A cool, moist forest community, this site occurs across the landscape as a mosaic of plant community phases characterized by variation in forest structural stage (tree age, density and cover) and plant community composition. This mosaic pattern is highly influenced by a mixed fire regime likely approximating Landfire fire regime group 3: 35 - 200 Year Fire Return Interval, Low and Mixed Severity. As a highly productive forest community, this site will persist in closed canopy conditions represented by communities 1.2 and 1.3 most often. The mature, closed forest community represented by 1.3 is the reference community. Open stand conditions are possible due to insect outbreak or disease but rarely persist under a historical disturbance regime given site productivity.
This alternative state represents the many variations of timber harvesting that can occur in this site. This may result in a number of manipulated community types and pathways depending on strategies surrounding harvest, shrub control, weed control and replanting. Following harvest, some sites with adequate moisture and shrub seed source may be dominated by early seral shrubs. These may persist for decades yet are likely important for providing shade to young conifers, cycling nutrients and providing wildlife forage and cover.
Extensive timber harvest followed by continual management for timber production that has significantly altered species compositions and resulting disturbance responses.
Ecological forestry practices may promote a return to reference state. Forest reestablishment may require shrub control and tree replanting if the desired goal is regaining a forest structure within a desired timeframe. Stand replacing fire may lead to a transition to community 1.1 of the reference state if soil compaction is not severe, species composition has not been significantly altered and tree seed source is available.
Context dependence
Alterations of forest tree species composition, as well as soil compaction and surface disturbances due to large machine usage may hinder passive forest reestablishment.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
