Mesic Xeric Foothills 14-20 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Agricultural conversion
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Transition T1B
Timber Harvest
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Restoration pathway R2A
Forest restoration
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Restoration pathway R3A
Forest restoration, stand replacing fire
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This forested 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. Pathways between these phases are defined by historic fire regimes. Historically, many dry pine forests would have cycled from a shrub-bunchgrass initiation phase (1.1) to a young forest stage (1.3) to a mature forest phase (1.4) with a fire regime characterized by frequent surface and mixed fires. Fire exclusion can lead to closed canopy and dense understory stocking conditions represented by Communities 1.2 and 1.5 which can be more vulnerable to stand replacing fires. The Reference Community within this state is that of an open, mature, savanna like ponderosa pine stand represented by Community Phase 1.4. Historical evidence suggests that this community type was common across the landscape prior to selective logging and widespread fire suppression, which can alter fire regimes, reduce understory cover, and lead to a greater frequency of high severity fire. Given the likelihood that this state, even in the best condition and highest potential, will almost always include at least some component of exotic species regardless of management inputs, this may also be referred to as the “Current Potential State”. In this document, the term “reference state” is used synonymously with “Current Potential State” for the sake of simplicity.
Submodel
States 1 and 5 (additional transitions)
1.1. Stand Initiation
1.5. Mature Forest, Closed
Description
Represents all conditions where the site may be converted for pasture or cropland purposes.
Description
In this state the stand is used primarily for timber harvesting. This may result in a number of manipulated community types and pathways depending on strategies surrounding harvest, weed control and replanting. Shelter-wood production systems may be favored due to the detrimental effects of drought and heat on ponderosa pine regeneration. Selective harvest of ponderosa pine will favor dominance of more shade tolerant species overtime. Broadcast burning of bitterbrush may help increase ponderosa pine reestablishment. Cheatgrass and other exotic pioneer species will likely increase following timber harvest on sites where they were previously present.
Mechanism
Extensive timber harvest followed by management prioritizing timber production.
Mechanism
Intensive restoration practices involving extensive rest from pasture or cropping, soil preparation, planting, seeding and protection from drought may be required to restore forest conditions.
Mechanism
Ecological forestry practices may promote a return to reference state. Stand replacing fire may return to community 1.1 of the reference state if soil compaction is not severe and seed source is available.
Context dependence
Soil compaction and surface disturbances due to large machine usage may hinder passive forest reestablishment.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
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.