Lakeshore Marsh

Description

The Reference State describes the natural biotic communities that may become established on the Lakeshore Marsh - cattail bulrush ecological site when all successional sequences are completed under the natural disturbance regime. The Reference State is self sustaining and resistant to change due to its high resistance to natural disturbances and high resilience following natural disturbances. When natural disturbances occur, the rate of recovery is variable due to disturbance intensity. Prolonged flooding could cause a large plant die-off at any community phase. This community could become at risk where increased disturbance and/or the introduction of the invasive species of common reed occurs. Once this invasive species becomes established, return to the reference state may not be possible.

Reference State: Community phases influenced by fluctuating water levels, natural disturbances, and weather.

Indicators: A dense stand of common cattail, various bulrush species and the native sub-species of common reed dominant visual aspect.

Feedbacks: Extended drought, lower standing water levels and/or other disturbances that reduce plant vigor which may allow invasive species to become established in the community. Properly managed water levels where possible help maintain the native perennial plant community.

At-risk Community Phase: All communities in this state are at risk when native plants are stressed and/or nutrients become available for invasive plants to establish.

Trigger: Introduction and establishment of non-native invasive plants such as the invasive sub-species of common reed.

Submodel

Description

This state is similar to the Reference State with the addition of non-native species.

Submodel

Description

The Invaded State is similar to the reference state, except that non-native and/or invasive species are present in all community phases. This state is generally dominated by the invasive sub-species of common reed; however, depending on disturbance history, species native to this site may be lacking resulting in pure stands of common reed. Primary disturbance mechanisms include climate fluctuations, water level changes, and surface disturbances such as road and pipeline development and off road vehicle (OHV) use. Timing of these disturbances dictates the ecological dynamics that can occur. The invaded state is losing resistance to change and lower resilience following disturbances.

Indicators: A site dominated by common cattail and several bulrush species including hardstem and 3-square. Both the native and introduced subspecies of common reed are now present in the stand.

Feedbacks: Extended drought resulting in a reduction of native perennial plant vigor. Normal fluctuations in weather allowing for the maintenance of both perennial sedges and grasses.

At-risk Community Phase: This state is at risk when perennial plant cover is reduced and nutrients become available for invasive plants to flourish.

Trigger: Spread of invasive plants to fill available niches.

Submodel