Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R034AY178WY
Wetland Green River and Great Divide Basins (WL)
Last updated: 9/28/2023
Accessed: 12/22/2024
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.
Associated sites
| R034AY128WY |
Lowland Green River and Great Divide Basins (LL) Lowland |
|---|---|
| R034AY138WY |
Saline Lowland Green River and Great Divide Basins (SL) Saline Lowland |
| R034AY142WY |
Saline Subirrigated Green River and Great Divide Basins (SS) Saline Subirrigated |
| R034AY174WY |
Subirrigated Green River and Great Divide Basins (Sb) Subirrigated |
Similar sites
| R034AY174WY |
Subirrigated Green River and Great Divide Basins (Sb) Subirrigated (Sb) 7-9GR has a lower water table. |
|---|---|
| R034AY278WY |
Wetland Foothills and Basins West (WL) Wetland (WL) 10-14W has higher production. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site will usually occur on level or gently-sloping land near springs, seeps or sloughs.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Drainageway
(2) Oxbow (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to long (7 to 30 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Ponding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to very long (more than 30 days) |
| Ponding frequency | Frequent |
| Elevation | 6,000 – 7,200 ft |
| Slope | 6% |
| Ponding depth | 12 in |
| Water table depth | 18 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 7-9 inches per year. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. This is predominantly due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph.
Growth of native cool season plants begins about April 15 and continues to about July 15. Some green up of cool season plants may occur in September if moisture is available.
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/state.pl?state=wy website. Other climate stations representative of this precipitation zone include “Bitter Creek”, ”Farson ”, “Rock Springs FAA AP”, and “Wamsutter” in Sweetwater County; “Church Buttes Gas PLT”, and Mountain View” in Uinta County; “Fontenelle”, “La Barge”, and “Sage 4 NNW” in Lincoln County; and “Big Piney” in Sublette County.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 121 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 132 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 9 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Stream type: C (Rosgen)
Soil features
This site consists of moderately deep organic and deep loamy or silty soils with a seasonal high water table at or very near the surface. They are on nearly level to slightly depressed areas with poor surface drainage. Surface soils have high organic matter and subsoils are usually mottled or gleyed.
Major Soil Series correlated to this site include: Villy series.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Clay loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderate |
| Soil depth | 15 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
5 – 6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.4 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates, species such as inland sedge and Baltic rush increase. Grasses such as Nebraska sedge, northern and bluejoint reedgrass, and tufted hairgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Willows, when present, will lose density and age diversity with heavy browsing. This site is vulnerable to noxious weed invasion by such species as perennial pepperweed.
These plant communities narratives may not represent every possibility, but they probably are the most prevalent and repeatable plant communities. The plant composition tables shown above have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data is collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. None of these plant communities should necessarily be thought of as “Desired Plant Communities”. According to the USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, Desired Plant Communities (DPC’s) will be determined by the decision-makers and will meet minimum quality criteria established by the NRCS. The main purpose for including any description of a plant community here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 1 and 6 (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
Sedge (Reference)
Community 1.1
Sedge (Reference)
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Reference Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is estimated at 75% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 15% woody species. The major grasses/grass-likes include Nebraska sedge, northern and bluejoint reedgrass, and tufted hairgrass. Other grasses and grass-like plants that may occur on this site include tall mannagrass, Baltic rush, reed canarygrass, and other wetland sedge species. A variety of willow species are the dominant woody plants. A typical plant composition for this state consists of Nebraska sedge 20-40%, tufted hairgrass 15-30%, Northern reedgrass 10-20%, inland sedge 5-15%, Bluejoint reedgrass 5-15%, other grasses and grass-like plants 5-15%, perennial forbs 5-20%, willows 5-15%, and up to 5% wildrose. Ground cover, by ocular estimate, varies from 85-100%. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 4500 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 3000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 5000 lbs./acre in above average years. The state is well adapted to the Cool Central Desertic Basin and Plateau climatic conditions. It is a critical state providing water and habitat for the surrounding area. It is resistant to drought due to a dependable water supply. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity). Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Heavy Inundation (flooding) will convert this plant community to the Cattail/Bulrush State. • Nonuse will convert this plant community to the Willow/Sedge State. • Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Baltic Rush State. • Noxious Weed Invasion with Prescribed Grazing will convert this plant community to the Managed Noxious Weed State.
Figure 4. 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 | 2250 | 3375 | 3750 |
| Shrub/Vine | 450 | 675 | 750 |
| Forb | 300 | 450 | 500 |
| Total | 3000 | 4500 | 5000 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Cattail/Bulrush
Community 2.1
Cattail/Bulrush
This plant community is a result of heavy inundation or flooding conditions. Bulrushes occupy the wettest site with cattails surrounding. Willows may be present near the dryer edges of this state as well as reed canarygrass. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 4000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 3000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 5000 lbs./acre in above average years. The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact, however forage value will decrease and wildlife values will shift toward different species. The watershed is functioning. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Drainage will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State).
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Willow/Sedge
Community 3.1
Willow/Sedge
This plant community typically results from nonuse. Willows increase and often will inhibit herbaceous forage availability by creating a physical barrier to grazing animals. Nebraska sedge, Water sedge, beaked sedge, and other woody species such as dogwood are often present in the protected understory. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 3500 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 2000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 4000 lbs./acre in above average years. The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is intact and provides a multitude of wildlife and watershed values. The watershed is functioning. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges. • Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing or Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Baltic Rush State.
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Baltic Rush
Community 4.1
Baltic Rush
This plant community evolved under heavy continuous season-long grazing by domestic livestock. Species such as Baltic rush, common meadow foxtail, inland sedges, horsetails, American licorice, elephanthead, and Rocky Mountain iris often dominate this site. Introduced species such as Garrison creeping meadow foxtail often invade. Willows are greatly diminished and lack a diversity of age classes. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 2000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 2500 lbs./acre in above average years. The state is moderately stable with some bare ground present. The biotic integrity of this plant community is somewhat compromised, especially with introduction of nonnative, shallow-rooted species, and at risk for noxious weed invasion. The watershed is at risk. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Long-term Prescribed Grazing will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State). • Replanting Trees followed by several years of rest as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will convert this plant community to the Willow/Sedge State. • Noxious Weed Invasion will convert this plant community to the Noxious Weed State.
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 5
Noxious Weed
Community 5.1
Noxious Weed
This plant community is the result of long term improper grazing use and the introduction of noxious weeds such as perennial pepperweed. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 500 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 1500 lbs./acre in above average years. Bare ground has increased. The soil of this state is not well protected. Degraded stream banks may erode. The watershed is at risk and may produce excessive runoff. The biotic community is non-functioning due to invasive plants. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Noxious Weed Control with Prescribed Grazing will convert this plant community to the Managed Noxious Weed State.
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 6
Managed Noxious Weed
Community 6.1
Managed Noxious Weed
This plant community is the result of noxious weed control and prescribed grazing. Grazing is used as a tool to control introduced and noxious weeds by selecting livestock type and timing use during the flowering of the identified weed such as perennial pepperweed. Other weed control efforts such as chemical, mechanical, or biological methods are employed in conjunction with a grazing management scheme. The native plant community responds to this management by increasing in production and vigor, however it is very sensitive to any management change that allows the seed production and increase of noxious weeds such as nonuse or overuse. Noxious weeds are still present, but in smaller amounts and may be isolated to exposed or bare ground areas such as sandbars. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 3000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 3500 lbs./acre in above average years. The soil of this state is moderately protected with some bare ground present. Degraded stream banks may still erode, but increased amounts of deep-rooting sedges and willows provide adequate stability to the system. The biotic community has been compromised, but is relatively stable though at risk due to invasive plants. The watershed is functioning, but is at risk of degrading rapidly with the introduction of improper management techniques. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Nonuse OR Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Noxious Weed State.
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0403, 7-9GR, Free Water Sites - WL, Sb, SS. WL, SB, SS Free Water Sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1-2
State 1 to 2
Heavy Inundation (flooding) will convert this plant community to the Cattail/Bulrush State.
Transition T1-3
State 1 to 3
Nonuse will convert this plant community to the Willow/Sedge State.
Transition T1-4
State 1 to 4
Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Baltic Rush State.
Transition T1-6
State 1 to 6
Noxious Weed Invasion with Prescribed Grazing will convert this plant community to the Managed Noxious Weed State.
Restoration pathway R2-1
State 2 to 1
Drainage will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State).
Restoration pathway R3-1
State 3 to 1
Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges.
Transition T3-4
State 3 to 4
Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing or Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Baltic Rush State.
Restoration pathway R4-1
State 4 to 1
Long-term Prescribed Grazing will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (Sedge State).
Restoration pathway R4-3
State 4 to 3
Replanting Trees followed by several years of rest as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will convert this plant community to the Willow/Sedge State.
Transition T5-6
State 5 to 6
Noxious Weed Control with Prescribed Grazing will convert this plant community to the Managed Noxious Weed State.
Restoration pathway R6-5
State 6 to 5
Nonuse OR Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Noxious Weed State.
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 | 900–1800 | |||||
| Nebraska sedge | CANE2 | Carex nebrascensis | 900–1800 | – | ||
| 2 | 675–1350 | |||||
| tufted hairgrass | DECE | Deschampsia cespitosa | 675–1350 | – | ||
| 3 | 450–900 | |||||
| northern reedgrass | CASTI3 | Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa | 450–900 | – | ||
| 4 | 225–675 | |||||
| bluejoint | CACA4 | Calamagrostis canadensis | 225–675 | – | ||
| 5 | 225–675 | |||||
| inland sedge | CAIN11 | Carex interior | 225–675 | – | ||
| 6 | 225–900 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–225 | – | ||
| mannagrass | GLYCE | Glyceria | 0–225 | – | ||
| mountain rush | JUARL | Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis | 0–225 | – | ||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 0–225 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | 225–900 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–225 | – | ||
| water hemlock | CICUT | Cicuta | 0–225 | – | ||
| horsetail | EQUIS | Equisetum | 0–225 | – | ||
| waterleaf | HYDRO4 | Hydrophyllum | 0–225 | – | ||
| iris | IRIS | Iris | 0–225 | – | ||
| elephanthead lousewort | PEGR2 | Pedicularis groenlandica | 0–225 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 0–225 | – | ||
| blue-eyed grass | SISYR | Sisyrinchium | 0–225 | – | ||
| groundsel | TEPHR3 | Tephroseris | 0–225 | – | ||
| arrowgrass | TRIGL | Triglochin | 0–225 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | 225–675 | |||||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 225–675 | – | ||
| 9 | 0–225 | |||||
| Woods' rose | ROWOW | Rosa woodsii var. woodsii | 0–225 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Sedge Plant Community (HCPC): This plant community is very important for most wildlife in the area. Over 80% of all wildlife use this site to fulfill some part of their habitat needs. It provides forage and thermal and hiding cover for mule deer and moose. It provides nesting habitat for shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl as well as ground nesting birds such as harriers. The lush herbaceous material produces insects for sage grouse brood rearing and foraging. Dense ground cover provides escape cover, forage, and breeding areas for small mammals which draw predators such as raptors, red fox and coyote. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include red-wing blackbirds, sandhill cranes, western meadowlarks, neotropical migrants, and golden eagles.
Cattail/Bulrush Plant Community: This plant community may be beneficial for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. Red-wing blackbird and sandhill crane habitat is excellent.
Willow/Sedge Plant Community: This plant community is beneficial for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, dominance of woody species may improve thermal and hiding cover for all species, especially structural diversity needed for neotropical migrants, as well as provide more foraging areas for moose.
Baltic Rush Plant Community: This plant community may be beneficial for some of the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the woody component is typically less productive and unable to support large browsers such as moose. As woody plants decrease, structural diversity is lost for neo-tropical migrants, cover decreased for deer, and nesting for shrub-nesting birds is impacted. It may provide some brood rearing and foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover.
Noxious Weed Plant Community: This plant community is less diverse, and thus, less able to meet the habitat needs of many wildlife. Herbaceous forage and cover is not as dense and will aid in successful predation of nesting birds, therefore improving habitat for predators such as raptors, red fox, and coyote. It may provide some brood rearing and foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover.
Managed Noxious Weed Plant Community: This plant community may be beneficial for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover due to enhanced insect populations.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production (lb./ac) and Carrying Capacity* (AUM/ac)
Sedge (HCPC)3000-5000 lb./ac and 1.4 AUM/ac
Cattail/Bulrush 2000-4500 lb./ac and 1.3 AUM/ac
Willow/Sedge 2000-4000 lb./ac and 1.1 AUM/ac
Baltic Rush 1000-2500 lb./ac and .6 AUM/ac
Noxious Weed 500-1500 lb./ac and .3 AUM/ac
Managed Noxious Weed 1000-3500 lb./ac and .9 AUM/ac
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Climate is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration rate is slow and runoff potential high for the soils of this site due to a high water table and saturated soil conditions. However, high forage production on this site diminishes runoff potential as long as site is managed for maintaining adequate residual vegetation. (Refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydraulic information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns may be present if associated with a perennial flowing stream. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common unless associated with a perennial flowing stream. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent.
Recreational uses
This site provides a variety of hunting and fishing opportunities as well as providing popular camping areas for recreationists when not saturated. Waterfowl hunting opportunities exist when associated with open water. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Bill Christensen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Karen Clause, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Everet Bainter, State Range Management Specialist, NRCS. Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Contributors
Karen Clause
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 9/28/2023
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) | K. Clause, B. Brazee, E. Bainter |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | karen.clause@wy.usda.gov or 307-367-2257 |
| Date | 03/16/2007 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns sometimes evident in floodplain zone where this site occurs. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is less than 5%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Minimal to nonexistent. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Herbaceous litter not expected to move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Stability Index ratings typically 6.0. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface variable, A-horizon colors with chromas of 2 or less and OM of 3-6%. Sometimes the A-horizon is overlain or replaced by a 2-10 cm O-horizon with 20-40% OM. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community consists of 70-85% grasses, 15% forbs, and 0-15% shrubs. Dense plant canopy (70-100%) and litter plus moderate infiltration rates result in minimal to nonexistent runoff until soils are saturated. Basal cover is typically greater than 5% for this site and effectively reduces runoff on this site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer exists. -
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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
rhizomatous grass-likes>>mid-size, cool season bunchgrasses>cool season rhizomatous grasses>perennial forbs>perennial shrubs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Minimal decadence, typically associated with shrub component. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter ranges from 1-15% of total canopy measurement with total litter (including beneath the plant canopy) from 85-100% expected. Herbaceous litter depth typically ranges from 10-25 mm. Woody litter can be up to a couple inches (4-6cm). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
English: 3000-5000 lb/ac (4500 lb/ac average); Metric: 3360-5600 kg/ha (5040 kg/ha average). -
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:
Bare ground greater than 20% and presence of noxious weeds or creeping meadow foxtail are the most common indicators of a threshold being crossed. Baltic rush and inland sedge are common increasers. Perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle are common invasive species. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing, except in drought years.
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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.
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