Cool foothills and Mountains (FEID-KOMA-PSSPS)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native plant species
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Transition T2A
Severe or continuous disturbance, such as prolonged improperly managed grazing
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Transition T2B
Severe or continuous disturbance, such as prolonged improperly managed grazing, catastrophic fire, or soil disturbing treatments, in the presence of invasive plant species
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Transition T3A
Soil disturbing activities in the presence of invasive plant species
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state is bunchgrass dominated with a diverse forb component. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function including the presence of all structural and functional groups, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire and/or periodic drought.
Description
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds and non-native species. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. Non-native annuals can be highly flammable and can promote increased fire frequency, perennial introduced species tend to withstand disturbance pressure better than native species and outcompete natives when resources are scarce. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function including the presence of all structural and functional plant groups and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. Processes and characteristics that contribute to positive feedbacks include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Description
This state is the product of repeated heavy disturbance during time periods harmful to deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Sandberg bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grasses.
Mechanism
Severe or continuous disturbance, such as prolonged improperly managed grazing
Mechanism
Severe or continuous disturbance, such as prolonged improperly managed grazing, catastrophic fire, or soil disturbing treatments, in the presence of invasive plant species
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.