Cool Mountain Bunchgrass (ARTRV/FEID)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native species
More details -
Transition T2A
Less frequent fire and/or extended drought reduces perennial bunchgrasses and allows for an increase in shrub/tree species
More details -
Transition T2B
Catastrophic fire; often coupled with soil disturbing activities and/or extended drought
More details -
Transition T2C
Time and lack of disturbance allows for sagebrush to recover. Conifers may increase.
More details -
Transition T3A
Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities
More details -
Transition T3B
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
More details -
Restoration pathway R5A
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species
More details -
Restoration pathway R5B
Mechanical treatment of trees
More details -
Transition T5A
Catastrophic fire
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State 1.0 is a representation of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has 3 general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. 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 such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack.
Description
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, 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 species’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, residual dry matter accumulation, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Description
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses, changes in the historic fire regime or long-term drought favoring shrub establishment. Grazing tolerant Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grass. Sagebrush dominates the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Sagebrush cover exceeds the site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory and Sandberg bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed (3.1). In both community phases, bare ground may be significant with soil redistribution occurring between interspace and shrub locations. Conifers increase and may begin to influence the understory vegetation.
Description
This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass, medusahead, ventenata and tansy mustard (Descurainia spp.) in the understory. Sagebrush and/or rabbitbrush may dominate the overstory.
Description
This state is characterized by a dominance of western juniper and/or ponderosa pine in the overstory. Sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.
Mechanism
Less frequent fire and/or extended drought reduces perennial bunchgrasses and allows for an increase in shrub/tree species
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire; often coupled with soil disturbing activities and/or extended drought
Mechanism
Time and lack of disturbance allows for sagebrush to recover. Conifers may increase.
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities
Mechanism
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.