Physiographic features

This site is typically on gently sloping to steep mountains and terraces. Slopes are nearly level to steep and range from 2 to 35 percent. Site is on all aspects. At upper elevations, this site may be in moisture accumulation positions or on east and north facing slopes. Elevations range from approximately 5500 to 7500 feet (1676-2286 meters).

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

In MLRA 25 summers are hot, especially at lower elevations, and winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is usually lighter at lower elevations throughout the year. At higher elevations precipitation is much greater, and snow accumulates to a considerable depth. The average total precipitation for this site is at least 16 inches.
The mean annual temperature is 45.9 degrees F. The average high is 59.7 and the average low temperature is 32.1 degrees. The prevailing wind is from the west. Average wind speed is greatest, at about 10 miles per hour, in March.
The frost-free period ranges from 79 to 103 days and the freeze free period ranges from 114 to 140 days.

No climate stations exist nearby site.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Influencing water features

This site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands, streams or run on.

Soil features

The soils supporting this site are predominately deep to very deep, (Ola and Watchabob soils are moderately deep to bedrock), well drained, with moderately slow to moderately rapid permeability. Runoff is very low to very high and increases with slope. The erosion hazard is slight to high by water, and moderate to high by wind. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is very low to moderate.
Rock outcrops are occasionally associated with these soils when they are on steeper slopes. The subsoil clay percentages* typically range from 14 to 33 percent. Soils at this site are characterized by a xeric soil moisture regime, relatively high precipitation compared to lower elevations in MLRA 25. Soil temperature regime is typically either frigid or cryic.
* (The Manila soil has 48 percent clay in the subsoil.)

Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site:
Bauscher, Blackleg, Dehana, Doodlelink, Earcree, Hades, Keman, Kiyi, Manila, Ola, Parkay, Povey and Watchabob.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

The rangeland ecological site provides diverse habitat for many native wildlife species. The plant community exhibits a diverse mixture of forbs throughout the growing season offering excellent habitat for invertebrates. Mule deer, and elk may utilize the site at different times of the year. The rangeland habitat provides seasonal habitat for resident and migratory animals including western toad, shrews, bats, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, Ferruginous hawk and prairie falcon. Area sensitive bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher, sage sparrow and greater sage-grouse. Water features are sparse provided by seasonal runoff, artificial water catchments and springs.

State 1 Phase 1.1 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Idaho Fescue Reference Plant Community (RPC): This plant community provides a diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs, used by native insect communities that assist in pollination. An extensive array of forbs is represented throughout the growing season leading to a diverse insect community. Many bird and mammal species utilize this habitat based on the availability of invertebrate prey species. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, western toad and northern leopard frog. Amphibians are associated with springs and isolated water bodies adjacent to this plant community. Development of spring sites that collect all available water would exclude amphibian use on these sites. Native shrub-steppe obligate bird species utilizing the habitat include the Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher. Sage-grouse habitats (leks, nesting, brood-rearing and winter) are provided by this plant community. The plant community provides seasonal (spring, summer and fall) food and cover for mule deer and elk. South and west facing slopes may provide winter habitat for large herbivores. Antelope bitterbrush may be present in this plant community, along with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass are desirable forage species for large herbivores. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.



State 1 Phase 1.2 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Idaho Fescue Reference Plant Community (RPC): This state has developed due to fire frequency being much longer than normal. The insect community will be similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 community. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, and western toad. Amphibians are associated with adjacent spring sites. An increase in antelope bitterbrush would provide an increase in quality of available forage for large herbivores. Antelope bitterbrush, along with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass are desirable forage species for large herbivores. During mild winters, south and west facing slopes would provide winter habitat for large herbivores. Thermal cover and young of year cover would be provided to mule deer, elk and pronghorn. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.

State 1 Phase 1.3- Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Sandberg Bluegrass/ Western Juniper Plant Community: This state has developed due to improper grazing management with no fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush and junipers contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. A reduced herbaceous understory results in less diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, and western toad. Amphibians are associated with adjacent spring sites. The reduced diversity of insects and understory cover may reduce quality of food and cover for the reptile community. As juniper increases, habitat quality for Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher and sage sparrow may decrease. Remaining sagebrush provides brood-rearing, winter cover and winter food for sage-grouse but as juniper encroaches the quality of this habitat is severely reduced or eliminated. The plant community supports limited seasonal (spring and fall) habitat for elk. The quality of spring, fall and winter habitat for mule will increase. As juniper encroaches the site will provide additional thermal cover for large mammals. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.

State 1 Phase 1.4 – Idaho Fescue/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Mountain Snowberry/ Twistedleaf Rabbitbrush Plant Community: The plant community is a result of recent wildfire, prescribed burning or brush management. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little or no sagebrush would provide less vertical structure for animals. An increase in rabbitbrush may add additional vertical structure for animals over-time. Insect diversity would be reduced but a native forbs plant community similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 would still support select pollinators. Habitat for common sagebrush lizard and western rattlesnake would be limited due to the loss of sagebrush. The dominance of herbaceous vegetation with little sagebrush canopy would limit use of these areas as nesting habitat by Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher. Brood-rearing habitat for sage-grouse would be provided if site is adjacent to sagebrush cover. The dominant herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland bird species (horned lark, savannah sparrow, vesper sparrow and western meadowlark). Mule deer and elk use would be seasonal (spring and fall) and site would offer little thermal cover and young of year cover due to the loss of shrub cover. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species. Large blocks of this plant community would fragment historic plant community and reduce the quality of habitat for shrub-steppe obligate animal species.

State 1 Phase 1.5 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Idaho Fescue/ Western Juniper Plant Community: This plant community is the result of no fire. The insect community would be similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 insect community. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake and western toad. Amphibians are associated with springs adjacent to the site. Shrub-steppe obligate bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage-grouse. Habitat (brood-rearing and nesting cover) quality for sage-grouse is reduced due to an increase in juniper canopy into the plant community. Winter habitat (cover and food) for sage-grouse is provided. As juniper increases in cover the quality of habitat for sage-grouse will be severely reduced or eliminated. The reduced vigor of understory vegetation provides for a shorter foraging season for mule deer and elk. Young of year cover would be provided for mule deer, elk and pronghorn. Quality of winter habitat for mule deer will increase as juniper cover increases. Small mammal diversity and populations would be similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 small mammal community.

State 1 Phase 1.6- Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: This state has developed due to improper grazing management and a lack of fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. A reduced herbaceous understory results in less diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, and western toad. Amphibians are associated with adjacent spring sites. The reduced diversity of insects and understory cover may reduce quality of food and cover for the reptile community. Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher and sage sparrow habitat is provided on this site. Nesting, brood-rearing and winter habitat for sage-grouse is provided on this site. The plant community supports seasonal forage for mule deer and elk. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.

State 2 Phase 2.1 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Annuals Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management and no fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush and improper grazing management contributes to an increase in cheatgrass. The reduced diversity of herbaceous understory and increase in invasive plants results in less diversity of insects. The reptile community is similar to State 1, Phase 1.6 reptile community. The reduced diversity of insects may reduce reptile diversity and populations. Reduced perennial herbaceous understory will lower quality of habitat for ground nesting bird species. Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage-grouse habitat quality is reduced due to poor vigor and less diversity in the herbaceous plant community. Winter habitat (cover and food) for sage-grouse is provided. Limited forage for large mammals is available in the spring when annuals are more palatable. Young of year cover would be provided for mule deer and elk. Small mammal diversity and populations would be similar to State 1, Phase 1.6 small mammal community.

State 2 Phase 2.2– Sandberg/ Annuals/ Forbs/ Tall Green Rabbitbrush Plant Community: The community has developed due to continued improper grazing management and frequent fire. The plant community does not support a diverse insect community. The reduced forbs and shrubs in the plant community would support a very limited population of pollinators. Quality of food and cover habitat for reptilian species is reduced. This plant community does not support the life requisites for sage thrasher, Brewer’s sparrow, sage-grouse or sage sparrow. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Large herbivores may utilize the herbaceous vegetation in spring and early summer when the vegetation is more palatable. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species. Large blocks of this plant community would fragment historical plant community and reduce the quality of habitat for shrub-steppe obligate animal species.

State 3 – Western Juniper/ Sandberg Bluegrass/ Annuals Plant Community: This site has developed due to improper grazing management and no fire. The loss of native forbs and understory vegetation will reduce insect diversity on the site. This plant community does not support life requisites for sage-grouse. Birds using this site as resident or migratory habitat include Juniper titmouse, western bluebird and Virginia’s warbler. The Juniper titmouse relies heavily on juniper seeds for winter food. Hunting success on the site by raptors may decrease due to heavy overstory of juniper. Hunting success by raptors on adjacent ecological sites may increase due to an increase in roosting sites. As juniper increases, the site will provide additional thermal cover for large mammals. This site can provide food and cover for mule deer in spring, fall and winter.

State 4 - Range Seeding Plant Community: The proposed seeding mixture (native or non-native) would determine the animal species that would utilize the area. A diverse seed mixture of grasses and forbs would provide similar habitat conditions as in the herbaceous plant community described in State 1 phase 1.4. A diverse seed mixture of grasses, forbs and shrubs would provide similar habitat conditions as described in State 1 phase 1.1, 1.2 or 1.6.

A monoculture of non-native grass species would not support diverse populations of insects, reptiles, birds or mammals. Sagebrush obligate animal species would not be supported with a monoculture of grass. Animal species including western meadowlark, horned lark, savannah sparrow, deer mouse, kangaroo rat, mule deer and antelope would utilize this site for nesting and/or seasonal foraging. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Large blocks of this plant community would fragment historic plant community and reduce the quality of habitat for shrub-steppe obligate animal species.

Grazing Interpretations.

This site is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock from late spring through fall. Water on this site is more abundant as opposed to adjacent sites.

Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species, composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use and seasonal preference.

Hydrological functions

Soils on this site are in hydrologic group B. They have moderately low run-off potential.

Recreational uses

This site has high value for hunting, hiking and other recreational activities. The site has numerous showy flowers in spring and summer.

Wood products

Posts, poles and firewood can be gathered from juniper if it invades the site.

Other products

None.

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used.

Those involved in developing this site description include:
Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC
Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC
Jim Cornwell, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired)
Joe May, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho
Leah Juarros, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho
Lee Brooks, Assistant State Conservationist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired)

Type locality

Other references

Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush- Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho. Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number 35.

Petersen, S.L., 2004. A Landscape-Scale Assessment of Plant Communities, Hydrologic Processes, and State-and-Transition Theory in a Western Juniper Dominated Ecosystem. PhD Dissertation. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report, RMRS-GTR-136-vols. 1-3.

USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
USDA, Forest Service, Fire Effects Information Database. 2004. www.fs.fed.us/database.

USDA, Soil Conservation Service-field data on Form SCS Range 417. 1977-1981

USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; version 4-2005.

Contributors

Dave Franzen And Jacy Gibbs

Approval

Kendra Moseley, 4/25/2024