Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site EX043B23B166
Shallow Sandy (SwSy) Absaroka Upper Foothills
Last updated: 4/30/2024
Accessed: 11/21/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 043B–Central Rocky Mountains
Major Land Resource Unit (MLRA) 43B: Central Rocky Mountains
43B – Central Rocky Mountains – The Central Rocky Mountains extends from northern Montana to southern extent of Wyoming and from Idaho to central Wyoming. The southern extent of 43B is comprised of a combination of metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary mountains and foothills. Climatic changes across this extent are broad and create several unique breaks in the landscape.
Further information regarding MLRAs, refer to: United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
Available electronically at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624#handbook.
LRU notes
Land Resource Unit (LRU) 43B23B: Absaroka Upper Foothills
Based on the shifts in geology, precipitation patterns and other climatic factors, as well as elevations and vegetation, the Absaroka Range was divided into LRU 23. Further division of this LRU is necessary due to the gradient moving from the foothills to the summit, as well as aspect shifts (north/east face versus south/west face). Subset B is set for the higher elevations within the foothills, with 15 to 19 inches of precipitation. To verify or identify Subset B (the referenced subset for this ecological site), refer to the Wyoming LRU matrix key contained within the Ecological Site Key.
This particular LRU/Subset occurs along the eastern foothills of the Absaroka Range. This LRU starts north of Clark, WY and runs to the Thermopolis, WY area. Once the foothills cross into the Northern Beartooth Range, the climatic patterns and elevational changes shifts the plant community and allows for a break in LRU's near the Montana state line. As the LRU follows to the south and then tracks east to the intersection of the Absaroka Range and the Owl Creek Range, the face changes aspect and geology creating a shift in plant dynamics and a break in the LRU.
The extent of soils currently correlated to this ecological site does not fit within the digitized boundary. Many of the noted soils are provisional and will be reviewed and corrected in mapping update projects. Other map units are correlated as small inclusions within other MLRA’s/LRU’s based on elevation, landform, and biological references.
Moisture Regime: Typic Ustic
Temperature Regime: Frigid
Dominant Cover: Rangeland – Sagebrush Steppe (major species is Mountain Big Sagebrush)
Representative Value (RV) Effective Precipitation: 15-19 inches (381 – 483 mm)
RV Frost-Free Days: 37 - 80 days
Classification relationships
Relationship to Other Established Classification Systems:
National Vegetation Classification System (NVC):
2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class
2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass
2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation
2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division Division
M048 Central Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup
G273 Central Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill & Valley Grassland Group
Ecoregions (EPA):
Level I: 10 North American Deserts Level II: 10.1 Cold Deserts
Level III: 10.1.18 Wyoming Basin
Level IV: 10.1.18.b Big Horn Basin and
10.1.18.d Foothills and Low Mountains
Ecological site concept
• Site receives no additional water.
• Slope is < 45%
• Soils are:
o Textures range from sand to fine sandy loam in top 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
o All subsurface horizons have a weighted average of <18% clay.
o Shallow (10-20+ in. (25-50+ cm)
o Not skeletal (<35% rock fragments) within 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
o Non-saline, sodic, or saline-sodic
Associated sites
| R043BY322WY |
Loamy (Ly) 15-19” Foothills and Mountains East Precipitation Zone Loamy |
|---|---|
| R043BY350WY |
Sandy (Sy) 15-19” Foothills and Mountains East Precipitation Zone Sandy |
| R043BY362WY |
Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 15-19” Foothills and Mountains East Precipitation Zone Shallow Loamy |
| R043BY308WY |
Coarse Upland (CU) 15-19” Foothills and Mountains East Precipitation Zone Coarse Upland |
Similar sites
| R032XY366WY |
Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone Shallow Sandy 10-14” Foothills and Basins East P.Z., 032XY366WY has lower production |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Achnatherum nelsonii |
Legacy ID
R043BX666WY
Physiographic features
This site occurs on most slopes and along ridge tops.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Foothills
> Hill
(2) Foothills > Alluvial fan (3) Foothills > Ridge (4) Foothills > Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to medium |
| Elevation | 6,000 – 9,000 ft |
| Slope | 20 – 45% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation and modeled relative effective annual precipitation ranges from 15 to 19 inches (381 – 483 mm). The normal precipitation pattern shows peaks in June tapering into September. This amounts to about 50% of the mean annual precipitation. Average snowfall is about 150 inches annually. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation.
Because of the varied topography, the wind will vary considerably for different parts of the area. The wind is usually much lighter at the lower elevations and in the valleys as compared with the higher terrain. The average winter wind velocity is 8.5 mph while the summer wind velocity averages 7.5 mph. Winds during storms and on ridges may exceed 45 mph.
Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. High winds are generally blocked by high mountains but occur in conjunction with thunderstorms, which are common in late summer. Growth of native cool-season plants begins about May 1 to May 15 and continues until about October 15.
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. Historically, “Crandall Creek" was the representative weather stations within this subset. However, "Sunshine 3NE" is the only available weather station within a close proximity in location and characteristics for this subset. The following graphs and charts are a collective sample representing the averaged normals and 30-year annual rainfall data for the selected weather stations from 1981 to 2010.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 40 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 84 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 14 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 40 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 84 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 14 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 40 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 84 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 14 in |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) SUNSHINE 3NE [USC00488758], Meeteetse, WY
Influencing water features
The characteristics of these upland soils have no influence from ground water (water table below 60 inches (150 cm)) and have minimal influence from surface water/overland flow. There may be isolated features that are affected by snow pack that persists longer than surrounding areas due to position on the landform (shaded/protected pockets).
Soil features
The soils of this site are shallow (less than 20” to bedrock) well drained, rapidly permeable and may occur on all slopes. The bedrock may be of any kind except igneous or volcanic and is virtually impenetrable to plant roots. The soil textures are a fine sandy loam or coarser. Thin ineffectual layers of other soil textures are disregarded.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
limestone and sandstone
(2) Residuum (3) Eolian deposits |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Loamy fine sand (2) Fine sandy loam (3) Sandy loam (4) Loamy sand (5) Sand |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained to excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Rapid to very rapid |
| Depth to restrictive layer | 10 – 20 in |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.6 – 1.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 7.8 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
Ecological dynamics
Potential vegetation on this site is dominated by mid cool-season perennial grasses. Other significant vegetation includes black and big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush and a variety of forbs. On areas along the west slopes of the Big Horn Mountains, mountain mahogany is the significant shrub. The expected potential composition for this site is about 75% grasses, 10% forbs and 15% woody plants. The composition and production will vary naturally due to historical use, fluctuating precipitation and fire frequency.
As this site deteriorates, species such as bluegrasses, rhizomatous wheatgrasses and black and big sagebrush will increase. Cool season grasses such as Columbia needlegrass, spikefescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue will decrease in frequency and production. As conditions continue to deteriorate annuals such as cheatgrass will invade.
Big sagebrush may become dominant on areas with an absence of fire. Wildfires are actively controlled in recent times and as a result old decadent stands of big sagebrush persist. Chemical and mechanical controls have replaced the historic role of fire on this site. Recently, prescribed burning has regained some popularity.
The big sagebrush component may not be as resilient once it has been removed or severely reduced, if a vigorous stand of grass exists and is maintained. The exception to this is where the herbaceous component is severely degraded at the time of treatment, growing conditions are unfavorable after treatment, and/or recovery of herbaceous species are inadequate due to poor grazing management. Regeneration of big sagebrush may also be suppressed if three-tip sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush is established. This situation is more likely to develop in areas where fires have occurred in a relatively short cycle. Three-tip and rubber rabbitbrush are strong resprouters and will out compete other shrubs where a site is disturbed. Any thinning project should be designed in a way to maintain the viability of the stand and to consider wildlife requirements.
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.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
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 7 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Columbia Needlegrass/Spikefescue Plant Community
Community 1.1
Columbia Needlegrass/Spikefescue Plant Community
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and periodic fires. Potential vegetation is about 75% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 15% woody plants. The cyclical nature of the fire regime in this community prevents big sagebrush from being the dominant landscape. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and on areas receiving periods of rest. Cool season midgrasses dominate the state. The major grasses include Columbia needlegrass, spikefescue, Idaho fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Big and black sagebrush are conspicuous element of this state, occurring in a mosaic pattern, and makes up 5 to 10% of the annual production. On areas along the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains, mountain mahogany is the dominant shrub. A variety of forbs also occurs in this state and plant diversity is high (see Plant Composition Table). Annual production on this state ranges from 500 to 1000 pounds depending on climatic conditions. This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Central Rocky Mountains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. 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: • Moderate, continuous season-long grazing will convert the plant community to the Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community. • Repeated Wild Fire or Brush Management + Prescribed Grazing will convert the HCPC to the Montana Wheatgrass/Three-tip Sagebrush/ Plant Community.
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 2
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community
Community 2.1
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community
Historically, this plant community evolved under grazing by large ungulates and a low fire frequency. Currently, this site is normally found under a moderate, season-long grazing regime and will be exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. In addition, the fire regime for this site has been modified and extended periods without fire is now common. Shrubs are important components of this plant community. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of miscellaneous forbs. Dominant grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, rhizomatous wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and of less frequency Columbia needlegrass and spikefescue. Grasses of secondary importance include Lettermans needlegrass, slender wheatgrass, bluegrasses, needleandthread, and spike trisetum. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include asters, phlox, buckwheat, pussytoes, lupine, paintbrush, agoseris, and larkspurs. Sagebrushes and antelope bitterbrush make up from 15% to 20% of the total annual production. On areas along the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains, mountain mahogany is the dominant shrub on this site and comprises 15% to 20% of the total annual production. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, big and black sagebrushes or mountain mahogany, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and bluegrasses have increased. Columbia needlegrass and spikefescue have decreased, often occurring only where protected from grazing by the sagebrush canopy. Some weedy species such as cheatgrass may have invaded the site but are in small patches. This state produces between 450 and 950 pounds annually, depending on the growing conditions. This plant community is resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. The herbaceous component is mostly intact and plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient. Water flow patterns and litter movement may be occurring but only on steeper slopes. Incidence of pedestalling is minimal. Soils are mostly stable and the surface shows minimum soil loss. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is intact. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the HCPC. The probability of this occurring is high especially if rotational grazing along with short deferred grazing is implemented as part of the prescribed method of use. In addition, the removal of fire suppression will allow a somewhat natural fire regime to reoccur to more easily transition between this plant community and the HCPC. A prescribed fire treatment can be useful to hasten this transition if desired. • Heavy, continuous, season-long grazing plus no fires will convert the plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/ Mixed Shrub Plant Community. The probability of this occurring is high. This is especially evident on areas where drought or heavy browsing does not adversely impact the shrub stand. • Heavy, continuous, season-long grazing plus wildfire or brush management will convert the plant community to a Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Lettermans Needlegrass Plant Community. The probability for this is high, especially on areas were the shrubs have been heavily browsed or removed by natural or human causes. Drought can also exacerbate this transition. • Repeated Wild Fire or Brush Management + Prescribed Grazing will convert the HCPC to the Montana Wheatgrass/Three-tip Sagebrush/ Plant Community.
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 3
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community
Community 3.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community
This plant community currently is found under heavy continuous season-long grazing by livestock and protection from fire. Shrubs are a significant component of this plant community. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory, but some of the preferred grasses have been reduced or are absent. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, Lettermans needlegrass, prairie junegrass, bluegrasses and of less frequency Columbia needlegrass, spikefescue, Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. Grasses of secondary importance include slender wheatgrass, spike trisetum, Indian ricegrass, needleandthread, one-spike oatgrass, and upland sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include argosies, biscuitroot, groundsel, buckwheat, phlox, lupine, larkspur, stonecrop, pussytoes, and American vetch. Black and big sagebrushes and antelope bitterbrush can make up to 30% of the total annual production. On areas along the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains, mountain mahogany replaces black sagebrush as the dominant shrub on this site. When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community, black sagebrush or mountain mahogany, big sagebrush, bluegrasses, prairie junegrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrasses have increased. Most of the preferred grasses and antelope bitterbrush have been reduced and some are absent. Some annuals, such as cheatgrass, have invaded the site, but are not yet abundant. Annual production ranges from 400 to 800 pounds. This plant community is resistant to change as the shrubs become more abundant. These areas may actually be more resistant to fire as less fine fuels are available and the bare ground between the shrubs is increased. The herbaceous component is not as diverse and plant vigor and species regeneration capabilities of some cool-season perennials are deficient. The removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. Soil erosion is accelerated because of increased bare ground. Water flow patterns and pedestalling is more noticeable. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. Rill channels may be noticeable in the interspaces on steeper areas and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated down slope. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing plus brush management will convert this plant community to near HCPC. If prescribed fire is used as a means to reduce or remove the shrubs, sufficient fine fuels will need to be present. This may require deferment from grazing prior to treatment. Post management is critical to ensure success. This can range from two or more years of rest to partial growing season deferment, depending on the condition of the understory at the time of treatment and the growing conditions following treatment. Seeding will be required regardless of the brush treatment to reestablish the major cool-season grasses. • Frequent and Severe Grazing plus no fires will convert the plant community to the Mixed Shrub/Bluegrass Plant Community. The probability of this occurring is high and is especially evident on areas where drought or heavy browsing does not adversely impact the shrub stand. • Brush management or Wildfire with no change in grazing management will convert this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Lettermans Needlegrass Plant Community.
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 4
Mixed Shrub/Bluegrass Plant Community
Community 4.1
Mixed Shrub/Bluegrass Plant Community
This plant community is the result of frequent and severe grazing and protection from fire. Big sagebrush is the dominant shrub of this plant community as the annual production of shrubs exceeds 30%. Big sagebrush is a significant component of the plant community and the preferred cool season grasses have been eliminated or greatly reduced. The interspaces between plants have expanded leaving the amount of bare ground more prevalent and more soil surface exposed to erosive elements. The dominant grasses are the bluegrass such as Sandberg, mutton, big, and Canby. Weedy annual species such as cheatgrass, kochia, Russian thistle, and a variety of mustards may occupy the site. Big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle may invade the site if a seed source is available. When compared with the HCPC the annual production is less, as the major cool-season grasses are reduced, but the shrub production has increased significantly and compensates for some of the decline in the herbaceous production. Annual production ranges from 300 to 700 pounds. This plant community is resistant to change as the stand becomes more decadent. These areas may actually be more resistant to fire as less fine fuels are available and the bare ground between the shrubs is increased. The herbaceous component is not as diverse and plant vigor and species regeneration capabilities of cool-season perennials are deficient. The removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. Soil erosion is accelerated because of increased bare ground. Water flow patterns and pedestalling are obvious. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. Rill channels may be noticeable in the interspaces and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated down slope. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Long-term prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the Big Sagebrush/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community. • Brush management or Wildfire with no change in grazing management will convert this plant community to the Bluegrass/Annual Plant Community.
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 5
Montana Wheatgrass/Three-tip Sagebrush Plant Community
Community 5.1
Montana Wheatgrass/Three-tip Sagebrush Plant Community
This plant community currently is found under prescribed grazing and is perpetuated by a fire cycle which maintains the removal of big sagebrush. Three-tip sagebrush and Montana wheatgrass are significant components of this plant community. Cool-season grasses remain an important component, but some bunchgrasses are not as abundant. Dominant grasses include Montana wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and of less frequency Columbia needlegrass, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and spikefescue. Grasses of secondary importance include one-spike oatgrass, slender wheatgrass, spike trisetum, and bluegrasses. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include phlox, groundsel, penstemon, larkspur, lupine, pussytoes, miner’s candle, hawksbeard, and milkvetch. Three-tip sagebrush along with pockets of black sagebrush comprise as much as 25% of the total production. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, Montana wheatgrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrass have increased. Columbia needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, spikefescue, and Idaho fescue have decreased. Production of cool-season grasses has remained about the same. Cheatgrass can be common and in large patches, but most invaded areas are relatively small. Annual production ranges from 450 to 900 pounds. This plant community is resistant to change as once three-tip becomes the dominant shrubs it is difficult for other shrubs to become established. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. The herbaceous component is mostly intact and plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient. Water flow patterns and litter movement may be occurring but only on steeper slopes. Incidence of pedestalling is minimal. Soils are mostly stable and the surface shows minimum soil loss. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is intact. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing and brush management will convert this plant community to the HCPC. Controlling three-tip sagebrush is difficult as it is a strong resprouter. Reestablishing the black sagebrush or mountain mahogany and the antelope bitterbrush may be difficult and may take many years. • Heavy, continuous, season-long grazing will convert this plant community to a Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Lettermans Needlegrass Plant community. More than likely, three-tip sage will persist in varying degrees as it is difficult to control and is a strong resprouter.
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 6
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Letterman's Needlegrass Plant Community
Community 6.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Letterman's Needlegrass Plant Community
This plant community currently is found under heavy continuous season-long grazing by livestock and is perpetuated by either brush management or a wildfire, which removes big sagebrush from this plant community. Three-tip sagebrush can be a significant component of this plant community, but also may be lacking. Some of the major cool-season bunchgrasses associated with this ecological site have been reduced and some may have been removed. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Letterman needlegrass, bluegrasses, prairie junegrass, spike trisetum, and Montana wheatgrass, and of less frequency Columbia needlegrass, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and spikefescue. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include phlox, groundsel, biscuitroot, locoweed, larkspur, lupine, pussytoes, miner’s candle, hawksbeard, and milkvetch. Three-tip sagebrush can comprise as much as 25% of the total production. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, rhizomatous wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and Montana wheatgrass have increased. Columbia needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, and big sagebrush have decreased or been removed. Production of the preferred cool-season grasses has been reduced. Cheatgrass can be common and in large patches, but mostly invaded areas are relatively small. Annual production ranges from 350 to 750 pounds. This plant community is resistant to change as the herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing and if three-tip becomes the dominant shrub it is difficult for other shrubs to become established. However, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. The herbaceous component is mostly intact, but some cool-season bunchgrasses associated with the site have been reduced or removed. Plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient for some species but not all. Water flow patterns and litter movement is occurring but only on steeper slopes. Incidence of pedestalling is moderate to slight. Soils are mostly stable and the surface shows minimum soil loss. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is partially intact. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the Montana Wheatgrass/Three-tip Sagebrush Plant community. • Frequent and Severe Grazing will convert this plant community to a Bluegrass/Annual Plant Community. If three-tip sage is present more than likely it will persist in varying degrees as it is difficult to control.
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
State 7
Bluegrass/Annual Plant Community
Community 7.1
Bluegrass/Annual Plant Community
This plant community evolved under frequent and severe grazing and the big sagebrush shrub component has been removed by heavy browsing, wildfire or human means. Weedy annuals and bluegrasses are the most dominant plants and occupy any open bare ground area. Three-tip sagebrush may or may not be present on this site. However, it is common for this shrub to occur as it is a strong resprouter and may quickly re-establish the site after a disturbance. Compared to the HCPC, weedy annual species and bluegrasses are widespread and virtually all of the major cool-season mid-grasses are absent or severely decreased. Big sagebrush has also been removed. Weedy annuals may include cheatgrass, kochia, Russian thistle, and a variety of mustards. Bluegrass species will include Sandberg, mutton, Canby, and big. Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle may invade the site if a seed source is available. The interspaces between plants have expanded leaving the amount of bare ground more prevalent and more soil surface exposed to erosive elements. Annual production ranges from 200 to 500 pounds. This plant community is relatively stable and resistant to overgrazing. Annuals and bluegrasses are effectively competing against the establishment of perennial cool-season grasses. Plant diversity is greatly altered and the herbaceous component is not intact. Recruitment of the major perennial grasses is not occurring and the replacement potential is absent. The biotic integrity is missing. The soils are unstable and not protected from excessive erosion. Rill channels and maybe even gullies may be present on site and adjacent areas are impacted by excessive runoff. Water flow patterns and pedestalling are obvious. The watershed is not functioning. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Lettermans Needlegrass Plant community.
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0601, 15-19E all upland 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 |
| 5 | 15 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 85–213 | |||||
| Columbia needlegrass | ACNE9 | Achnatherum nelsonii | 85–213 | – | ||
| 2 | 85–213 | |||||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 85–213 | – | ||
| 3 | 85–213 | |||||
| spike fescue | LEKI2 | Leucopoa kingii | 85–213 | – | ||
| 4 | 85–170 | |||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 85–170 | – | ||
| 5 | 0–85 | |||||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–85 | – | ||
| 6 | 0–85 | |||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–85 | – | ||
| 7 | 43–128 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–43 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–43 | – | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–43 | – | ||
| nodding brome | BRAN | Bromus anomalus | 0–43 | – | ||
| Pumpelly's brome | BRINP5 | Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus var. pumpellianus | 0–43 | – | ||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 0–43 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–43 | – | ||
| California oatgrass | DACA3 | Danthonia californica | 0–43 | – | ||
| onespike danthonia | DAUN | Danthonia unispicata | 0–43 | – | ||
| Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 0–43 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–43 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–43 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–43 | – | ||
| spike trisetum | TRSP2 | Trisetum spicatum | 0–43 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | 0–85 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–43 | – | ||
| yarrow | ACHIL | Achillea | 0–43 | – | ||
| agoseris | AGOSE | Agoseris | 0–43 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–43 | – | ||
| balsamroot | BALSA | Balsamorhiza | 0–43 | – | ||
| field chickweed | CEAR4 | Cerastium arvense | 0–43 | – | ||
| larkspur | DELPH | Delphinium | 0–43 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 0–43 | – | ||
| aster | EUCEP2 | Eucephalus | 0–43 | – | ||
| sunflower | HELIA3 | Helianthus | 0–43 | – | ||
| flax | LINUM | Linum | 0–43 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–43 | – | ||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 0–43 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 0–43 | – | ||
| stonecrop | SEDUM | Sedum | 0–43 | – | ||
| groundsel | TEPHR3 | Tephroseris | 0–43 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–43 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 9 | 0–85 | |||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–85 | – | ||
| mountain mahogany | CERCO | Cercocarpus | 0–85 | – | ||
| 10 | 0–85 | |||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–43 | – | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–43 | – | ||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–43 | – | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–43 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Columbia Needlegrass/Idaho fescue Plant Community (HCPC): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as deer, bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. Due to the location of these sites on the foot slopes of mountains they are valuable for elk and deer winter ranges. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlark, lark bunting, sage thrasher, horned larks, red-tail and ferruginous hawks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community: The combination of an overstory of big sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provides a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer, elk, and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlark, lark bunting, sage thrasher, horned larks, red-tail and ferruginous hawks, and golden eagles.
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community: The combination of an overstory of big sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provides a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer, elk, and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlark, lark bunting, sage thrasher, horned larks, red-tail and ferruginous hawks, and golden eagles.
Mixed Shrub/Bluegrass Plant Community: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15% protein and 40-60% digestibility during that time. This community provides escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlark, lark bunting, sage thrasher, horned larks, red-tail and ferruginous hawks, and golden eagles. Due to the lack of herbaceous production and diversity of mid cool season grasses on this site, it is not as beneficial to grazers.
Juniper/Limber Pine Plant Community: This plant community can provide important winter and escape cover for elk, mule deer and antelope, as the juniper and limber pine can approach 70% cover. However, due to the lack of quality browsing and herbaceous species, this site provides only a minimal source of forage for most wildlife species. Specific bird species such as the nuthatches, western tanager, western kingbird, mountain bluebird, wood-warblers, and northern flicker frequent this site.
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Needleandthread Plant Community: The production of herbaceous species provided for good foraging for grazers. However, the lack of tall or mid growing shrubs does not benefit browsers nor provides cover for many wildlife species. As these site greens-up sooner in the spring, this site tends to provide early new growth for foraging large and small mammals. If located adjacent to shrub dominated sites, It provides good foraging habitat for sage grouse.
Bluegrass/Annual Plant Community: This community provides limited foraging for elk and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover. Generally, these are not target plant communities for wildlife habitat management.
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 Carrying Capacity*
(lb./ac) (AUM/ac)
Columbia Needlegrass/Idaho fescue 500-1000 .4
Bluebunch WG/Mixed Shrub 450-900 .35
Rhizomatous WG/ Mixed Shrub 400-700 .3
Mixed Shrub/Bluegrass 200-500 .15
Juniper/Limber Pine 200-500 .1
Rhizomatous WG/Needleandthread 400-850 .35
Bluegrass/Annual 100-500 .1
* - 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 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 due to its shallow feature. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and water table. Runoff will be high on this site since the soil saturate easy and due to its shallow characteristic and water holding capacity. (Refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydraulic information.
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors. Other recreational uses may include hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
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: Chris Krassin, Range Management Specialist, James Haverkamp, Range Management Specialist, Steven Gullion, Range Management Specialist, James Mischke, District Conservationist, and Everet Bainter, State Range Management Specialist. 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
J. Haverkamp
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 4/30/2024
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) | Ray Gullion, Everet Bainter |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | ray.gullion@wy.usda.gov 307-347-2456 |
| Date | 05/30/2008 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 35-55% occurring in small areas throughout site -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should be restricted to areas of concentrated water flow patterns on steeper slopes -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Small scoured sites may be observed -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter movement is little to none based on topography and water flow patterns -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 55% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 3 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Infiltration is rapid to very rapid -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present. -
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:
Mid stature Cool Season GrassesSub-dominant:
Forbs ShrubsOther:
Short Grasses/GrasslikesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Average litter cover is 20-30% with depths of 0.25 to 0.5 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
850 lbs/acre -
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 50% is the most common indicator of a threshold being crossed. Big sagebrush and bluegrasses are common increasers. Annual weeds such as cheatgrass and mustards are common invasive species in disturbed sites. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing, except in extreme 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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