Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XA010ID
North Slope Fractured 16-22 PZ
Last updated: 12/13/2023
Accessed: 04/27/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 010X–Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills
This MLRA is characterized by gently rolling to steep hills,plateaus, and low mountains at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Oregon and the Central Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The geology of this area is highly varied and ranges from Holocene volcanics to Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Mollisols are the dominant soil order and the soil climate is typified by mesic or frigid soil temperature regimes, and xeric or aridic soil moisture regimes.Elevation ranges from 1,300 to 6,600 feet (395 to 2,010 meters), increasing from west to east with higher elevations reaching 9250 feet on the northern fringe of the MLRA. The climate is characterized by dry summers and snow dominated winters with precipitation averaging 8 to 16 inches (205 to 405 millimeters) and increasing from west to east. Higher elevations on the northern fringe of this MLRA receive upwards of 41 inches in precipitation.These areas are the foothills and lower mountain side slopes as the MLRA transitions into MLRA 43C.
These factors support plant communities with trees and shrub-grass associations with considerable acreage of sagebrush grassland. Western juniper is one of the few common tree species and since European settlement has greatly expanded its extent in Oregon. Nearly half of the MLRA is federally owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Most of the area is used for livestock grazing.
For further information, see "Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin (U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296,2006)" available online at:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624
Ecological site concept
• Site occurs on Uplands
• Slopes greater than 30% on northerly aspects
• Site occurs in 16-22 PZ
• Soils are <20” to fractured bedrock or clay.
• Roots penetrate below 20”.
Associated sites
| R010XA011ID |
Clayey North 16-22 PZ Adjacent shallow north aspects occurring on unfractured rock |
|---|---|
| R010XA014ID |
Steep South Slope 16-22 PZ Adjacent steep south aspects, >45% slope |
| R010XA015ID |
South Slope Loamy 16-22 PZ Adjacent south aspects, <45% slope |
| R010XA016ID |
Quaking Aspen 20+ PZ POTR5 Adjacent moisture accumulating depressions supporting aspen communities |
Similar sites
| R010XA008ID |
North Slope Loamy 16-22 PZ Soils are >20” to bedrock or clay |
|---|---|
| R010XA011ID |
Clayey North 16-22 PZ Roots do not penetrate below 20”, Restrictive clay layer at 4 to 10 inches |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Festuca idahoensis |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on steep to very steep north and east facing aspects. Slopes are 30 to 75 percent. The elevations range from 5200 to 8500 feet (1585 to 2590 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Mountains
> Mountain
(2) Foothills > Ridge |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 5,200 – 8,500 ft |
| Slope | 30 – 75% |
| Water table depth | 60 in |
| Aspect | N, NE, E |
Climatic features
The Big and Little Wood River Foot slopes and Plains, proposed as MLRA 10X, has a mean elevation of 5310 feet above sea level, and varies from 3600 to 9235 feet. In general, average annual precipitation is greatest on the western side, with the southeast area being the driest. However, the northern fringe receives upwards of 41 inches of precipitation. Monthly precipitation is generally greatest at the end of the year, diminishes steadily until a
low in July and August, then increases rapidly in the autumn. Monthly temperatures can vary considerably. Highs of up to 102° and lows down to -52° Fahrenheit have been recorded. The average annual temperature is 42.9°. The frost-free period ranges from 60 to 85 days. The freeze-free period is a bit longer: 80 to 105 days.
Both morning and afternoon average relative humidity values peak in the winter, and reach their low in July and august. The average number of sunny, cloud-free days is above average for the summer months, but below average for the period from November through February.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 60-85 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 80-105 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 16-22 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 70 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 98 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 18 in |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by adjacent streams or run on.
Wetland description
This site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands.
Soil features
The soils on this site are dark colored very gravelly and very cobbly fine sandy loams. They are less than 20 inches deep to fractured limestone or quartzite sandstone bedrock. The fractures allow the roots of the shrubs to go below 20 inches. They are well drained, with moderately rapid permeability and very low available water holding capacity. Runoff is medium. Erosion by water is low to moderate when plant cover is scarce or lacking. The surface texture is very gravelly fine sandy loam. These soils are characterized by a xeric moisture regime. Soil temperature regime is cryic.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Colluvium
–
quartzite
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly fine sandy loam |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately rapid |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 15 – 32% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 9% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.7 in |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 7.8 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
45 – 61% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is mountain big sagebrush overstory with Idaho fescue and various forbs. Composition by weight is approximately 50 to 60 percent grasses, 20 to 25 percent forbs, and 15 to 25 percent shrubs.
During the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in a semi-arid climate characterized by dry summers and cold, wet winters. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and lagomorphs.
Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 20 to 50 years.
The the Reference State (State 1), historically referred to as the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC), moves through many phases depending on the natural and man-made forces that impact the community over time. State 1, described later, indicates some of these phases.
FUNCTION:
This site is well suited for big game in the late spring, summer, and fall. It is also well suited for livestock and recreation use in the late spring, summer, and fall.
Due to the relatively high rainfall and elevation on this site, it is fairly resistant to disturbances that can potentially degrade it.
Water intake and internal drainage is moderate. Runoff, when it does occur is non-erosive except during high intensity convection storms. Snow accumulates on the site due to high elevation and presence of tall shrubs.
Impacts on the Plant Community.
Influence of fire:
In the absence of normal fire frequency, mountain big sagebrush, and antelope bitterbrush increases. Grasses and forbs decrease as shrubs increase.
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (20-50 years), mountain big sagebrush and bitterbrush are reduced significantly. With continued short fire frequency, mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush can be completely eliminated along with many of the desirable understory species such as bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. These species may be replaced by cheatgrass and/or bulbous bluegrass along with a variety of annual and perennial forbs including noxious and invasive plants. Cheatgrass comes in at lower elevations on the site. These fine fuels will increase the fire frequency. Root sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrush and mountain snowberry may increase.
Influence of improper grazing management:
Season-long grazing and/or excessive utilization can be very detrimental to this site. This type of management leads to reducing vigor of the bunchgrasses and possibly bitterbrush. With reduced vigor, recruitment of these species declines. As these species decline, the plant community becomes susceptible to an increase in mountain big sagebrush and noxious and invasive plants. As cheatgrass increases, along with other annuals, fires become frequent. Continued improper grazing management influences fire frequency by increasing fine fuels.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing can also keep fine fuels from developing, thereby reducing fire frequency. This can lead to gradual increases in mountain big sagebrush. A planned grazing system can be developed to intentionally accumulate fine fuels in preparation for a prescribed burn.
Due to the shrub species on this site, any brush management efforts should be carefully planned. Antelope bitterbrush is very important as a browse species for wildlife and needs to be protected with any brush control practices applied. A reduction in shrubs without a suitable understory of perennial grasses can lead to an increase in fine fuels which will lead to a more frequent fire regime. Loss of shrub species on this site can have very negative impacts on wildlife.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in April, May, and June can dramatically increase total annual production of the plant community. These weather patterns can also increase viable seed production of desirable species to provide for recruitment. Likewise, below normal precipitation during these spring months can significantly reduce total annual production and be detrimental to viable seed production. Overall plant composition is normally not affected when perennials have good vigor.
Below normal temperatures in the spring can have an adverse impact on total production regardless of the precipitation. An early, hard freeze can occasionally kill some plants.
Prolonged drought adversely affects this plant community in several ways. Vigor, recruitment, and production are usually reduced. Mortality can occur. Prolonged drought can lead to a reduction in fire frequency.
Influence of Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health, particularly bitterbrush from western tent caterpillars (Malacosoma fragilis). Two consecutive years of defoliation by the tent caterpillar can cause mortality in bitterbrush. An outbreak of a particular insect is usually influenced by weather but no specific data for this site is available. Mormon cricket and grasshopper outbreaks occur periodically. Outbreaks seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak. Snow-mold can impact mountain big sagebrush.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
Many of these species add to the fine-fuel component and lead to increased fire frequency.
Many of the annual and perennial invasive species with deep root systems compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients. The result is reduced production and change in composition of the understory.
Influence of wildlife:
Big game animals use this site in the late spring, summer, and fall. Their numbers are seldom high enough to adversely affect the plant community. Herbivory can be detrimental to bitterbrush when livestock grazing and browsing by big game occurs at the same time and season. This will occur when both kinds of animal are using the plant in the late summer or fall. The adverse impact is excessive use of the current years’ leader growth.
The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur with the increase in mountain big sagebrush. Desired understory species can be reduced. The increased runoff also causes sheet and rill erosion. This composition change can affect nutrient and water cycles. Abnormally short fire frequency also gives the same results, but to a lesser degree. The long-term effect is a transition to a different state.
Practice Limitations:
Mechanical seeding is generally not feasible on the steeper slopes on this site. Mechanical brush control is difficult or not feasible on steep slopes. Brush management can occur with aerial chemical application or prescribed burning.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | frequent fire, improper grazing management |
|---|
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | improper grazing management, the absence of fire |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | fire |
| 1.2A | - | prescribed grazing and brush management |
| 1.2B | - | prescribed grazing and no fire |
| 1.3A | - | fire |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
Dominant plant species
-
mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
-
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community
This plant community has mountain big sagebrush in the overstory with Idaho fescue the dominant understory species, followed by bluebunch wheatgrass. Prairie junegrass and lupine are sub-dominant in the understory. Antelope bitterbrush, mountain snowberry, and tall green rabbitbrush occur in the overstory in small amounts. Natural fire frequency is 20 to 50 years.
Resilience management. The Reference Plant Community Phase is Phase 1.1. This plant community is dominated by Idaho fescue and mountain big sagebrush. Antelope bitterbrush is usually present. Subdominant species include bluebunch wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, balsamroot, lupine, Indian paintbrush, and phlox. The plant species composition of Phase 1.1 is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”. Total annual production is 650 pounds per acre (728 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 800 pounds per acre (896 kilograms per hectare). Production in an unfavorable year is 350 pounds per acre (392 kilograms per hectare). Structurally, cool season deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses are very dominant, followed by tall shrubs being more dominant than perennial forbs.
Figure 3. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 195 | 360 | 440 |
| Forb | 85 | 160 | 200 |
| Shrub/Vine | 70 | 130 | 160 |
| Total | 350 | 650 | 800 |
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0904, ARTRW8/PSSPS/ACTH7 HIGH PRECIP.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Mountain Big Sagebrush with low vigor bunchgrasses
This plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush with reduced amounts of Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. Mountain brome and slender wheatgrass has increased in the understory. All deep-rooted bunchgrasses are typically in low vigor. Mountain big sagebrush has increased as well as some other tall shrubs. Antelope bitterbrush may be present but in reduced vigor and hedged. Some cheatgrass and bulbous bluegrass may have invaded the site. Cheatgrass usually invades at the lower elevations of the site. This state has developed due to improper grazing management and lack of fire.
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 85% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0904, ARTRW8/PSSPS/ACTH7 HIGH PRECIP.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.3
Perennial Grasses
This plant community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass with some rabbitbrush and mountain snowberry. Some Idaho fescue can be lost due to fire. Mountain brome and slender wheatgrass has increased. Forbs remain about in the same proportion as Phase 1.1. Mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush have been reduced significantly due to wildfire. Some cheatgrass and bulbous bluegrass may have invaded the site. Cheatgrass invades the site at lower elevations. This plant community is the result of wildfire.
Table 7. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 85% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0904, ARTRW8/PSSPS/ACTH7 HIGH PRECIP.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Phase 1.1 to 1.2. Develops with improper grazing management and in the absence of fire.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Phase 1.1 to 1.3. Develops with fire.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Phase 1.2 to 1.1. Develops with prescribed grazing and brush management.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Phase 1.3 to 1.1. Develops with prescribed grazing and no fire.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Phase 1.2 to 1.3. Develops with fire.
State 2
Annuals
Resilience management. State 2 to unknown site. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross a threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Dominant plant species
-
yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), shrub
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), grass
Community 2.1
Annuals
This plant community is dominated by cheatgrass and/or bulbous bluegrass and other annuals. Root sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrushes and mountain snowberry can be present, dependent upon, how frequent, fire has occurred. Some soil loss has occurred. This state has developed either due to frequent fires and improper grazing management from Phase 1.2, State 1 or with frequent fire and/or improper grazing management from Phase 1.3, State 1. The site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Table 8. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 85% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0902, D25 ARTRV Early Seral.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
State 1 Phase 1.2 to State 2. Develops through frequent fire and improper grazing management. State 1 Phase 1.3 to State 2. Develops through frequent fire and/or improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 195–440 | |||||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 100–200 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 25–50 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 10–25 | – | ||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 1–15 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 1–15 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | 85–200 | |||||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 35–80 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 15–30 | – | ||
| balsamroot | BALSA | Balsamorhiza | 10–30 | – | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 10–25 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 10–25 | – | ||
| erigenia | ERIGE | Erigenia | 5–10 | – | ||
| agoseris | AGOSE | Agoseris | 1–10 | – | ||
| rockcress | ARABI2 | Arabis | 1–10 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shribs | 70–160 | ||||
| mountain big sagebrush | ARTRV | Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana | 50–125 | – | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 15–30 | – | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 1–15 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 1–10 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
This rangeland ecological site provides diverse habitat for many native wildlife species. The plant community exhibits a diverse mixture of forbs throughout the growing season offering excellent habitat for invertebrates. Wildlife use these areas on a seasonal basis due to the high elevation, short growing season and temperature regimes. Mule deer and elk are the large herbivores using the site. The site provides seasonal habitat for resident and migratory animals including western toad, sagebrush lizard, shrews, bats, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, sage-grouse, Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, horned lark and western meadowlark. Sagebrush obligate avian and mammal species including sage-grouse, Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher and pika utilize these sites on a limited basis due to the high elevation and associated cold temperatures throughout much of the year. Sage-grouse an area sensitive species, may utilize the sagebrush plant community as winter and brood-rearing habitat. A change in the quality of the historic plant community over time can reduce the numbers and diversity of native wildlife species in the area. Encroachment of noxious and invasive plant species (cheatgrass and medusahead) in isolated areas can replace native plant species which provide critical feed, brood-rearing and nesting cover for a variety of native wildlife. The loss of herbaceous understory vegetation has a negative impact on ground nesting birds, while the loss of shrub cover negatively affects both ground and shrub nesting avians. Water features are sparse provided by seasonal streams, artificial water catchments and springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Idaho Fescue/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass Reference Plant Community (RPC): This plant community provides a diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs, used by native insect communities that assist in pollination. An extensive array of forbs is represented throughout the growing season leading to a diverse insect community. Many avian and mammal species utilize this habitat based on the availability of invertebrate prey species. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard, western skink, western rattlesnake, western toad, boreal chorus frog and northern leopard frog. Amphibians are associated with springs and isolated water bodies adjacent to this plant community. Spring developments that capture all available water would preclude the use of these sites by amphibians. Native shrub-steppe obligate avian species utilizing the habitat include the Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage-grouse. Sage-grouse may utilize this plant community on a limited basis for winter and brood-rearing habitat due to the sites high elevation. The plant community provides limited seasonal forage needs for large mammals including mule deer and elk. A diverse small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this community. Pikas may utilize the site if adjacent to rocky open areas. Habitat for the pygmy rabbit would be marginal due to shallow soils, steepness and high elevation. The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
State 1 Phase 1.2- Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Mountain Brome/ Slender Wheatgrass Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management and no fire. An increase in the canopy cover of sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. Native insects assist in pollination but the reduced herbaceous understory results in reduced diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard and western skink. The reduction of grasses and forbs in the plant community would reduce the available prey species and cover for these resident reptile species. Amphibian habitat would be tied to permanent spring sites in the area. Development of spring sites that collected all available water would exclude the use of amphibians on these sites. This plant community supports a less diverse variety of migratory and resident avian species with the reduced understory vegetation. Fewer prey species and less understory cover results in limited food, brood-rearing and nesting habitat. Key shrub-steppe avian obligates include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage- grouse. Critical habitat (winter cover and winter food) for sage grouse is available. The plant community supports limited seasonal habitat for large mammals including mule deer, and elk. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots utilize these areas. Pikas may be present in areas with adjacent open rocky habitat. The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
State 1 Phase 1.3 – Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Mountain Brome/ Slender Wheatgrass Plant Community Plant Community: This plant community is the result of fire. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little or no sagebrush or antelope bitterbrush would provide less vertical structure for animals. Insect diversity would be reduced but a diverse native forb plant community would still support select pollinators. The reptiles including short horned lizard and sagebrush lizard would be limited or excluded due to the loss of sagebrush. Amphibian habitat would be tied to permanent spring sites in the area. Development of spring sites that collected all available water would exclude the use of amphibians on these sites. The dominance of herbaceous vegetation with little sagebrush canopy would prevent use of these areas as nesting habitat by Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, and sage- grouse. This plant community provides limited brood-rearing habitat for sage- grouse if adjacent sagebrush cover is provided. Winter habitat for sage-grouse is eliminated. The dominant herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland avian species (horned lark and western meadowlark). Large mammal (mule deer, and elk) use would be seasonal and offer little thermal cover and young of year cover. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species like the Columbian ground squirrel.
State 2 - Cheatgrass / Bulbous Bluegrass Plant Community:
This plant community is the result of continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire. Invasive herbaceous plants and patches of root sprouting shrubs like rabbitbrushes and mountain snowberry can be present. The plant community does not support a diverse insect community. The reduced forb and shrub component in the plant community would support a very limited population of pollinators. Most reptilian species are not supported with food, water or cover. This plant community does not support the habitat requirements for sage-grouse, sage thrasher, Brewer’s sparrow or sage sparrow. Diversity of grassland avian species is reduced due to poor cover and available food. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Large mammals may utilize the herbaceous vegetation in the early part of the year when the invasive annuals (cheatgrass) are more palatable. At other times of the year large mammals would not regularly utilize these areas due to poor food and cover conditions. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species like the Columbian ground squirrel.
Grazing Interpretations.
It is best suited for livestock use in the late spring, summer, and fall.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use, and seasonal preference.
Hydrological functions
The soils in this site are in hydrologic group D. When ground cover is at or near potential the erosion hazard is slight to moderate.
Recreational uses
This site provides opportunities for big game hunting and hiking. Flowering forbs in the spring offer photographic opportunities.
Wood products
None
Other products
None
Other information
Field Offices
Mountain Home, ID
Gooding, ID
Shoshone, ID
Rupert, ID
Arco, ID
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. Those involved in developing this site description include:
Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC
Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC
Jim Cornwell, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho
Leah Juarros, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho
Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
References
-
. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-136 Vols 1-3. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Other references
Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number “35”.
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA, Forest Service, Fire Effects Information Database. 2004. www.fs.fed.us/database/feis
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; Version 4-2005.
Contributors
Dave Franzen And Jacy Gibbs
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 12/13/2023
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | Dave Franzen and Jacy Gibbs Intermountain Range Consultants 17700 Fargo Rd. Wilder, ID 83676 |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709 |
| Date | 03/28/2008 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
rills can occur on this site. If rills are present they are likely to occur immediately following wildfire. Gravelly and cobbly surface soils reduce the potential for rills. Rills are most likely to occur on soils with surface textures of silt loam and clay loam. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns occur on this site. When they occur, they may be long, continuous and extensive. Gravelly and cobbly surface texture interrupts flows. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
both can occur on this site. In areas where flow patterns and/or rills are present, a few pedestals may be expected. Terracettes also occur on the site uphill from tall shrub bases and large bunchgrasses. They are not extensive. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
On sites in mid-seral status bare ground may range from 10-25 percent.
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
none -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
usually not present. Immediately following wildfire some soil movement may occur on lighter textured soils. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
fine litter in the interspaces may move up to 5 feet following a significant run-off event. Coarse litter generally does not move. Gravels and cobbles on the surface help reduce fine litter movement. Terracettes, gravels, and cobbles can trap fine litter. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
values should range from 4 to 6. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
structure is generally weak fine granular. Soil organic matter (SOM) needs to be determined. The A or A1 horizon is typically 7 inches thick. Surface soil color is very dark grayish brown moist. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
bunchgrasses, especially deep-rooted perennials, slow run-off and increase infiltration. Tall shrubs catch blowing snow in the interspaces. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
not present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrassesSub-dominant:
perennial forbsOther:
tall shrubsAdditional:
shallow rooted bunchgrasses -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
mountain big sagebrush will become decadent in the absence of normal fire frequency and ungulate grazing. Grass and forb mortality will occur as tall shrubs increase. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
additional litter cover data is needed but is expected to be 15-20 percent to a depth of 0.1 inches. Under mature shrubs litter is >0.5 inches deep and is 90-100 percent ground cover. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 650 pounds per acre (728 kilograms per hectare) in a year with normal temperatures and precipitation. Perennial grasses produce 50-60 percent of the total production, forbs 20-25 percent and shrubs 15-25 percent. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
includes bulbous bluegrass, musk and scotch thistle, and diffuse and spotted knapweed. Cheatgrass can invade the site at the lower elevations. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years.
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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.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | frequent fire, improper grazing management |
|---|
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | improper grazing management, the absence of fire |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | fire |
| 1.2A | - | prescribed grazing and brush management |
| 1.2B | - | prescribed grazing and no fire |
| 1.3A | - | fire |