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Ecological site EX043B15J952

Subalpine Windswept Shallow Meadow 25-30" PZ Cryic Northern Rocky Mountain Front

Last updated: 4/29/2024
Accessed: 05/02/2024

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 043B–Central Rocky Mountains

This ecological site currently resides in the Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 43B Central Rocky Mountains. The area of MLRA 43B is expansive and is further divided into Land Resource Units (LRU). This ecological site resides in LRU A – Northern Rocky Mountain Front. A detailed description of MLRA 43B can be found at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624

LRU notes

The landscape is mountains and the landforms include scarp slopes, dip slopes, mountain slopes, drainageways, bog, cirque, U-shaped valley and associated moraine and outwash features. Elevations range 1,000 to 3,175 meters (3,300 to 10,500 feet) (mean elevation is 1,900 m. or 6,200 ft.). The climate is cold and wet with mean annual precipitation of 1,050 mm (41 in.) and mean annual air temperature of 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees F) with a soil temperature regime of cryic and soil moisture regime of udic or ustic. The geology of the area is dominated by Appenkunny and Grinnell argillite, Kootenai formation, Tertiary sedimentary rocks, Missoula group quartzite, glacial drift alluvium, Siyeh limestone and undifferentiated rock. The soils are dominantly moderately deep to very deep that formed from a variety of sedimentary rock parent materials on moderately steep to very steep mountain slopes. Soils fall into three soil orders: Inceptisols, Mollisols, and Alfisols. Most soils are loamy-skeletal and many, especially in the eastern part, contain significant amounts of calcium carbonate influencing both physical and chemical soil characteristics (horizons of calcium carbonate accumulation and corresponding alkaline pH values). Rock outcrop, rubble land, and surface rock fragments are common. There are few lakes but has numerous major drainages including Dearborn, Sun, Teton, Birch, Badger, Two Medicine, St. Maries, South and Middle Fork Flathead headwaters, Blackfoot headwaters. This is a snow dominated system. Wind is a major force shaping climatic patterns and vegetation structure. This area includes forested areas dominated by either Douglas fir, subalpine fir or white bark pine, and range areas dominated by rough fescue, Richardson’s needlegrass and bluebunch wheatgrass and assorted forbs.
This is related to the EPA land classification framework of: Level 3- 41 Canadian Rockies. Specifically, it includes Level 4-41a Northern Front.
This area is related predominantly to the USFS Provinces M333Cf Northern Rocky Mountain Front.

Classification relationships

NPS Plant Community Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi /festuca campestris-Fesctuca idahoensis Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL005830).
Physiognomic Class Dwarf-shrubland (IV)
Physiognomic Subclass Evergreen dwarf-shrubland (IV.A.)
Physiognomic Group Needle-leaved or microphyllous evergreen dwarf-shrubland (IV.A.1.)
Physiognomic Subgroup Natural/Semi-natural needle-leaved or microphyllous evergreen dwarf-shrubland (IV.A.1.N.)
Formation Creeping or matted needle-leaved or microphyllous evergreen dwarf-shrubland (IV.A.1.N.b.)
Alliance Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Festuca campestris-Festuca idahoensis Dwarf-shrubland (A.1079)
Alliance (English name) Kinikinnick or Bearberry Dwarf-shrubland Alliance
Association Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Festuca campestris-Festuca idahoensis Dwarf-shrubland
Assosciation (English name) Bearberry or Kinikinnick /Rough fescue-Idaho Fescue Dwarf-shrubland

Damm Braun-Blanquet-type classification= Solidagini multiradiatae-Arctostaphyletum uva-ursi Association and Zigadeno elegantis-Caricetum scirpoideae.

Ecological site concept

Ecological Site Concept
This ecological site occurs in the subalpine at elevations ranging 1,700 to 2,300 meters (5,575 to 7,550 feet), on moderately sloping (15 to 35 percent) backslope positions on knobs, ridges and slopes on mountain slopes, mainly on southeasterly aspects. This ecological site is found in small patches rather than large, broad expanses. In their vegetation map, the NPS associated this site with dry environments, that were mostly convex high elevation wind-battered sites that were hypothesized to be swept snow free by prevailing westerlies and sites not directly exposed could be impacted by eddy currents that redistribute the snowpack (NatureServe, 2007). These areas would not have the wind protection that a thick snow layer affords, nor would they have the additional water in spring from snow melt. Other areas that can have this ecological site include dipping bed landforms, shelf areas and structural benches. Specifically, this ecological site is found in the Marias Pass area. This ecological site is defined as having high cover of kinnickinick (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and rough fescue (festuca campestris). The other constant associated species include the montane species: yarrow, rosy pussytoes, bluebell bellflower, northern bedstraw, common juniper and rose. Infrequent but moderate cover when occurring species include: pinegrass, shrubby cinquefoil, sulphur-flower buchwheat. This is a moderate statured dwarf-shrub and grassland. The soils of this ecological site are well drained and shallow to bedrock. Soil parent materials are colluvium or till over metasedimentary bedrock residuum. Surface textures are typically very gravelly having 35 to 60 percent gravel. Subsurface textures also contain greater than 35 percent rock fragments, are loamy causing these soils fall into the loamy-skeletal particle-size family. A very thin layer (0 to 5 cm) or no organic material is typically present at the soil surface. There are no water table, ponding, flooding or redoximorphic features in these soils. Due to the shallow depth of the soil profile the water-holding capacity of these soils is very limited and the soils will dry down rapidly between precipitation events during extended dry periods. These soils classified in the soil order of Inceptisols, which in soil formation terms means that the soils are characterized as having weak development of diagnostic features. Specifically, these soils are of the taxonomic subgroup Lithic Haplocryepts. Diagnostic soil features include an ochric epipedon (light colored surface), a cambic horizon (weakly developed subsurface horizon), and a lithic bedrock contact.

Associated sites

EX043B15I954	Montane Very Deep Meadow 20-24" PZ Cryic Northern Rocky Mountain Front This 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site is found in the montane zone, with an elevation range of 1,400-2,000 meters (4,600-6,500 feet.), on backslope positions with moderate slopes of 4-15 percent and southwesterly aspects on marginal ground moraines and complex landslides on lateral moraines. Infrequently, this site is found on alluvial fans, hogbacks, knobs, ledges and knolls. These are large patch sized meadows. The 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site has soils that are predominantly very deep and well drained. Surface textures are typically gravelly loam and subsurface layers fall into the fine-loamy particle-size family. These soils are classified in the Mollisols soil order having a thick dark surface with significant enrichment of organic matter and high base saturation. The 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site has a reference community of Rough fescue (Festuca campestris), shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), yarrow (Achillea millefolia), northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) and Ross’s sedge (Carex rossii).

EX043B15I954

Montane Very Deep Meadow 20-24" PZ Cryic Northern Rocky Mountain Front

This 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site is found in the montane zone, with an elevation range of 1,400-2,000 meters (4,600-6,500 feet.), on backslope positions with moderate slopes of 4-15 percent and southwesterly aspects on marginal ground moraines and complex landslides on lateral moraines. Infrequently, this site is found on alluvial fans, hogbacks, knobs, ledges and knolls. These are large patch sized meadows. The 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site has soils that are predominantly very deep and well drained. Surface textures are typically gravelly loam and subsurface layers fall into the fine-loamy particle-size family. These soils are classified in the Mollisols soil order having a thick dark surface with significant enrichment of organic matter and high base saturation. The 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow ecological site has a reference community of Rough fescue (Festuca campestris), shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), yarrow (Achillea millefolia), northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) and Ross’s sedge (Carex rossii).

Similar sites

EX043B15I954	Montane Very Deep Meadow 20-24" PZ Cryic Northern Rocky Mountain Front These sites are similar in that the reference communities share the same species, though in different abundance, in that native perennial bunchgrasses dominate in the very deep meadow and kinnikinnick and rough fescue can dominate in the windswept shallow meadow due to high winds and shallow soil depth.

EX043B15I954

Montane Very Deep Meadow 20-24" PZ Cryic Northern Rocky Mountain Front

These sites are similar in that the reference communities share the same species, though in different abundance, in that native perennial bunchgrasses dominate in the very deep meadow and kinnikinnick and rough fescue can dominate in the windswept shallow meadow due to high winds and shallow soil depth.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (2) Juniperus communis
Herbaceous	(1) Festuca campestris (2) Eriogonum umbellatum

Legacy ID

R043BX952MT

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Physiographic features

This ecological site occurs in the subalpine at elevations ranging 1700 to 2300 meters, on moderately sloping (15 to 35 percent) backslope positions on knobs, ridges and slopes on mountain slopes, mainly on southeasterly aspects. This ecological site is found in small patches rather than large, broad expanses. In their vegetation map, the NPS associated this site with dry environments, that were mostly convex high elevation wind-battered sites that were hypothesized to be swept snow free by prevailing westerlies and sites not directly exposed could be impacted by eddy currents that redistribute the snowpack (NatureServe, 2007). These areas would not have the wind protection that a thick snow layer affords, nor would they have the additional water in spring from snow melt. Other areas that can have this ecological site include dipping bed landforms, shelf areas and structural benches. Specifically, this ecological site is found in the Marias Pass area.

Figure 1. Landscape view of site, note knob landform, shallow soils (some bedrock outcrops) and dominance of kinnikinnick.

Figure 2. Windswept ridge location of this wind blasted ecological site.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Mountains > Mountain slope (2) Mountains > Knob (3) Mountains > Ridge
Elevation	5,577 – 7,545 ft
Slope	15 – 35%
Aspect	SE

Climatic features

CRYIC/UDIC soil temperature/moisture regimes
ST. MARY CLIMATE STATION:
Mean Annual Precipitation =45-75 inches
Mean Annual Air Temperature =30-39 degree Fahrenheit
Frost Free Days =30-50 days

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	44 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	96 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	24-25 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	44 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	96 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	24-25 in
Frost-free period (average)	44 days
Freeze-free period (average)	96 days
Precipitation total (average)	25 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) ST. MARY 1 SSW [USW00004130], Babb, MT
(2) EAST GLACIER [USC00242629], East Glacier Park, MT

Soil features

This ecological site is found in the cryic soil temperature regime and the udic soil moisture regime. Cryic soils have average annual temperature less than 8 degrees Celsius, with less than 5 degrees Celsius difference from winter to summer. Udic soil moisture regime denotes that the rooting zone is usually moist throughout the winter and the majority of summer.

The soils of this ecological site are well-drained and shallow to bedrock. Soil parent materials are colluvium or till over metasedimentary bedrock residuum. Surface textures are typically very gravelly having 35 to 60 percent gravel. Subsurface textures also contain greater than 35 percent rock fragments, are loamy causing these soils to fall into the loamy-skeletal particle-size family. A very thin layer (0 to 5 cm) or no organic material is typically present at the soil surface. There are no water table, ponding, flooding or redoximorphic features in these soils. Due to the shallow depth of the soil profile the water-holding capacity of these soils is very limited and the soils will dry down rapidly between precipitation events during extended dry periods. These soils classified in the soil order of Inceptisols, which in soil formation terms means that the soils are characterized as having weak development of diagnostic features. Specifically, these soils are of the taxonomic subgroup Lithic Haplocryepts. Diagnostic soil features include an ochric epipedon (light colored surface), a cambic horizon (weakly developed subsurface horizon), and a lithic bedrock contact (Soil Survey Staff, 2015). For more information on soil taxonomy, please follow this link:
http://http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/class/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580

SOIL SERIES & TAXONOMIC CLASS NAME
Cowood Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive Lithic Haplocryepts

Figure 9. Close up of soils of this ecological site.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Colluvium – metasedimentary rock (2) Residuum – metasedimentary rock
Surface texture	(1) Very gravelly loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy-skeletal
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderate
Soil depth	10 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (1.1-1.8in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (5.8-6.5in)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

This ecological site is found in the montane and lower subalpine life zones in small patches rather than large, broad expanses. In their vegetation map, the NPS associated this site with dry environments, that were mostly convex high elevation wind-battered sites that were hypothesized to be swept snow free by prevailing westerlies and sites not directly exposed could be impacted by eddy currents that redistribute the snowpack (NatureServe, 2007). These areas would not have the wind protection that a thick snow layer affords, nor would they have the additional water in spring from snow melt. Other areas that can have this ecological site include dipping bed landforms, shelf areas and structural benches. Specifically, this ecological site is found in the Marias Pass area.

This ecological site is most similar to the 43B Montane Very Deep Meadow, which it is differentiated from by having a higher elevational range, 1,800 to 1,900 m (5,900 to 6,200 ft) compared to 1,400 to 1,700 m, (4,600 to 5,575 ft) and being small patches rather than large, broad expansive meadows. This site resides on a variety of smaller landforms knobs, talus cones whereas montane meadows resides mainly on moraines and hillslopes. The soils are different in that this site does not have argicryolls or typic haplocryalfs and montane very deep meadow ecological site does. The parent material also differs in that this site is mainly colluvium and till and montane very deep meadows has predominantly till, though some colluvium and alluvium. Montane very deep meadow ecological site is dominated by the tall grass rough fescue and Idaho fescue and consistently has a very low cover of the tall shrubs serviceberry and thimbleberry. Other shrub species can occur including: the low shrubs shrubby cinquefoil, wood’s rose, and kinnickinick. This ecological site is defined as being dominated by kinnickinick, and only has a trace presence of serviceberry and no thimbleberry. They share similar montane meadow forb herbaceous species such as: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), northern bedstraw (Galium boreale), rose species, shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), and sulphur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellaturm).

State and transition model

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Historic Reference State

2. Current Reference State

3. Invaded State

T1A	-	The introduction and establishment of weedy species, even at very low canopy cover values.
T2A	-	Weed infestation from human, animal, or transportation corridors that allow non-native species to invade and establish within the grassland to the degree that native grass species decline.
R3A	-	Proper grazing management that allows the cover and vigor of native bunchgrass, particularly rough fescue, to be restored. Other means such as chemical, mechanical, or biological may be needed to restore native bunchgrass species to dominance.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Community Phase

1.2. Shrub Encroachment

1.1A	-	A Significant time without fire, so that the historical fire return interval is lengthened and shrub and conifer species invade.
1.2A	-	A resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Current Reference Community Phase

2.2. Increaser Species

2.3. Shrub Encroachment

2.1A	-	Heavy grazing or improper grazing management for sustained periods of time.
2.1B	-	significant time without fire
2.2A	-	A ceasing of heavy grazing or improper grazing management for sustained periods of time.
2.3A	-	A resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained.

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Weedy Community Phase

3.2. Shrub Encroached Weedy Community Phase

3.1A	-	Significant time without fire, so that the historical fire return interval is lengthened and shrub species invade.
3.2A	-	Resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained.

State 1
Historic Reference State

1.0 Historic Reference State with No Weedy Species Present

Characteristics and indicators. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)(common juniper(Juniperus communis)-shrubby cinquefoil(dasiphora fruticosa)-rosa species)/rough fescue(Festuca campestris)pinegrass(Calamagrostis rubescens)/yarrow(Achillea millefolia)-rosy pussytoes(antennaria rosea)-Ross’s sedge (Carex rossii)-northern bedstraw(Galium boreale)-sulpher-flower buckwheat(eriogonum umbellatum). The 43B Subalpine Windswept Shallow Meadow ecological site is dominated by the low-growing shrub kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and rough and Idaho fescues. Kinnikinnick is shade-intolerant and grows best in open areas, forming a compact and intricate mat (Severson, 1974). In the forest, it is found in more open canopies and has long, thin trailing stems. Kinnikinnick is a stoloniferous, mat-forming, woody subshrub. It has a compact clonal pattern. The main stems are prostrate with secondary branching stems ascending and erect to 15 cm. Regeneration primarily is asexual, with the second-year stolons producing adventitious feeding roots at the nodes. After seven or eight years, small nodules may appear at intervals along the buried stems. These are not nitrogen-fixing nodules. The berrylike drupes are dispersed by animals. Seedling growth is slow for the first 3 years, then increases. Roots can extend to a depth of 70 to 90 cm. Kinnikinnick browse is of moderate importance to bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer, and Rocky Mountain mule deer (Kufeld, 1973). Moose browse kinnikinnick on snow-free areas near trees on south and west aspects in early spring (Stevens, 1970). Black and grizzly bears eat the fruits in the autumn and especially in the early spring (Mace, 1986). Kinnikinnick is unpalatable to domestic livestock. It is easily killed by scraping or fire, but is able to regenerate from surviving parts or seed. It is a sprouting species that is best suited to short fire cycles with low fuel buildup and low fire intensities. Kinnikinnick is moderately resistant to trampling, with both low short- and long-term resilience (Zimmerman, 1984). It is a host to yellow witches’ broom, which affects spruce species (Watson, 1980). Rough fescue is a native, cool-season, perennial bunchgrass that produces thick mats of persistent sheath and stem bases: and culms grow to 107cm (3.5 feet) and leaf tufts to 40 cm (16 inches) in height (Cronquist, 1977). It has extensive fibrous roots to a depth of 122 cm (4 feet), 73 percent of which are concentrated in the top 15 cm (6 inches) of soil (Coupland, 1953). It regenerates from seed, tillers and sometimes rhizomes (Pavlick, 1984). It is well adapted to a short growing season by initiating growth following snowmelt and completes growth before the onset of summer drought. It is very productive and highly palatable to livestock and wildlife. It is used by bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk and bison. It is resistant to moderate grazing but heavy grazing can result in severely decreased root depth and biomass (Aiken, 1990). Grazing can cause a general decline in rough fescue coverage and is one of the first species to decline with common increasers with grazing being: Idaho fescue, needlegrass species, prairie Junegrass and Parry’s oatgrass. It is well adapted to periodic burning and resistant to light fire by their dense, tufted habit. It sprouts from surviving residual plants and colonizes from off-site wind-dispersed seed. Fire may top-kill plants, but cover and production is usually attained in 2-3 years post-fire. Severe damage can occur by hot, mid-summer wildfires (Wright, 1982). Rough fescue and elk sedge are considered very resistant to human trampling due to its tough core of the tuft, according to D. Cole of the USFS in his study of recreational human trampling effects on habitat types in western Montana. The majority of the loss of cover, a reduction of 50 percent, occurred in the first 400 passes. Thereafter, cover loss was stabilized from 400 to 800 passes. The community of rough fescue-timber oatgrass is considered very resistant to both light and heavy trampling (Cole, 1987). Asebrook (2010) found that in 31 plots sampled of this type of dwarf-shrubland (kinnikinnick-rough fescue) was in very good to excellent condition with very low cover of exotic species. Exotic grass cover averages one to three percent and exotic forb cover of one percent. There was little tree invasion no more than one percent cover within the plots, but half did have tree invasion at least at the edges. Rhizomatous shrubs have invaded 23 percent of the plots observed. Lack of fire was attributed to allowing woody plants to become established at the edges. Current trespass and grazing by livestock was noted as having an impact on this site although it is periodic with low overall impact.

Community 1.1
Reference Community Phase

Plant Community 1.1 kinnikinnick(common juniper-shrubby cinquefoil-rose)/rough fescue(pinegrass)/yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat This ecological site is defined as having high cover of kinnickinick (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and rough fescue (festuca campestris). The other constant associated species include the montane species: yarrow, rosy pussytoes , bluebell bellflower, northern bedstraw, common juniper and rose. Infrequent but moderate cover when occurring species include: pinegrass, shrubby cinquefoil, sulphur-flower buchwheat. This is a moderate-statured dwarf-shrub and grassland.

Community 1.2
Shrub Encroachment

Plant Community 1.2 Shrub Encroachment 1.2 kinnikinnick-common juniper-shrubby cinquefoil-rose/(rough fescue(pinegrass)/yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat) This community has sustained shrub or tree encroachment due to a lack of fire. Likely shrub species to encroach on this community include serviceberry, kinnikinnick, shrubby cinquefoil, common juniper, Wood’s rose, snowberry, western snowberry, and dwarf bilberry. The tree species that encroach primarily are lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This pathway represents a significant time without fire, so that the historical fire return interval is lengthened and shrub and conifer species invade.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

This pathway represents a resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained

State 2
Current Reference State

2.0 Current Reference State With Very Low Cover of Weedy Species

Characteristics and indicators. Current Reference State with weedy species present at a very low canopy cover value. kinnikinnick(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)-common juniper(Juniperus communis)-shrubby cinquefoil(dasiphora fruticosa)-rose(rosa species)/rough fescue(Festuca campestris)-pinegrass(Calamagrostis rubescens)/yarrow(Achillea millefolia)-rosy pussytoes(antennaria rosea)-Ross’s sedge (Carex rossii)-northern bedstraw(Galium boreale)-sulphur-flower buckwheat(eriogonum umbellatum).

Community 2.1
Current Reference Community Phase

Figure 10. Landscape view of site, noting high cover of vegetation and very low cover of bare soil.

Figure 11. Windswept ridge location of this wind blasted ecological site.

Plant Community 2.1 kinnikinnick (common juniper-shrubby cinguefoil-rose)/rough fescue (pinegrass)/yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat This ecological site is defined as having high cover of kinnickinick (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and rough fescue (festuca campestris). The other constant associated species include the montane species: yarrow, rosy pussytoes, bluebell bellflower, northern bedstraw, common juniper and rose. Species occurring infrequent but moderate cover include: pinegrass, shrubby cinquefoil, sulphur-flower buchwheat. This is a low to moderate statured dwarf-shrub and grassland. Minor cover of weedy species may be present. This ecological site has high total foliar cover (82 percent average) and high basal cover (34 percent), both are dominantly kinnickinick. This is a short-statured community with the top layer mid-point of height class is 20 cm (8 inches) and the lower layer is 15 cm (6 inches), though some taller grasses appear (Idaho fescue 46 cm (18 inches) tall, four percent canopy cover and Rough fescue 36 cm (14 inches) tall and 6 percent canopy cover). The following is a summary of canopy cover data for community phase 2.1 of this ecological site. Indicator species of this ecological site are rough fescue and kinnickinnik which have high frequency of occurrence and canopy cover. Species with high frequency but low canopy cover include rosy pussytoes, northern bedstraw, bluebell bellflower, and rose species. Common juniper has moderate frequency and canopy cover. Species with infrequent though moderate canopy cover include pinegrass, shrubby cinquefoil and sulphur-flower buckwheat. Following is a summary of annual production of species present in community phase 2.1 of this ecological site in pounds per acre and foliar cover in percent for three NRCS sites. Rough fescue dominates the average annual production, secondarily lupine species, Rocky mountain goldenrod, nineleaf biscuitroot, pale agoseris, heartleaf arnica, kinnickinnik, creeping juniper and rose species. Kinnickinnik and rough fescue dominate the foliar cover at this ecological site. Summarization of annual production of species present in community phase 2.1 of this ecological site in pounds per acre and foliar cover in percent, 3 NRCS sites. Rough fescue dominates the average annual production, secondarily lupine species, Rocky mountain goldenrod, nineleaf biscuitroot, pale agoseris, heartleaf arnica, kinnickinnik, creeping juniper and rose species. Kinnickinnik and rough fescue dominate the foliar cover at this ecological site. TOTAL ANNUAL PRODUCTION 870-1,235-2,012 TOTAL FOLIAR COVER 100+/Basal =30%avg TOTAL ANNUAL PRODUCTION 870-1,235-2,012 TOTAL FOLIAR COVER 100+/Basal =30%avg

Dominant plant species

kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), shrub
common juniper (Juniperus communis), shrub
shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), shrub
rose (Rosa), shrub
rough fescue (Festuca campestris), grass
pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens), grass
rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), other herbaceous
common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), other herbaceous
bluebell bellflower (Campanula rotundifolia), other herbaceous
northern bedstraw (Galium boreale), other herbaceous
sulphur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum), other herbaceous

Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0-5%	20-60%	5-10%	5-20%
>0.5 <= 1	0-5%	10-30%	5-20%	5-20%
>1 <= 2	0-5%	5-20%	10-40%	5-20%
>2 <= 4.5	0-5%	–	–	–
>4.5 <= 13	0-5%	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 2.2
Increaser Species

Plant Community 2.2 Degraded Increasing Idaho fescue, needlegrasses, prairie Junegrass, Parry’s oatgrass, decreasing rough fescue. This community has sustained either severe drought or heavy grazing, which has reduced the cover and vigor of rough fescue and increased the cover of Idaho fescue, needlegrass species, and prairie Junegrass. If these native bunchgrasses decreased significantly, then a transition would occur out of this State 1.

Community 2.3
Shrub Encroachment

Plant Community 2.3 Shrub Encroachment kinnikinnick-common juniper-shrubby cinquefoil-rose/rough fescue-pinegrass/yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat This community has sustained shrub or tree encroachment due to a lack of fire. Likely shrub species to encroach on this community include serviceberry, kinnikinnick, shrubby cinquefoil, common juniper, Wood’s rose, snowberry, western snowberry, and dwarf bilberry. The tree species that encroach primarily are lodgepole pine.

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

This pathway represents heavy grazing or improper grazing management for sustained periods of time.

Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3

This pathway represents a significant time without fire, so that the historical fire return interval is lengthened, and shrub and conifer species invade.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

This pathway represents a ceasing of heavy grazing or improper grazing management for sustained periods of time.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.1

This pathway represents a resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained.

State 3
Invaded State

Invaded State This state represents the community with significant increase in weedy species and concomitant decrease in native grass species.

Community 3.1
Weedy Community Phase

Plant Community 3.1 kinnikinnick (common juniper-shrubby cinquefoil-rose)/ timothy-Kentucky bluegrass (rough fescue-pinegrass)/ dandelion-spotted knapweed (yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat) This community phase is dominated by the weedy species timothy (phleum pratense), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), common dandelion (Taraxacum offinale) and spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) with less amounts of the native vegetation community of this ecological site found in 2.1. Shrubs generally are very low and cover no more than 10 percent of the site. Diverse montane meadow forbs are associated with this site. Tree encroachment is very low, mainly consisting of lodgepole pine at the edges of the meadows.

Community 3.2
Shrub Encroached Weedy Community Phase

Plant Community 3.2 kinnikinnick-common juniper-shrubby cinquefoil-rose/ timothy-Kentucky bluegrass (rough fescue- pinegrass)/ dandelion-spotted knapweed (yarrow-rosy pussytoes-bluebell bellflower-northern bedstraw-Sulphur-flower buckwheat) This community has sustained shrub or tree encroachment due to a lack of fire, and is dominated by the weedy species timothy (phleum pratense), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), common dandelion (Taraxacum offinale) and spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) with less amounts of the native vegetation community of this ecological site found in 2.1. Likely shrub species to encroach on this community include serviceberry, sagebrush, shrubby cinquefoil, common juniper, Wood’s rose, snowberry, western snowberry, and dwarf bilberry. The tree species that encroach primarily are lodgepole pine.

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

This pathway represents a significant time without fire, so that the historical fire return interval is lengthened and shrub species invade. Weedy species are still present within the community.

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

This pathway represents a resumption of historic fire return intervals, so that woody shrub and conifer encroachments are suppressed, and grasslands are sustained.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This represents the pathway from the Historic Reference State in which there were no weedy species present in the vegetation community (State 1.0), to the introduction and establishment of weedy species, even at very low canopy cover values, within the vegetation community of State 2.0.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

T2A Weed infestation from human, animal, or transportation corridors that allow non-native species to invade and establish within the grassland to the degree that native grass species decline.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

This pathway represents proper grazing management (i.e. rest periods, light grazing at the right times) that allows the cover and vigor of native bunchgrass, particularly rough fescue, to be restored. Other means such as chemical, mechanical, or biological may be needed to restore native bunchgrass species to dominance.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Forb
1				–
	Rocky Mountain goldenrod	SOMU	Solidago multiradiata	0–380	0–2
	lupine	LUPIN	Lupinus	0–315	0–1
	heartleaf arnica	ARCO9	Arnica cordifolia	0–270	–
	nineleaf biscuitroot	LOTR2	Lomatium triternatum	0–210	0–3
	pale agoseris	AGGL	Agoseris glauca	0–200	0–2
	northern bedstraw	GABO2	Galium boreale	15–125	0–3
	bluebell bellflower	CARO2	Campanula rotundifolia	0–56	–
	Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	0–53	0–6
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–35	–
	fireweed	CHAN9	Chamerion angustifolium	0–30	0–2
	Pacific anemone	ANMU	Anemone multifida	0–20	–
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–18	0–10
	alpine leafybract aster	SYFO2	Symphyotrichum foliaceum	0–15	–
	silvery lupine	LUAR3	Lupinus argenteus	–	0–10
	bastard toadflax	COUM	Comandra umbellata	–	0–5
	western showy aster	EUCO36	Eurybia conspicua	–	0–4
	rosy pussytoes	ANRO2	Antennaria rosea	–	0–2
	yellow penstemon	PECO6	Penstemon confertus	–	0–2
	varileaf cinquefoil	PODI2	Potentilla diversifolia	–	0–2
Grass/Grasslike
2				–
	rough fescue	FECA4	Festuca campestris	10–665	5–60
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–45	0–10
	spike trisetum	TRSP2	Trisetum spicatum	–	0–2
Shrub/Vine
3				–
	kinnikinnick	ARUV	Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	70–365	50–92
	creeping juniper	JUHO2	Juniperus horizontalis	0–175	0–25
	longrunner	ROSA	Rorippa sarmentosa	0–120	0–10
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–88	0–2
	shrubby cinquefoil	DAFR6	Dasiphora fruticosa	0–85	0–15
	slender mountain sandwort	ARCA7	Arenaria capillaris	0–42	0–
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	–	0–10
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	–	0–2

Table 7. Community 2.1 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter (in)	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
lodgepole pine	PICO	Pinus contorta	Native	–	0–5	–	–
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	–	0–5	–	–
Douglas-fir	PSME	Pseudotsuga menziesii	Native	–	0–3	–	–
limber pine	PIFL2	Pinus flexilis	Native	–	0–3	–	–
subalpine fir	ABLA	Abies lasiocarpa	Native	–	0–3	–	–
whitebark pine	PIAL	Pinus albicaulis	Native	–	0–1	–	–

Table 8. Community 2.1 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
rough fescue	FECA4	Festuca campestris	Native	–	0–40
Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	Native	–	0–15
strawberry	FRAGA	Fragaria	Native	–	0–15
pinegrass	CARU	Calamagrostis rubescens	Native	–	0–15
alpine timothy	PHAL2	Phleum alpinum	Native	–	0–3
prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	Native	–	0–3
bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	Native	–	0–2
sedge	CAREX	Carex	Native	–	0–2
timber oatgrass	DAIN	Danthonia intermedia	Native	–	0–1
Columbia needlegrass	ACNE9	Achnatherum nelsonii	Native	–	0–1
common moonwort	BOLU	Botrychium lunaria	Native	–	0–1
mountain brome	BRMA4	Bromus marginatus	Native	–	0–1
alpine bluegrass	POAL2	Poa alpina	Native	–	0–1
spike trisetum	TRSP2	Trisetum spicatum	Native	–	0–1
Forb/Herb
vetch	VICIA	Vicia	Native	–	0–15
alpine leafybract aster	SYFO2	Symphyotrichum foliaceum	Native	–	0–15
sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	Native	–	0–15
yellow penstemon	PECO6	Penstemon confertus	Native	–	0–15
cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	Native	–	0–15
lupine	LUPIN	Lupinus	Native	–	0–15
silky lupine	LUSE4	Lupinus sericeus	Native	–	0–7
Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	Native	–	0–5
northern bedstraw	GABO2	Galium boreale	Native	–	0–5
western showy aster	EUCO36	Eurybia conspicua	Native	–	0–5
common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	Native	–	0–5
Rocky Mountain goldenrod	SOMU	Solidago multiradiata	Native	–	0–5
wormleaf stonecrop	SEST2	Sedum stenopetalum	Native	–	0–3
arrowleaf ragwort	SETR	Senecio triangularis	Native	–	0–3
common beargrass	XETE	Xerophyllum tenax	Native	–	0–3
white locoweed	OXSE	Oxytropis sericea	Native	–	0–3
slender cinquefoil	POGR9	Potentilla gracilis	Native	–	0–3
Pacific anemone	ANMU	Anemone multifida	Native	–	0–3
raceme pussytoes	ANRA	Antennaria racemosa	Native	–	0–3
yellow columbine	AQFL	Aquilegia flavescens	Native	–	0–3
heartleaf arnica	ARCO9	Arnica cordifolia	Native	–	0–3
cutleaf daisy	ERCO4	Erigeron compositus	Native	–	0–3
Rocky Mountain dwarf-primrose	DOMO	Douglasia montana	Native	–	0–3
fireweed	CHAN9	Chamerion angustifolium	Native	–	0–3
autumn dwarf gentian	GEAM3	Gentianella amarella	Native	–	0–3
roundleaf alumroot	HECY2	Heuchera cylindrica	Native	–	0–3
narrowleaf hawkweed	HIUM	Hieracium umbellatum	Native	–	0–3
nineleaf biscuitroot	LOTR2	Lomatium triternatum	Native	–	0–3
saxifrage	SAXIF	Saxifraga	Native	–	0–3
stonecrop	SEDUM	Sedum	Native	–	0–3
phlox	PHLOX	Phlox	Native	–	0–3
woolly groundsel	PACA15	Packera cana	Native	–	0–3
bracted lousewort	PEBR	Pedicularis bracteosa	Native	–	0–3
coiled lousewort	PECO	Pedicularis contorta	Native	–	0–3
sticky cinquefoil	POGL9	Potentilla glandulosa	Native	–	0–2
silvery lupine	LUAR3	Lupinus argenteus	Native	–	0–2
blanketflower	GAAR	Gaillardia aristata	Native	–	0–2
fireweed	CHANA2	Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium	Native	–	0–2
pale agoseris	AGGL	Agoseris glauca	Native	–	0–2
onion	ALLIU	Allium	Native	–	0–2
western pearly everlasting	ANMA	Anaphalis margaritacea	Native	–	0–1
pointedtip mariposa lily	CAAP	Calochortus apiculatus	Native	–	0–1
rattlesnake fern	BOVI	Botrychium virginianum	Native	–	0–1
maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	Native	–	0–1
bluebell bellflower	CARO2	Campanula rotundifolia	Native	–	0–1
field chickweed	CEAR4	Cerastium arvense	Native	–	0–1
Payson's draba	DRPA	Draba paysonii	Native	–	0–1
Bonneville shootingstar	DOCO	Dodecatheon conjugens	Native	–	0–1
aspen fleabane	ERSP4	Erigeron speciosus	Native	–	0–1
white sweetvetch	HESU	Hedysarum sulphurescens	Native	–	0–1
cutleaf anemone	PUPAM	Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida	Native	–	0–1
umber pussytoes	ANUM	Antennaria umbrinella	Native	–	0–1
smooth blue aster	SYLA3	Symphyotrichum laeve	Native	–	0–1
Bourgov's milkvetch	ASBO3	Astragalus bourgovii	Native	–	0–1
bastard toadflax	COUM	Comandra umbellata	Native	–	0–1
dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	Native	–	0–1
mountain deathcamas	ZIEL2	Zigadenus elegans	Native	–	0–1
American thorow wax	BUAM2	Bupleurum americanum	Native	–	0–1
apetalous catchfly	SIUR	Silene uralensis	Native	–	0–1
smooth blue aster	SYLA3	Symphyotrichum laeve	Native	–	0–1
western meadow-rue	THOC	Thalictrum occidentale	Native	–	0–1
yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	Introduced	–	0–1
Rocky Mountain groundsel	PAST10	Packera streptanthifolia	Native	–	0–0.5
spikemoss	SELAG	Selaginella	Native	–	–
Fern/fern ally
brittle bladderfern	CYFR2	Cystopteris fragilis	Native	–	0–1
Shrub/Subshrub
kinnikinnick	ARUV	Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	Native	–	0–65
common juniper	JUCO6	Juniperus communis	Native	–	0–40
russet buffaloberry	SHCA	Shepherdia canadensis	Native	–	0–40
Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	Native	–	0–30
shrubby cinquefoil	DAFR6	Dasiphora fruticosa	Native	–	0–15
creeping juniper	JUHO2	Juniperus horizontalis	Native	–	0–10
rose	ROSA5	Rosa	Native	–	0–5
rosy pussytoes	ANRO2	Antennaria rosea	Native	–	0–5
slender mountain sandwort	ARCA7	Arenaria capillaris	Native	–	0–3
Woods' rose	ROWO	Rosa woodsii	Native	–	0–3
creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	Native	–	0–3
Mt. Albert goldenrod	SOSI3	Solidago simplex	Native	–	0–2
white spirea	SPBE2	Spiraea betulifolia	Native	–	0–1
pearly pussytoes	ANAN2	Antennaria anaphaloides	Native	–	0–1
Tree
lodgepole pine	PICO	Pinus contorta	Native	–	0–5
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	–	0–3
Douglas-fir	PSME	Pseudotsuga menziesii	Native	–	0–3
whitebark pine	PIAL	Pinus albicaulis	Native	–	0–0.5

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.

Other references

Aiken, S. G.; Darbyshire, S. J. 1990. Fescue grasses of Canada. Publication 1844/E. Ottawa, ON: Agriculture Canada, Research Branch, Biosystematics Research Centre. 102 p.

Asebrook. 2010. Final Report: Eastside Grasslands Ecology Project.
Cole, David N. 1987. Effects of three seasons of experimental trampling on five montane forest communities and a grassland in western Montana, USA. Biological Conservation. 40: 219-244.

Coupland, Robert T.; Brayshaw, T. Christopher. 1953. The fescue grassland in Saskatchewan. Ecology. 34(2): 386-405.

Cronquist, Arthur; Holmgren, Arthur H.; Holmgren, Noel H.; Reveal, James L.; Holmgren, Patricia K. 1977. Intermountain flora: Vascular plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Vol. 6: The Monocotyledons. New York: Columbia University Press. 584 p.

Damm, Christian. 2001. A phytosociological study of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, with notes on the syntaxonomy of alpine vegetation in western North America.

Eckert, Richard E., Jr.; Spencer, John S. 1987. Growth and reproduction of grasses heavily grazed under rest-rotation management. Journal of Range Management. 40(2): 156-159.

Hanson, A. A. 1959. Grass varieties in the United States. Agriculture Handbook No. 170. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 72 p.

Kufeld, Roland C.; Wallmo, O. C.; Feddema, Charles. 1973. Foods of the Rocky Mountain mule deer. Res. Pap. RM-111. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 31 p.

Lackschewitz, Klaus. 1991. Vascular plants of west-central Montana--identification guidebook. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-227. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 648 p.

Mace, Richard D. 1986. Analysis of grizzly bear habitat in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. In: Contreras, Glen P.; Evans, Keith E, compilers. Proceedings--grizzly bear habitat symposium; 1985 April 30 -May 2; Missoula, MT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-207. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 136-149.

Mueggler, W. F.; Stewart, W. L. 1980. Grassland and shrubland habitat types of western Montana. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-66. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 154 p.

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Nimlos, Thomas J.; Van Meter, Wayne P.; Daniels, Lewis A. 1968. Rooting patterns of forest understory species as determined by radioiodine absorption. Ecology. 49(6): 1145-1151.

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Severson, Kieth E.; Garrett, E. Chester. 1974. Growth characteristics of bearberry in the Black Hills. Res. Note. RM-254. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 3 p.

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Zimmerman, G. T.; Neuenschwander, L. F. 1984. Livestock grazing influences on community structure, fire intensity, and fire frequency within the Douglas-fir/ninebark habitat type. Journal of Range Management. 37(2): 104-110.

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Contributors

Stephanie Shoemaker

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 4/29/2024

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)
Contact for lead author
Date	04/29/2024
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production