Community Services District for operation and maintenance of two water tanks, and approximately 500 feet of water line, for water tapped from a system located on private property. Serves the community of Sunny Slopes.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55020
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - T4S, R30E, Sections 28 and 29. Near the community of Sunny Slopes, in the vicinity of Tom's Place, California, northeast of highway 395.
Eastern White Mountain Road Management
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/23/2019  		Expected:04/2020
  		07/2020 Todd Ellsworth
760-873-2457
tellsworth@fs.fed.us 
Description: Maintain six Forest Service system roads, install barricades on unauthorized routes, close existing road near Red Rock mine with safety concerns, add another 0.5 mile of road to improve access, and change other roads to single-track for motorcycles.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57318
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Nevada. COUNTY - Esmeralda. LEGAL - Township 1S, Range 33E, multiple sections. Near the Red Rock Mine in Esmeralda County of Nevada.
LADWP Long Valley Pole Removal and Pole Replacement Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2020  		Expected:06/2020  07/2020 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: LADWP Utility Maintenance Project:1)removal of poles & replacement of poles in one line and 2)removal of poles & rehab in second line, 3)relinquish poles
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. LADWP locations of distribution line maintenance work is on a combination of LADWP and INF lands, staring at the Upper Gorge power plant down to the Long Valley Dam, on the White Mtn. Ranger District.
Pine Glade Assoc. Permit reissuance amendment #1
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/03/2019  		Expected:03/2020
  		04/2020 Erin Noesser
760-873-2449
elnoesser@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissued Pine Glade's permit to provide water to recreation residence tract and upgrade underground control room/vault; amend permit for upgrade to water system utility box, pole, conduit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56518
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Pine Glade Association water system between Pine Glade recreation resident tract and Rock Creek.
Southern California Edison Control-Silver Peak 55kV Reliability Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2020  		Expected:12/2020  05/2021 Sheila Irons
760-924-5534
sirons@fs.fed.us 
Description: Installation of remote fault indicators, packet routers, and installation of remote switches along with poles replacements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54262
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Silver Canyon, east of Bishop, CA.
Starlite water tank and pipeline permit reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reissue a 20 year permit for an existing 50,000 gallon water storage reservoir and pipeline, used by the community of Starlite.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55023
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - T7S, R31E, Sections 23 and 27. Directly south of the community of Starlite, which is east of Bishop, California.
Univ. of Nevada, Reno research study "Common Grounds" on the White Mtn. Ranger District.
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:02/2020
  		04/2020 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: This study addresses a significant knowledge gap in variation in seedling traits and success in high-elevation conifer forests, which play a critical role in providing water through snowpack stabilization.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56522
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bishop Creek and White Mountains.
University of CA Riverside "Fungal-plant-pollinator phenology shifts in response to climate change"
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/24/2019  		Expected:01/2020
  		04/2020 Rosalie Herrera
760-873-2455
raherrera@fs.fed.us 
Description: Goal is to determine how plant & insect pollinator phenology changes along an elevational gradient in an alpine environment, & to examine the cross-generational effects of mycorrhiza and elevation on plant phenotype, in plots within White Mountains.
Location: UNIT - White Mountain Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono. LEGAL - Not Applicable. White Mountains on the White Mountain Ranger District.
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