Foredune Scrub and Grassland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
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State 3
Intensive disturbance from urban sprawl, development, and recreation resulting in unstabilized dunes
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
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State 3
Intensive disturbance from urban sprawl, development, and recreation resulting in unstabilized dunes
More details
Submodel
Description
Structure: Dune and grassland with invaded and non-native plant species
Community phase 2.1 represents an area that has been susceptible to non-native species. European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria) is an exotic grass that has been introduced to stabilize dunes. It is highly successful at building thick mats of vegetation very rapidly and can tolerate salt spray, wind erosion, and excessive drought. American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) was planted along the Long Beach peninsula, and it has spread throughout the coastal zone (Roccio, 2015). A small remnant community of American dunegrass, seashore lupine, and coastal strawberry may be present. Other common non-native species include little hairgrass (Aira caryophyllea) and hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata).
State 3
Intensive disturbance from urban sprawl, development, and recreation resulting in unstabilized dunes
Description
This state represents a full departure from the native reference state as a result of human-caused disturbances. Off-road vehicle use, residential development, and roadway construction will increase the susceptibility to non-native species, restrict the movement of sand (necessary for healthy dunes), and reduce habitat.
Mechanism
This pathway represents a major disturbance from a massive tidal surge, an excessively damaging windstorm, or extended drought that removes most, if not all, of the existing vegetation. This pathway also represents a transition from a native plant community to a non-native, invaded plant community. Non-native seed disbursement is introduced (intentionally or unintentionally), which alters the reference community.
Mechanism
This pathway represents human-influenced disturbance from urban sprawl or other development or from excessive use of recreational off-road vehicles. The stabilized dunes and habitat are diminished or completely lost.
Mechanism
This pathway represents restoration of the native plant community. It is extraordinarily difficult to successfully remove Scotch broom, gorse, European beachgrass, and American beachgrass once established. Native seed sources and extensive management and mitigation of brush and non-native species are needed to restore the community.
Mechanism
This pathway represents human-influenced disturbance from urban sprawl or other development or from excessive use of recreational off-road vehicles. The stabilized dunes and habitat are diminished or completely lost.
Mechanism
This pathway represents removal of man-made structures. Non-native seed disbursement is introduced (intentionally or unintentionally), which changes the reference community.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.