Puget Lowlands Wet Hemlock Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
Wet Hemlock and Red Alder Forest
Submodel
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition represents a shift to a timber plantation management system. This transition is typically initiated by clear cut of old forest in the reference state but can be initiated after a large stand-replacing fire in the reference state. Management actions include even-aged harvests and replanting of desired species.
Mechanism
This transition is caused by an intentional clearing of land or a stand replacing fire in state 1, followed by intense, frequent disturbance such as grazing, mowing, crop production, or frequent fire to prevent trees from re-establishing. This transition can be initiated from any community phase in state 1. Disruption of the hydrologic regime by ditching and draining the site may or may not occur.
Mechanism
This restoration occurs by artificial or natural re-establishment over time of species resembling overstory and understory diversity typical of the reference state. This transition can be initiated from any community phase in state 2. Allowing the site to naturally regenerate to shrubs and forest is usually all that is needed. In some cases, treatment of invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry may improve the rate of restoration.
Mechanism
This transition is caused by an intentional clearing of land or a stand replacing fire in state 2, followed by intense, frequent disturbance such as grazing, mowing, crop production, or frequent fire to prevent trees from re-establishing. This transition can be initiated from any community phase in state 2. Disruption of the hydrologic regime by ditching and draining the site may or may not occur.
Mechanism
This restoration occurs by restoration of hydrologic function and regime, and artificial or natural re-establishment over time of species resembling overstory and understory diversity typical of the reference state. Intentional planting, site preparation, and control of competing invasive weeds will accelerate this transition. This transition can be initiated from any community phase in State 3. Removal of disturbance to allow the site to naturally regenerate to shrubs and forest is often the only action that is needed.
Mechanism
This transition occurs with a change in land management from a cleared non-forest state to a forest plantation. The site is typically treated mechanically or with fire to prep the seed bed before planting or to promote natural regeneration. This transition can be initiated from any community phase in state 3.
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.