Mountain Rockland (JUOC/CELE3/FEID)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Disruption of the fire return interval
More details -
Transition T1B
Catastrophic fire in the presences of invasive annual grasses
More details -
Transition R2B
Mechanical or chemical treatment of dominant shrubs or juniper along with treatment of non-native invasive species.
More details -
Transition T2A
Catastrophic fire in the presences of invasive annual grasses
More details -
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 representation of the natural range of variability. 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 including 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. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients.
Description
This state is characterized by a dominance of conifers and/or shrubs. Western juniper and/or ponderosa pine dominate the overstory. Mountain mahogany, bitterbrush and other shrubs are either co-dominant with trees, or declining on site. Deep rooted 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.
Description
This state is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass, medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), and North Africa grass (Vventenata dubia) in the understory. Shrubs may be present in the overstory, but are not controlling site function.
Mechanism
Disruption of the fire return interval, allowing for conifer expansion, especially western juniper
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire in the presences of invasive annual grasses
Mechanism
Mechanical or chemical treatment of dominant shrubs or juniper along with treatment of non-native invasive species. Desired grasses and forbs may need to be seeded.
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.