NORTH-FACING LIMESTONE SLOPES
Circle-spoke model
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. It is dominated by Great Basin bristlecone pine, with trace 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 and 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 very old ages.
This plant community is currently described by one state, the reference state, 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 the findings.
Submodel
States 1, 5 and 6 (additional transitions)
1.1. Reference Plant Community
1.5. Immature Forest
1.6. Over-mature Forest
States 2, 5 and 6 (additional transitions)
1.2. Herbaceous
1.5. Immature Forest
1.6. Over-mature Forest
Model keys
Briefcase
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.