MOUNTAIN SLOPES (White Fir)

Description

The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. It is dominated by white fir. Utah juniper, singleleaf pinyon pine and Rocky mountain ponderosa pine occur in various quantities and account for less than 10 percent of the canopy. Primary natural disturbances affecting this ecological site are periodic wildfire, drought, disease and insect attack. Interactions between disturbance regimes and weather patterns determine long-term plant community dynamics. Increased mortality following drought is likely a caused by a combination of insects and disease.

This ecological site is currently described by a one state model because additional states have not been identified at this time. If in the future additional stable states are identified on the landscape changes will be made to this model to reflect findings.

Submodel