Ecological dynamics
Description of MLRA 26 DRG 18:
Disturbance Response Group (DRG) 18 consists of four ecological sites; F026XY062NV, F026XY064NV, F026XY092NV, and F026XY093NV (Stringham et al. 2021). The group falls in the 8 to 14 inch precipitation zone. Elevations range from 4,500 to 8,000 feet and these sites are found on slopes ranging from 2 to 75 percent. The soils in this group are typically shallow to very shallow and available water holding capacity is low. These soils usually have high amounts of rock fragments at the soil surface which help to reduce evaporation and provide a stabilizing effect on erosion conditions. This group is dominated by singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and/or Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) with Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) or low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) as the primary understory shrub. Other shrubs in the group include antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Douglas rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), green ephedra (Ephedra viridis), and currant (Ribes spp.). The dominant understory grass of the group is Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum). Other understory grasses include muttongrass (Poa fendleriana), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), and Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides). Under medium canopy cover (11-30 percent, dependent on ecological site), understory production ranges from 75 to 400 lbs/ac.
Major Successional Stages of Forest Development:
HERBACEOUS: Vegetation is dominated by grasses and forbs under full sunlight. This stage is experienced after a major disturbance such as wildfire. Skeleton forest (dead trees) remaining after fire or other disturbances have little or no affect on the composition and production of the herbaceous vegetation.
SHRUB-HERBACEOUS: Herbaceous vegetation and woody shrubs dominate the site. Various amounts of tree seedlings (less than 20 inches in height) may be present up to the point where they are obviously a component of the vegetal structure.
IMMATURE FOREST: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by Utah juniper trees greater than 4½ feet in height. The upper crown of dominant and codominant trees are cone or pyramidal shaped. Seedlings and saplings of Utah juniper and pinyon are present in the understory. Dominants are the tallest trees on the site; co-dominants are 65 to 85 percent of the highest of dominant trees. Understory vegetation is moderately influenced by a tree overstory canopy of about 10 to 20 percent.
MATURE FOREST: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon that have reached or are near maximal heights for the site. Dominant trees average greater than five inches in diameter at one-foot stump height. Upper crowns of pinyon and juniper trees are typically either irregularly or smoothly flat-topped or rounded. Tree canopy cover ranges from 15 to about 25 percent. This stage of community development is assumed to be representative of this site in the natural environment.
OVER-MATURE FOREST: In the absence of wildfire or other naturally occurring disturbances, the tree canopy on this site can become very dense. This stage is dominated by Utah juniper and single leaf pinyon that have reached maximal heights for the site. Dominant and co-dominant trees average greater than five inches in diameter at one-foot stump height. Upper crowns are typically irregularly flat-topped or rounded.
The pinyon-juniper forest is generally a climax vegetation type throughout its range, reaching climax about 300 years after disturbance, with an ongoing trend toward increased tree density and canopy cover and a decline in understory species over time. Singleleaf pinyon seedling establishment is episodic. Population age structure is affected by drought, which reduces seedling and sapling recruitment more than other age classes. The ecotones between singleleaf pinyon forests and adjacent shrublands and grasslands provide favorable microhabitats for singleleaf pinyon seedling establishment since they are active zones for seed dispersal, nurse plants are available, and singleleaf pinyon seedlings are only affected by competition from grass and other herbaceous vegetation for a couple of years.
Several natural and anthropogenic processes can lead to changes in the spatial distribution of pinyon-juniper forests over time. These include 1) tree seedling establishment during favorable climatic periods, 2) tree mortality (especially seedlings and saplings) during periods of drought, 3) expansion of trees into adjacent grassland in response to overgrazing and/or fire suppression, and 4) removal of trees by humans, fire, or other disturbance episodes. Specific successional pathways after disturbance in singleleaf pinyon stands are dependent on a number of variables such as plant species present at the time of disturbance and their individual responses to disturbance, past management, type and size of disturbance, available seed sources in the soil or adjacent areas, and site and climatic conditions throughout the successional process.
Utah juniper is not shade tolerant. It is a climax species in harsh areas where stands are open and regeneration can occur without competition for light.
Juniper litter has an allelopathic effect on some understory species. This effect is particularly evident on heavy, poorly drained clay soils. Broadcasting grass seeds over litter appeared to lower the allelopathic effects.
Fire Ecology:
On high-productivity sites where sufficient fine fuels existed, singleleaf pinyon communities burn every 15 to 20 years, and on less productive sites with patchy fuels, fire return intervals may be in the range of 50 to 100 years or longer. Thin bark and lack of self pruning make singleleaf pinyon very susceptible to intense fire. Mature singleleaf pinyon can survive low-severity surface fires but is killed by more severe fires. Most tree seedlings are killed by fire, but cached seeds may survive. Utah juniper is usually killed by fire, especially when trees are small. Low sagebrush is very susceptible to fire damage. Low sagebrush is usually killed by fire and does not re-sprout. The recovery in burned areas is usually via small, light, wind-dispersed seed for all low sagebrush subspecies. Partially injured low sagebrush may re-grow from living branches, but sprouting does not occur. Antelope bitterbrush is considered a weak sprouter and is often killed by summer or fall fires. Antelope bitterbrush in some areas may sprout after light-severity spring fires. High fuel consumptions increase antelope bitterbrush mortality and therefore favors seedling establishment. Thurber needlegrass is classified as moderately resistant, but depending on season of burn, phenology, and fire severity, this perennial bunchgrass is moderately to severely damaged by fire. Burning has been found to decrease the vegetation and reproductive vigor. Early season burning is more damaging to this needlegrass than late season burning. Indian ricegrass can be killed by fire, depending on severity and season of burn. Indian ricegrass reestablishes on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas. Webber’s needlegrass is damaged by burning due to dense plant material that can burn slowly and long, charring to the growing points. Late summer and early fall fires are the least harmful. Desert needlegrass has persistent dead leaf bases, which make it susceptible to burning. Fire removes the accumulation; a rapid, cool fire will not burn deep into the root crown. Most perennial grasses have root crowns that can survive wildfire. Bluegrass is generally unharmed by fire. It produces little litter, and its small bunch size and sparse litter reduces the amount of heat transferred to perennating buds in the soil. Its rapid maturation in the spring also reduces fire damage, since it is dormant when most fires occur.
General State and Transition Model Narrative for Group 18:
This is a text description of the states, phases, transitions, and community pathways possible in the State and Transition model for the MLRA 26 disturbance response group 18.
Reference State 1.0:
The Reference State 1.0 is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. This reference state has four general community phases: an old-growth tree phase, a shrub-herbaceous phase, an immature tree phase, and an infilled tree phase. 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 include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought, and/or insect or disease attack. Fires within this community are infrequent and likely small and patchy due to low fuel loads. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all/most of the following community phases within this state.
Community Phase 1.1:
This phase is characterized by widely dispersed old-growth pinyon and juniper trees with a Wyoming big sagebrush, perennial bunchgrass understory. The visual aspect is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper with over 15 percent canopy cover (USDA 1997). Trees have reached maximal or near maximal heights for the site and many tree crowns may be flat- or round-topped. Thurber’s needlegrass is most prevalent grass in the understory. Wyoming big sagebrush is the primary understory shrub. Forbs such as phlox, and eriogonum are minor components. Overall, the understory is sparse with production ranging between 200 to 400 pounds per acre.
Community Phase Pathway 1.1a, from Phase 1.1 to 1.2:
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
Community Phase Pathway 1.1b, from Phase 1.1 to 1.4:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual infilling of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper.
Community Phase 1.2:
This community phase is characterized by a post-fire shrub and herbaceous community. Thurber’s needlegrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Forbs may increase after a fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Pinyon and juniper seedlings up to 4 feet in height may be present. Wyoming big sagebrush may be present in unburned patches. Burned tree skeletons may be present; however, these have little or no effect on the understory vegetation.
Community Phase Pathway 1.2a, from Phase 1.2 to 1.3:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Wyoming big sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Community Phase 1.3:
This community phase is characterized by an immature woodland, with pinyon and juniper trees averaging over 4.5 feet in height. Tree canopy cover is between 10 to 20 percent. Tree crowns are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses as well as smaller tree seedling and saplings.
Community Phase Pathway 1.3a, from 1.3 to 1.4:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues. Excessive herbivory may also reduce the perennial grass understory.
Community Phase Pathway 1.3b, from Phase 1.3 to 1.2:
Fire reduces or eliminates tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site.
Community Phase 1.4 (at-risk):
This phase is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. The stand exhibits mixed age classes and canopy cover may be 30percent or greater. The density and vigor of the Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass understory is decreased. Bare ground areas are likely to increase. Mat-forming forbs such as phlox may increase. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold; without proper management this phase will transition to the infilled tree state 3.0. This community phase is typically described as early Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
Community Phase Pathway 1.4a, from Phase 1.4 to 1.1:
Low intensity fire, insect infestation, or disease kills individual trees within the stand reducing canopy cover to less than 30percent. Over time young trees mature to replace and maintain the old-growth woodland. The Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass community increases in density and vigor.
Community Phase Pathway 1.4b, from Phase 1.4 to 1.2:
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
T1A: Transition from Reference State 1.0 to Current Potential State 2.0:
Trigger: Introduction of non-native annual species.
Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native plants will increase within the community.
Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
T1B: Transition from Reference State 1.0 to Infilled Tree State 3.0
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance allow trees to dominate site resources; may be coupled with inappropriate herbivory that favors shrub and tree dominance.
Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase.
Threshold: Pinyon and juniper canopy cover is greater than 40percent. Little understory vegetation remains due to competition with trees for site resources.
Current Potential State 2.0:
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0, with four general community phases: an old-growth tree phase, a shrub-herbaceous phase, an immature tree phase, and an infilled tree phase. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of non-native species. These non-natives, particularly cheatgrass, can be highly flammable and promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Fires within this community with the small amount of non-native annual species present are likely still small and patchy due to low fuel loads. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all/most of the following community phases within this state.
Community Phase 2.1:
This phase is characterized by a widely dispersed old-growth pinyon and juniper trees with a Wyoming big sagebrush perennial bunchgrass understory. The visual aspect is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper with canopy cover of 15 percent or more (USDA 1997). Trees have reached maximal or near maximal heights for the site and many tree crowns may be flat- or round-topped. Thurber’s needlegrass is the most prevalent grass in the understory. Wyoming big sagebrush is the primary understory shrub. Forbs such as phlox and eriogonum are minor components. Overall, the understory is sparse with production ranging between 200 to 400 lbs. per acre.
Community Phase Pathway 2.1a, from Phase 2.1 to 2.2:
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
Community Phase Pathway 2.1b, from Phase 2.1 to 2.4:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual infilling of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper.
Community Phase 2.2:
This community phase is characterized by a post-fire shrub and herbaceous community. Thurber’s needlegrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Forbs may increase post-fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Pinyon and juniper seedlings up to 4 feet in height may be present. Wyoming big sagebrush may be present in unburned patches. Burned tree skeletons may be present; however, these have little or no effect on the understory vegetation. Annual non-native species generally respond well after fire and may be stable or increasing within the community.
Community Phase Pathway 2.2a, from Phase 2.2 to 2.3:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Wyoming big sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Community Phase 2.3:
This community phase is characterized by an immature woodland, with pinyon and juniper trees averaging over 4.5 feet in height. Tree canopy cover is between 10 to 20 percent. Tree crowns are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses as well as smaller tree seedling and saplings. Annual non-native species are present.
Community Phase Pathway 2.3a, from Phase 2.3 to 2.4:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
Community Phase Pathway 2.3b, from Phase 2.3 to 2.2:
Fire reduces or eliminates tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site.
Community Phase 2.4 (at-risk):
This phase is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. The stand exhibits mixed age classes and canopy cover exceeds 30 percent. The density and vigor of the Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass understory is decreased. Bare ground areas are likely to increase. Mat-forming forbs may increase. Annual non-native species are present primarily under tree canopies. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold, without proper management this phase will transition to the infilled tree state 3.0. This community phase is typically described as early Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
Community Phase Pathway 2.4a, from Phase 2.4 to 2.1:
Low intensity fire, insect infestation, or disease kills individual trees within the stand reducing canopy cover to less than 30 percent. Over time young trees mature to replace and maintain the old-growth woodland. The Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass community increases in density and vigor. Annual non-natives present in trace amounts.
Community Phase Pathway 2.4b, from Phase 2.4 to 2.2:
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Annual non-native grasses typically respond positively to fire and may increase in the post-fire community.
T2A: Transition from Current Potential State 2.0 to Infilled Tree State 3.0:
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance allow trees to dominate site resources; may be coupled with inappropriate grazing management that favors shrub and tree dominance.
Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase.
Threshold: Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper canopy cover is greater than 40 percent. Little understory vegetation remains due to competition with trees for site resources.
T2B: Transition from Current Potential State 2.0 to Annual State 4.0:
Trigger: Catastrophic crown fire facilitates the establishment of non-native, annual weeds.
Slow variables: Increase in tree crown cover, loss of perennial understory and an increase in annual non-native species.
Threshold: Cheatgrass or other non-native annuals dominate understory. Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes spatial and temporal nutrient cycling and nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter. Increased canopy cover of trees allows severe stand-replacing fire. The increased seed bank of non-native, annual species responds positively to post-fire conditions facilitating the transition to an Annual State.
Infilled Tree State 3.0:
This state has two community phases that are characterized by the dominance of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon in the overstory. This state is identifiable by over 40 percent cover of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon, exhibiting a mixed age class. Older trees are at maximal height and upper crowns may be flat-topped or rounded. Younger trees are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation is sparse due to increasing shade and competition from trees.
Community Phase 3.1:
Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper dominate the aspect. Understory vegetation is thinning. Perennial bunchgrasses are sparse and Wyoming big sagebrush skeletons are as common as live shrubs due to tree competition for soil water, overstory shading, and duff accumulation. Tree canopy cover is greater than 40 percent. Annual non-native species are present or co-dominate in the understory. Bare ground areas are prevalent. This community phase is typically described as a Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
Community Phase Pathway 3.1a, from Phase 3.1 to 3.2:
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
Community Phase 3.2 (at risk):
Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper dominate the aspect. Tree canopy cover exceeds 40 percent. Understory vegetation is sparse to absent. Perennial bunchgrasses, if present exist in the drip line or under the canopy of trees. Wyoming big sagebrush skeletons are common or the sagebrush has been extinct long enough that only scattered limbs remain. Mat-forming forbs or Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) may dominate interspaces. Annual non-native species are present and are typically found under the trees. Bare ground areas are large and interconnected. Soil redistribution may be extensive. This community phase is typically described as a Phase III woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
T3A: Transition from Infilled Tree State 3.0 to Annual State 4.0:
Trigger: Canopy fire reduces the pinyon and juniper overstory and facilitates the annual non-native species in the understory to dominate the site.
Slow variables: Over time, cover, production and seed bank of annual non-native species increases.
Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs changes temporal and spatial nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increase in canopy cover of trees increases rainfall interception and reduces soil moisture for understory species. Increased canopy cover of trees increases the risk for severe stand-replacing crown fire. The increased seed bank of non-native, annual species responds positively to post-fire conditions facilitating the transition to an Annual State.
R3A: Restoration from Infilled Tree state 3.0 to Current Potential State 2.0:
Manual or mechanical thinning of trees coupled with seeding. Probability of success is highest from community phase 3.1.
Annual State 4.0:
This state has one community phase that is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and tansy mustard in the understory. Time since fire may facilitate the maturation of sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrush. Ecological dynamics are significantly altered in this state. Annual non-native species create a highly combustible fuel bed that shortens the fire return interval. Nutrient cycling is spatially and temporally truncated as annual plants contribute significantly less to deep soil carbon. This state was not seen in MLRA 26 during field work for this project, however it is possible given increased fire activity in these sites and their proximity to known annual states of sagebrush ecological sites. We refer the reader to the report for Disturbance Response Group 21 for MLRA 28A and 28B.
Community Phase 4.1:
Cheatgrass, mustards and other non-native annual species dominate the site. Trace amounts of perennial bunchgrasses may be present. Sprouting shrubs may increase. Burned tree skeletons present.
Potential Resilience Differences with other Ecological Sites in this Group
PIMO-JUOS WSG: 0D0503 (F026XY064NV):
This site is very similar to the modal site but with low sagebrush as the dominant shrub. The subdominant grass on this site is Indian ricegrass. It occurs on upper piedmont slopes at a higher elevation of 6200 to 8000 feet. The site, in its reference state, has a lower pinyon-juniper canopy understory of about 20 percent. It is less productive than the modal site with 150 lbs/acre in a normal year and has more precipitation at 10-14 inches per year.
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State 1.0 is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. This reference state has four general community phases: an old-growth tree phase, a shrub-herbaceous phase, an immature tree phase, and an infilled tree phase. 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 include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought, and/or insect or disease attack. Fires within this community are infrequent and likely small and patchy due to low fuel loads. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all or most of the following community phases within this state.
Community 1.1
This phase is characterized by widely dispersed old-growth pinyon and juniper trees with a Wyoming big sagebrush, perennial bunchgrass understory. The visual aspect is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper with over 15 percent canopy cover (USDA 1997). Trees have reached maximal or near maximal heights for the site and many tree crowns may be flat- or round-topped. Thurber’s needlegrass is most prevalent grass in the understory. Wyoming big sagebrush is the primary understory shrub. Forbs such as phlox, and eriogonum are minor components. Overall, the understory is sparse with production ranging between 200 to 400 pounds per acre.
Forest overstory. MATURE FOREST: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon that have reached or are near maximal heights for the site. Dominant trees average greater than five inches in diameter at one-foot stump height. Upper crowns of pinyon and juniper trees are typically either irregularly or smoothly flat-topped or rounded. Tree canopy cover ranges from 15 to about 25 percent. This stage of community development is assumed to be representative of this forest site in the natural environment.
Forest understory. Understory vegetative composition is about 40 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs and 55 percent shrubs and young trees when the average overstory canopy is medium (15 to 25 percent). Average understory production ranges from 150 to 350 pounds per acre with a medium canopy cover. Understory production includes the total annual production of all species within 4½ feet of the ground surface.
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type |
Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
Shrub/Vine |
34 |
68 |
90 |
Grass/Grasslike |
30 |
60 |
80 |
Tree |
7 |
15 |
20 |
Forb |
4 |
7 |
10 |
Total |
75 |
150 |
200 |
Community 1.2
This community phase is characterized by a post-fire shrub and herbaceous community. Thurber’s needlegrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Forbs may increase after a fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Pinyon and juniper seedlings up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height may be present. Wyoming big sagebrush may be present in unburned patches. Burned tree skeletons may be present; however, these have little or no effect on the understory vegetation.
Community 1.3
This community phase is characterized by an immature woodland, with pinyon and juniper trees averaging over 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in height. Tree canopy cover is between 10 to 20 percent. Tree crowns are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses as well as smaller tree seedling and saplings.
Community 1.4
(at-risk)
This phase is dominated by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. The stand exhibits mixed age classes and canopy cover may be 30percent or greater. The density and vigor of the Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass understory is decreased. Bare ground areas are likely to increase. Mat-forming forbs such as phlox may increase. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold; without proper management this phase will transition to the infilled tree state 3.0. This community phase is typically described as early Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.4
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual infilling of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Wyoming big sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2
This pathway is a result of fire reducing or eliminating tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.4
This pathway is a result of time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease which will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues. Excessive herbivory may also reduce the perennial grass understory.
Pathway 1.4a
Community 1.4 to 1.1
This pathway is a result of low intensity fire, insect infestation, or disease which kills individual trees within the stand reducing canopy cover to less than 30 percent. Over time young trees mature to replace and maintain the old-growth woodland. The Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass community increases in density and vigor.
Pathway 1.4b
Community 1.4 to 1.2
This pathway is a result of a high-severity crown fire which will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
State 2
Current Potential State
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0, with four general community phases: an old-growth tree phase, a shrub-herbaceous phase, an immature tree phase, and an infilled tree phase. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of non-native species. These non-natives, particularly cheatgrass, can be highly flammable and promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Fires within this community with the small amount of non-native annual species present are likely still small and patchy due to low fuel loads. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all/most of the following community phases within this state.
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
This pathway is a result of a high-severity crown fire which will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.4
This pathway is a result of time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease which will allow for the gradual infilling of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.3
This pathway is a result of time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease which will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Wyoming big sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2
This pathway is a result of fire which reduces or eliminates tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.4
This pathway is a result of time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease which will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
Pathway 2.4a
Community 2.4 to 2.1
This pathway is a result of low intensity fire, insect infestation, or disease which kills individual trees within the stand reducing canopy cover to less than 30 percent. Over time young trees mature to replace and maintain the old-growth woodland. The Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass community increases in density and vigor. Annual non-natives present in trace amounts.
Pathway 2.4b
Community 2.4 to 2.2
This pathway is a result of a high-severity crown fire which will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Annual non-native grasses typically respond positively to fire and may increase in the post-fire community.
State 3
Infilled Tree State
This state has two community phases that are characterized by the dominance of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon in the overstory. This state is identifiable by over 40 percent cover of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon, exhibiting a mixed age class. Older trees are at maximal height and upper crowns may be flat-topped or rounded. Younger trees are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation is sparse due to increasing shade and competition from trees.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
This pathway is a result of time without disturbances such as fire, drought, or disease which will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
State 4
Annual State
This state has one community phase that is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and tansy mustard in the understory. Time since fire may facilitate the maturation of sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrush. Ecological dynamics are significantly altered in this state. Annual non-native species create a highly combustible fuel bed which shortens the fire return interval. Nutrient cycling is spatially and temporally truncated as annual plants contribute significantly less to deep soil carbon. This state was not seen in MLRA 26 during field work for this project, however it is possible given increased fire activity in these sites and their proximity to known annual states of sagebrush ecological sites. We refer the reader to the report for Disturbance Response Group 21 for MLRA 28A and 28B.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Trigger: Introduction of non-native annual species.
Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native plants will increase within the community.
Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance allow trees to dominate site resources; may be coupled with inappropriate herbivory that favors shrub and tree dominance.
Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase.
Threshold: Pinyon and juniper canopy cover is greater than 40percent. Little understory vegetation remains due to competition with trees for site resources.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance allow trees to dominate site resources; may be coupled with inappropriate grazing management that favors shrub and tree dominance.
Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase.
Threshold: Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper canopy cover is greater than 40 percent. Little understory vegetation remains due to competition with trees for site resources.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Trigger: Catastrophic crown fire facilitates the establishment of non-native, annual weeds.
Slow variables: Increase in tree crown cover, loss of perennial understory and an increase in annual non-native species.
Threshold: Cheatgrass or other non-native annuals dominate understory. Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes spatial and temporal nutrient cycling and nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter. Increased canopy cover of trees allows severe stand- replacing fire. The increased seed bank of non-native, annual species responds positively to post-fire conditions facilitating the transition to an Annual State.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
Manual or mechanical thinning of trees coupled with seeding. Probability of success is highest from community phase 3.1.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Trigger: Canopy fire reduces the pinyon and juniper overstory and facilitates the annual non-native species in the understory to dominate the site.
Slow variables: Over time, cover, production and seed bank of annual non-native species increases.
Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs changes temporal and spatial nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increase in canopy cover of trees increases rainfall interception and reduces soil moisture for understory species. Increased canopy cover of trees increases the risk for severe stand-replacing crown fire. The increased seed bank of non-native, annual species responds positively to post-fire conditions facilitating the transition to an Annual State.