SOUTH-FACING LIMESTONE SLOPES

Description

The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. It is dominated by Great Basin bristlecone pine, with small amounts of other conifers in the overstory. Primary natural disturbance mechanisms affecting this ecological site are periodic drought, infrequent wildfire, disease and insect attack. This site experiences an extended fire return interval due to lack of herbaceous understory and widely spaced trees. High-elevation Great Basin bristlecone pine forests are largely influenced by climate and seed dispersal instead of fire. The plant community phases of this state can last for extended periods of time. Great Basin bristlecone pine are slow growing, tolerant of harsh environmental conditions and can attain extremely old ages.

Currently this plant community is described by a one state model, because additional states have not been identified on the landscape. If in the future additional stable states are found this model will be revised to reflect additional states.

Submodel