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Ecological site R047XA338UT

Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush)

Last updated: 2/05/2025
Accessed: 04/11/2025

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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.

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 047X–Wasatch and Uinta Mountains

MLRA 47 occurs in Utah (86 percent), Wyoming (8 percent), Colorado (4 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 23,825 square miles (61,740 square kilometers). The northern half of this area is in the Middle Rocky Mountains Province of the Rocky Mountain System. The southern half is in the High Plateaus of the Utah Section of the Colorado Plateaus Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. Parts of the western edge of this MLRA are in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. The MLRA includes the Wasatch Mountains, which trend north and south, and the Uinta Mountains, which trend east and west. The steeply sloping, precipitous Wasatch Mountains have narrow crests and deep valleys. Active faulting and erosion are a dominant force in controlling the geomorphology of the area. The Uinta Mountains have a broad, gently arching, elongated shape. Structurally, they consist of a broadly folded anticline that has an erosion-resistant quartzite core. The Wasatch and Uinta Mountains have an elevation of 4,900 to about 13,500 feet (1,495 to 4,115 meters).
The mountains in this area are primarily fault blocks that have been tilted up. Alluvial fans at the base of the mountains are recharge zones for the basin fill aquifers. An ancient shoreline of historic Bonneville Lake is evident on the footslopes along the western edge of the area. Rocks exposed in the mountains are mostly Mesozoic and Paleozoic sediments, but Precambrian rocks are exposed in the Uinta Mountains. The Uinta Mountains are one of the few ranges in the United States that are oriented west to east. The southern Wasatch Mountains consist of Tertiary volcanic rocks occurring as extrusive lava and intrusive crystalline rocks.
The average precipitation is from 8 to 16 inches (203 to 406 mm) in the valleys and can range up to 73 inches (1854 mm) in the mountains. In the northern and western portions of the MLRA, peak precipitation occurs in the winter months. The southern and eastern portions have a greater incidence of high-intensity summer thunderstorms; hence, a significant amount of precipitation occurs during the summer months. The average annual temperature is 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 15 C). The freeze-free period averages 140 days and ranges from 60 to 220 days, generally decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, and Mollisols. The lower elevations are dominated by a frigid temperature regime, while the higher elevations experience cryic temperature regimes. Mesic temperature regimes come in on the lower elevations and south facing slopes in the southern portion of this MLRA. The soil moisture regime is typically xeric in the northern part of the MLRA, but grades to ustic in the extreme eastern and southern parts. The minerology is generally mixed and the soils are very shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy or loamy-skeletal.

LRU notes

Major Land Resource Unit 47A is located in the northern half of the Middle Rocky Mountains Province of the Rocky Mountain System. This MLRA includes the Wasatch Mountains which tend to run north and south. These steeply sloping, precipitous mountains have narrow crests and deep valleys. They are primarily fault blocks that have been tilted up. The alluvial fans located at the base of these mountains are important recharge zones for valley aquifers.

Classification relationships

Modal Soil: Ellett SIL – loamy, mixed (calc.), frigid shallow, Xeric Torriorthents

Ecological site concept

This site represents areas on hillslopes, mountainsides and canyons. The plant community is Wyoming big sagebrush; bluebunch wheatgrass; Indian ricegrass; western wheatgrass; needle-and-thread grass; western mountain aster; Louisana sagewort; arrowleaf balsamroot and yellow rabbitbrush.

Associated sites

R047XA305UT	Upland Stony Loam (Utah juniper) This site is dominated by Utah juniper and, if adjacent to the Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush) site, may be a seed source for juniper invasion.

R047XA305UT

Upland Stony Loam (Utah juniper)

This site is dominated by Utah juniper and, if adjacent to the Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush) site, may be a seed source for juniper invasion.

Similar sites

R047XA320UT	Upland Shallow Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush) This site has soils that are less than 20 inches deep, resulting in reduced water-holding capacity.
R047XA334UT	Upland Stony Loam (mountain big sagebrush) This site is dominated by Mountain big sagebrush instead of Wyomiing big sagebrush.

R047XA320UT

Upland Shallow Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush)

This site has soils that are less than 20 inches deep, resulting in reduced water-holding capacity.

R047XA334UT

Upland Stony Loam (mountain big sagebrush)

This site is dominated by Mountain big sagebrush instead of Wyomiing big sagebrush.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous	(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata

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Physiographic features

This site is most commonly found on foothills and mountainsides and canyons between 5500 and 8000 feet. It occurs less frequently on alluvial fans and escarpments. It can be found on all aspects with slopes ranging from 6 to 60 percent. This site has negligible to low runoff and is not subject to flooding or ponding.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hillslope (2) Mountainside (3) Canyon
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	5,500 – 8,000 ft
Slope	6 – 60%
Ponding depth	Not specified
Water table depth	Not specified
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate of this site is characterized by cold, snowy winters and cool dry summers. The frost-free and freeze-free periods may be extremely short in Rich County where this site is prevelant. Annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches with most of the moisture coming in the spring, winter and fall. Winter snowpack adds moisture to the soil as it melts in the spring. However, much of the spring moisture is unavailable to plants by mid-June, and reduced precipitation causes many herbaceous species to go dormant by July 1. June, July and August are the driest months of the year for this site.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (average)	135 days
Freeze-free period (average)	85 days
Precipitation total (average)	15 in

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

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Line

Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern

Soil features

The soils of this site formed in colluvium and/or slope alluvium derived from sandstone and conglomerate mostly. They are moderately deep to deep, often with bedrock between 20 and 60 inches from the soil surface. The surface layer is usually 6 to 10 inches thick, loamy, and dark in color. Rock fragments are typically seen on the soil surface and noticeably increase with soil depth. These rock fragments make up at least 35 percent of the soil volume and may be gravel, cobble, or stone. The lower subsoil typically has over 50 percent rock fragments by volume. These soils are well drained. They can be calcareous or non-calcareous depending on the parent material. Permeability is moderate to moderately rapid. The water-holding capacity is 2 to 4.8 inches in the upper 40 inches of soil. The soil moisture regime is xeric and the soil temperature regime is frigid.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Colluvium – sandstone (2) Slope alluvium – conglomerate
Surface texture	(1) Gravelly loam (2) Very gravelly loam (3) Loam (4) Gravelly silt loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy-skeletal
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderate to moderately rapid
Depth to restrictive layer	20 – 60 in
Soil depth	20 – 60 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	10 – 35%
Surface fragment cover >3"	25%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	2 – 4.8 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	20%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	5
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.6 – 9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	25 – 50%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	7 – 25%

Ecological dynamics

The plant community dynamics of this site are presumed to have been driven by fire historically. The Reference Plant Community consists of very diverse shrubs, forbs and grasses. Wyoming big sagebrush would have co-dominated with bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial bunchgrasses in the reference state, with grasses increasing in dominance following fire (or possibly other shrub-removing disturbance i.e. aroga moth, snow mold, etc.) and big sagebrush increasing in dominance over time without fire. When sprouting shrubs are abundant in the community, they tend to co-dominate with grasses on this site following fire.

The introduction of non-native plants and domestic livestock on this site since the time of European settlement has altered the plant community dynamics of this site, as diagrammed in the State-and-Transition Model. Although this site is resilient under properly managed livestock grazing, it is susceptible to grass loss and sagebrush dominance under excessive grazing pressures. When grazing pressures repeatedly remove the growing points (apical meristems) of perennial grasses, they tend to lose vigor and decrease on the site.

This site is expected to support introduced perennial grass species, when these species are seeded under the proper conditions for germination and establishment; however, seeded range has not yet been documented to occur on this site.

Extended periods without fire (decades to centuries) tends to result in increased Utah juniper on this site. Once established, Utah juniper will eventually dominate the plant community on this site if not removed by fire or other means. This increase in juniper results in a corresponding decrease in shrub and herbaceous production on this site.

Although cheatgrass and other non-native species have been documented on this site, there is no documentation of non-native annual species dominating the site. However, the conditions of this site are similar to many sagebrush sites where cheatgrass has become dominant, so care should be taken to increase the resilience of the site to cheatgrass invasion. Soil surface disturbance, removal of existing perennial plants, and introduction of cheatgrass seeds via hay, livestock, or vehicles will increase the likelihood of cheatgrass dominance on this site.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 6. State-and-Transition Model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Invaded State

3. Juniper State

T1a	-	non-native species are introduced
T2a	-	Utah juniper becomes co-dominant - lack of fire

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

1.2. Perennial grassland

1.3. Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

1.1a	-	fire or other shrub-removal disturbance
1.1b	-	fire or other shrub-removal disturbance
1.2a	-	Recovery time following fire or other shrub-removal events
1.3a	-	Time following fire or other disturbances

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

2.2. Perennial grassland

2.3. Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

2.4. Sagebrush Grassland with Juniper

2.1a	-	fire or other shrub-removal disturbance
2.1b	-	fire or other shrub-removal disturbance
2.1c	-	Utah juniper becomes established and slowly increases with time and lack of fire
2.2a	-	Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community with time following fire or other shrub-removal events
2.4a	-	fire or other shrub-removal disturbance

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State is a description of this ecological site just prior to Euro-American settlement but long after the arrival of Native Americans. The description of the Reference State was determined by NRCS Soil Survey Type Site Location information and familiarity with rangeland relict areas where they exist. The Reference State would have been characterized as a shrub steppe dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) and having a rich native perennial herbaceous understory. The relative abundance of Wyoming big sagebrush and its perennial herbaceous understory on these sites would have depended on the amount of time elapsed since the last wildfire. Wildfire (1.1a) would have reduced Wyoming big sagebrush dominance, allowed for a temporary increase in disturbance-following shrubs when present (1.3), and allowed native perennial herbs to become temporarily dominant (1.1). In the absence of wildfire (1.2a), Wyoming big sagebrush would have become dominant, other shrubs would have become relatively less abundant, and the perennial herbaceous understory would have become relatively sparse (1.2).

Community 1.1
Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

The Reference Plant Community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush in the overstory, and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. Dominant perennial grasses are bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass and needle and thread. Diverse shrubs, perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the community. Composition by air-dry weight is 25 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 65 percent shrubs.

Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	250	400	550
Grass/Grasslike	200	325	450
Forb	100	150	200
Total	550	875	1200

Table 6. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-16%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	8-14%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-5%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	2-10%	5-15%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	5-10%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 1.2
Perennial grassland

The perennial grassland community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the plant community. Sprouting shrubs may be present in small numbers, but are not abundant in this community phase. Wyoming big sagebrush has been removed from the plant community, but may also be present (not dominant) due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community following removal. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 grasses grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 0 to 35 percent shrubs.

Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 8. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	400	550	700
Shrub/Vine	0	100	250
Forb	100	150	200
Total	500	800	1150

Table 9. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	0-8%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	15-25%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 10. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	5-10%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	0-8%	10-20%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	0%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 1.3
Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

This plant community is dominated by sprouting shrubs in the overstory (usually yellow rabbitbrush) and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. In moist areas, such as northern exposures or higher elevations, other sprouting shrubs, such as bitterbrush or serviceberry, may co-dominate with grasses. Dominant perennial grasses are typically bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant. Wyoming big sagebrush does not co-dominate the site, but it may be present due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community. Composition by air-dry weight is 35 to 60 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 25 to 50 percent shrubs.

Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 11. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	250	400	550
Shrub/Vine	150	250	350
Forb	100	150	200
Total	500	800	1100

Table 12. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	8-14%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	10-16%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 13. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-5%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	2-10%	5-15%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	0-5%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 1.1 does not have a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community dominated by perennial bunchgrasses.

Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 1.1 has a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community co-dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and sprouting shrubs, most commonly yellow rabbitbrush.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community following fire or other shrub-removal events. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to re-gain dominance in the community, depending on subsequent weather events and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses.

Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1

This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community, while sprouting shrubs decrease. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to regain dominance in the community following fire or other sagebrush-removal event, depending on subsequent weather and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses, with abundant sprouting shrubs remaining in the community.

State 2
Invaded State

The Invaded State is similar to the reference state in plant community structure and function, but it allows for the presence of some non-native invasive species. The lengthening of fire-return intervals since the time of European settlement also allows a new community phase in this state, which is characterized by the establishment and growth of Utah juniper, with minimal reductions in native woody and herbaceous species.

Community 2.1
Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

Figure 10. Phase 2.1

This plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush in the overstory, and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. Dominant perennial grasses are bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass and needle and thread. Diverse shrubs, perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the community. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 20 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 70 percent shrubs.

Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 14. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	250	400	550
Grass/Grasslike	200	325	450
Forb	100	150	200
Total	550	875	1200

Table 15. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-16%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	8-14%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 16. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-5%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	2-10%	5-15%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	5-10%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 2.2
Perennial grassland

The perennial grassland community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the plant community. Sprouting shrubs may be present in small numbers, but are not abundant in this community phase. Wyoming big sagebrush has been removed from the plant community, but may also be present (not dominant) due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community following removal. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 0 to 35 percent shrubs.

Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 17. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	400	550	700
Shrub/Vine	0	100	250
Forb	100	150	200
Total	500	800	1150

Table 18. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	0-8%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	15-25%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 19. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	5-10%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	0-8%	10-20%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	0%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 2.3
Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

Figure 13. Phase 2.3

Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 20. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	250	400	550
Shrub/Vine	150	250	350
Forb	100	150	200
Total	500	800	1100

Table 21. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	8-14%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	10-16%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 22. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-5%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	2-10%	5-15%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	0-5%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 2.4
Sagebrush Grassland with Juniper

Figure 15. Phase 2.4

This plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses, but with Utah juniper increasing significantly in the community. However, junipers are mostly small shrubs of a single age class. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass and needle and thread remain the dominant grasses. Diverse shrubs, perennial grasses and forbs are still abundant in the community. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 20 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, 30 to 55 percent shrubs, and 5 to 35 percent Utah juniper.

Figure 16. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 23. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	250	400	550
Grass/Grasslike	200	325	450
Forb	100	150	200
Total	550	875	1200

Table 24. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	10-16%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	8-14%
Forb foliar cover	4-8%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	25-35%

Table 25. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-5%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-5%	2-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	2-10%	5-15%	2-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0%	5-10%	0-5%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	–	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.1 does not have a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community dominated by perennial bunchgrasses. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.

Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3

Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.1 has a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community co-dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and sprouting shrubs, most commonly yellow rabbitbrush. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.

Pathway 2.1c
Community 2.1 to 2.4

Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

Sagebrush Grassland with Juniper

This pathway occurs as Utah juniper becomes established and slowly increases in the plant community. It may take decades to centuries following fire for Utah juniper to become a major part of the community, depending on weather events and juniper seed dispersal. Native shrubs and grasses continue to dominate the site even during this community phase pathway.

Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community following fire or other shrub-removal events. It may take 10-40 years for sagebrush to re-gain dominance in the community, depending on subsequent weather events and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses.

Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1

Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

Context dependence. Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community, while sprouting shrubs decrease with time following fire

Pathway 2.4a
Community 2.4 to 2.1

Sagebrush Grassland with Juniper

Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush and Utah juniper from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10-70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.4 does not have a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community dominated by perennial bunchgrasses. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.

Pathway 2.4b
Community 2.4 to 2.3

Sagebrush Grassland with Juniper

Sprouting Shrub / Perennial grass

This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush and Utah juniper from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred every 10-70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.4 has a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community co-dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and sprouting shrubs, most commonly yellow rabbitbrush. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.

State 3
Juniper State

This state is characterized by Utah juniper dominance of both ecological function and community structure. Juniper may continue to increase in this state until very few of the dominant reference species remain. This state may not be subject to extreme erosion due to the rockiness of the soil, but large bare patches may be subject to some localized accelerated erosion. Removal of juniper will require seeding of some species given the absence of seed production by native grasses and shrubs in this state.

Community 3.1
Wyoming big sagebrush / Perennial grass

Figure 17. Phase 3.1

Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 26. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Tree	250	400	600
Shrub/Vine	50	150	250
Grass/Grasslike	50	150	250
Forb	25	150	200
Total	375	850	1300

Table 27. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	10-25%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	0-10%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	0-5%
Forb foliar cover	0-5%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-15%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	11-39%
Surface fragments >3"	0-8%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	35-45%

Table 28. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	0%	0-2%	0-2%	0-2%
>0.5 <= 1	0%	0-5%	0-2%	0-5%
>1 <= 2	0%	0-10%	0-5%	0-5%
>2 <= 4.5	0-10%	0-10%	0-2%	0-2%
>4.5 <= 13	10-25%	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	0-5%	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Transition T1a
State 1 to 2

This transition occurs as non-native species are introduced to the site. The invaded state is similar to the reference state in plant community structure and ecological process, but the presence of domestic livestock and exotic plants decreases the resilience of the site.

Transition T2a
State 2 to 3

This transition occurs when Utah juniper becomes co-dominant in the plant community. Indicators are decreased perennial grasses and shrubs, increased bare ground, and multiple age classes of Utah juniper (indicating repeated recruitment events on the site). It is unclear at which point state 2 crosses an irreversible threshold into state 3, but the inability of the site to carry a fire, or the lack of perennial grass and shrub seed/propagules following a wildfire are useful qualitative indicators.

Additional community tables

Table 29. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Shrub/Vine
1	Dominant shrubs			200–400
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	200–400	8–16
3	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			75–150
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–125	0–5
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–100	0–4
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	10–100	0–4
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	10–29	–
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1
Grass/Grasslike
2	Dominant Grasses			150–400
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–300	4–12
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	50–150	2–7
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	25–75	1–3
1	Sub-dominant grasses			25–150
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–75	0–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1

Table 30. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
0	Dominant Grasses			350–600
1	Sub-dominant grasses			50–200
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–125	0–5
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1
Shrub/Vine
3	Shrubs			0–250
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	10–50	0–2
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–50	0–2
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–50	0–2
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	10–29	–
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1

Table 31. Community 1.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Shrub/Vine
1	Dominant Shrubs			125–300
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	50–250	2–10
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–200	0–8
	Utah serviceberry	AMUT	Amelanchier utahensis	0–200	0–8
3	Sub-dominant Shrubs			25–225
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–50	0–2
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–30	0–1
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1
Grass/Grasslike
2	Dominant Grasses			225–500
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	150–350	6–14
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	50–200	2–8
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	50–150	2–6
1	Sub-dominant grasses			25–150
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–125	0–5
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1

Table 32. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Shrub/Vine
1	Dominant shrubs			200–400
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	200–400	8–16
3	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			75–150
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–125	0–5
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–100	0–4
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	10–100	0–4
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	10–29	–
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1
Grass/Grasslike
2	Dominant Grasses			150–400
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–300	4–12
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	50–150	2–7
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	25–75	1–3
1	Sub-dominant grasses			25–150
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–75	0–3
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	5–75	0–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–50	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1

Table 33. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
0	Dominant Grasses			350–600
1	Sub-dominant grasses			50–200
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–125	0–5
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	5–75	1–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–50	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1
Shrub/Vine
3	Shrubs			0–250
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	10–50	0–2
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–50	0–2
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–50	0–2
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	10–29	–
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1

Table 34. Community 2.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Shrub/Vine
1	Dominant Shrubs			125–300
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	50–250	2–10
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–200	0–8
	Utah serviceberry	AMUT	Amelanchier utahensis	0–200	0–8
3	Sub-dominant Shrubs			25–225
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–50	0–2
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–30	0–1
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1
Grass/Grasslike
2	Dominant Grasses			225–500
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	150–350	6–14
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	50–200	2–8
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	50–150	2–6
1	Sub-dominant grasses			25–150
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–125	0–5
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	5–75	1–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–50	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1

Table 35. Community 2.4 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Shrub/Vine
1	Dominant shrubs			200–350
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	200–350	8–14
3	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			75–200
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	25–200	1–8
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–125	0–5
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	10–100	0–4
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–100	0–4
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	10–29	–
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1
Grass/Grasslike
2	Dominant Grasses			150–400
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–300	4–12
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	50–150	2–7
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	25–75	1–3
1	Sub-dominant grasses			25–150
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–75	0–3
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	5–75	1–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			100–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–50	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1

Table 36. Community 3.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Tree
0	Tree			250–600
Grass/Grasslike
1	Grasses			50–250
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	0–150	0–6
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–100	0–4
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–75	0–3
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	5–75	0–3
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–75	0–3
	oniongrass	MEBU	Melica bulbosa	0–50	0–2
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–50	0–2
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–50	0–2
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	0–50	0–2
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–50	0–2
	Grass, annual	2GA	Grass, annual	0–25	0–1
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–25	0–1
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	0–25	0–1
	Idaho fescue	FEID	Festuca idahoensis	0–25	0–1
	muttongrass	POFE	Poa fendleriana	0–25	0–1
Forb
2	Forbs			25–200
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	0–50	0–2
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	10–50	0–2
	arrowleaf balsamroot	BASA3	Balsamorhiza sagittata	0–50	0–2
	prickly lettuce	LASE	Lactuca serriola	0–50	0–2
	tailcup lupine	LUCAC3	Lupinus caudatus ssp. caudatus	0–40	0–2
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	5–40	0–2
	shortstem buckwheat	ERBR5	Eriogonum brevicaule	0–30	0–1
	Eaton's fleabane	EREA	Erigeron eatonii	0–20	0–1
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–20	0–1
	tufted evening primrose	OECA10	Oenothera caespitosa	0–20	0–1
	lobeleaf groundsel	PAMU11	Packera multilobata	0–20	0–1
	low beardtongue	PEHU	Penstemon humilis	0–20	0–1
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	0–20	0–1
	mustard	BRASS2	Brassica	0–20	0–1
	sego lily	CANU3	Calochortus nuttallii	0–20	0–1
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	0–20	0–1
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	0–1
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–20	0–1
	silverleaf milkvetch	ASAR4	Astragalus argophyllus	0–20	0–1
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	0–20	0–1
	Bonneville pea	LABR	Lathyrus brachycalyx	0–20	0–1
	maiden blue eyed Mary	COPA3	Collinsia parviflora	0–10	0–1
Shrub/Vine
3	Shrubs			25–250
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	0–75	0–3
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVIV4	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus var. viscidiflorus	0–50	0–2
	Saskatoon serviceberry	AMAL2	Amelanchier alnifolia	0–50	0–2
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	0–30	0–1
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–30	0–1
	mountain snowberry	SYOR2	Symphoricarpos oreophilus	0–30	0–1
	spineless horsebrush	TECA2	Tetradymia canescens	0–30	0–1
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–30	0–1
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–30	0–1
	creeping barberry	MARE11	Mahonia repens	0–25	0–1
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	0–20	0–1
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	0–20	0–1
	slender buckwheat	ERMI4	Eriogonum microthecum	0–10	0–1
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–10	0–1

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock use:
This site provides good grazing for cattle, sheep and horses for spring, summer, and fall use.
Wildlife use:
This site is fair habitat for hawks, upland game birds and other small birds, jack rabbits, cottontails and other small mammals, and coyotes. It frequently provides food for mule deer and pronghorn antelope during the winter.

Hydrological functions

Recreational uses

This site has fair to good aesthetic appeal and is valued for open space. In good condition it has a relatively large number of forbs and a few shrubs which bloom in the spring and early summer. It has very little value for screening because of the low growing nature of the plants and is therefore not good for camping and picnicking. Hunting is good for upland game birds, particularly sage grouse, chukars, and for jack rabbits and cottontails. This site has value for snowmobiling as a recreational use in winter, but this type of use may conflict with large populations of wintering mule deer and pronghorn antelope.

Wood products

None

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.

Other references

Galatowitsch, S. M. 1990. Using the original land survey notes to reconstruct pre-settlement landscapes in the American West. Great Basin Naturalist 50:181-191. Keywords: [Western U.S., conservation, history, human impact]

Howard, Janet L. 1999. Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2013, December 13].

Parson, R. E. 1996. A History of Rich County. Utah State Historical Society, County Commission, Rich County, Utah. Keywords: [Rich County, Utah, Historic land use, European settlements]

USDA-NRCS. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. in USDA, editor, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Grazing Lands Technology Institute. Keywords: [Western US, Federal guidelines, Range pasture management]

Staggs, T. 2005. Early vegetational responses to supplemented and unsupplemented fall sheep grazing treatments in a sagebrush steppe. M.S. Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, UT.

Woodland, R.D., 2007. Influence of fall grazing by sheep on plant productivity, shrub age class structure, and herbaceous species diversity in sagebrush steppe. Master’s Thesis, Utah State University, Utah, USA.

Western Regional Climate Center, Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries. Available at: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmut.html. Accessed 5 February 2009.

Web Soil Survey, Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available at: http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. Accessed 20 February

Contributors

Unknown
M. Dean Stacy

Approval

Kendra Moseley, 2/05/2025

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	02/06/2025
Approved by	Kendra Moseley
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production