The Reference Plant Community of this site is that of an open, mature, ponderosa pine - Douglas-fir stand represented by Community Phase 1.4. This is the most advanced community within the historical disturbance regime for this site, yet occurs across the landscape as a mosaic of plant community phases characterized by variation in community structural stage (tree age, density and cover) and species composition. Historically, Oregon white oak - ponderosa woodlands would have cycled from a shrub bunchgrass young tree stand initiation phase (1.1) to a young woodland phase (1.2) to a mature woodland phase (1.3) with a disturbance regime characterized by frequent, low intensity surface fires with occasional mixed or replacement severity fires (Landfire fire regime group 1). 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 (Devine et al. 2013). 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 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.
Alterations of forest tree species composition, as well as soil compaction and surface disturbances due to large machine usage may hinder passive forest reestablishment. Ecological forestry practices may promote a return to reference state. 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. Selective removal of large ponderosa pine may advance succession and favor maturation of more shade tolerant trees such as Douglas-fir.
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. 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, and 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.
