Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R028BY007NV
LOAMY 10-12 P.Z.
Accessed: 11/13/2024
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.
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): 028B–Central Nevada Basin and Range
MLRA 28B occurs entirely in Nevada and comprises about 23,555 square miles (61,035 square kilometers). More than nine-tenths of this MLRA is federally owned. This area is in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level, aggraded desert basins and valleys between a series of mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping to strongly sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep sideslopes. Many of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playas. Elevation ranges from 4,900 to 6,550 feet (1,495 to 1,995 meters) in the valleys and basins and from 6,550 to 11,900 feet (1,995 to 3,630 meters) in the mountains.
The mountains in the southern half are dominated by andesite and basalt rocks that were formed in the Miocene and Oligocene. Paleozoic and older carbonate rocks are prominent in the mountains to the north. Scattered outcrops of older Tertiary intrusives and very young tuffaceous sediments are throughout this area. The valleys consist mostly of alluvial fill, but lake deposits are at the lowest elevations in the closed basins. The alluvial valley fill consists of cobbles, gravel, and coarse sand near the mountains in the apex of the alluvial fans. Sands, silts, and clays are on the distal ends of the fans.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 12 inches (100 to 305 millimeters) in most areas on the valley floors. Average annual precipitation in the mountains ranges from 8 to 36 inches (205 to 915 millimeters) depending on elevation. The driest period is from midsummer to midautumn. The average annual temperature is 34 to 52 degrees F (1 to 11 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 125 days and ranges from 80 to 170 days, decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed or carbonatic mineralogy. They generally are well drained, loamy or loamyskeletal, and shallow to very deep.
Nevada’s climate is predominantly arid, with large daily ranges of temperature, infrequent severe storms and heavy snowfall in the higher mountains. Three basic geographical factors largely influence Nevada’s climate: continentality, latitude, and elevation. 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, as a result 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 midlatitude 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 occasional thundershowers. The eastern portion of the state receives noteworthy 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).
Ecological site concept
This site occurs on fan remnants. Slopes gradients of 4 to 15 percent are most typical. Elevations are 6400 to 7000 feet.
Soils associated with this site are moderately deep to a duripan, well drained and formed in alluvium derived from andesite/quartzite. Surface soils are medium to coarse textured. Soils have a mollic epipedon, an argillic horizon and are modified with a high volume of rock fragments throughout the profile.
The reference state is characterized by a stand of perennial bunchgrasses and deep-rooted shrubs. The plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush, Thurber's needlegrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. Production ranges from 600 to 1000 pounds per acre.
Associated sites
| F028BY062NV |
PIMO-JUOS/ARTRV/PSSPS-ACTH7 |
|---|---|
| R028BY003NV |
LOAMY BOTTOM 10-14 P.Z. |
| R028BY006NV |
SHALLOW CALCAREOUS LOAM 10-12 P.Z. |
| R028BY010NV |
LOAMY 8-10 P.Z. |
| R028BY030NV |
LOAMY 12-16 P.Z. |
| R028BY037NV |
CLAYPAN 12-14 P.Z. |
| R028BY045NV |
LOAMY FAN 8-12 P.Z. |
| R028BY080NV |
SHALLOW LOAM 8-10 P.Z. |
Similar sites
| R028BY045NV |
LOAMY FAN 8-12 P.Z. LECI4-ACHY-ELMA7 codominant grasses; restricted to inset fans. |
|---|---|
| R028BY080NV |
SHALLOW LOAM 8-10 P.Z. Less productive site; shallow soils. |
| R028BY086NV |
GRAVELLY CLAY 10-12 P.Z. ACTH7 dominant grass; PSSP minor, if present, less productive site. |
| R028BY094NV |
CALCAREOUS LOAM 10-14 P.Z. ACHY-PSSP codominant grasses; ACTH7 absent. |
| R028BY088NV |
CALCAREOUS LOAM 14-16 P.Z. PSSP dominant grass; ACTH7 absent. |
| R028BY030NV |
LOAMY 12-16 P.Z. ARTRV dominant shrub; PSSP dominant grass. |
| R028BY087NV |
GRAVELLY CLAY 12-14 P.Z. ARTRV dominant shrub; less productive site; steeper slopes. |
| R028BY010NV |
LOAMY 8-10 P.Z. ACHY-HECO26 codominant grasses; less productive site. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia tridentata |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Achnatherum thurberianum |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on fan remnants. Slopes range from 2 to 50 percent, but slope gradients of 4 to 15 percent are most typical. Elevations are 6400 to 7000 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Fan remnant
|
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | Very rare to rare |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 6,400 – 7,000 ft |
| Slope | 4 – 15% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Water table depth |
Not specified |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, moist winters and warm, dry summers.
Precipitation ranges from 10 to 12 inches. Mean annual air temperature is about 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is 100 to 120 days.
Mean annual precipitation across the range in which this ES occurs is 11.9 inches: Jan. 0.99; Feb. 1.05; Mar. 1.15; Apr. 1.37; May 1.3; Jun. 0.95; Jul. 0.78; Aug. 0.86; Sept. 0.80; Oct. 0.96; Nov. 0.8; Dec. 0.92.
*The above data is averaged from the Ruth and Eureka WRCC climate stations.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 91 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 120 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 12 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) RUTH [USC00267175], Ely, NV
-
(2) EUREKA [USC00262708], Eureka, NV
Influencing water features
Influencing water features are not associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are moderately deep, well drained and formed in alluvium derived from andesite and quartzite. Soils are characterized by an argillic horizon and a mollic epipedon. Surface soils are medium to coarse textured and the soil profile is modified with high volumes of rock fragments. Potential for sheet and rill erosion varies with slope gradient. Soil moisture regime is aridic bordering on xeric and soil temperature regime is mesic.
The soil series associated with this site include Bobs, Caniwe, Cassiro, Coils, Fax, Handy, Kobeh, Mau, Orr, Pyrat, Quarz, Selti, Shantown, Shree, Wredah, Wieland and Zafod.
The representative soil series is Fax, a Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, mesic Argidic Durixerolls. Diagnostic horizons include a mollic epipedon from the soil surface to 30cm, argillic horizon from 8 to 30cm, strongly cemented duripan from 56 to 122cm, and identifiable secondary carbonates from 30 to 122cm.
Future consideration will be given to reclassifying all frigid soil series currently correlated to this ecological site to mesic.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
andesite
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly coarse sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate |
| Soil depth | 20 – 40 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 30% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 15% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1.7 – 3 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 10% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.6 – 8.2 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
35 – 55% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
30% |
Ecological dynamics
An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development and it has a set of key characteristics that influence a site’s resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasives. Key characteristics include 1) climate (precipitation, temperature), 2) topography (aspect, slope, elevation, and landform), 3) hydrology (infiltration, runoff), 4) soils (depth, texture, structure, organic matter), 5) plant communities (functional groups, productivity), and 6) natural disturbance regime (fire, herbivory, etc.) (Caudle et al. 2013). Biotic factors that influence resilience include site productivity, species composition and structure, and population regulation and regeneration (Chambers et al 2013).
The ecological site is dominated by deep-rooted cool season perennial bunchgrasses and long-lived shrubs (50+ years) with high root to shoot ratios. The dominant shrubs usually root to the full depth of the winter-spring soil moisture recharge, which ranges from 1.0 to over 3.0 m. (Comstock and Ehleringer 1992). Root length of mature sagebrush plants was measured to a depth of 2 meters in alluvial soils in Utah (Richards and Caldwell 1987). These shrubs have a flexible generalized root system with development of both deep taproots and laterals near the surface (Comstock and Ehleringer 1992).
In the Great Basin, the majority of annual precipitation is received during the winter and early spring. This continental semiarid climate regime favors growth and development of deep-rooted shrubs and herbaceous cool season plants using the C3 photosynthetic pathway (Comstock and Ehleringer 1992). Winter precipitation and slow melting of snow results in deeper percolation of moisture into the soil profile. Herbaceous plants, more shallow-rooted than shrubs, grow earlier in the growing season and thrive on spring rains, while the deeper rooted shrubs lag in phenological development because they draw from deeply infiltrating moisture from snowmelt the previous winter. Periodic drought regularly influences sagebrush ecosystems and drought duration and severity has increased throughout the 20th century in much of the Intermountain West. Major shifts away from historical precipitation patterns have the greatest potential to alter ecosystem function and productivity. Species composition and productivity can be altered by the timing of precipitation and water availability within the soil profile (Bates et al 2006).
The perennial bunchgrasses that are dominant include bluebunch wheatgrass and Thurber needlegrass. Indian ricegrass, muttongrass, needleandthread and Sandberg bluegrass are other important grass species. These species generally have somewhat shallower root systems than the shrubs, but root densities are often as high as or higher than those of shrubs in the upper 0.5 m of the soil profile. General differences in root depth distributions between grasses and shrubs results in resource partitioning in these shrub/grass systems. Variability in plant community composition and production depends on soil surface texture and depth. Needleandthread grass is adapted to coarser textured soils whereas Indian ricegrass will increase with sandy soil surfaces, and bottlebrush squirreltail will increase with silty soil surfaces. Production generally increases with soil depth. The amount of sagebrush in the plant community is dependent upon disturbances like fire, Aroga moth infestations, and grazing.
Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush are generally long-lived; therefore it is not necessary for new individuals to recruit every year for perpetuation of the stand. Infrequent large recruitment events and simultaneous low, continuous recruitment is the foundation of population maintenance (Noy-Meir 1973). Survival of the seedlings is depended on adequate moisture conditions.
Native insect outbreaks are also important drivers of ecosystem dynamics in sagebrush communities. Climate is generally believed to influence the timing of insect outbreaks especially a sagebrush defoliator, Aroga moth (Aroga websteri). Aroga moth infestations have occurred in the Great Basin in the 1960s, early 1970s, and is ongoing in Nevada since 2004 (Bentz, et al 2008). Thousands of acres of big sagebrush have been impacted, with partial to complete die-off observed. Aroga moth can partially or entirely kill individual plants or entire stands of big sagebrush (Furniss and Barr 1975).
The perennial bunchgrasses generally have somewhat shallower root systems than the shrubs, but root densities are often as high as or higher than those of shrubs in the upper 0.5 m but taper off more rapidly than shrubs. General differences in root depth distributions between grasses and shrubs results in resource partitioning in these shrub/grass systems.
The Great Basin sagebrush communities have high spatial and temporal variability in precipitation both among years and within growing seasons. Nutrient availability is typically low but increases with elevation and closely follows moisture availability. The moisture resource supporting the greatest amount of plant growth is usually the water stored in the soil profile during the winter. The invasibility of plant communities is often linked to resource availability. Disturbance can decrease resource uptake due to damage or mortality of the native species and depressed competition or can increase resource pools by the decomposition of dead plant material following disturbance. The invasion of sagebrush communities by cheatgrass has been linked to disturbances (fire, abusive grazing) that have resulted in fluctuations in resources (Chambers et al 2007).
The introduction of annual weedy species, like cheatgrass, may cause an increase in fire frequency and eventually lead to an annual state. Conversely, as fire frequency decreases, sagebrush will increase and with inappropriate grazing management the perennial bunchgrasses and forbs may be reduced.
Infilling by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may also occur with an extended fire return interval. Eventually, singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper will dominate the site and out-compete sagebrush for water and sunlight severely reducing both the shrub and herbaceous understory (Lett and Knapp 2005, Miller et al. 2000). Bluegrasses may remain underneath trees on north-facing slopes. The potential for soil erosion increases as the Utah juniper woodland matures and the understory plant community cover declines (Pierson et al. 2010).
The ecological site has low to moderate resilience to disturbance and low to moderate resistance to invasion. Resilience increases with elevation, aspect, increased precipitation and increased nutrient availability. Six possible alternative stable states have been identified for this site.
Fire Ecology:
Fire is the principal means of renewal of decadent stands of Wyoming big sagebrush. Wyoming big sagebrush communities historically had low fuel loads, and patchy fires that burned in a mosaic pattern were common at 10 to 70 year return intervals (Young et al. 1979, West and Hassan 1985, Bunting et al. 1987). Davies et al. (2007) suggest fire return intervals in Wyoming big sagebrush communities were around 50 to 100 years. More recently, Baker (2011) estimates fire rotation to be 200-350 years in Wyoming big sagebrush communities. Wyoming big sagebrush is killed by fire and only regenerates from seed. Recovery time for Wyoming big sagebrush may require 50 to 120 or more years (Baker 2006). Post-fire hydrologic recovery and resilience is primarily influenced by pre-fire site conditions, fire severity, and post-fire weather and land use that relate to vegetation recovery. Sites with low abundances of native perennial grasses and forbs typically have reduced resiliency following disturbance and are less resistant to invasion or increases in cheatgrass (Miller et al 2013). However, the introduction and expansion of cheatgrass has dramatically altered the fire regime (Balch et al. 2013) and restoration potential of Wyoming big sagebrush communities.
The effect of fire on bunchgrasses relates to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, and the size of the plant. The initial condition of bunchgrasses within the site along with seasonality and intensity of the fire all factor into the individual species response. For most forbs and grasses the growing points are located at or below the soil surface providing relative protection from disturbances which decrease above ground biomass, such as grazing or fire. Thus, fire mortality is more related to duration and intensity of heat which is related to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, size of plant and abundance of old growth (Young 1983, Wright 1971).
Fire will remove aboveground biomass from bluebunch wheatgrass but plant mortality is generally low (Robberecht and Defossé 1995) because the buds are underground (Conrad and Poulton 1966) or protected by foliage. Uresk et al. (1976) reported burning increased vegetative and reproductive vigor of bluebunch wheatgrass. Thus, bluebunch wheatgrass is considered to experience slight damage to fire but is more susceptible in drought years (Young 1983). Plant response will vary depending on season, fire severity, fire intensity and post-fire soil moisture availability.
Burning has been found to decrease the vegetative and reproductive vigor of Thurber’s needlegrass (Uresk et al. 1976). Fire can cause high mortality, in addition to reducing basal area and yield of Thurber’s needlegrass (Britton et al. 1990). The fine leaves and densely tufted growth form make this grass susceptible to subsurface charring of the crowns (Wright and Klemmedson 1965). Although timing of fire highly influenced the response and mortality of Thurber’s needlegrass, smaller bunch sizes were less likely to be damaged by fire (Wright and Klemmedson 1965). Thurber’s needlegrass often survives fire and will continue growth or regenerate from tillers when conditions are favorable (Koniak 1985, Britton et al. 1990). Reestablishment on burned sites has been found to be relatively slow due to low germination and competitive ability (Koniak 1985). Cheatgrass has been found to be a highly successful competitor with seedlings of this needlegrass and may preclude reestablishment (Evans and Young 1978).
Mutton grass, a minor component on this site, is top killed by fire but will resprout after low to moderate severity fires. A study by Vose and White (1991) in an open sawtimber site, found minimal difference in overall effect of burning on mutton grass.
Indian ricegrass is fairly fire tolerant (Wright 1985), which is likely due to its low culm density and below ground plant crowns. Vallentine (1989) cites several studies in the sagebrush zone that classified Indian ricegrass as being slightly damaged from late summer burning. Indian ricegrass has also been found to reestablish on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas (Young 1983, West 1994). Thus the presence of surviving, seed producing plants facilitates reestablishment of Indian ricegrass. Grazing management following fire to promote seed production and establishment of seedlings is important.
Needleandthread is top-killed by fire but is likely to resprout if fire does not consume above ground stems (Akinsoji 1988, Bradley, Noste and Fischer 1992). In a study by Wright and Klemmedson (1965), season of burn rather than fire intensity seemed to be the crucial factor in mortality for needleandthread grass. Early spring season burning was seen to kill the plants while August burning had no effect. Thus under wildfire scenarios needle-and-thread is often present in the post-burn community. However, due to its lack of grazing tolerance, grazing after fire should be managed carefully.
Squirreltail is considered more fire tolerant than Indian ricegrass due to its small size, coarse stems, broad leaves and generally sparse leafy material (Wright 1971, Britton et al. 1990). Postfire regeneration occurs from surviving root crowns and from on-and off-site seed sources. Bottlebrush squirreltail has the ability to produce large numbers of highly germinable seeds, with relatively rapid germination (Young and Evans 1977) when exposed to the correct environmental cues. Early spring growth and ability to grow at low temperatures contribute to the persistence of bottle brush squirreltail among cheatgrass dominated ranges (Hironaka and Tisdale 1972).
Sandberg bluegrass, a minor component of this ecological site, has been found to increase following fire likely due to its low stature and productivity (Daubenmire 1975). Reduced bunchgrass vigor or density provides an opportunity for Sandberg bluegrass expansion and/or cheatgrass and other invasive species to occupy interspaces, leading to increased fire frequency and potentially an annual plant community. Sandberg bluegrass increases under grazing pressure (Tisdale and Hironaka 1981) and is capable of co-existing with cheatgrass. Excessive sheep grazing favors Sandberg bluegrass; however, where cattle are the dominant grazers, cheatgrass often dominates (Daubenmire 1970). Thus, depending on the season of use, the grazer and site conditions, either Sandberg bluegrass or cheatgrass may become the dominant understory with inappropriate grazing management. Repeated frequent fire in this community will eliminate big sagebrush and severely decrease or eliminate the deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses from the site and facilitate the establishment of an annual weed community with varying amounts of Sandberg bluegrass and rabbitbrush.
Wildfire in sites with cheatgrass present could transition to cheatgrass dominated communities. Without management cheatgrass and annual forbs are likely to invade and dominate the site, especially after fire. Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon may be present and with a lack in disturbances such as fire can eventually out-compete understory vegetation for site resources.
State and transition model
Figure 6. State and Transition Model
Figure 7. Legend
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 6 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has 3 general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant 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.
Community 1.1
Community Phase
Big sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, Thurber’s needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, needleandthread and Indian ricegrass dominate the site. Sandberg bluegrass and squirreltail are also common. Forbs are present but not abundant. Potential vegetative composition is about 65% grasses, 10% forb, and 25% shrubs and scattered trees. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 20 to 30 percent.
Figure 8. 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 | 390 | 520 | 650 |
| Shrub/Vine | 142 | 180 | 218 |
| Forb | 60 | 80 | 100 |
| Tree | 8 | 20 | 32 |
| Total | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
Community 1.2
Community Phase
This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community phase. Indian ricegrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Depending on fire severity or intensity of Aroga moth infestation, patches of intact sagebrush may remain.
Community 1.3
Community Phase
Big sagebrush increases in the absence of disturbance. Decadent sagebrush dominates the overstory and the deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs and/or from herbivory.
Pathway a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Fire would decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires would typically be small and patchy due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. A severe infestation of Aroga moth could also cause a large decrease in sagebrush within the community, giving a competitive advantage to the perennial grasses and forbs.
Pathway b
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Time and lack of disturbance such as fire allows for sagebrush to increase and become decadent. Chronic drought, herbivory, or combinations of these would cause a decline in perennial bunchgrasses and fine fuels and lead to a reduced fire frequency allowing big sagebrush to dominate the site.
Pathway a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Absence of disturbance over time would allow for sagebrush to increase.
Pathway a
Community 1.3 to 1.1
A low severity fire, Aroga moth or combination would reduce the sagebrush overstory and create a sagebrush/grass mosaic with sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses co-dominant. Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon may be present.
Pathway b
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Fire would decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires would typically be low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fine fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels, may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. A severe infestation of Aroga moth could also cause a large decrease in sagebrush within the community, giving a competitive advantage to the perennial grasses and forbs.
State 2
Current Potential State
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. This state has the same three general community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks 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.
Community 2.1
Community Phase
Figure 9. P. Novak-Echenique _6/2012 R028BY007NV
Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, Thurber’s needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, needleandthread, Nevada bluegrass, muttongrass and Indian ricegrass dominate the site. Sandberg bluegrass and forbs make up smaller percentages by weight of the understory. Non-native annual species are present.
Community 2.2
Community Phase
This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community phase. Indian ricegrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Wyoming big sagebrush is presence in trace amounts. Depending on fire severity or intensity of Aroga moth infestations, patches of intact sagebrush may remain. Rabbitbrush may be sprouting. Forbs may increase post-fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Annual non-native species generally respond well after fire and may be stable or increasing within the community.
Community 2.3
Community Phase (at risk)
Figure 10. P. Novak-Echenique_6/2012 R028BY007NV
This community is at risk of crossing a threshold to another state. Sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced, either from competition with shrubs or from inappropriate grazing management, or from both. Rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Sandberg bluegrass may increase and become co-dominate with deep rooted bunchgrasses. Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon may be present and without management will likely increase. Annual non-natives species may be stable or increasing due to lack of competition with perennial bunchgrasses. This site is susceptible to further degradation from grazing, drought, and fire.
Pathway a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Fire reduces the shrub overstory and allows for perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels, may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. A severe infestation of Aroga moth could also cause a large decrease in sagebrush within the community, giving a competitive advantage to the perennial grasses and forbs. Annual non-native species are likely to increase after fire.
Pathway b
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Time and lack of disturbance such as fire allows for sagebrush to increase and become decadent. Chronic drought reduces fine fuels and leads to a reduced fire frequency allowing Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush to dominate the site. Inappropriate grazing management reduces the perennial bunchgrass understory; conversely Sandberg bluegrass may increase in the understory depending on grazing management. Excessive sheep grazing favors Sandberg bluegrass; however, where cattle and/or horses are the dominant grazers, cheatgrass often increases.
Pathway a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Time and lack of disturbance and/or grazing management that favors the establishment and growth of sagebrush allows the shrub component to recover. The establishment of Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush can take many years.
Pathway a
Community 2.3 to 2.1
A change in grazing management that decreases shrubs would allow for the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory to increase. Heavy late-fall/winter grazing may cause mechanical damage and subsequent death to sagebrush, facilitating an increase in the herbaceous understory. An infestation of Aroga moth or a low severity fire would reduce some sagebrush overstory and allow perennial grasses to increase in the community. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance would also decrease sagebrush and release the perennial understory. Annual non-native species are present and may increase in the community.
Pathway b
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Fire would decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires would typically be small and patchy due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. A severe infestation of Aroga moth could also cause a large decrease in sagebrush within the community, giving a competitive advantage to the perennial grasses and forbs.
State 3
Shrub State
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses. Sandberg bluegrass may increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and may become the dominate grass or the herbaceous understory may be completely eliminated. Sagebrush dominates the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Sagebrush cover exceeds site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory dominates site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed. Bare ground may be significant with soil redistribution occurring between interspace and canopy locations.
Community 3.1
Community Phase (at risk)
Decadent Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush co-dominate the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses may be present in trace amounts or absent from the community. Sandberg bluegrass may increase along with annual non-native species. Bare ground is significant. Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon may be present.
State 4
Annual State
This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and tansy mustard in the understory. Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush and/or rabbitbrush may dominate the overstory.
Community 4.1
Community Phase
Annual non-native plants such as cheatgrass or tansy mustard dominate the site. Rabbitbrush may or may not be present.
Community 4.2
Community Phase
Big sagebrush overstory with annual non-native species understory. Trace amounts of desirable bunchgrasses may be present.
Pathway a
Community 4.1 to 4.2
Time and lack of fire allows for the sagebrush to establish. Probability of sagebrush establishment is extremely low.
Pathway a
Community 4.2 to 4.1
Fire removes sagebrush and allows for annual non-native species to dominate the site.
State 5
Tree State
This state is characterized by a dominance of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon in the overstory. Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.
Community 5.1
Community Phase
Figure 11. P. Novak-Echenique_9/2012
Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon pine dominates the overstory and site resources. Trees are actively growing with noticeable leader growth. Trace amounts of bunchgrass may be found under tree canopies with or without trace amounts of Sandberg bluegrass and forbs in the interspaces. Sagebrush is stressed and dying. Annual non-native species are present under tree canopies. Bare ground interspaces are large and connected.
Community 5.2
Community Phase (at risk)
Figure 12. P. Novak-Echenique_9/2012
Figure 13. Tree Removal_P. Novak-Echenique_7/2012
Utah juniper trees and/or singleleaf pinyon pine dominates the site and tree leader growth is minimal; annual non-native species may be the dominant understory species and will typically be found under the tree canopies. Trace amounts of sagebrush may be present however dead skeletons will be more numerous than living sagebrush. Bunchgrasses may or may not be present. Sandberg bluegrass or mat forming forbs may be present in trace amounts. Bare ground interspaces are large and connected. Soil redistribution is evident.
Pathway a
Community 5.1 to 5.2
Time and lack of disturbance or management action allows Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon to further mature and dominate site resources.
State 6
Seeded State
This state is characterized by the dominance of seeded introduced wheatgrass species. Forage kochia and other desired seeded species including Wyoming big sagebrush and native and non-native forbs may be present. Soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling are primarily driven by deep rooted bunchgrasses.
Community 6.1
Community Phase
Introduced wheatgrass species and other non-native species such as forage kochia dominate the community. Native and non-native seeded forbs may be present. Trace amounts of big sagebrush may be present, especially if seeded. Annual non-native species present.
Community 6.2
Community Phase
Big sagebrush and seeded wheatgrass species co-dominate. Annual non-native species stable to increasing.
Community 6.3
Community Phase (at risk)
This community phase is at-risk of crossing a threshold to another state. Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush dominate. Rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Wheatgrass vigor and density reduced. Annual non-native species stable to increasing. Juniper may be present.
Pathway a
Community 6.1 to 6.2
Inappropriate grazing management particularly during the growing season reduces perennial bunchgrass vigor and density and facilitates shrub establishment.
Pathway a
Community 6.2 to 6.1
Low severity fire, brush management, and/or Aroga moth infestation would reduce the sagebrush overstory and allow seeded wheatgrass species to become dominant.
Pathway b
Community 6.2 to 6.3
Absence of shrub removal disturbances over time coupled with inappropriate grazing management that promotes a reduction in perennial bunchgrasses and facilitates shrub dominance.
Pathway a
Community 6.3 to 6.1
Fire eliminates/decreases the overstory of sagebrush and allows for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires would typically be low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fine fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels, may be more severe and reduce the shrub component to trace amounts. A severe infestation of Aroga moth would also cause a large decrease in sagebrush within the community, giving a competitive advantage to the perennial grasses and forbs. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance would also decrease sagebrush and release the perennial understory. Annual non-native species respond well to fire and may increase post-burn.
Transition A
State 1 to 2
Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native annual weeds, such as cheatgrass, mustards, bur buttercup and halogeton. 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 A
State 2 to 3
Trigger: Inappropriate, long-term grazing of perennial bunchgrasses during the growing season would favor sagebrush. Slow variables: Long term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes spatial and temporal nutrient cycling and nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter.
Transition B
State 2 to 4
Trigger: To Community Phase 4.1: Severe fire. To Community Phase 4.2: Inappropriate grazing management that favors shrubs in the presence of non-native species. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs truncates, spatially and temporally, nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels from annual non-native plants modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires.
Transition C
State 2 to 5
Trigger: Time and lack of disturbance or management action allows for Utah Juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon to dominate. This may be coupled with grazing management that favors tree establishment by reducing understory herbaceous competition for site resources Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase. Threshold: Trees dominate ecological processes and number of shrub skeletons exceed number of live shrubs.
Transition A
State 3 to 4
Trigger: To Community Phase 4.1: Severe fire. To Community Phase 4.2: Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of annual non-native species. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires. Changes in plant community composition and spatial variability of vegetation due to the loss of perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush truncate energy capture spatially and temporally thus impacting nutrient cycling and distribution.
Transition B
State 3 to 5
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance or management action allows for Utah Juniper to dominate site. This may be coupled with grazing management that favors tree establishment by reducing understory herbaceous competition for site resources. Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase. Threshold: Trees dominate ecological processes and number of shrub skeletons exceed number of live shrubs.
Restoration pathway A
State 3 to 6
Brush management with minimal soil disturbance, coupled with seeding of desired species, usually wheatgrass (6.1 or 6.2). Probability of success very low (6.1).
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Range Planting |
Restoration pathway A
State 4 to 6
Seeding of deep-rooted introduced bunchgrasses and other desired species; may be coupled with brush management and/or herbicide. Probability of success is extremely low.
Conservation practices
| Range Planting |
|---|
Transition A
State 5 to 4
Trigger: Catastrophic fire causing a stand replacement event would transition Annual State 4.0. Inappropriate tree removal practices with soil disturbance would cause a transition to the Annual State 4. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species under tree canopies. Threshold: Closed tree canopy with non-native annual species dominant in the understory changes the intensity, size and spatial variability of fires. Changes in plant community composition and spatial variability of vegetation due to the loss of perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush truncate energy capture and impact nutrient cycling and distribution.
Restoration pathway A
State 5 to 6
Tree removal and seeding of desired species. Tree removal practices that minimize soil disturbance are recommended. Probability of success declines with increased presence of non-native annual species (Community Phase 5.2).
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Range Planting |
Transition A
State 6 to 4
Trigger: Fire Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species Threshold: Cheatgrass or other non-native annuals dominate understory
Transition B
State 6 to 5
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance or management action allows for Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon to dominate site. This may be coupled with grazing management that favors tree establishment by reducing understory herbaceous competition for site resources. Slow variables: Increased establishment and cover of pinyon and juniper trees Threshold: Trees dominate ecological processes and number of shrub skeletons exceed number of live shrubs. There is minimal recruitment of sagebrush cohorts.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Perennial Grasses | 408–752 | ||||
| Thurber's needlegrass | ACTH7 | Achnatherum thurberianum | 240–320 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 120–240 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 16–64 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 8–32 | – | ||
| 2 | Secondary Perennial Grasses | 16–64 | ||||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 4–24 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 4–24 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 4–24 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 4–24 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 3 | Perennial Forbs | 72–160 | ||||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 16–40 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 16–40 | – | ||
| tufted wheatgrass | ELMA7 | Elymus macrourus | 4–24 | – | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 4–16 | – | ||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 4–16 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 4 | Primary Shrubs | 136–300 | ||||
| mountain big sagebrush | ARTRV | Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana | 60–100 | – | ||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 60–100 | – | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 16–100 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 32–68 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 4–24 | – | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 4–24 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 6 | Evergreen | 8–32 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 4–16 | – | ||
| singleleaf pinyon | PIMO | Pinus monophylla | 4–16 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Considerations for grazing management including timing, intensity and duration of grazing. Targeted grazing could be used to decrease the density of non-natives.
Overgrazing leads to an increase in big sagebrush and a decline in understory plants like bluebunch wheatgrass, Thurber needlegrass, Indian ricegrass and needleandthread grass. Squirreltail and Sandberg bluegrass will increase temporarily with further degradation. Invasion of annual weedy forbs and cheatgrass could occur with further grazing degradation, leading to a decline in squirreltail and an increase in bare ground. A combination of overgrazing and prolonged drought may lead to soil redistribution, increased bare ground and a loss in plant production. Thurber’s needlegrass species begin growth early in the year and remain green throughout a relatively long growing season. This pattern of development enables animals to use Thurber’s needlegrass when many other grasses are unavailable. Cattle prefer Thurber’s needlegrass in early spring before fruits have developed as it becomes less palatable when mature. Thurber’s needlegrasses are grazed in the fall only if the fruits are softened by rain. Bluebunch wheatgrass is considered one of the most important forage grass species on western rangelands for livestock. Although bluebunch wheatgrass can be a crucial source of forage, it is not necessarily the most highly preferred species. 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. Indian ricegrass is highly palatable to all classes of livestock in both green and cured condition. It supplies a source of green feed before most other native grasses have produced much new growth. Bluegrass is a widespread forage grass. It is one of the earliest grasses in the spring and is sought by domestic livestock and several wildlife species. Nevada bluegrass is a palatable species, but its production is closely tied to weather conditions. It produces little forage in drought years, making it a less dependable food source than other perennial bunchgrasses. Muttongrass is excellent forage for domestic livestock especially in the early spring. Muttongrass begins growth in late winter and early spring, which makes it available before many other forage plants. Livestock browse Wyoming big sagebrush, but may use it only lightly when palatable herbaceous species are available. Mountain big sagebrush is eaten by domestic livestock but has long been considered to be of low palatability, and a competitor to more desirable species. Antelope bitterbrush is important browse for livestock. Domestic livestock and mule deer may compete for antelope bitterbrush in late summer, fall, and/or winter.
Bluebunch wheatgrass is moderately grazing tolerant and is very sensitive to defoliation during the active growth period (Blaisdell and Pechanec 1949, Laycock 1967, Anderson and Scherzinger 1975, Britton et al. 1990). Herbage and flower stalk production was reduced with clipping at all times during the growing season; however, clipping was most harmful during the boot stage (Blaisdell and Pechanec 1949). Tiller production and growth of bluebunch was greatly reduced when clipping was coupled with drought (Busso and Richards 1995). Mueggler (1975) estimated that low vigor bluebunch wheatgrass may need up to 8 years rest to recover. Although an important forage species, it is not always the preferred species by livestock and wildlife.
Thurber’s needlegrass is an important forage source for livestock and wildlife in the arid regions of the West (Ganskopp 1988). Although the seeds are apparently not injurious, grazing animals avoid them when they begin to mature. Sheep, however, have been observed to graze the leaves closely, leaving stems untouched (Eckert and Spencer 1987). Heavy grazing during the growing season has been shown to reduce the basal area of Thurber’s needlegrass (Eckert and Spencer 1987), suggesting that both seasonality and utilization are important factors in management of this plant. A single defoliation, particularly during the boot stage, was found to reduce herbage production and root mass thus potentially lowering the competitive ability of this needlegrass (Ganskopp 1988).
Indian ricegrass is a deep-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrass that is adapted primarily to well-drained soils. Indian ricegrass is a preferred forage species for livestock and wildlife (Cook 1962, Booth et al. 2006). This species is often heavily utilized in winter because it cures well (Booth et al. 2006). It is also readily utilized in early spring, being a source of green feed before most other perennial grasses have produced new growth (Quinones 1981). Booth et al (2006) also notes that the plant does well when utilized in winter and spring. Cook and Child (1971), however, found that repeated heavy grazing reduced crown cover, which may reduce seed production, density, and basal area of these plants. The seed crop may be reduced where grazing is heavy (Bich et al. 1995). Additionally, heavy early spring grazing was found to reduce plant vigor and stand density (Stubbendieck et al. 1985). In eastern Idaho, productivity of Indian ricegrass was at least 10 times greater in undisturbed plots than in heavily grazed ones (Pearson 1976). Yet, Cook and Child (1971) found significant reduction in plant cover after 7 years of rest from heavy (90%) and moderate (60%) spring use. Tolerance to grazing increases after May, thus spring deferment may be necessary for stand enhancement (Pearson 1964, Cook and Child 1971); however, utilization of less than 60% is recommended.
Needleandthread is widely distributed over the western states and Great Plains (USDA 1988)). This plant is a deep-rooted bunchgrass which depends upon seed for reproduction therefore on drier sites where seed production is variable it is easily removed by overgrazing (USDA 1988). Therefore it is considered not grazing tolerant in the arid west and will be one of the first grasses to decrease under heavy grazing pressure (Smoliak et al. 1972, Tueller and Blackburn 1974). Heavy grazing is likely to reduce basal area of these plants ((Smoliak et al. 1972).
Bottlebrush squirreltail, a minor component of this ecological site is a short lived perennial bunchgrass that is generally an early seral species (Jones 1998). It is thought to be grazing tolerant but will decrease in basal area with heavy grazing (Eckert and Spencer 1987). Its grazing tolerance is likely due to its morphology and early dormancy during the summer months (Wright 1967). Squirreltail is considered to be fair forage for livestock and wildlife until the heads develop (Dayton 1937). Squirreltail also exhibits traits that allow it to be a good competitor with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and make it a viable option when rehabilitating invaded rangelands (Rowe and Leger 2010).
The majority of research concerning rabbitbrush has been conducted on green rabbitbrush. Green rabbitbrush has a large taproot and is known to be shorter-lived and less competitive than sagebrush. Seedling density, flower production, and shoot growth decline as competition from other species increases (McKell and Chilcote 1957, Miller et al. 2013, Young and Evans 1974). Depending on fire severity, rabbitbrush may increase after fire. Shortened fire intervals within this ecological site favor an annual invasive herbaceous understory with varying amounts of Sandberg bluegrass and an overstory of rabbitbrush.
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:
Many wildlife species are dependent on the sagebrush ecosystem including the greater sage grouse, sage sparrow, pygmy rabbit and the sagebrush vole. Dobkin and Sauder (2004) identified 61 animal species, including 24 mammals and 37 birds, associated with the shrub-steppe habitats of the Intermountain West. Wyoming big sagebrush communities are important winter ranges for big game (Allen et al 1984, Tweit and Houston 1980). Pronghorn usually browse Wyoming big sagebrush heavily. Mountain big sagebrush is highly preferred and nutritious winter forage for mule deer and elk.The literature is unclear as to the palatability of Wyoming big sagebrush. Generally, Wyoming sagebrush is the least palatable of the big sagebrush taxa (Bray et al 1991, Sheehy and Winward 1981) however it may receive light or moderate use depending upon the amount of understory herbaceous cover (Tweit and Houston 1980). Personius et al (1987) found Wyoming big sagebrush and basin big sagebrush to be intermediately palatable to mule deer when compared to mountain big sagebrush (most palatable) and black sagebrush (least palatable).
Sagebrush-grassland communities provide critical sage-grouse breeding and nesting habitats. Open Wyoming sagebrush communities are preferred nesting habitat. 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. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep utilize antelope bitterbrush extensively. Mule deer use of antelope bitterbrush peaks in September, when antelope bitterbrush may compose 91 percent of the diet. Winter use is greatest during periods of deep snow. Antelope bitterbrush seed is a large part of the diets of rodents, especially deer mice and kangaroo rats. Thurber needlegrass is valuable forage for wildlife. Bluebunch wheatgrass is considered one of the most important forage grass species on western rangelands for wildlife. Bluebunch wheatgrass does not generally provide sufficient cover for ungulates, however, mule deer are frequently found in bluebunch-dominated grasslands. Needleandthread is moderately important spring forage for mule deer, but use declines considerably as more preferred forages become available.
Hydrological functions
Rills are rare. A few rills can be expected on steeper slopes in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid spring snowmelt. Water flow patterns are rare but can be expected in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt usually on steeper slopes. Pedestals are rare. Occurrence is usually limited to areas of water flow patterns. Frost heaving of shallow rooted plants should not be considered a "normal" condition. Gullies are rare in areas of this site that occur on stable landforms. Where this site occurs on inset, fans gullies, and head cuts associated with ephemeral channel entrenchment are rare to common. Gullies and head cuts should be healing or stable. Perennial herbaceous plants, especially deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., bluebunch wheatgrass & Thurber's needlegrass), slow runoff and increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and accumulation on site.
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
Native Americans made tea from big sagebrush leaves. They used the tea as a tonic, an antiseptic, for treating colds, diarrhea, and sore eyes and as a rinse to ward off ticks. Big sagebrush seeds were eaten raw or made into meal. Native peoples used big sagebrush leaves and branches for medicinal teas, and the leaves as a fumigant. Bark was woven into mats, bags and clothing. Indian ricegrass was traditionally eaten by some Native Americans. The Paiutes used seed as a reserve food source.
Other information
Wyoming big sagebrush is used for stabilizing slopes and gullies and for restoring degraded wildlife habitat, rangelands, mine spoils and other disturbed sites. It is particularly recommended on dry upland sites where other shrubs are difficult to establish. Antelope bitterbrush has been used extensively in land reclamation. Antelope bitterbrush enhances succession by retaining soil and depositing organic material and in some habitats and with some ecotypes, by fixing nitrogen. Needleandthread grass is useful for stabilizing eroded or degraded sites.
Supporting information
Type locality
| Location 1: White Pine County, NV | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T13 N R63 E S 1 |
| Latitude | 39° 1′ 11″ |
| Longitude | 114° 50′ 45″ |
| General legal description | Approximately 1 mile south of the road leading to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park, along the west side of Cave Valley Road, White Pine County, Nevada. |
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Contributors
CP/HA/RK
T. Stringham/P.Novak-Echenique
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) | GK Brackley/P.Novak-Echenique |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | State Rangeland Management Specialist |
| Date | 06/01/2006 |
| Approved by | P. Novak-Echenique |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills are none to rare. A few rills can be expected on steeper slopes in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid spring snowmelt. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Waterflow patterns are none to rare but can be expected in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt usually on steeper slopes. If present they are typically short (<1m) and disconnected. They are meandering and are interrupted by plants. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none to rare. Occurrence is usually limited to areas of waterflow patterns. Frost heaving of shallow rooted plants should not be considered a "normal" condition. Terracettes are none to rare. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground ± 40% depending on amount of surface rock fragments. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage from grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move distance of slope length during intense summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt events. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during large rainfall events. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values should be 4 to 6 on most soil textures found on this site. (To be field tested.) -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Surface structure is typically thin to thick platy or massive. Soil surface colors are browns or grayish browns and soils are typified by a mollic epipedon. Organic matter of the surface 2 to 4 inches is typically 1.25 to 3 percent dropping off quickly below. Organic matter content can be more or less depending on micro-topography. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Perennial herbaceous plants, especially deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., bluebunch wheatgrass & Thurber's needlegrass), slow runoff and increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and accumulation on site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Compacted layers are none. Platy or massive sub-surface horizons or argillic horizons are not to be interpreted as compacted. -
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:
Reference State: Deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses >> tall shrubs (big sagebrush)Sub-dominant:
associated shrubs = shallow-rooted/rhizomatous perennial grasses = deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs > fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbsOther:
evergreen treesAdditional:
With an extended fire return interval, the shrub and tree component will increase at the expense of the herbaceous component. Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may eventually dominate this site and the understory component will be be greatly decreased. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Dead branches within individual shrubs common and standing dead shrub canopy material may be as much as 25% of total woody canopy; some of the mature bunchgrasses (<10%) have dead centers. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Under canopy and between plant interspaces (20-35%) and litter depth is < ¼ inch. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (through mid-June) ± 800 lbs/ac; Favorable years ±1000 lbs/ac and unfavorable years ±600 lbs/ac. -
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:
Potential invaders include cheatgrass, Russian thistle, knapweeds, and annual mustards. Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may increase and eventually dominate this site. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years. Little growth or reproduction occurs during extreme drought years.
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