Large, High Intensity, Frequently Flooded Ephemeral Stream
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 2A More details
- Transition T3a More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
State 1 represents the historic-natural condition for this ecological site. It is similar to State 2, but has only native species. If we were to include dynamics for this state it would be the same as displayed in State 2. The presence of non-native species is minimal in State 2, and has not altered the hydrology or fire frequency.
State 2
Reference State
Description
This state represents the most common and most ecologically intact condition for this ecological site at the present time.
Submodel
Description
State 3 represents altered hydrological conditions from surface flow modifications, increased run-off from impervious surfaces and/or ground water depletion. Data is needed to develop a successional diagram for this state, and it is unknown to what extent hydrologic modifications have affected this ecological site.
Submodel
Mechanism
Triggers that can cause a transition to State 3 include surface flow alterations and prolonged drought.
Any of the community phases from this state can cross the threshold to State 3, but community phase 2.3 and the later stages of 2.2 are especially vulnerable because decreases in vegetation density (and upland vegetation density) leave soils more susceptible to erosion (Bull 1997).
Mechanism
Restoration from State 3 back to State 2 would be an intensive task. Individual site assessments would be required to determine proper restoration methods. Some hydrological modifications are not feasible restored, such as ground water depletion. However, impervious pavement, road diversions, and channel armoring can be redesigned to allow proper infiltration and channel flow. Entrenched channels can be built up with check dams, stones, or woody debris to increase the frequency of overflow on to the alluvial fan. Seeds or plants of appropriate species may need to be reintroduced to the restored channels, and associated sheet-flow areas.
Model keys
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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.