The Elysian Forest

“Elysian” was an early, romantic name the original settlers bestowed upon the area around Emerald, and the forested region is still called that by city residents today. When the largest of the National Forests in the area was established in 1913, the name became official.
The Elysian Forest successfully achieves a balance between providing access to visitors and maintaining suitable habitats for the wildlife that call it home. Aside from the occasional novice would-be outdoorsman whose ambitions exceed their actual skills’, man and nature coexist in Elysian without serious incident.
Since the 1970s, Elysian has been a hot spot for alleged Bigfoot sightings; so much so that what is a punchline elsewhere rises to the level of actual controversy in the Emerald area. Some city residents, like the cryptozoology department at ECU, treat Bigfoot as a serious public issue, lobbying for greater research efforts and legal protection for what they consider an endangered species. Others respond with equally fervent mocking derision, but most Emerald residents regard their potential furry neighbors with good humor, such as dubbing the ECU athletic teams the Sasquatches.
Bigfoot is only the best-known of the many strange creatures and happenings witnesses claim to have seen in the Elysian Forest. As crazy as some of the tales sound (especially those of Emerald’s early settlers), there is little to disprove them. Large areas of the Elysian Forest have only ever been trodden upon by the Hekawi, and even they recount a host of fantastic tales of what lies in the great green wilderness. Thus, it remains to be seen whether the Elysian Forest holds wonders beyond the trees, monsters from childhood fables, or simply things better left alone.

Geography

A broad swath of greenery stretching from the southeastern borders of Emerald City into the lowlands of the Atlas Mountains, the Elysian Forest helped to give the city its name and remains a local and national treasure. Large parts of the forest near the mountains are protected national parkland, safe from development to preserve wildlife habitats as well as their natural beauty.
The Elysian Forest is part of the temperate rainforest region of North America, the largest temperate zone rainforest area in the world. It sees considerable annual rainfall (primarily in the winter rainy season) as well as heavy summertime fogs, which recirculate moisture on the forest floor. It is primarily made up of old-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and the western red cedar. Heavy layers of moss, ferns, and similar undergrowth are common due to the moisture and richness of deadfalls and other decaying plant matter.

Fauna & Flora

The Elysian Forest is home to a wide variety of animal life as well, from Pacific Northwest species of elk and deer to foxes, bears, and timber-wolves. Owls, eagles, and other hunting birds share nesting grounds with crows, ravens, woodpeckers, flickers, and numerous smaller bird species. The rivers and streams have abundant life, from salmon and other fish to frogs and salamanders. Local and national environmentalist groups work hard to protect and study the biodiversity and native species of the Elysian Forest.
The expanse of the forest is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike looking to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a site for hiking, camping, fishing, and—in proper season—hunting. Hunting trips into the Elysian Forest are licensed and regulated, limited to specific areas and species. From time to time, rangers catch poachers illegally hunting in restricted areas or trying to bag some game (like the endangered Elysian elk) on the forbidden list.

Type

Forest

Location under

Emerald City