While analyzing the data from his laboratory and field research with Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), he postulated his rest-rotation method and further developed a theory and practical application system for its use within multiple use rangelands management.
Besides the dominant Artemisia tridentata (Big Sage) and Purshia tridentata (Bitterbrush) noteworthy large plants include Juniperus occidentalis (Western Juniper), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey Pine), Cercocarpus ledifolius (Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany), and the picturesque Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen).
The forest surrounding the cave entrance is dominated by large ponderosa pine trees with sagebrush, manzanita, bitterbrush, snowbrush, and chokecherries as the main ground cover.