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Ecological site BX010X00C050

Shallow South 9-12 PZ Snake River Warm Plains

Last updated: 4/16/2025
Accessed: 04/22/2025

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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.

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Figure 1. Mapped extent

Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.

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 eight to sixteen 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.

LRU notes

Located between Oregon's Blue and Wallowa Mountains and the northwestern Snake River Plain. Characterized by rangeland soils on hills and mountains associated with basalt sediments. The combined masses of the Cascade Range and the Blue and Wallowa mountains block any maritime influence, creating a continental climate. As a result, plants are subject to wide temperature ranges, high evapotranspiration, and high early-season moisture stress. Temperature regime is mesic and the moisture regime is aridic. Mean annual precipitation is nine to twelve inches.

Ecological site concept

This site occurs on south-facing canyon sideslopes and southerly exposures of terraces and tablelands. Slopes are typically between 20 and 35 percent. Elevations typically range from 2,000 to 4,500 feet. Soils are shallow and typically gravelly loams. In the reference condition, this site supports vegetation communities dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) in lower precipitation areas and transitions to basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) in higher precipitation areas. Higher elevation and higher precipitation sites also support mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis). The site receives nine to twelve inches annual precipitation and soil temperature regime is mesic to cool. Resistance and resilience to disturbance is low.

Associated sites

R010XC021OR	SR Clayey 9-12 PZ SR Clayey 9-12
R010XC035OR	SR Shallow 9-12 PZ SR Shallow 9-12
R010XC038OR	SR Very Shallow 9-12 PZ SR Very Shallow 9-12
R010XC043OR	SR South 9-12 PZ SR South 9-12

Similar sites

R010XC043OR	SR South 9-12 PZ SR South 9-12

R010XC043OR

SR South 9-12 PZ

SR South 9-12

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous	(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata (2) Achnatherum thurberianum

Legacy ID

R010XC050OR

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on south-facing canyon sideslopes, escarpments on hillslopes, and southerly exposures of terraces and tablelands. Slopes range from 12 to 70 percent but most often are 20 to 40 percent. Elevations range from 2,000 to 5,000 feet but are typically found between 2,800 and 4,100 feet.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Foothills > Canyon (2) Foothills > Plateau (3) Foothills > Terrace
Elevation	2,000 – 4,500 ft
Slope	12 – 70%
Aspect	SE, S, SW

Climatic features

The annual precipitation ranges from 9 to 12 inches, most of which occurs in the form of rain and snow during the months of November through March. Localized, occasionally severe, convectional storms occur during the summer. The soil temperature regime is mesic with a mean annual air temperature of 52 degrees F. Temperature extremes range from -20 to 100 degrees F. The freeze-free period ranges from 90 to 120 days. The optimum period for plant growth is from April through June.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	38-78 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	90-118 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	10-11 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	37-98 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	89-132 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	10-11 in
Frost-free period (average)	60 days
Freeze-free period (average)	105 days
Precipitation total (average)	11 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) WESTFALL [USC00359176], Harper, OR
(2) DREWSEY [USC00352415], Drewsey, OR
(3) RIVERSIDE 7 SSW [USC00357208], Burns, OR

Soil features

The soils of this site are shallow and typically well-drained. Typically, the surface layer is a stony loam to gravelly clay loam about six inches thick. The subsoil is an extremely gravelly clay to stony loam about four to five inches thick. Depth to bedrock is 10 to 20 inches. Permeability is slow to moderate. The available water holding capacity is about two to four inches for the profile. Soils are formed by colluvium over residuum derived from basalt, sedimentary rock, or tuffaceous material. The potential for erosion is moderate to severe. Soil series Haar, Ruckles, and Lickskillet most commonly typify soils of this site.

Figure 8.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Colluvium – basalt (2) Colluvium – sedimentary rock (3) Colluvium – tuff
Surface texture	(1) Stony loam (2) Gravelly clay loam
Family particle size	(1) Clayey-skeletal (2) Loamy-skeletal
Drainage class	Well drained to moderately well drained
Permeability class	Moderate to slow
Soil depth	10 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	15 – 40%
Surface fragment cover >3"	5%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	2 – 4 in
Clay content (0-6in)	15 – 40%

Ecological dynamics

Indicators and Range of Characteristics:

The potential native plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is prominent and increases in drier sites and sites with higher surface fragments. Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) is the dominant shallow-rooted perennial grass. As soil surfaces become thinner, Sandberg bluegrass increases in dominance. A variety of forbs and other shrubs may be present. Vegetative composition of the reference community is approximately 80 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs and 10 percent shrubs. The approximate groundcover is 30 to 50 percent (basal and crown).

Bluebunch wheatgrass is favored on silty surfaces and Thurber’s needlegrass increases on sandy loam surfaces and drier sites. Wyoming big sagebrush is dominant at most sites, but mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) becomes more prevalent towards higher elevations. Annual production increases at the upper end of the precipitation zone.

Response to Disturbance:

Ecological dynamics of this site are primarily driven by disturbance regimes including wildfire, grazing, and drought. Traditionally, wildfire was the primary driver of ecological change. These infrequent fires, often greater than 100-year return, would result in removal of woody species and create perennial grasslands (Pyke et al. 2014, Smith et al. 2023). Differing fuel loads and weather patterns, fires likely burned in mosaic patterns leaving intact sagebrush pockets and intact soil seed banks. Given enough time, sagebrush would expand back into its original territory (Hosna et al.2023). Forbs at these sites were likely a minor component, and while important for pollinators, did not play a major role in determining ecological outcomes (Pyke et al. 2014).

With the introduction of invasive annual grasses, chiefly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), the traditional fire cycle changes. These annual grasses fill interspaces and create continuous fine fuels increasing size, and often frequency, of fire. The invasive annual grasses can recover quickly but Wyoming big sagebrush is killed and may not be able to recolonize before the next fire begins (Smith et al. 2023, Beck et al. 2012). This cycle creates a positive-feedback loop in which shrubs and perennial grasses are removed from the system and invasive annual grasses dominate and noxious forbs continue to invade.

In opposition, some areas have seen an increase in fire return. In these cases, Wyoming big sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass increase while bluebunch wheatgrass and Thurber’s needlegrass rapidly decrease (Davies et al. 2011). A similar pattern appears due to continued overutilization, since perennial deep-rooted bunchgrasses are preferred forage, through continued grazing pressure they are eventually removed from the system (Pyke et al. 2014).

In addition, biological soil crusts are often removed leading to higher bare soil opening opportunities for annual grass invasion or increased soil erosion. The excessive erosion is most pronounced in drainage areas where deep incised gulley’s form.

At higher elevations, within its normal range, this site is vulnerable to western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) encroachment. Due to shallow soils and warm temperatures, juniper encroachment is expected to occur over very long time scales (Miller et al. 2005). As western juniper invades shrubs are reduced significantly and in shallow soils, grasses are expected to decline as well. These decreases in cover and diversity may lead to lowered soil stabilization and higher rates of erosion (Fryer and Tirmenstein 2019).

Within the natural range of variability, this site is considered to have low resistance and resilience to disturbance. This is driven by warm annual temperatures and an aridic soil moisture regime (Chambers et al. 2014) making the site very susceptible to annual grass invasion. Susceptibility may increase even further as climate change and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is expected to favor invasive annual grasses (Miller et al. 2013, Smith et al. 2022).

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

States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)

2. Current Potential

5. Encroached

T1A	-	Introduction of non-native species, inappropriate grazing management
T2A	-	Inappropriate grazing management
T2B	-	Fire, soil disruption, inappropriate grazing management
T2C	-	Time without disturbance
R1A	-	Shrub removal, possible perennial grass reseeding
T3A	-	Catastrophic fire, soil disturbing treatment, inappropriate grazing management
T3B	-	Time without disturbance
R4A	-	Annual grass treatment, reseeding
R5A	-	Tree thinning, reseeding
R5B	-	Tree thinning, failed seeding
R5C	-	Catastrophic fire

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Deep-rooted perennial grass and shrubs

1.2. Perennial Grasses

1.1A	-	Fire
1.2A	-	Time without disturbance

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Deep-rooted Perennial Grass and Shrubs

2.2. Perennial Grasses

2.3. Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

2.1A	-	Fire
2.1B	-	Time without disturbance
2.2A	-	Time without disturbance
2.3A	-	Fire

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Shrubs and Invasive annual grasses

4.2. Invasive annual grasses and forbs

4.2A	-	Fire

State 5 submodel, plant communities

5.1. Western Juniper

State 1
Reference

The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability in pristine condition. This is not considered a "historical" condition as examples of this site may still occur across the landscape. This state has no introduced plant species. Disturbance patterns reflect historic return cycles or increased return has not reduced the sites resistance and resilience to disturbance. The reference state has two community phases; a grass shrub community and a perennial grass community. Community dynamics are controlled primarily by fire and time. All functional groups are present and a diverse forb component exists although it is not the dominant component. At the time of this writing, one site was considered to be in the reference state so the bulk of community information is inferred from current potential sites and historical data.

Characteristics and indicators. •No introduced plant species •All functional groups present •High plant vigor and reproductive capacity

Resilience management. Reference sites should be prioritized for protection whenever possible. Management should focus on conservation and protection above other uses. Surrounding landscapes should be managed to reduce non-native species introductions and other impacts.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum), grass

Community 1.1
Deep-rooted perennial grass and shrubs

The potential native plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. Thurber needlegrass and Sandberg bluegrass are common in the stand. Vegetative composition of the community is approximately 80 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Approximate ground cover is 30 to 50 percent (basal and crown).

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum), grass

Figure 9. 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	240	400	640
Shrub/Vine	30	50	80
Forb	30	50	80
Total	300	500	800

Table 6. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-20%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	30-50%
Forb foliar cover	5-15%
Non-vascular plants	0-5%
Biological crusts	0-5%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	2-5%
Surface fragments >3"	2-5%
Bedrock	0-2%
Water	0%
Bare ground	5-15%

Table 7. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-5%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	10-20%
Forb basal cover	0-5%
Non-vascular plants	0-5%
Biological crusts	0-5%
Litter	50-70%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	10-20%
Surface fragments >3"	10-20%
Bedrock	0-2%
Water	0%
Bare ground	40-60%

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3751, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Good Condition.

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	5	10	40	30	5	5	5	0	0	0

Community 1.2
Perennial Grasses

This plant community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. This community is the result of low-intensity fire so Wyoming big sagebrush will likely be present but only in an isolated island mosaic distribution. Sprouting shrubs may be present but infrequent. This community would be considered "at risk" since fire would have exposed more bare soil and increased opportunities for introduction of non-native species.

Dominant plant species

bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass

Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 8. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	300	500	700
Forb	40	60	80
Shrub/Vine	0	25	50
Total	340	585	830

Table 9. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	0-5%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	40-60%
Forb foliar cover	10-20%
Non-vascular plants	0-5%
Biological crusts	0-5%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	5-10%
Surface fragments >3"	5-10%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	15-25%

Table 10. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-2%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	15-25%
Forb basal cover	5-10%
Non-vascular plants	0-5%
Biological crusts	0-5%
Litter	30-50%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	10-20%
Surface fragments >3"	10-20%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	40-60%

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3751, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Good Condition.

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	5	10	40	30	5	5	5	0	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Low-severity fire burns in a mosaic pattern leaving islands of sagebrush with perennial grass dominated areas in between.

Context dependence. As fire severity increases, distance between sagebrush islands increases meaning more time for sagebrush to recover in burned areas.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Time without fire allows sagebrush recruitment to increase and become more common across the landscape.

Context dependence. Sagebrush expansion can occur over very long time scales so recovery may take decades depending on climate variations and distance to seed sources.

State 2
Current Potential

This state is similar to the refence state but some amount of nonnative species occur and species composition has been somewhat altered. Ecological functions often remain intact but due to the presence of these non-native species, resistance and resilience to disturbance has been reduced. This state has three community phases; a grass-shrub phase, a shrub-grass phase, and a grass phase. The latter two representing two different "at-risk" phases, at risk of converting to shrubland and at risk of converting to an annual state, respectively.

Characteristics and indicators. •Low cover of introduced plant species (commonly less than fifteen percent total) •Deep-rooted perennial grass cover at or above twenty percent •All functional groups present with no significant decrease in reproductive capability

Resilience management. Sites in the current potential state should be prioritized for protection wherever possible, especially when in good quality condition. Management activities should focus on limited seed sources of invasive annual grasses and promote perennial plant vigor and reproduction.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass

Community 2.1
Deep-rooted Perennial Grass and Shrubs

Deep-rooted perennial grasses, particularly bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue, are dominant and Wyoming big sagebrush is sub-dominant. Invasive annual grasses may be present but are not dominant. Forbs are generally a diverse mix of annual and perennial.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass

Figure 13. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 11. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	235	375	625
Shrub/Vine	50	95	135
Forb	15	30	40
Total	300	500	800

Table 12. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-15%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	40-50%
Forb foliar cover	2-10%
Non-vascular plants	0-3%
Biological crusts	0-3%
Litter	10-13%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	5-15%
Surface fragments >3"	5-10%
Bedrock	0-2%
Water	0%
Bare ground	5-15%

Table 13. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-2%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	5-15%
Forb basal cover	0-5%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	30-45%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	10-20%
Surface fragments >3"	10-20%
Bedrock	0-2%
Water	0%
Bare ground	50-60%

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3751, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Good Condition.

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	5	10	40	30	5	5	5	0	0	0

Community 2.2
Perennial Grasses

Shallow-rooted bunchgrasses, particularly Sandberg bluegrass, are increasing. Bluebunch wheatgrass is still present but may be reduced compared to other current potential sites. Depending on fire severity, Wyoming big sagebrush may not be present in high severity fires or only found in isolated pockets in lower severity patchy fires. Forbs have reduced diversity. Invasive annual grasses are likely increasing. This community phase is "at risk" of transitioning to an annual state.

Dominant plant species

bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass

Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 14. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	200	400	600
Shrub/Vine	30	40	50
Forb	30	40	50
Total	260	480	700

Table 15. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	0-3%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	40-50%
Forb foliar cover	10-20%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	10-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0-5%
Surface fragments >3"	0-5%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	5-15%

Table 16. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	10-15%
Forb basal cover	0-3%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	45-55%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	5-10%
Surface fragments >3"	0-5%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	55-75%

Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3751, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Good Condition.

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	5	10	40	30	5	5	5	0	0	0

Community 2.3
Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

Wyoming big sagebrush is the dominant species and perennial grasses are sub-dominant. Sandberg bluegrass increases over deep-rooted perennial species as sagebrush increases to the point of using available deeper resources. Forbs are diverse and widespread. Annual invasive grasses are present but not dominant. This is an "at risk" community of transitioning to the shrubland state.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass

Figure 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 17. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	140	210	300
Shrub/Vine	140	210	300
Forb	20	30	50
Total	300	450	650

Table 18. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-20%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	20-30%
Forb foliar cover	5-15%
Non-vascular plants	0-5%
Biological crusts	0-3%
Litter	5-10%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	2-10%
Surface fragments >3"	2-10%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	20-30%

Table 19. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-2%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	2-8%
Forb basal cover	0-2%
Non-vascular plants	2-5%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	30-45%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	5-10%
Surface fragments >3"	2-7%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	65-75%

Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3751, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Good Condition.

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	5	10	40	30	5	5	5	0	0	0

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Deep-rooted Perennial Grass and Shrubs

Perennial Grasses

Fire reduces non-sprouting shrubs allowing grasses to become dominant.

Context dependence. Fire severity or likelihood may increase following high precipitation years that increase vegetative production.

Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3

Deep-rooted Perennial Grass and Shrubs

Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

Time without disturbance allow shrubs to become dominant.

Context dependence. Grazing may speed this transition by reducing deep-rooted perennial grass cover.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Perennial Grasses

Deep-rooted Perennial Grass and Shrubs

Time without fire allows shrubs to reestablish.

Context dependence. Higher severity fire will increase distance between unburned pockets and increase time for non-sprouting shrubs to reestablish.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2

Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

Perennial Grasses

Fire removes shrubs and opens space for deep-rooted perennial grasses to become dominant.

Context dependence. Fire severity or likelihood may increase following high precipitation years that increase vegetative production.

State 3
Shrubland

This state is dominated by shrubs and shallow-rooted perennial grasses and is a result of over grazing especially during key growth periods of cool-season bunchgrasses. Deep-rooted perennial grass have been reduced or completely excluded rarely exceeding five percent foliar cover. This state consists of one community phase, a Wyoming big sagebrush and shallow-rooted grass community. This state may also contain a second phase following fire where non-sprouting are removed and shallow-rooted grasses become completely dominant. At the time of writing, no sites were found in this theoretical community and was not included. Although highly variable, invasive annual grass cover is often higher than in the current potential state. Without deep-rooted grasses, this state is more prone to erosion than the current potential state.

Characteristics and indicators. •Typically less than five percent foliar cover deep-rooted perennial grasses. •High cover of shallow-rooted perennial grass •Increased invasive annual grass but not enough to become a dominant component.

Resilience management. Management actions should focus on reintroduction of deep-rooted perennial grasses. Invasive annual grass control may also be a priority to avoid transitioning to an annual state.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass

Community 3.1
Shrubs and shallow-rooted grasses

Wyoming big sagebrush is dominant with Sandberg bluegrass. Deep-rooted perennial grass is much reduced or missing entirely. Invasive annual grasses may be increasing.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass

Figure 19. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 20. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	150	225	350
Grass/Grasslike	50	150	250
Forb	30	40	50
Total	230	415	650

Table 21. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	20-40%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	15-30%
Forb foliar cover	5-10%
Non-vascular plants	0-3%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0-5%
Surface fragments >3"	0-5%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	10-20%

Table 22. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-5%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	2-10%
Forb basal cover	0-2%
Non-vascular plants	2-10%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	35-45%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0-5%
Surface fragments >3"	2-10%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	65-75%

Figure 20. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3752, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Fair Condition.

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	40	20	5	0	5	0	0	0

State 4
Annual

This state is dominated by invasive annual grasses. These grasses increase litter amounts which inhibits deep-rooted perennial grass recruitment and increases fire frequency. These two effects create a positive feedback loop that increases invasive annual grass populations.

Characteristics and indicators. •Annual grass foliar cover greater than 25% •Sagebrush cover is variable but even when common, interspaces dominated by invasive annual grasses. •Herbaceous litter cover can be higher than other states

Resilience management. Any management actions should focus on reducing annual grass cover and limiting its spread to other areas.

Dominant plant species

cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass

Community 4.1
Shrubs and Invasive annual grasses

Introduced annual grasses are the dominant component of this community. Wyoming big sagebrush is still present but annual grasses and shallow-rooting perennial grasses fill all interspaces. This community may be the result of a slow invasion of annual grasses not facilitated by fire. Invasive annual grasses reduce deep-rooted perennial grasses and fill interspaces between shrubs. If fire occurs, sagebrush may be replaced by sprouting rabbitbrush species.

Resilience management. Any action should focus on reducing invasive annual grass population to allow recovery of native species.

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), shrub
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass

Figure 21. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 23. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	300	400	500
Shrub/Vine	50	100	150
Forb	25	50	75
Tree	0	10	25
Total	375	560	750

Table 24. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0-2%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-20%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	45-65%
Forb foliar cover	5-10%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0-10%
Surface fragments >3"	0-5%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	2-8%

Table 25. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-3%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	2-5%
Forb basal cover	0-2%
Non-vascular plants	0-8%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	40-60%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	10-20%
Surface fragments >3"	10-20%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	50-75%

Figure 22. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3753, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Poor Condition.

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	20	25	35	10	5	0	5	0	0	0

Community 4.2
Invasive annual grasses and forbs

Introduced annual grasses are dominant. This community is usually the result of a high intensity fire removing many of the non-sprouting shrubs. Invasive annual grasses then form continuous coverage of the landscape. Dominant invasive grasses are cheatgrass and medusahead. Introduced forbs such as prickly lettuce, red stem stork's bill, and Scotch cottonthistle may be common throughout. Basin big sagebrush and Wyoming big sagebrush may be present but only in trace amounts and will likely be removed completely with repeated burns.

Resilience management. Any management actions should focus on the removal of invasive annual grasses. Seedbanks in this community may be depleted of native species so management actions may need to incorporate seeding with desirable plant species.

Dominant plant species

Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass

Figure 23. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 26. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	300	450	600
Forb	50	75	100
Shrub/Vine	50	75	100
Total	400	600	800

Table 27. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	1-5%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	45-65%
Forb foliar cover	5-15%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	5-20%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	5-10%
Surface fragments >3"	2-5%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	5-10%

Table 28. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-2%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	1-5%
Forb basal cover	0-2%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	40-60%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	15-25%
Surface fragments >3"	10-20%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	50-75%

Figure 24. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3753, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Poor Condition.

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	20	25	35	10	5	0	5	0	0	0

Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

Shrubs and Invasive annual grasses

Invasive annual grasses and forbs

Fire occurs eliminating shrub component. Mechanical shrub removal could cause a similar shift.

Context dependence. High precipitation may lead to higher annual grass biomass and an increase in fine fuels. Fine fuel increase can cause more frequent fire return.

State 5
Encroached

This state is characterized by the co-dominance or dominance of young juniper at the site. Sagebrush and deep-rooted perennial grasses may be present but no longer control site resources and are likely declining. Bare ground is expected to increase and on sites with higher slopes erosion may become a significant issue.

Characteristics and indicators. • Western juniper canopy cover above ten percent • Bare ground increasing possibly showing signs of soil erosion such as grass pedestals • Shrubs showing signs of decreasing

Resilience management. Management should focus on young juniper removal and either preservation or reintroduction of deep-rooted perennial grasses. Before treating, sites should be examined closely as success or failure depends on many factors (Miller et al. 2005). See state transition pathways for more details.

Dominant plant species

western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass

Community 5.1
Western Juniper

Western juniper is co-dominant with or dominant to sagebrush and deep-rooted perennial grass. Sagebrush is likely decreasing. Sandberg bluegrass may be increasing. Invasive annual grasses and other introduced species may be common.

Dominant plant species

western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass

Figure 25. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 29. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	125	200	275
Tree	150	200	250
Forb	25	50	75
Shrub/Vine	0	25	50
Total	300	475	650

Table 30. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	15-30%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	2-5%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	15-30%
Forb foliar cover	0-5%
Non-vascular plants	0-2%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	10-20%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	2-10%
Surface fragments >3"	2-10%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	5-15%

Table 31. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0-2%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0-2%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	2-10%
Forb basal cover	0-2%
Non-vascular plants	2-6%
Biological crusts	0-2%
Litter	40-60%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	15-25%
Surface fragments >3"	10-15%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	45-65%

Figure 26. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR3752, Low Elevation 9-12 Shallow and South Fair Condition.

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	40	20	5	0	5	0	0	0

Encroached

Annual

Catastrophic fire or ground disturbing mechanical treatment.

Additional community tables

Table 32. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant, perennial, deep rooted bunchgrass			220–570
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	300–400	10–30
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	50–150	5–10
2	Sub-dominant, perennial, shallow-rooted grass			15–45
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	15–40	5–15
3	Other grasses			5–25
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–10	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–10	0–5
Forb
7	Dominamt, perennial, forb			10–25
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	10–25	2–5
8	Sub-dominant, perennial, forbs			15–30
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–10	0–2
	onion	ALLIU	Allium	0–10	0–2
	cliff beardtongue	PERU	Penstemon rupicola	0–10	0–2
9	Other perennial forbs			5–25
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–3	0–2
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–3	0–2
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–3	0–2
	fleabane	ERIGE2	Erigeron	0–3	0–2
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–3	0–2
	western stoneseed	LIRU4	Lithospermum ruderale	0–3	0–2
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	0–3	0–2
	lupine	LUPIN	Lupinus	0–3	0–2
	phacelia	PHACE	Phacelia	0–3	0–2
	phlox	PHLOX	Phlox	0–3	0–2
Shrub/Vine
11	Dominant evergreen, shrub			15–40
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	5–25	5–15
13	Other shrubs			15–40
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	5–10	2–5
	wild crab apple	PERA4	Peraphyllum ramosissimum	0–10	0–2
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–10	0–2

Table 33. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant			250–550
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	200–400	20–30
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	50–150	10–20
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			25–75
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	0–10	0–5
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–10	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–10	0–5
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			25–75
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	25–75	10–20
Forb
5	Perennial forb			30–60
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–10	0–5
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–10	0–5
	onion	ALLIU	Allium	0–10	0–5
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–10	0–5
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–10	0–5
	lupine	LUPIN	Lupinus	0–10	0–5
	phlox	PHLOX	Phlox	0–10	0–5
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	0–10	0–5
6	Annual forb, native			10–20
	annual agoseris	AGHE2	Agoseris heterophylla	0–5	0–2
	rough eyelashweed	BLSC	Blepharipappus scaber	0–5	0–2
	willowherb	EPILO	Epilobium	0–5	0–2
	tiny trumpet	COLI2	Collomia linearis	0–5	0–2
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–5	0–2
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
	threadleaf phacelia	PHLI	Phacelia linearis	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
11	Other shrubs			0–50
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–20	0–5
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	0–20	0–5
	wild crab apple	PERA4	Peraphyllum ramosissimum	0–20	0–5

Table 34. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant			150–400
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–300	10–30
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	50–100	10–30
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			40–105
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	10–30	0–5
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	0–20	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–20	0–5
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			15–40
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	15–40	5–15
9	Annual grass, introduced			30–80
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	20–40	5–10
	soft brome	BRHO2	Bromus hordeaceus	0–10	0–5
	brome fescue	VUBR	Vulpia bromoides	0–10	0–2
Forb
5	Perennial forb			10–20
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–20	0–3
	bastard toadflax	COUM	Comandra umbellata	0–10	0–3
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–10	0–3
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–10	0–3
	silvery lupine	LUAR3	Lupinus argenteus	0–10	0–3
	nineleaf biscuitroot	LOTR2	Lomatium triternatum	0–10	0–3
6	Annual forb, native			5–15
	annual agoseris	AGHE2	Agoseris heterophylla	0–5	0–2
	rough eyelashweed	BLSC	Blepharipappus scaber	0–5	0–2
	chaparral willowherb	EPMI	Epilobium minutum	0–5	0–2
	trumpet	COLLO	Collomia	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			0–5
	curveseed butterwort	CETE5	Ceratocephala testiculata	0–5	0–2
	spring draba	DRVE2	Draba verna	0–1	0–2
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs, dominant			40–105
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	60–105	5–15
11	Other shrubs			10–30
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–10
	little sagebrush	ARAR8	Artemisia arbuscula	0–10	0–10
	basin big sagebrush	ARTRT	Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata	0–10	0–5

Table 35. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant			100–350
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–200	10–20
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	50–100	0–15
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			20–50
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–20	0–2
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–20	0–2
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			60–150
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	60–150	15–30
9	Annual grass, introduced			20–50
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	20–40	5–15
	medusahead	TACA8	Taeniatherum caput-medusae	5–15	–
	soft brome	BRHO2	Bromus hordeaceus	0–10	0–2
Forb
5	Perennial forb			15–25
	tapertip onion	ALAC4	Allium acuminatum	0–5	0–2
	hawksbeard	CREPI	Crepis	0–5	0–2
	parsnipflower buckwheat	ERHE2	Eriogonum heracleoides	0–5	0–2
	bulbous woodland-star	LIGL2	Lithophragma glabrum	0–5	0–2
	sagebrush false dandelion	NOTR2	Nothocalais troximoides	0–5	0–2
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–5	0–2
	Bolander's yampah	PEBO2	Perideridia bolanderi	0–5	0–2
6	Annual forb, native			10–15
	chaparral willowherb	EPMI	Epilobium minutum	0–5	0–2
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–5	0–2
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
	threadleaf phacelia	PHLI	Phacelia linearis	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			5–10
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–5	0–2
	jagged chickweed	HOUM	Holosteum umbellatum	0–5	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
11	Other shrubs			30–50
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	10–20	2–5
	wild crab apple	PERA4	Peraphyllum ramosissimum	0–10	0–2

Table 36. Community 2.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			20–50
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	10–20	5–10
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–20	0–5
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–10	0–5
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–10	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–10	0–5
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			100–200
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	75–150	10–20
	bulbous bluegrass	POBU	Poa bulbosa	20–40	5–10
9	Annual grass, introduced			20–50
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	15–25	5–15
	medusahead	TACA8	Taeniatherum caput-medusae	0–10	0–5
Forb
5	Perennial forb			10–30
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–10	0–3
	mountain tansymustard	DEIN5	Descurainia incana	0–10	0–3
	Blue Mountain buckwheat	ERST4	Eriogonum strictum	0–10	0–3
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–5	0–3
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–5	0–3
6	Annual forbs, native			5–10
	miner's lettuce	CLPE	Claytonia perfoliata	0–5	0–5
	grand collomia	COGR4	Collomia grandiflora	0–5	0–2
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–5	0–2
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
	stickywilly	GAAP2	Galium aparine	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forbs, introduced			5–10
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	10–20	0–10
	Scotch cottonthistle	ONAC	Onopordum acanthium	0–10	0–5
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–10	0–3
	curveseed butterwort	CETE5	Ceratocephala testiculata	0–5	0–2
	jagged chickweed	HOUM	Holosteum umbellatum	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs, dominant			110–200
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	75–125	10–20
	basin big sagebrush	ARTRT	Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata	25–50	5–15
11	Other shrubs			30–100
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–20	0–5
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–20	0–5
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–20	0–5
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–20	0–2
	wild crab apple	PERA4	Peraphyllum ramosissimum	0–10	0–2

Table 37. Community 3.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			0–50
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	10–20	2–10
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–15	0–5
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	0–15	0–2
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			40–150
	bulbous bluegrass	POBU	Poa bulbosa	50–100	5–15
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	20–80	15–25
8	Annual grass, native			0–10
	small fescue	VUMI	Vulpia microstachys	0–5	0–2
9	Annual grass, introduced			10–40
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	10–30	5–15
	field brome	BRAR5	Bromus arvensis	0–5	0–2
Forb
5	Perennial forb			20–30
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	0–20	0–2
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–10	0–2
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–10	0–2
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–10	0–2
	threadleaf fleabane	ERFI2	Erigeron filifolius	0–10	0–2
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–10	0–2
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–10	0–2
6	Annual forb, native			10–15
	fiddleneck	AMSIN	Amsinckia	0–10	0–2
	tall annual willowherb	EPBR3	Epilobium brachycarpum	0–5	0–5
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			0–5
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–10	0–2
	curveseed butterwort	CETE5	Ceratocephala testiculata	0–5	0–2
	spring draba	DRVE2	Draba verna	0–5	0–2
	jagged chickweed	HOUM	Holosteum umbellatum	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs, dominant			100–275
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	100–275	15–30
11	Other shrubs			50–75
	scabland sagebrush	ARRI2	Artemisia rigida	0–30	0–5
	basin big sagebrush	ARTRT	Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata	20–30	0–5
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–15	0–5

Table 38. Community 4.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			75–125
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	20–50	0–10
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–50	0–5
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–20	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–20	0–3
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			75–125
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	50–100	5–15
	bulbous bluegrass	POBU	Poa bulbosa	25–50	0–5
9	Annual grass, introduced			150–250
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	125–175	35–50
	medusahead	TACA8	Taeniatherum caput-medusae	20–50	2–5
	brome fescue	VUBR	Vulpia bromoides	0–10	0–2
Forb
5	Perennial forb			0–10
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–10	0–5
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–5	0–2
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–5	0–2
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–5	0–2
	tapertip onion	ALAC4	Allium acuminatum	0–5	0–2
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	0–5	0–2
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	0–5	0–2
6	Annual forb, native			5–15
	grassy tarweed	MAGR3	Madia gracilis	0–5	0–2
	spreading groundsmoke	GADI2	Gayophytum diffusum	0–5	0–2
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–5	0–2
	tall annual willowherb	EPBR3	Epilobium brachycarpum	0–5	0–2
	chaparral willowherb	EPMI	Epilobium minutum	0–5	0–2
	trumpet	COLLO	Collomia	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			20–50
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–10	0–5
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	0–5	0–10
	spring draba	DRVE2	Draba verna	0–5	0–2
	redstem stork's bill	ERCI6	Erodium cicutarium	0–5	0–2
	jagged chickweed	HOUM	Holosteum umbellatum	0–5	0–2
	changing forget-me-not	MYDI	Myosotis discolor	0–5	0–2
	tall tumblemustard	SIAL2	Sisymbrium altissimum	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs, dominant			50–100
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	50–100	5–15
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–50	0–5
11	Other shrubs			0–50
	basin big sagebrush	ARTRT	Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata	0–50	0–5
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–2
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–10	0–5
	littleleaf horsebrush	TEGL	Tetradymia glabrata	0–10	0–2
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–10	0–2
	wild crab apple	PERA4	Peraphyllum ramosissimum	0–10	0–2
Tree
12	Tree			0–25
	western juniper	JUOC	Juniperus occidentalis	0–25	0–5

Table 39. Community 4.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			50–75
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	20–40	2–8
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	10–30	0–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	5–20	0–2
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			50–100
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	25–75	5–10
	bulbous bluegrass	POBU	Poa bulbosa	0–50	0–5
8	Annual, native			0–25
	small fescue	VUMI	Vulpia microstachys	0–5	0–2
9	Annual, introduced			200–400
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	100–300	25–45
	medusahead	TACA8	Taeniatherum caput-medusae	50–100	10–20
	field brome	BRAR5	Bromus arvensis	0–50	0–5
	soft brome	BRHO2	Bromus hordeaceus	0–50	0–5
	brome fescue	VUBR	Vulpia bromoides	0–20	0–3
Forb
5	Perennial forb			25–50
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–5	0–2
	tapertip onion	ALAC4	Allium acuminatum	0–5	0–2
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–5	0–2
	largeflower hawksbeard	CROC	Crepis occidentalis	0–5	0–2
	sagebrush false dandelion	NOTR2	Nothocalais troximoides	0–5	0–2
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–5	0–2
	nineleaf biscuitroot	LOTR2	Lomatium triternatum	0–5	0–2
	lupine	LUPIN	Lupinus	0–5	0–2
6	Annual forb, native			10–20
	Menzies' fiddleneck	AMME	Amsinckia menziesii	0–5	0–2
	chaparral willowherb	EPMI	Epilobium minutum	0–5	0–2
	tall annual willowherb	EPBR3	Epilobium brachycarpum	0–5	0–2
	common sunflower	HEAN3	Helianthus annuus	0–5	0–2
	slender phlox	MIGR	Microsteris gracilis	0–5	0–2
	tiny trumpet	COLI2	Collomia linearis	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			15–30
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	5–15	2–5
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–10	0–5
	tall tumblemustard	SIAL2	Sisymbrium altissimum	0–10	0–5
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–5	0–2
	curveseed butterwort	CETE5	Ceratocephala testiculata	0–5	0–2
	spring draba	DRVE2	Draba verna	0–5	0–2
	redstem stork's bill	ERCI6	Erodium cicutarium	0–5	0–2
Shrub/Vine
11	Other shrubs			50–100
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	10–30	0–5
	basin big sagebrush	ARTRT	Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata	0–20	0–2
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–20	0–2
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–2
	scabland sagebrush	ARRI2	Artemisia rigida	0–10	0–2

Table 40. Community 5.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
2	Perennial, deep-rooted			80–150
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	20–70	2–10
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	20–70	2–10
	Thurber's needlegrass	ACTH7	Achnatherum thurberianum	0–30	0–2
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–20	0–5
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	0–20	0–5
3	Perennial, shallow-rooted			25–75
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	25–75	10–20
9	Annual grass, introduced			20–50
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	20–50	5–10
Forb
5	Perennial forb			15–40
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–2
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–10	0–2
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–10	0–2
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–10	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCA	Lupinus caudatus	0–10	0–2
6	Annual forb, native			10–25
	rough eyelashweed	BLSC	Blepharipappus scaber	0–5	0–2
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–5	0–2
	Torrey's cryptantha	CRTO4	Cryptantha torreyana	0–5	0–2
	chaparral willowherb	EPMI	Epilobium minutum	0–5	0–2
7	Annual forb, introduced			0–10
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–10	0–2
Shrub/Vine
10	Other shrubs			0–50
	little sagebrush	ARAR8	Artemisia arbuscula	0–20	0–2
	mountain big sagebrush	ARTRV	Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana	0–20	0–2
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	0–20	0–2
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–20	0–2
	purple sage	SADO4	Salvia dorrii	0–20	0–2
Tree
12	Tree			150–250
	western juniper	JUOC	Juniperus occidentalis	100–200	10–20
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	0–50	0–5

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock Grazing:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing use in the spring, early summer and fall under a planned grazing system. Limitations are clayey soils, steep slopes, and surface stones. Use should be postponed until the soils are firm enough to prevent trampling damage and soil compaction. Grazing management should be keyed for bluebunch wheatgrass. Deferred grazing or rest is recommended at least once every three years.

Native Wildlife Associated with the Potential Climax Community:
This site is commonly used by mule deer, small mammals, upland birds and various predators. Mule deer make excellent use of the site for winter and spring forage. Upland birds make good use of the site for wintering, nesting and rearing.

Hydrological functions

The soils are in hydrologic group D. The soils of this site have high runoff potential. They have moderate runoff potential and medium infiltration rates when the hydrologic cover is good. Hydrologic cover is good when the bluebunch wheatgrass deep rooted bunchgrass component is >70 percent of potential. Under lower seral conditions runoff potential is high. This occurs when deep rooted perennial bunchgrass cover is low and bare ground increases.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

This site was verified using vegetation and soils data summarized across 51 plots collected on this ecological site across MLRA 10 in Oregon from 2008 to 2024. Data was sourced from NRCS ecological site plots, BLM assessment, inventory, and monitoring plots, and NRCS natural resource inventory plots. A list of plots with names, locations, data collection intensity, and associated plant communities is available to users with EDIT developer privileges. For these plots, locations listed are in WGS84 and decimal degree format. Site IDs included but not in NASIS are preceded by "Oregon_AIM" or "OregonNRI."

References

Miller, R.F., J.C. Chambers, D.A. Pyke, F.B. Pierson, and C.J. Williams. 2013. A Review of Fire Effects on Vegetation and Soils in the Great Basin Region: Response and Ecological Site Characteristics. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Stringham, T.K., D. Snyder, P. Novak-Echenique, A. Wartgow, A. Badertscher, and K. O'Neill. 2019. Great Basin Ecological Site Development Project: State and Transition Models for Major Land Resource Area 23, Nevada and portions of California. Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 2019-01. University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada.
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, Reno, NV.
USDA. 1997. Inventorying, Classifying, and Correlating Juniper and Pinyon Communities To Soils in Western United States. Grazing Lands Technology Institute. Natural Resource Conservation Service, Fort Worth, Texas.
United States Department of Agriculture, . 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin... USDA Handbook 296 1–682.

Other references

Beck, J. L., Connelly, J. W., & Wambolt, C. L. (2012). Consequences of treating Wyoming big sagebrush to enhance wildlife habitats. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 65(5), 444–455. https://doi.org/10.2111/REM-D-10-00123.1

Chambers, J.C., D.A. Pyke, J.D. Maestas, M. Pellant, C.S. Boyd, S. B. Campbell, S. Esipinosa, D.W. Havlina, K.E. Mayer, and A.Wuenschel. (2014) Using resistance and resilience concepts to reduce impacts of invasive annual grasses and altered fire regimes on the sagebrush ecosystem and greater sage-grouse: A strategic multi-scale approach.. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-326.. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station., Fort Collins, CO. 73.

Davies, K. W., Bates, J. D., & Nafus, A. M. (2011). Are there benefits to mowing wyoming big sagebrush plant communities? An evaluation in southeastern oregon. Environmental Management, 48(3), 539–546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9715-3

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.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/junocc/all.html

Hanna, S. K., & Fulgham, K. O. (2015). Post-fire vegetation dynamics of a sagebrush steppe community change significantly over time. California Agriculture, 69(1), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v069n01p36

Hosna, R. K., Reed, S. C., & Faist, A. M. (2023). Long‐term relationships between seed bank communities and wildfire across four North American desert sites. Ecosphere, 14(3), e4398. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4398

Maestas, J. D., Porter, M., Cahill, M., & Twidwell, D. (2022). Defend the core: Maintaining intact rangelands by reducing vulnerability to invasive annual grasses. Rangelands, 44(3), 181–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rala.2021.12.008

Miller, R. F., Bates, J. D., Svejcar, T. J., Pierson, F. B., & Eddlemen, L. E. (2005). Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Juniper (Technical Bulletin No. 152; pp. 1–77). Oregon State University. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/tb152.pdf

Pyke, D. A., Shaff, S. E., Lindgren, A. I., Schupp, E. W., Doescher, P. S., Chambers, J. C., Burnham, J. S., & Huso, M. M. (2014). Region-wide ecological responses of arid wyoming big sagebrush communities to fuel treatments. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 67(5), 455–467. https://doi.org/10.2111/REM-D-13-00090.1

Reisner, M. D., Grace, J. B., Pyke, D. A., & Doescher, P. S. (2013). Conditions favouring Bromus tectorum dominance of endangered sagebrush steppe ecosystems. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50(4), 1039–1049. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12097

Smith, J. T., Allred, B. W., Boyd, C. S., Davies, K. W., Jones, M. O., Kleinhesselink, A. R., Maestas, J. D., Morford, S. L., & Naugle, D. E. (2022). The elevational ascent and spread of exotic annual grass dominance in the Great Basin, USA. Diversity and Distributions, 28(1), 83–96. http://https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13440

Smith, J. T., Allred, B. W., Boyd, C. S., Davies, K. W., Kleinhesselink, A. R., Morford, S. L., & Naugle, D. E. (2023). Fire needs annual grasses more than annual grasses need fire. Biological Conservation, 286, 110299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110299

Contributors

A. Bahn, H. Futter, K. Danks, G. Kuehl, H. Barrett
Erik Peterson - Verification Project 2025
M. Parks (OSU)
T.Bloomer, A.Bahn

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 4/16/2025

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)	Jeff Repp and Bruce Frannsen
Contact for lead author	State Rangeland Management Specialist for NRCS in Oregon
Date	08/07/2012
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
None to some, moderate to severe sheet & rill erosion hazard
Presence of water flow patterns:
None to some
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):
10-35%
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None, slight to moderate wind erosion hazard
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine - limited movement
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Moderately resistant to erosion: aggregate stability = 3-5
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Shallow well drained gravelly clay loam or gravelly clay, or gravelly sandy clay loam (6inches thick): Moderate OM (2-4%)
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Low to moderate ground cover (30-50%) and moderate to steep slopes (30-80%) moderately to slightly limit rainfall impact and overland flow
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None
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:
Bluebunch wheatgrass > Thurber needlegrass > shrubs > forbs

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
normal decadence and mortality expected
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable: 800, Normal: 500, Unfavorable: 300 lbs/acre/year at high RSI (HCPC)
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:
Western Juniper readily invades the site. Cheatgrass and Medusahead invade sites that have lost deep rooted perennial grass functional groups.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species should be capable of reproducing annually

Download reference sheet

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

Ecosystem states

States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)

2. Current Potential

5. Encroached

T1A	-	Introduction of non-native species, inappropriate grazing management
T2A	-	Inappropriate grazing management
T2B	-	Fire, soil disruption, inappropriate grazing management
T2C	-	Time without disturbance
R1A	-	Shrub removal, possible perennial grass reseeding
T3A	-	Catastrophic fire, soil disturbing treatment, inappropriate grazing management
T3B	-	Time without disturbance
R4A	-	Annual grass treatment, reseeding
R5A	-	Tree thinning, reseeding
R5B	-	Tree thinning, failed seeding
R5C	-	Catastrophic fire