Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R043BY478WY
Wetland (WL) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone
Accessed: 12/31/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
Associated sites
| R043BY428WY |
Lowland (LL) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
|---|---|
| R043BY430WY |
Overflow (Ov) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
| R043BY474WY |
Subirrigated (Sb) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
Similar sites
| R058BY178WY |
Wetland (WL) 10-17” PZ Wetland 10-14” Northern Plains P.Z., has lower production. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site normally occurs on level to nearly level bottomlands near springs, seeps and sloughs.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Drainageway
(2) Oxbow (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Ponding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to very long (more than 30 days) |
| Ponding frequency | Frequent |
| Elevation | 3,700 – 7,500 ft |
| Slope | 6% |
| Ponding depth | 12 in |
| Water table depth | 18 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 15" to 19" per year. May is generally the wettest month. July, August and September are somewhat drier with daily amounts rarely exceeding one inch. Snowfall is quite heavy in the mountainous area. Annual snowfall averages close to 70 inches.
Sunshine is abundant in the latter part of the summer, the greatest amount being in July and August. Sunshine possibility during these two months averages 70 to 75% possibility with only a 65% possibility for June and September. Winter averages about 40% sunshine.
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. Summer nights are cool and temperatures drop into the forties at most places before sunrise. Summer daytime temperatures are usually in the seventies and occasionally reach eighty, but rarely reach the mid nineties. Winters are cold with daily lows below freezing most of the time. January has the coldest temperatures with a range of near 10 deg. F at night to the mid thirties in the afternoon. Temperatures of well below zero to –30 deg. F are not uncommon in the winter months.
The growing season for the cool season plants will generally start about April 15 to May 1 and continue to about October 10.
The following information is from the “Sheridan Airport” climate station:
Frost-free period (32 °F): 95-156 days; (5 yrs. out of 10, these days will occur between May 21 – September 19)
Freeze-free period 28 °F): 116-187 days; (5 yrs. out of 10, these days will occur between May 4 – September 29)
Mean annual precipitation: 14.7 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45.0 °F (31.2 °F Avg. Min. – 58.8 °F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ website. Other climate station(s) representative of this precipitation zone include: “Parkman 5 WNW”
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 156 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 187 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 19 in |
Influencing water features
Stream type: C (Rosgen)
Soil features
This site consists of deep, poorly drained soils with a water table above the surface for part but not all of the growing season. They are on nearly level to slightly depressed areas with surface layers having a high content of organic matter.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Clay (2) Clay loam (3) Loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Slow to moderate |
| Soil depth | 20 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
2.2 – 6.6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 7.8 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates from improper grazing management, species such as spike sedge and Baltic rush increase. Grasses such as northern and bluejoint reedgrass, Nebraska sedge and tufted hairgrass will decrease in frequency and production.
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
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State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Nebraska Sedge, Tufted Hairgrass Plant Community:
Community 1.1
Nebraska Sedge, Tufted Hairgrass Plant Community:
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is about 80% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 10% woody plants. The major grasses include Nebraska sedge, northern and bluejoint reedgrass, and tufted hairgrass. Grasses of lesser importance are Baltic rush, spike sedge, and tall mannagrass. Woody plants are mainly willows. This state produces between 4500 and 7000 pounds annually, depending on the growing conditions. The state is extremely resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allow for high drought resistance. This is a healthy and 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 this plant community to the Baltic rush/Cattail Vegetation State. • Heavy, continuous, improper grazing will convert this plant community to Baltic rush/Smartweed Vegetation State.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1303, 15-19NP Free water sites - WL, Sb, SS.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Baltic Rush/Cattail Plant Community
Community 2.1
Baltic Rush/Cattail Plant Community
This plant community evolved under moderate grazing by domestic livestock. Dominant grasses include cattails, spike sedge and Baltic rush. Willows are present near the dryer edges of this site. This state produces between 3000 and 6000 pounds annually, depending on the growing conditions. ‘ When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, northern and blue joint reedgrass, Nebraska sedge and tufted hairgrass have decreased. Spike sedge, Baltic rush and cattails have increased. The abundant production and proximity to water make this state important for livestock and wildlife such as birds, mule deer and antelope. The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. The watershed is usually functioning. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing over the long-term will result in a plant community very similar to the Historic Climax Plant Community. • Heavy, continuous, improper grazing will convert this plant community to the Baltic rush/Smartweed Vegetation State.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1303, 15-19NP Free water sites - WL, Sb, SS.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Baltic Rush/Smartweed Plant Community
Community 3.1
Baltic Rush/Smartweed Plant Community
This plant community is the result of long-term improper grazing use. This state is dominated by Baltic rush, smartweed, and cattails. The site has been invaded by American licorice. Production ranges from 2000 to 3000 pounds. Bare ground has increased. The soil of this state is not well protected. Degraded stream banks may erode. The watershed is functioning but may produce excessive runoff. The biotic community is at risk due to invasive plants. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Proper grazing use over the long-term may eventually return this state to near historic climax plant community.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1303, 15-19NP Free water sites - WL, Sb, SS.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 | 600–1500 | |||||
| Nebraska sedge | CANE2 | Carex nebrascensis | 600–1500 | – | ||
| 2 | 600–1500 | |||||
| reedgrass | CALAM | Calamagrostis | 600–1500 | – | ||
| 3 | 600–1500 | |||||
| 4 | 600–1500 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–300 | – | ||
| water sedge | CAAQ | Carex aquatilis | 0–300 | – | ||
| spike sedge | CANA2 | Carex nardina | 0–300 | – | ||
| slough sedge | CAOB3 | Carex obnupta | 0–300 | – | ||
| dunhead sedge | CAPH2 | Carex phaeocephala | 0–300 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | 300–600 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–300 | – | ||
| pale agoseris | AGGL | Agoseris glauca | 0–300 | – | ||
| water hemlock | CICUT | Cicuta | 0–300 | – | ||
| scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 0–300 | – | ||
| waterleaf | HYDRO4 | Hydrophyllum | 0–300 | – | ||
| iris | IRIS | Iris | 0–300 | – | ||
| American bistort | POBI6 | Polygonum bistortoides | 0–300 | – | ||
| blue-eyed grass | SISYR | Sisyrinchium | 0–300 | – | ||
| arrowgrass | TRIGL | Triglochin | 0–300 | – | ||
| narrowleaf cattail | TYAN | Typha angustifolia | 0–300 | – | ||
| broadleaf cattail | TYLA | Typha latifolia | 0–300 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | 300–600 | |||||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 300–600 | – | ||
| 7 | 0–300 | |||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–300 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Nebraska Sedge, Tufted Hairgrass Plant Community (HCPC): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Woody vegetation provides thermal cover and habitat for migratory birds 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 meadowlarks, horned larks, migratory song birds, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Baltic Rush/Cattail Plant Community:
This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. Hawthorn trees will provide habitat for migratory song birds. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of grazing animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.
Baltic Rush/Smartweed Plant Community:
This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.
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)
Nebraska sedge, Tufted hairgrass 4500-7000 3.0
Baltic Rush, Cattail 3000-6000 2.5
Baltic Rush, Smartweed 2000-3000 1.5
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Climate is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. 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 may be saturated. (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. 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 variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Inventory Data References (narrative)
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel was also used. 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.
Inventory Data References
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 1971-1994 WY
Ocular estimates 1990-1999 WY
Contributors
G. Mitchell
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 | 04/01/2005 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| 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 less than 5% -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
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 95% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 5 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. Healthy deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration varies from moderate to low and runoff is high since the soil is usually saturated. -
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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Tall Grasses and Grasslike > Mid stature Grasses/Grasslike > Forbs = Shrubs/Trees -
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 50-55% with depths of 0.75 to 1.5 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
6000 lbs/ac -
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:
Spike sedge, Baltic rush, Kentucky Bluegrass, Smartweed, American licorice, and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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