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Ecological site R010XC042OR

SR Juniper Tableland 12-16 PZ

Last updated: 12/13/2023
Accessed: 11/21/2024

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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. 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. These factors support plant communities with shrub-grass associations with considerable acreage of sagebrush grassland. Big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue are the dominant species. Stiff sagebrush, low sagebrush, and Sandberg bluegrass are often dominant on sites with shallow restrictive layers. 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 with areas accessible by irrigation often used for irrigated agriculture.

Classification relationships

Plant Associations of the Blue and Ochoco Mountains, Johnson and Clausnitzer, 1992:
CJS8 - Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia rigida plant community

Bunchgrass Plant Communities of the Blue and Ochoco Mountains: A Guide for Managers, Johnson and Swanson, 2005:
CJS811- Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia rigida plant community type

Landfire Biophysical Setting Model:
Note: This model was developed specifically for the Columbia Plateau but fits the characteristics of this site very well despite the absence of old growth juniper
0810650: Columbia Plateau Scabland Shrubland

Ecological site concept

This site occurs on upland tablelands with very shallow soils over hard igneous extrusive geologies (basalt, andesite, rhyolite, tuff, etc.). In the reference state, the site is characterized by old growth juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), scabland sagebrush (Artemisia rigida), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) and one-spike oatgrass (Danthonia unispicata). Highly fractured bedrock and low fuel loads would have historically facilitated the persistence of old growth juniper on this site. This is a low production site (potentially the lowest of the juniper community types at the foothills of the Blue and Ochoco mountains, Johnson and Swanson 2005) with production limited by the low water holding capacity of the soil. Precipitation comes in the form of snow and rain primarily in the winter and early spring. The soil profile is not able to store all the moisture that the site receives, and excess moves to adjacent sites. Historically, plant community dynamics were driven primarily by drought disturbance and very infrequent fire due to patchy fuel distribution.

Associated sites

R010XC047OR	SR Mountain South 12-16 PZ SR Mountain South 12-16 PZ (moderate deep soil, south aspect, higher production, different composition – ARTRV-X,T/PSSPS association)
R010XC054OR	SR Mountain Shallow South 12-16 PZ SR Mountain Shallow South 12-16 PZ (shallow soil, south aspect, higher production, different composition – ARTRV-X,T/PSSPS association)
R010XC059OR	SR Mahogany Rockland 12+ PZ SR Mahogany Rockland 12+ PZ (shallow soil over fractured bedrock with areas of exposed rock outcrop, higher production, different composition – JUOC/CELE3-PUTR2/PSSPS-FEID association)
R010XC068OR	SR Cool Mountain North 12-16 PZ SR Cool Mountain North 12-16 PZ (moderate deep to deep soil, north aspect, higher production, different composition ARTRV-X,T/FEID association)
R010XC075OR	SR Mountain Shallow North 12-16 PZ SR Mountain Shallow North 12-16 PZ (shallow soil, north aspect higher production, different composition – ARTRV/FEID-PSSPS-POSE association)
R010XC041OR	SR Very Shallow Rockland 12-16 PZ SR Very Shallow Rockland 12-16 PZ (very shallow soil depth with areas of exposed bedrock, lower production, different composition – ACTH7-POSE/ERIOG association)
R010XC029OR	SR Shallow Cool 12-16 PZ SR Shallow Cool 12-16 PZ (shallow soil, higher production, different composition – ARTRV-X,T/FEID-PSSPS association)
R010XC033OR	SR Cool 12-16 PZ SR Cool 12-16 PZ (moderate deep soil, higher production, different composition – ARTRV-X,T/FEID association)
R010XC037OR	SR Mountain Shallow 12-16 PZ SR Mountain Shallow 12-16 PZ (shallow soil, higher production, different composition – ARTRV/FEID association)
R010XC039OR	SR Very Shallow 12-16 PZ SR Very Shallow 12-16 PZ (very shallow soil with less substratum fracture, lower production, different composition – ARRI2/POSE-DAUN-FEID association)

Similar sites

R010XC041OR	SR Very Shallow Rockland 12-16 PZ SR Very Shallow Rockland 12-16 PZ (very shallow soil depth with areas of exposed bedrock, lower production, different composition – ACTH7-POSE/ERIOG association)
R010XC040OR	SR Very Shallow 16-20 PZ SR Very Shallow 16-20 PZ (higher elevation, greater precipitation and production)
R010XC038OR	SR Very Shallow 9-12 PZ SR Very Shallow 9-12 PZ (lower elevation and precipitation, less production, different composition – DAUN absent)
R010XC039OR	SR Very Shallow 12-16 PZ SR Very Shallow 12-16 PZ (very shallow soil with less substratum fracture, lower production, different composition – ARRI2/POSE-DAUN-FEID association)

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Juniperus occidentalis
Shrub	(1) Artemisia rigida
Herbaceous	(1) Poa secunda (2) Danthonia unispicata

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on tablelands and rolling uplands. Slopes are typically from 2 to 12 percent with a range of 2 to 20 percent. Elevations range from 4,000 to 6,000 feet.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Tableland > Plateau (2) Tableland > Hill
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,219 – 1,829 m
Slope	2 – 12%
Aspect	W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW

Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)

Flooding frequency	Not specified
Ponding frequency	Not specified
Elevation	Not specified
Slope	2 – 20%

Climatic features

The annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches, most of which occurs in the form of snow during the months of December through March. Localized convection storms occasionally occur during the summer. The soil temperature regime is frigid to mesic near frigid with a mean air temperature of 45 degrees F. Temperature extremes range from 90 to -20 degrees F. The frost free period ranges from less than 30 to 90 days. The optimum growth period for plant growth is late April through June. Climate graphs below are based on the nearest available climate stations to mapped site locations and are provided to indicate general climate patterns rather than representative values.

Table 4. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	30-90 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	305-406 mm
Frost-free period (average)	50 days
Freeze-free period (average)
Precipitation total (average)	406 mm

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) DREWSEY [USC00352415], Drewsey, OR
(2) MASON DAM [USC00355258], Baker City, OR

Soil features

The soils of this site are very shallow over bedrock and well drained. The surface layer is typically a thin surface very cobbly loam to stony loam 2 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is a very cobbly silty clay loam to stony clay loam over an extremely cobbly clay. Where this site occurs on Rockly soils, the entire profile may be a very gravelly to extremely gravelly loam. Depth to bedrock is less than 10 inches with extensive areas less than 4 inches. Permeability is moderately slow to slow. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is about 2 inches for the profile. The erosion potential is moderate to severe.

Table 5. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Volcanic ash (2) Colluvium – basalt (3) Residuum – basalt
Surface texture	(1) Very stony loam (2) Very cobbly silty clay loam
Family particle size	(1) Clayey
Drainage class	Well drained to moderately well drained
Permeability class	Moderately slow to slow
Depth to restrictive layer	5 – 25 cm
Soil depth	5 – 25 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	10 – 30%
Surface fragment cover >3"	10 – 30%
Available water capacity (0-101.6cm)	1.27 – 5.08 cm
Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm)	0 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm)	0
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	10 – 25%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	10 – 35%

Ecological dynamics

The potential native plant community is dominated by old growth juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), scabland sagebrush (Artemisia rigida), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) and one-spike oatgrass (Danthonia unispicata). The density of old growth juniper (greater than 150 years old) is equal to or greater than five trees per acre. Idaho fescue is common particularly under juniper. Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), and a variety of forbs are present. Vegetative composition of the community is approximately 60 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 30 percent shrubs. Approximate ground cover is 40 to 60 percent (basal and crown). There is a strong diversified soil microbiotic crust on the interspaces between plant bases.

Range in Characteristics
Plant composition and production is dependent on soil depth, precipitation and bedrock fracture. As soil depth decreases to 2 to 4 inches, Sandberg bluegrass increases. One-spike oatgrass increases on similar shallow depths at higher precipitation and in areas receiving additional spring runoff. Old growth juniper, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and scabland sagebrush will increase on deeper soils and over fractured bedrock. Idaho fescue in particular increases in the shade and litter under juniper. Bluebunch wheatgrass increases at lower elevations and on slight south and west exposures. Production increases with soil depth, precipitation and old growth juniper density.

Bluebunch wheatgrass is considered to be a highly fire adapted grass species with low buds often protected from fire. Recovery following fire is rapid and it often increases relative to other plants post fire, especially after spring burning. While burning may improve the nutritional quality of bluebunch, defoliation during the regeneration period can be very detrimental to the stand and grazing should be avoided immediately after (Zlatnik 1999). Stiff sagebrush is killed by fire and does not sprout (Young 1983). Establishment after fire is from seed, generally blown in and not from the seed bank (Bradley et al. 1992). Juniper is sensitive to fire and most young trees are killed by even low severity fire. As Juniper trees mature and bark thickens, however, they become resistant to low severity fire yet are still killed by crown fires or high severity surface fires (Fryer and Tirmenstein 2019).

Climate cycles would have been an important driver of ecological dynamics historically, with drought periods possibly leading to reductions in sagebrush cover and wet years increasing fire occurrence due to increased perennial grass production and fine fuels loads. Historically these communities would have likely encountered very infrequent fire due to patchy fuel and low fuel loads, possibly on the order of 250 years between fires (Landfire 2014). When infrequent fires do occur flame length is low, scarring the old juniper and eliminating young juniper.

If the condition of the site deteriorates as a result of inappropriate grazing management, one-spike oatgrass and Idaho fescue initially decrease. Scattered bluebunch wheatgrass and Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) subsequently decrease. Sandberg bluegrass and stiff sagebrush increase. Exotic annual grasses such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), North African grass (Ventenata dubia), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) may invade and become problematic. Exotic annual grass invasion may increase the size and frequency of fires and extend the season when fires are likely by augmenting early season fine fuel loads and fuel continuity in this otherwise fuel limited system (Pilliod et al. 2017). Infill of young juniper increase with fire suppression and the lack of adequate fine fuels to carry a fire. With continued overgrazing stiff sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass decrease and bare soil increases. Annual invasion is limited due to the lack of soil depth. Soil microbiotic crusts are easily disturbed and broken up, particularly by early spring grazing on saturated soils. Accelerated soil erosion on the bare soil interspaces markedly increases, reduces potential site productivity and contributes to downstream sedimentation. Rehabilitation of native plant communities will be very difficult on this site due to thin soils, high potential for invasive annual grass encroachment, susceptibility of soils to erosion and damaging frost heaving.

An understanding of the site specific ecological dynamics for this site are incomplete. Little is known about the historical ecological dynamics of old growth juniper/scabland sagebrush dominated sites. Current and anticipated effects of climate change are not included in this model, yet this site may experience significant impacts as climate continues to change. Ecological dynamics of this site are informed by disturbance response group 7 described in Stringham et al. 2016 yet are considerably different due to the presence of old growth juniper on this site and are likely to undergo refinements and revisions as more data becomes available.

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

1. Historical Reference State

2. Current Potential State

3. Annual State

4. Tree / Shrub State

5. Eroded State

T1	-	Introduction of non-native species.
T2A	-	Catastrophic fire and/or soil disturbing treatments.
T2B	-	Prolonged time without fire during climate conditions conducive to juniper expansion.
T3A	-	Continued inappropriate grazing management leading to excessive trampling, compaction and soil loss.
R4A	-	Removal of young juniper infill and reduction of excessive shrub cover may be possible by mechanical means but will be limited by site characteristics.
T4A	-	Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, or failed rehabilitation attempt allowing for the increased invasion of annual herbaceous species.
T4B	-	Time and lack of fire allowing for further juniper expansion and loss of soil cover.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Plant Community

1.2. Perennial Grass/Forb Phase

1.3. Shrub Phase

P1.1a	-	Low severity fire creates shrub/grass mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces shrub and young juniper cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs.
P1.1b	-	Time and lack of disturbance. Excessive herbivory and long-term drought may also reduce perennial understory.
P1.2a	-	Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration.
P1.3a	-	Low severity fire reduces some shrub and tree cover and creates shrub/grass mosaic.
P1.3b	-	Moderate severity fire significantly reduces shrub and tree cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs.

State 1
Historical Reference State

The Reference State is representative of the natural range of variability for the site under pristine conditions. The reference state is a low productivity, bunchgrass shrubland. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by ecosystem processes and structural elements such as the presence of all structural and functional plant groups, the retention of organic matter and the maintenance of plant community cover. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by infrequent fire and/or periodic drought.

Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community

Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 6. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Grass/Grasslike	336	471	605
Shrub/Vine	168	235	303
Forb	56	78	101
Total	560	784	1009

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4521, B10 SR Mtn Souths & Shallows 12-16. SR Mtn Souths & Shallows 12-16 RPC Growth Curves.

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	0	5	35	25	20	5	5	5	0	0

Community 1.2
Perennial Grass/Forb Phase

Within this community phase, site resources are controlled primarily by perennial grasses and forbs. Scabland sagebrush has been reduced considerably and recovery may be slow due to the necessity for recolonization by seed. Young juniper have been reduced or eliminated yet old growth juniper persist.

Community 1.3
Shrub Phase

Within this community phase, site resources are primarily controlled by scabland sagebush. Native deep-rooted perennial grass composition has been reduced, with shallow-rooted and disturbance adapted grasses such as Sandberg bluegrass increasing. Old growth juniper are present and young juniper may be increasing.

Pathway P1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Low severity fire creates shrub/grass mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces shrub and young juniper cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs. Fires are uncommon in this fuel limited system and may only occur on intervals approximately 250 years (Landfire 2014).

Pathway P1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Time and lack of disturbance. Excessive herbivory and long-term drought may also reduce perennial understory.

Pathway P1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration.

Pathway P1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Low severity fire reduces some shrub and tree cover and creates shrub/grass mosaic. Fires are uncommon in this fuel limited system and may only occur on intervals approximately 250 years (Landfire 2014).

Pathway P1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2

Moderate severity fire significantly reduces shrub and tree cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs. Fires are uncommon in this fuel limited system and may only occur on intervals approximately 250 years (Landfire 2014).

State 2
Current Potential State

This state is similar to the Reference State. Ecological function has not changed fundamentally, however the resiliency of the site has been reduced by the presence of invasive plants. Additionally, livestock herbivory may be present as a disturbance process and changes in climate may be altering ecological dynamics. Non-native plant species may increase in abundance but will not become dominant or control ecological processes within this state. These species can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by ecosystem processes and structural elements such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks driven by plant community invasion decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include exotic plant species' high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by infrequent fire, periodic drought and ungulate herbivory. Current potential plant communities also mirror those of the above Historical Reference (State 1) yet with the addition of a low level of invasive exotic plant invasion and influences of livestock herbivory. Livestock herbivory may result in decreases in deep rooted perennial grasses, and related increases in shallow-rooted perennial grasses (such as Sandberg bluegrass), unpalatable forbs and shrubs.

State 3
Annual State

Within this state, site resources are primarily controlled by exotic annual herbaceous species. Native perennial grass and forb composition has been greatly diminished. Fire frequency may be increased by higher fine fuel loads, potentially having significant ecological consequences for this otherwise fuel limited site. Rehabilitation of this state will be extremely difficult due to thin soils, high potential for invasive annual grass encroachment, susceptibility of soils to erosion and damaging frost heaving, and mechanical limitations due to areas of rock outcrop. Multiple plant communities are possible within this state, all of which are dominated by invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass, ventenata and medusahead and potentially invasive annual and perennial forbs. Scabland sagebrush and old growth western juniper may also be present, and young juniper may be increase. Overtime, with increasing annual plant invasion, soil stabilizing perennial root biomass will be decreased. Bare ground will increase, potentially increasing erosion of these thin soils and risking a transition to an eroded state.

State 4
Tree / Shrub State

Within this state, site resources are primarily controlled by western juniper and rigid sagebrush. While this site historically supported old growth juniper, significant infill of young juniper has increased the presence of juniper beyond the natural range of variability for the site. Shallow and deep rooted native perennial grass composition has been reduced considerably and native forbs composition has been diminished. Exotic herbaceous species are often present. Juniper encroachment can decrease cover of grasses and shrubs by reducing light availability and altering site hydrology through increased interception of precipitation, reduced infiltration and increased erosion. Bare ground will increase and erosion may be increased rendering the site at risk of transitioning to an eroded state (State 5). Multiple plant community phases are likely within this state, influenced by livestock herbivory and time since fire. Rigid sagebrush may be outcompeted by western juniper overtime as canopy closure and moisture competition progresses. Invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass, ventenata and medusahead are likely in all communities.

State 5
Eroded State

This state is characterized by significant soil loss through wind and water erosion. Most herbaceous cover has been lost and soil stabilizing microbiotic soil crusts are degraded. Loss of these components reduces soil stability and renders the soil surface vulnerable to raindrop impacts, runoff and transport of soil by water and entrainment of soil particles by wind. Extensive areas of erosion pavement are common. Rill and gully formation may occur, especially toward the higher slope range of this site. Positive feedbacks develop as low vegetative cover leads to decreased litter and organic matter production, higher soil temperature variability, and decreased nutrient cycling, further destabilizing soil and decreasing potential plant establishment. Old growth juniper is likely present and infill of young juniper may be significant. Grass, shrub and forb vegetative cover is low yet invasive annual plants are likely. Potential for rehabilitation of this state is unknown but would likely pose significant challenges due to degradation of abiotic function of the site, the susceptibility of soils to erosion and damaging frost heaving, and mechanical limitations due to areas of rock outcrop.

Transition T1
State 1 to 2

Introduction of non-native species.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Catastrophic fire and/or soil disturbing treatments. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Prolonged time without fire during climate conditions conducive to juniper expansion. Potentially exacerbated by inappropriate grazing management which favors juniper by decreasing competition from herbaceous species and shrubs.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 5

Continued inappropriate grazing management leading to excessive trampling, compaction and soil loss. Potentially exacerbated by prolonged drought, repeated fire, or extreme weather events during periods of low soil cover.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2

Removal of young juniper infill and reduction of excessive shrub cover may be possible by mechanical means but will be limited by site characteristics. Given the limitations to seeding of native species on this site, these management actions will only be viable if an adequate herbaceous component or soil seed bank exists to promote herbaceous recovery following treatment. Furthermore, invasive annual species will readily capitalize on newly available resources if invasive cover is high prior to treatment and care is not taken to avoid soil disturbance.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 3

Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, or failed rehabilitation attempt allowing for the increased invasion of annual herbaceous species.

Transition T4B
State 4 to 5

Time and lack of fire allowing for further juniper expansion and loss of soil cover. Potentially exacerbated by continued inappropriate grazing management leading to excessive trampling, compaction and soil loss and extreme weather events during periods of low soil cover.

Additional community tables

Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant, perennial shallow rooted grasses			196–353
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	118–196	–
	onespike danthonia	DAUN	Danthonia unispicata	78–157	–
2	Common, moderate rooted bunchgrasses			118–235
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	45–90	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSPS	Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata	22–45	–
3	Other perennial grasses			11–50
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–17	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	8–17	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–17	–
Forb
5	Dominant, perennial forbs			22–56
	serrate balsamroot	BASE2	Balsamorhiza serrata	4–13	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	4–13	–
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	4–13	–
	phlox	PHLOX	Phlox	4–9	–
	fleabane	ERIGE2	Erigeron	4–9	–
8	Other perennial forbs			6–22
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	1–2	–
	onion	ALLIU	Allium	1–2	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	1–2	–
	balsamroot	BALSA	Balsamorhiza	1–2	–
	larkspur	DELPH	Delphinium	0–2	–
	bitter root	LERE7	Lewisia rediviva	0–2	–
	woodland-star	LITHO2	Lithophragma	1–2	–
	bluebells	MERTE	Mertensia	0–2	–
	sagebrush buttercup	RAGL	Ranunculus glaberrimus	1–2	–
	stonecrop	SEDUM	Sedum	0–2	–
	blue-eyed grass	SISYR	Sisyrinchium	0–2	–
	largehead clover	TRMA3	Trifolium macrocephalum	0–2	–
Shrub/Vine
11	Dominant deciduous shrub			78–157
	scabland sagebrush	ARRI2	Artemisia rigida	78–157	–
15	Other shrubs			0–22
	little sagebrush	ARAR8	Artemisia arbuscula	0–17	–
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–17	–
Tree
16	Dominant, evergreen tree			78–157
	western juniper	JUOC	Juniperus occidentalis	78–157	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock Grazing:
This site provides limited spring forage to livestock. The very shallow soils have low water holding capacity for extended plant growth. This site is easily damaged by early grazing and trampling when soils are saturated.
Grazing management should be keyed for one-spike oatgrass and the limited amount of Idaho fescue. Deferred grazing or rest is recommended at least once every three years.

Wildlife:
This site is commonly used by mule deer, elk, rabbits, rodents, upland birds and various predators. Forbs are a nutritional food source for spring broods. Juniper berries provide a winter food source for Townsend’s Solitaire and other birds. Mule deer and elk make use of the site for spring forage and during hard winters make limited use of lower juniper leaves and branchlets. Stiff sagebrush seed heads are palatable in August and September. Good browse is furnished during winter dormant periods following leaf drop.

Hydrological functions

The soils of this site are typically in an upland topographic position. They have high runoff potential and low available water storage potential even when the hydrologic cover is good. Under frozen ground conditions runoff potential is significantly increased. This occurs for extended periods when perennial grass and microbiotic crust cover is negligible. Hydrologic cover is good when the onespike oatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass and microbiotic crust components are greater than 70 percent of potential. The soils are in hydrologic group D.

Other information

Juniper invasion on deeper soils of this site is a risk. The primary control measure is cutting followed by rest to improve the vigor, density and seed production of existing perennial grasses. As the site acts as a natural fire break, prescribed burn is not a practical juniper control measure except under very limited conditions requiring a fine fuel buildup and more extreme fire weather conditions.

This site is not suited for range seeding due to the very shallow soils. Special designs are needed for fence construction.

Supporting information

Other references

Archer, Amy J. 2000. Achnatherum thurberianum. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us /database/feis/plants/graminoid/achthu/all.html [2020, December 9].

Bradley, A.F., N.V. Noste, and W.C. Fischer. 1992. Fire ecology of forests and woodlands in Utah. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-287. Ogden, UT. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 128 p.

Fryer, Janet L.; Tirmenstein, D. 2019. Juniperus occidentalis. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/junocc/all.html [2020, December 9].

Johnson, C. G., and R. R. Clausnitzer. 1992. Plant associations of the Blue and Ochoco mountains. R6-ERW-TP-036-92. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. 163 pp. plus appendices.

Johnson, Charles Grier, Jr.; Swanson, David K. 2005. Bunchgrass plant communities of
the Blue and Ochoco Mountains: a guide for managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-641.
Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research
Station. 119 p.

Landfire. 2014. Landfire National Vegetation Dynamics Model: 0810650 Columbia Plateau Scabland Shrubland. USGS. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/pdfs/BpS/0810650.pdf. (Accessed: March, 2021)

McWilliams, Jack. 2003. Artemisia rigida. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/artrig/all.html [2021, March 12].

NatureServe. 2020. Artemisia rigida Steppe & Shrubland Alliance. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org/. (Accessed: March, 2021).

Pilliod, D., Welty, J.L., & Arkle, R.S. 2017. Refining the cheatgrass–fire cycle in the Great Basin: Precipitation timing and fine fuel composition predict wildfire trends. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 8126 - 8151.

Stringham, T.K., D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2016. State-and-Transition Models for USFS Crooked River National Grassland Major Land Resource Area B10 Oregon. DRAFT Report. University of Nevada Reno.

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.

Young, R.P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the Intermountain region. In: Monsen, S.B. and N. Shaw (Eds). Managing Intermountain rangelands—improvement of range and wildlife habitats: Proceedings of symposia; 1981 September 15-17; Twin Falls, ID; 1982 June 22-24; Elko, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-157. Ogden, UT. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Pp. 18-31.

Zlatnik, Elena. 1999. Pseudoroegneria spicata, bluebunch wheatgrass. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Departmentof Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/psespi/all.html [2020, December 3].

Contributors

A. Bahn, J. Thompson, G. Kuehl, H. Barrett
NRCS Soils/Range Team,AVB-Vale

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)	James A. Cornwell, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired) Lee Brooks, Assistant State Conservationist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired).
Contact for lead author
Date	09/12/2009
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
None.
Presence of water flow patterns:
None.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
50-70 %.
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None.
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None.
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
fine. Litter movement typically would be two feet.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values should range from 3-5 but needs to be verified.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface structure is moderate medium platy and moderately fine subangular blocky. SOM is 1 to 3 percent. The A horizon thickness is 2 to 4 inches.
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Above average plant cover (30-50 % basal and crown) mediates the rainfall impact. The root mass of perennial bunchgrasses provides significant soil stability.
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Depth to bedrock, an indurated pan or bedrock is less than 10 inches.
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:
perennial bunchgrasses=large bunchgrass>

Sub-dominant:
deciduous shrub = small bunchgrass >

Other:
forbs

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Normal decadence would be expected in the perennial bunchgrasses and stiff sagebrush.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable: 600; Normal: 400; Unfavorable: 200 lbs/ac/yr.
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:
cheatgrass and medusahead
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species should be capable of reproducing most years.

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

1. Historical Reference State

2. Current Potential State

3. Annual State

4. Tree / Shrub State

5. Eroded State

T1	-	Introduction of non-native species.
T2A	-	Catastrophic fire and/or soil disturbing treatments.
T2B	-	Prolonged time without fire during climate conditions conducive to juniper expansion.
T3A	-	Continued inappropriate grazing management leading to excessive trampling, compaction and soil loss.
R4A	-	Removal of young juniper infill and reduction of excessive shrub cover may be possible by mechanical means but will be limited by site characteristics.
T4A	-	Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, or failed rehabilitation attempt allowing for the increased invasion of annual herbaceous species.
T4B	-	Time and lack of fire allowing for further juniper expansion and loss of soil cover.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Plant Community

1.2. Perennial Grass/Forb Phase

1.3. Shrub Phase

P1.1a	-	Low severity fire creates shrub/grass mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces shrub and young juniper cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs.
P1.1b	-	Time and lack of disturbance. Excessive herbivory and long-term drought may also reduce perennial understory.
P1.2a	-	Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration.
P1.3a	-	Low severity fire reduces some shrub and tree cover and creates shrub/grass mosaic.
P1.3b	-	Moderate severity fire significantly reduces shrub and tree cover and leads to early/mid seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs.

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site R010XC042OR

SR Juniper Tableland 12-16 PZ

Last updated: 12/13/2023 Accessed: 11/21/2024

General information

MLRA notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Last updated: 12/13/2023
Accessed: 11/21/2024