vicinity Newcastle + Rattlesnake Rds. ~3-mi S. Altarn. Placer Co., Calif. 9 April Galium, Mimulus, Irs. , poison oak, grasses etc etc. (cont'd) To the south ? the trail, The slope is much less (~10-15%) Further down the trail, the downward slope actually increases (~ 150%). The plants change a bit (ponderose juniper > bigger juniper). The spring which creates a small (very small) ravine to south of the trail runs year-long apparently (B. Lawrence, pers. comm.). Overall, however, The habitat doesn't seem quite very good for Bassariscus -- the northward slope is far too great. The southward slope is manageable but the hilltop < 50 m. above supports oak savannah and residential habitats. Possible for ringtails, yet unlikely. at trails base (Folsom Lake) we did left along horstrail (north west) several hundred feet, then turned north across the stream (via wooden bridge) It is along this stream that ring tails are likely to be found. The hillside slope ~ 30-55% from oak woodland hilltops -- above the stream ~ 50 meters. The hillsides are vegetated w/ live oaks -- in some places, the habitat is more grassland than woodland. By and