This region includes Roan High Bluff and Roan High Knob. Fraser fir and red spruce forests also dot other areas of the Roan Highlands, such as parts of Grassy Ridge and the section of Carver’s Gap leading to Round Bald. These high elevation forests are a relic of the last ice age. While they used to be a common feature across the Southern Appalachians, today they are confined to only the highest peaks of the region. These rare “sky islands” provide habitat for an assortment of rare and unique species, such as the federally endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel and spruce-fir moss spider. Other rare species include the elusive northern saw-whet owl and Appalachian cottontail. While threats such as climate change and invasive pests continue to wreak havoc on these forest stands, the Roan contains the highest quality intact Fraser fir forest remaining throughout the tree’s entire range.