Physiographic features

This site occurs on inset fans of upper piedmont slopes and on stream terraces on all aspects. Slope gradients of 0 to 8 percent are typical. Elevations are 5400 to 7700 feet.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Climatic features

Nevada’s climate is predominantly arid, with large daily ranges of temperature, infrequent severe storms, heavy snowfall in the higher mountains, and great location variations with elevation. Three basic geographical factors largely influence Nevada’s climate: continentality, latitude, and elevation. Continentality is the most important factor. The strong continental effect is expressed in the form of both dryness and large temperature variations. Nevada lies on the eastern, lee side of the Sierra Nevada Range, a massive mountain barrier that markedly influences the climate of the State. The prevailing winds are from the west, and as the warm moist air from the Pacific Ocean ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Range, the air cools, condensation occurs and most of the moisture falls as precipitation. As the air descends the eastern slope, it is warmed by compression, and very little precipitation occurs. The effects of this mountain barrier are felt not only in the West but throughout the state, with the result that the lowlands of Nevada are largely desert or steppes. The temperature regime is also affected by the blocking of the inland-moving maritime air. Nevada sheltered from maritime winds, has a continental climate with well-developed seasons and the terrain responds quickly to changes in solar heating.
Nevada lies within the mid-latitude belt of prevailing westerly winds which occur most of the year. These winds bring frequent changes in weather during the late fall, winter and spring months, when most of the precipitation occurs. To the south of the mid-latitude westerlies, lies a zone of high pressure in subtropical latitudes, with a center over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, this high-pressure belt shifts northward over the latitudes of Nevada, blocking storms from the ocean. The resulting weather is mostly clear and dry during the summer and early fall, with scattered thundershowers. The eastern portion of the state receives significant summer thunderstorms generated from monsoonal moisture pushed up from the Gulf of California, known as the North American monsoon. The monsoon system peaks in August and by October the monsoon high over the Western U.S. begins to weaken and the precipitation retreats southward towards the tropics (NOAA 2004).

The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, moist winters and warm, dry summers. Average annual precipitation is 10 to about 14 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is 100 to 120 days.

The Mean annual precipitation at the Great Basin Natinal Park Climate Station (263340) is 13.33 inches.

Monthly mean precipitation is:
January 1.05; February 1.18; March 1.37; April 1.21; May 1.24; June .87; July .97; August 1.18; September 1.08; October .96; December .96

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Influencing water features

These soils receive additional moisture as run-in from higher landscapes.

Soil features

Soils associated with this site are generally very deep, well drained and have formed in mixed alluvium dominantly from volcanic rock sources. Surface textures are medium textured and are usually less than 10 inches thick. Available water capacity is moderate and permeability is very slow to moderately rapid. These soils receive additional moisture as run-in from higher landscapes. The soil series associated with this site include: Fanu, Pagecreek, Ravendog, and Sevenmile.

The representative soil series is Ravendog, a Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Torrifluventic Haploxerolls. Diagnostic horizons include a mollic epipedon from the soil surface to 16 inches. Durinodes and identifiable secondary carbonates occur from 16 to 60 inches. Clay content in the particle control section averages 8 to 18 percent. Rock fragments range from 5 to 35 percent, mainly gravel. Reaction is slightly alkaline through strongly alkaline. Effervescence is slightly through violently effervescent. Lithology consists of fragments is mixed rocks.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Grazing management considerations include timing, intensity, frequency, and duration of grazing. Grazing management should be keyed to basin wildrye and other perennial grass production.
During settlement, many of the cattle in the Great Basin were wintered on extensive basin wildrye stands, however due to sensitivity to spring use many stands were decimated by early in the 20th century (Young et al. 1976). Less palatable species such as basin big sagebrush, black greasewood, and rabbitbrush increased in dominance along with invasive non-native species such as Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), mustards, and cheatgrass (Roundy 1985). Spring defoliation of basin wildrye and/or consistent, heavy grazing during the growing season has been found to significantly reduce basin wildrye production and density (Krall et al. 1971). Thus, inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation can cause a decrease in basin wildrye and an increase in rabbitbrush, black greasewood, basin big sagebrush and non-native weeds (Young et al. 1976, Roundy 1985). Additionally, native basin wildrye seed viability has been found to be low and seedlings lack vigor (Young and Evans 1981). Roundy (1985) found that although basin wildrye is adapted to seasonally dry saline soils, high and frequent spring precipitation is necessary to establish it from seed. This suggests that establishment of native basin wildrye seedlings occurs only during years of unusually high precipitation. Therefore, reestablishment of a stand that has been decimated by grazing may be episodic.
Basin wildrye is valuable forage for livestock (Ganskopp et al. 2007) and wildlife, but is intolerant of heavy, repeated, or spring grazing (Krall et al. 1971). The early growth and abundant production of basin wildrye make it a valuable source of forage for livestock. It is important forage for cattle and is readily grazed by cattle and horses in early spring and fall. Though coarse-textured during the winter, basin wildrye may be utilized more frequently by livestock and wildlife when snow has covered low shrubs and other grasses. Basin wildrye is used often as a winter feed for livestock and wildlife; not only providing roughage above the snow but also cover in the early spring months (Majerus 1992). Inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation causes a decrease in basin wildrye and an increase in basin big sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush. Further deterioration of the sites promotes shrub dominance, increased bare ground and the invasion of annual weeds, primarily cheatgrass and Russian thistle.
Basin big sagebrush may serve as emergency food during severe winter weather, but it is not usually sought out by livestock.
Stocking rates vary over time depending upon season of use, climate variations, site, and previous and current management goals. A safe starting stocking rate is an estimated stocking rate that is fine-tuned by the client by adaptive management through the year and from year to year.

Wildlife Interpretations:
Basin big sagebrush/basin wildrye communities provide cover and food for large ungulates, upland game birds, and smaller wildlife. Because of its tall, heavy growth, basin wildrye provides forage for elk (Cervus canadensis) and other big game in the winter when snow cover is more than two feet (Plummer et al 1968).
Basin big sagebrush is the least palatable of all the subspecies of big sagebrush. Basin big sagebrush is browsed by mule deer from fall to early spring, but is not preferred. Sagebrush-grassland communities provide critical sage-grouse breeding and nesting habitats. Meadows surrounded by sagebrush may be used as feeding and strutting grounds. Sagebrush is a crucial component of their diet year-round, and sage-grouse select sagebrush almost exclusively for cover. Sage-grouse prefer mountain big sagebrush and Wyoming big sagebrush communities to basin big sagebrush communities. Basin wildrye provides winter forage for mule deer, though use is often low compared to other native grasses. Basin wildrye provides summer forage for black-tailed jackrabbits. Because basin wildrye remains green throughout early summer, it remains available for small mammal forage for longer time than other grasses. Creeping wildrye is used for forage for many wildlife species and is often used for cover.
Wild ungulates use basin big sagebrush for cover and feed. Mule deer, pronghorn (Antilocarpra americana) and elk will browse basin big sagebrush from autumn through early spring (Wambolt et al. 1994). Early and midseral basin big sagebrush provide forage and protection from predators for mule deer (Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). Mule deer preference for the shrub varies seasonally. Basin big sagebrush was used more by mule deer populations in Oregon and Utah in winter than by the same populations in fall. (Sheehy and Winward 1981, Welch et al. 1981) This could be because basin big sagebrush is consumed as a last resort plant and browsed when plants considered more palatable were no longer available (Welch et al. 1981). Elk and pronghorn antelope will browse basin big sagebrush in areas where mountain and Wyoming sagebrush are unavailable (Beale and Smith 1970, Wambolt 1996). A study by Brown (1977) determined that desert bighorn sheep preferred big sagebrush over other shrub types; however, the variety was not noted.
These plants communities provide cover and food for smaller desert wildlife such as lagomorphs and rodents. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) rely on tall basin big sagebrush for shelter and food throughout the year (Green and Flinders 1980, White et al. 1982, Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). A study by Larrison and Johnson (1973) captured deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in big sagebrush communities more than any other plant community, suggesting the mice prefer these plant communities for cover over other plant communities.
Basin big sagebrush serves as valuable habitat for native birds. Studies have suggested that sage grouse use basin big sagebrush for cover and food where mountain and Wyoming big sagebrush are absent (Welch et al. 1991). Birds such as Brewer’s sparrows (Spizella breweri) are considered dependent on sagebrush communities for cover and will nest in basin big sagebrush. Thus when basin big sagebrush communities are converted to agriculture fields, Brewer’s sparrow populations can decline due to loss of habitat (Knick et al. 2003). In fact, mature basin big sagebrush act as nesting structures, protection from predators and thermal cover for Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), the sage sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis), Brewer’s sparrow and sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). The plant also acts as important cover for game-birds such as the gray partridge (Perdix perdix), mountain quail (Oreotyx pictus), and mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), as well as passerines such as, towhees (Pipilo spp.) and finches (Haemorhous spp.), that occur on arid range lands in the West (Dobbs et al. 2012, Booth 1985).
Changes in plant community composition caused by, human activity, invasive weeds, fire frequency associated with this ecological site could affect the distribution and presence of wildlife species.

Hydrological functions

Runoff is very low to low. Permeability is very slow to moderatley rapid. Hydrologic soil groups are A, B, and C.Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Grazing management considerations include duration, intensity and timing.
During settlement, many of the cattle in the Great Basin were wintered on extensive basin wildrye stands, however due to sensitivity to spring use many stands were decimated by early in the 20th century (Young et al. 1976). Less palatable species such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush and black greasewood increased in dominance along with invasive non-native species such as Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), mustards, and cheatgrass (Roundy 1985). Spring defoliation of basin wildrye and/or consistent, heavy grazing during the growing season has been found to significantly reduce basin wildrye production and density (Krall et al. 1971). Thus, inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation can cause a decrease in basin wildrye and an increase in rabbitbrush and sagebrush and non-native weeds (Young et al. 1976, Roundy 1985). Additionally, native basin wildrye seed viability has been found to be low and seedlings lack vigor (Young and Evans 1981). Roundy (1985) found that although basin wildrye is adapted to seasonally dry saline soils, high and frequent spring precipitation is necessary to establish it from seed. This suggests that establishment of native basin wildrye seedlings occurs only during years of unusually high precipitation. Therefore, reestablishment of a stand that has been decimated by grazing may be episodic. Though coarse-textured during the winter, basin wildrye may be utilized more frequently by livestock and wildlife when snow has covered low shrubs and other grasses. Basin wildrye is used often as a winter feed for livestock and wildlife; not only providing roughage above the snow but also cover in the early spring months (Majerus 1992).
Thickspike wheatgrass is palatable to all classes of livestock and wildlife. It is a preferred feed for cattle, sheep, horses, and elk in spring and is considered a desirable feed for deer and antelope in spring. It is considered a desirable feed for cattle, sheep, and horses in summer, fall, and winter. Thickspike wheatgrass's extensive rhizome system allows established stands to withstand heavy grazing and trampling. Needleandthread provides highly palatable forage, especially in the spring before fruits have developed. Needlegrasses are grazed in the fall only if the fruits are softened by rain. Basin big sagebrush may serve as emergency food during severe winter weather, but it is not usually sought out by livestock.
Stocking rates vary over time depending upon season of use, climate variations, site, and previous and current management goals. A safe starting stocking rate is an estimated stocking rate that is fine tuned by the client by adaptive management through the year and from year to year.
Wildlife Interpretations:
Basin big sagebrush/basin wildrye communities provide cover and food for large ungulates, upland game birds, and smaller wildlife. Because of its tall, heavy growth, basin wildrye provides forage for elk (Cervus canadensis) and other big game in the winter when snow cover is more than two feet (Plummer et al 1968).
Basin big sagebrush is the least palatable of all the subspecies of big sagebrush. Basin big sagebrush is browsed by mule deer from fall to early spring, but is not preferred. Wild ungulates use basin big sagebrush for cover and feed. Mule deer, pronghorn (Antilocarpra americana) and elk will browse basin big sagebrush from autumn through early spring (Wambolt et al. 1994). Early and midseral basin big sagebrush provide forage and protection from predators for mule deer (Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). Mule deer preference for the shrub varies seasonally. Basin big sagebrush was used more by mule deer populations in Oregon and Utah in winter than by the same populations in fall. (Sheehy and Winward 1981, Welch et al. 1981) This could be because basin big sagebrush is consumed as a last resort plant and browsed when plants considered more palatable were no longer available (Welch et al. 1981). Elk and pronghorn antelope will browse basin big sagebrush in areas where mountain and Wyoming sagebrush are unavailable (Beale and Smith 1970, Wambolt 1996). A study by Brown (1977) determined that desert bighorn sheep preferred big sagebrush over other shrub types; however, the variety was not noted.
These plants communities provide cover and food for smaller desert wildlife such as lagomorphs and rodents. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) rely on tall basin big sagebrush for shelter and food throughout the year (Green and Flinders 1980, White et al. 1982, Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). A study by Larrison and Johnson (1973) captured deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in big sagebrush communities more than any other plant community, suggesting the mice prefer these plant communities for cover over other plant communities.
Basin big sagebrush serves as valuable habitat for native birds. Studies have suggested that sage grouse use basin big sagebrush for cover and food where mountain and Wyoming big sagebrush are absent (Welch et al. 1991). Birds such as Brewer’s sparrows (Spizella breweri) are considered dependent on sagebrush communities for cover and will nest in basin big sagebrush. Thus when basin big sagebrush communities are converted to agriculture fields, Brewer’s sparrow populations can decline due to loss of habitat (Knick et al. 2003). In fact, mature basin big sagebrush act as nesting structures, protection from predators and thermal cover for Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), the sage sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis), Brewer’s sparrow and sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012). The plant also acts as important cover for game-birds such as the gray partridge (Perdix perdix), mountain quail (Oreotyx pictus), and mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), as well as passerines such as, towhees (Pipilo spp.) and finches (Haemorhous spp.), that occur on arid range lands in the West (Dobbs et al. 2012, Booth 1985).

Thickspike wheatgrass provides some cover for small mammals and birds. Needle and thread is moderately important spring forage for mule deer, but use declines considerably as more preferred forages become available.

Recreational uses

Aesthetic value is derived from the diverse floral and faunal composition and the colorful flowering of wild flowers and shrubs during the spring and early summer. This site offers rewarding opportunities to photographers and for nature study. This site is used for camping and hiking and has potential for upland and big game hunting.

Other products

Some Native American peoples used the bark of big sagebrush to make rope and baskets. Basin wildrye was used as bedding for various Native American ceremonies, providing a cool place for dancers to stand.

Other information

Basin big sagebrush shows high potential for range restoration and soil stabilization. Basin big sagebrush grows rapidly and spreads readily from seed. Basin wildrye is useful in mine reclamation, fire rehabilitation and stabilizing disturbed areas. Its usefulness in range seeding, however, may be limited by initially weak stand establishment. Thickspike is a good revegetation species because it forms tight sod under dry rangeland conditions, has good seedling strength, and performs well in low fertility or eroded sites. It does not compete well with aggressive introduced grasses during the establishment period, but are very compatible with slower developing natives. It’s drought tolerance combined with rhizomes, fibrous root systems, and good seedling vigor make these species ideal for reclamation in areas receiving 8 to 20 inches annual precipitation. Thickspike wheatgrass can be used for hay production and will make nutritious feed, but is more suited to pasture use. Needleandthread is useful for stabilizing eroded or degraded sites.

Type locality

Other references

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Contributors

DBP / GKB
P NovakEchenique
T Stringham