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Ecological site R048AY322UT

Upland Shallow Loam (Two-Needle Pinyon / Utah Juniper)

Last updated: 3/05/2024
Accessed: 11/24/2024

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 048A–Southern Rocky Mountains

MLRA 48A makes up about 45,920 square miles (119,000 square kilometers) and is the southern part of the Rocky Mountains. The Southern Rocky Mountains lies east of the Colorado Plateau, south of the Wyoming Basin, west of the Great Plains, and north of the Rio Grande Rift. It is in western and central Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, eastern Utah, and northern New Mexico. The headwaters of major rivers such as the Colorado, Yampa, Arkansas, Rio Grande, North Platte and South Plate rivers are located here. This MLRA has numerous national forests, including the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming; the Routt, Arapaho, Roosevelt, Pike, San Isabel, White River, Gunnison, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Rio Grande, and San Juan National Forests in Colorado; the Carson National Forest and part of the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico. Rocky Mountain National Park also is in this MLRA.

MLRA 48A is the southern Rocky Mountains physiographic region. The Southern Rocky Mountains consist primarily of two belts of strongly sloping to precipitous mountain ranges trending north to south. Several basins, or parks, are between the belts. Some high mesas and plateaus are included. It is characterized by mountain ranges that were uplifted during the Laramide Orogeny and then had periods of glaciation. The ranges include the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Laramie Mountains, and the Front Range in the east and the San Juan Mountains and the Sawatch and Park Ranges in the west. The ranges are dissected by many narrow stream valleys having steep gradients. In some areas the upper mountain slopes and broad crests are covered by snowfields and glaciers. Elevation typically ranges from 6,500 to 14,400 feet (1,980 to 4,390 meters) in this area. The part of this MLRA in central Colorado includes the highest point in the Rockies, Mount Elbert, which reaches an elevation of 14,433 feet (4,400 meters). More than 50 peaks in the part of the MLRA in Colorado are at an elevation of more than 14,000 feet (4,270 meters). Many small glacial lakes are in the high mountains.

The mountains in this area were formed mainly by crustal uplifts during the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary periods. This large MLRA can be subdivided into at least 4 large general divisions. First is the Rockies on the east side of this area are called the “Front Range,” which is a fault block that has been tilted up on edge and uplifted and is largely igneous and metamorphic geology. It was tilted up on the east edge, so there is a steep front on the east and the west side is more gently sloping and in the south east there are rocks exposed in the mountains are mostly Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks. Second is the tertiary rocks, primarily basalt and andesitic lava flows, tuffs, breccias, and conglomerates, are throughout this area (San Juan Mountains Area). The third division is Northwest part of the MLRA is dominantly sedimentary rock from the cretaceous/tertiary and Permian/ Pennsylvanian periods. The fourth subset is the long and narrow Sangre de Cristos mountains uplifted in the Cenozoic are between the Rio Grande rift and the great plains. Many of the highest mountain ranges were reshaped by glaciation during the Pleistocene. Alluvial fans at the base of the mountains are recharge zones for local basin and valley fill aquifers. They also are important sources of sand and gravel.

The average annual precipitation ranges predominantly from 12 to 63 inches. Summer rainfall commonly occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms. About half of the annual precipitation occurs as snow in winter; this proportion increases with elevation. In the mountains, deep snowpacks accumulate throughout the winter and generally persist into spring or early summer, depending on elevation. Some permanent snowfields and small glaciers are on the highest mountain peaks. In the valleys at the lower elevations, snowfall is lighter and snowpacks can be intermittent. The average annual temperature is 26 to 54 degrees F (-3 to 12 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 135 days and ranges from 45 to 230 days, decreasing in length with elevation. The climate of this area is strongly dependent upon elevation; precipitation is greater, and temperatures are cooler at the higher elevations. The plant communities vary with elevation, aspect and change in latitudes due to changing in precipitation kind and timing and temperature.

The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Mollisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols, and Entisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid or cryic soil temperature regime and an ustic or udic soil moisture regime. Mineralogy is typically mixed, smectitic, or paramicaceous. In areas with granite, gneiss, and schist bedrock, Glossocryalfs (Seitz, Granile, and Leadville series) and Haplocryolls (Rogert series) formed in colluvium on mountain slopes. Dystrocryepts (Leighcan and Mummy series) formed on mountain slopes and summits at the higher elevations. In areas of andesite and rhyolite bedrock, Dystrocryepts (Endlich and Whitecross series) formed in colluvium on mountain slopes. In areas of sedimentary bedrock, Haplustolls (Towave series) formed on mountain slopes at low elevations and with low precipitation. Haplocryolls (Lamphier and Razorba series), Argicryolls (Cochetopa series), and Haplocryalfs (Needleton series) formed in colluvium on mountain slopes at high elevations.

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

F048AY330UT	Upland Shallow Stony Loam (Two-Needle Pinyon /Douglas Fir)
R048AY366UT	Upland Very Steep Loam (Salina Wildrye)
R048AY443UT	Mountain Shallow Loam (Mixed Conifer)

F048AY330UT

Upland Shallow Stony Loam (Two-Needle Pinyon /Douglas Fir)

R048AY366UT

Upland Very Steep Loam (Salina Wildrye)

R048AY443UT

Mountain Shallow Loam (Mixed Conifer)

Similar sites

F048AY330UT	Upland Shallow Stony Loam (Two-Needle Pinyon /Douglas Fir)

F048AY330UT

Upland Shallow Stony Loam (Two-Needle Pinyon /Douglas Fir)

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus edulis (2) Juniperus osteosperma
Shrub	(1) Artemisia nova
Herbaceous	(1) Achnatherum hymenoides

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Physiographic features

This ecological site typically occurs on hills, hillslopes, structural benches, and on escarpments, ledges and mesas. Slope, aspect and elevation influence the vegetative floristics of this ecological site. Sites are located between 6,200 to 7,800 feet in elevation. Slopes normally range from 3 to 40 percent but may occasionally be steeper.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hill (2) Mesa (3) Structural bench
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,890 – 2,377 m
Slope	3 – 40%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate of this site is dry subhumid and semiarid. It is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches. July, August, and October are typically the wettest months with June being the driest. The most reliable sources of moisture for plant growth are the snow that accumulates over the winter and spring rains. Summer thunderstorms are intermittent and sporadic in nature, and thus, are not reliable sources of moisture to support vegetative growth on this site. The mean annual air temperature ranges from 42 to 45 degrees and averages 44 degrees.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	305-406 mm

Bar

Line

Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Soil features

This site occurs on very shallow to shallow soils over lithic bedrock. The dry surface layer color is typically a dark reddish brown or a light yellowish brown and the surface soil textures range from channery loams to flaggy fine sandy loams. These soils are moderately well developed, well drained, and have moderate water holding capacities. Soil temperature regime is frigid and moisture regime is aridic bordering on ustic.

This site has been used in the following soils surveys and has been correlated to the following components:

UT013—Duchesne: Benlow, Cedarknoll, Gompers, Moonshine.
UT653-Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation: Benlow, Cedarknoll, Gompers, Moonshine.

Typical Soil Profile: (Moonshine).
A—0-3 inches; flaggy fine sandy loam; disseminated calconates; moderately alkaline.
C1—3-15 inches; fine sandy loam; disseminated calconates; moderately alkaline.
C2-15-19 inches; fine sandy loam; disseminated calconates; moderately alkaline.
R—19 inches; unweathered sandstone bedrock.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium – sandstone and shale (2) Residuum – calcareous sandstone
Surface texture	(1) Channery loam (2) Flaggy fine sandy loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderately rapid
Soil depth	15 – 51 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0 – 20%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	1.02 – 3.81 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	1 – 10%
Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified)	0 – 2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified)	0 – 2
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	7.4 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 8%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0%

Ecological dynamics

This site developed under the Uintah Basin Section of the Southern Rocky Mountain Provence ecological conditions and the natural influences of herbivory, fire and climate. Species composition is generally dominated by an overstory canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common shrub species. Perennial herbaceous species occurrence is directly related to canopy density with Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and geyer sedge found most often.

Evidence indicates that this site historically maintained a fairly long burn cycle (100 years or more). Very old two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper are common on most undisturbed sites. Over time, their canopies increase in density, reducing understory vegetation dramatically. Following stand removing fire, the understory vegetation flourishes, but over time is again reduced.

Severe drought and insect damage can affect two-needle pinyon in some locations, causing it die out, often allowing Utah juniper to increase. This event can also allow for an increase in shrubs and herbaceous species during periods when wetter years return.

As vegetative communities respond to changes caused by natural or manmade events that cause them to cross ecological thresholds, a return to previous states may not be possible. The amount of effort needed to affect desired vegetative shifts depends on a sites present biotic and abiotic features and the desired results.

The following State and Transition diagram depicts the most common plant communities found on this ecological site. It does not necessarily depict all the plant communities that can occur, but does show the most prevalent and repeatable. As more data are collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones added. These descriptions capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.

State and transition model

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Standard diagram

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Current Potential State

3. Chained and Seeded State

T1A	-	This transitional pathway occurs when improper livestock grazing causes the perennial herbaceous community to become significantly reduced allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle and other invasive weeds to become established.
T2A	-	This transitional pathway occurs when the site is chained and seeded to introduced species including crested wheatgrass and intermediate wheatgrass

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Herbaceous Community Phase.

1.2. Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Community Phase.

1.1A	-	This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper to significantly increase.
1.2A	-	This community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and fire reduces two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper, significantly opening the sites canopy.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Invasive Species Community Phase.

2.2. Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Invasive Species Community Phase.

2.1A	-	This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper to significantly increase.
2.2A	-	This community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and fire reduces two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper, significantly opening the sites canopy.

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Chained and seeded Community Phase.

State 1
Reference State

This state describes the biotic communities that may become established on this ecological site if all successional sequences are completed under natural disturbance conditions. The reference state is generally dominated by an overstory canopy of two-needle-pinyon with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Black sagebrush is the dominate shrub. Indian ricegrass and Letterman needlegrass are the most common grasses. Other native grasses, forbs, and shrubs may produce significant composition in the plant community. The primary disturbance mechanisms are overstory canopy density, weather fluctuation, and fire. The reference state is self sustaining and resistant to change due to a high resistance to natural disturbances and a high resilience following those disturbances. When natural disturbances occur, the rate of recovery can be quite variable. Typically in the reference state, this ecological site will fluctuate between community phases 1.1 and 1.2. Reference State: Plant communities influenced by canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Indicators: A community dominated by two-needle pinyon, Utah juniper and black sagebrush. The density of the overstory canopy determines the amount and composition of the other native perennial grasses and forbs that may be present. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self sustaining two-needle pinyon, Utah juniper, black sagebrush and native grass community. Insect herbivory, more frequent fires, or other disturbances that may allow for the establishment of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to establish. Trigger: The establishment of invasive plant species.

Community 1.1
Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Herbaceous Community Phase.

Figure 3. Community Phase 1.1

This community phase is characterized by an open canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany are the most common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and Geyer sedge. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs are also often present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 10 percent forbs, 25 percent grasses, and 65 percent shrubs and trees. Bare ground is variable (2-50%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (0-20%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. The following tables provide an example the typical vegetative floristics of a community phase 1.1 plant community.

Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Tree	112	196	247
Grass/Grasslike	67	112	135
Shrub/Vine	73	95	123
Forb	28	45	56
Total	280	448	561

Table 6. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	20-30%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	20-25%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	20-25%
Forb foliar cover	10-15%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	2-5%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	30-50%

Community 1.2
Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Community Phase.

Figure 5. Community Phase 1.2

This community phase is characterized by a dense canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany, where present, are the most common understory shrubs. Herbaceous vegetation is significantly reduced because of shading by the overstory canopy. Where herbaceous species do remain, Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and Geyer sedge are found most often. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may also occasionally be present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 5 percent forbs, 5 percent grasses, and 90 percent shrubs and trees. Bare ground is variable (2-50%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (0-20%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. The following tables provide an example the typical vegetative floristics of a community phase 1.2 plant community.

Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 7. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Tree	179	303	370
Shrub/Vine	45	67	90
Forb	34	45	56
Grass/Grasslike	22	34	45
Total	280	449	561

Table 8. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	40-60%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	5-15%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	5-10%
Forb foliar cover	5-10%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	2-5%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	30-50%

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Herbaceous Community Phase.

Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Community Phase.

This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper to significantly increase. This closed canopy causes understory vegetation to be reduced or nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate them from the system.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Community Phase.

Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Herbaceous Community Phase.

This community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and fire reduces two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper, significantly opening the sites canopy. Insect damage on two-needle pinyon can also cause it to be reduced on this site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to increase and under some circumstances, flourish on the site.

State 2
Current Potential State

The current potential state is similar to the reference state, however invasive species are now present in all community phases. This state is generally dominated by two-needle pinyon, with lesser amounts of Utah juniper present. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany are the most common shrubs. Depending on the sites disturbance history, native perennial grasses, forbs, or other shrubs may be common in the sites understory. Primary disturbance mechanisms are thought to include long-term weather fluctuations, insect herbivory, improper livestock grazing, fire interval and surface disturbances such as road and pipeline development and off road vehicle (OHV) use. Few disturbed sites have been located to date and so little data exists regarding them. The current potential state is still self sustaining but has less resistance to change due to lower resistance to disturbances and lower resilience following disturbances. This state will typically fluctuate between community phases 2.1 and 2.2. Current Potential State: Plant communities influenced by livestock grazing, wildlife browsing, insect herbivory, weather fluctuations, fire periods and surface disturbances. Indicators: A community dominated by two-needle pinyon and black sagebrush where other shrubs and native perennial grasses and forbs may also be present. Invasive grasses and forbs are present. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather that allow for a self sustaining two-needle pinyon, black sagebrush and grass community.

Community 2.1
Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Invasive Species Community Phase.

Figure 7. Community Phase 2.1

This community phase is characterized by an open canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany are the most common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include Cheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and Geyer sedge. Other annual and perennial grasses and forbs and various other shrubs are also present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 10 percent forbs, 25 percent grasses, and 65 percent shrubs and trees. Bare ground is variable (2-50%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (0-20%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. The following tables provide an example the typical vegetative floristics of a community phase 2.1 plant community.

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

Table 9. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Tree	112	196	247
Grass/Grasslike	67	112	135
Shrub/Vine	56	84	112
Forb	45	56	67
Total	280	448	561

Table 10. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	20-30%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	20-25%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	20-25%
Forb foliar cover	10-15%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	2-5%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	30-50%

Community 2.2
Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Invasive Species Community Phase.

Figure 9. Community Phase 2.2

This community phase is characterized by a dense canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany, where present, are the most common understory shrubs. Herbaceous vegetation is significantly reduced because of shading by the overstory canopy. Where herbaceous species do remain, cheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and Geyer sedge are found most often. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may also occasionally be present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 5 percent forbs, 5 percent grasses, and 90 percent shrubs and trees. Bare ground is variable (2-50%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (0-20%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. The following tables provide an example the typical vegetative floristics of a community phase 2.2 plant community.

Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 11. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Tree	179	303	370
Shrub/Vine	45	67	90
Forb	34	45	56
Grass/Grasslike	22	34	45
Total	280	449	561

Table 12. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	40-60%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	5-15%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	5-10%
Forb foliar cover	5-10%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	2-5%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	30-50%

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Invasive Species Community Phase.

Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Invasive Species Community Phase.

This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper to significantly increase. This closed canopy causes understory vegetation to be reduced or nearly eliminated from the site. Drought and/or improper livestock alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate them from the system.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Closed Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage Invasive Species Community Phase.

Open Canopy-Two-needle Pinyon, Black Sage, Invasive Species Community Phase.

State 3
Chained and Seeded State

This state occurs when the site is chained to remove two-needle pinyon and juniper trees. Following the chaining this area may or may not be burned and then seeded to introduced species such as crested wheatgrass. Where sufficient understory species are present, the site might be allowed to recover naturally following the chaining.

Community 3.1
Chained and seeded Community Phase.

Figure 11. Community Phase 3.1

This community phase is created when overstory canopies of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper are chained. This action releases understory species, allowing them to increase. Black sagebrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany, where present, are the most likely to increase in the shrub layer. Other shrubs such as broom snakeweed and green rabbitbrush may also increase. Where herbaceous species do remain, cheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass and Geyer sedge are most likely to increase. Other annual and perennial grasses and forbs present may also increase following chaining. This site is often aerial seeded to introduced species with crested wheatgrass and intermediate wheatgrass seeded most often. Air dry composition of this site following chaining is highly variable but a typical result is approximately 15 percent forbs, 35 percent grasses, and 50 percent shrubs. A few remaining trees are also normally present. Bare ground is variable (2-60%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (0-20%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. The following tables provide an example the typical vegetative floristics of a community phase 3.1 plant community.

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

Table 13. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Shrub/Vine	179	224	336
Grass/Grasslike	56	112	168
Forb	45	78	112
Tree	22	34	56
Total	302	448	672

Table 14. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	5-10%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	15-35%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	10-30%
Forb foliar cover	10-20%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	5-20%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	40-60%

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This transitional pathway occurs when improper livestock grazing causes the perennial herbaceous community to become significantly reduced allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle and other invasive weeds to become established. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Once invasive species occupy the site, a threshold has been crossed. Cheatgrass has been known to become established in healthy communities on this site, however.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

This transitional pathway occurs when the site is chained and seeded to introduced species including crested wheatgrass and intermediate wheatgrass. During seeding establishment non-native species such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle and ragweed species may also become established. Broom snakeweed may increase during this time. Once introduced and invasive species occupy the site, a threshold has been crossed.

Additional community tables

Table 15. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant Grasses			56–112
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	34–67	–
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	34–67	–
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	22–45	–
2	Sub-Dominant Grasses			34–67
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	11–22	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	11–22	–
	saline wildrye	LESA4	Leymus salinus	11–22	–
	James' galleta	PLJA	Pleuraphis jamesii	11–22	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	11–22	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	11–22	–
Forb
3	Forbs			45–90
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	11–22	–
	Holboell's rockcress	ARHO2	Arabis holboellii	11–22	–
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	11–22	–
	aridland goosefoot	CHDE	Chenopodium desiccatum	11–22	–
	narrowstem cryptantha	CRGR3	Cryptantha gracilis	11–22	–
	roundspike cryptantha	CRHU2	Cryptantha humilis	11–22	–
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	11–22	–
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	11–22	–
	hoary tansyaster	MACA2	Machaeranthera canescens	11–22	–
	rock goldenrod	PEPU7	Petradoria pumila	11–22	–
	Whipple's penstemon	PEWH	Penstemon whippleanus	11–22	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	11–22	–
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	11–22	–
	basindaisy	PLIN7	Platyschkuhria integrifolia	11–22	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	11–22	–
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	11–22	–
	longstalk clover	TRLO	Trifolium longipes	11–22	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	11–22	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Dominant Shrubs			56–112
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	56–90	–
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	34–67	–
5	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			34–90
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	22–34	–
	blue elderberry	SANIC5	Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea	11–22	–
	narrowleaf yucca	YUAN2	Yucca angustissima	11–22	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	11–22	–
	mormon tea	EPVI	Ephedra viridis	11–22	–
	bastardsage	ERWR	Eriogonum wrightii	11–22	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	11–22	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	11–22	–
	Mexican cliffrose	PUME	Purshia mexicana	11–22	–
Tree
6	Dominant Trees			112–224
	twoneedle pinyon	PIED	Pinus edulis	84–168	–
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	28–56	–

Table 16. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant Grasses			22–45
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–22	–
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–22	–
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–22	–
2	Sub-Dominant Grasses			11–34
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	0–11	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–11	–
	saline wildrye	LESA4	Leymus salinus	0–11	–
	James' galleta	PLJA	Pleuraphis jamesii	0–11	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–11	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	0–11	–
Forb
3	Forbs			34–56
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	6–11	–
	Holboell's rockcress	ARHO2	Arabis holboellii	6–11	–
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	6–11	–
	aridland goosefoot	CHDE	Chenopodium desiccatum	6–11	–
	narrowstem cryptantha	CRGR3	Cryptantha gracilis	6–11	–
	roundspike cryptantha	CRHU2	Cryptantha humilis	6–11	–
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	6–11	–
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	6–11	–
	hoary tansyaster	MACA2	Machaeranthera canescens	6–11	–
	rock goldenrod	PEPU7	Petradoria pumila	6–11	–
	Whipple's penstemon	PEWH	Penstemon whippleanus	6–11	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	6–11	–
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	6–11	–
	basindaisy	PLIN7	Platyschkuhria integrifolia	6–11	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	6–11	–
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	6–11	–
	longstalk clover	TRLO	Trifolium longipes	6–11	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	6–11	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Dominant Shrubs			45–90
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	22–56	–
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	22–45	–
5	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			22–45
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	6–11	–
	mormon tea	EPVI	Ephedra viridis	6–11	–
	bastardsage	ERWR	Eriogonum wrightii	6–11	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	6–11	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	6–11	–
	Mexican cliffrose	PUME	Purshia mexicana	6–11	–
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	6–11	–
	blue elderberry	SANIC5	Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea	6–11	–
	narrowleaf yucca	YUAN2	Yucca angustissima	6–11	–
Tree
6	Dominant Trees			280–420
	twoneedle pinyon	PIED	Pinus edulis	196–308	–
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	84–112	–

Table 17. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant Grasses			56–112
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	34–67	–
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	34–67	–
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	22–45	–
2	Sub-Dominant Grasses			67–112
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	67–101	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	11–22	–
	saline wildrye	LESA4	Leymus salinus	11–22	–
	James' galleta	PLJA	Pleuraphis jamesii	11–22	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	11–22	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	11–22	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	11–22	–
Forb
3	Forbs			45–90
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	11–22	–
	annual ragweed	AMAR2	Ambrosia artemisiifolia	11–22	–
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	11–22	–
	Holboell's rockcress	ARHO2	Arabis holboellii	11–22	–
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	11–22	–
	aridland goosefoot	CHDE	Chenopodium desiccatum	11–22	–
	narrowstem cryptantha	CRGR3	Cryptantha gracilis	11–22	–
	roundspike cryptantha	CRHU2	Cryptantha humilis	11–22	–
	herb sophia	DESO2	Descurainia sophia	11–22	–
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	11–22	–
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	11–22	–
	hoary tansyaster	MACA2	Machaeranthera canescens	11–22	–
	rock goldenrod	PEPU7	Petradoria pumila	11–22	–
	Whipple's penstemon	PEWH	Penstemon whippleanus	11–22	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	11–22	–
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	11–22	–
	basindaisy	PLIN7	Platyschkuhria integrifolia	11–22	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	11–22	–
	Russian thistle	SAKA	Salsola kali	11–22	–
	tall tumblemustard	SIAL2	Sisymbrium altissimum	11–22	–
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	11–22	–
	longstalk clover	TRLO	Trifolium longipes	11–22	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	11–22	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Dominant Shrubs			90–157
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	56–90	–
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	34–67	–
5	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			67–135
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	22–45	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	22–45	–
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	22–34	–
	blue elderberry	SANIC5	Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea	11–22	–
	narrowleaf yucca	YUAN2	Yucca angustissima	11–22	–
	Mexican cliffrose	PUME	Purshia mexicana	11–22	–
	bastardsage	ERWR	Eriogonum wrightii	11–22	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	11–22	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	11–22	–
	mormon tea	EPVI	Ephedra viridis	11–22	–
Tree
6	Dominant Trees			112–224
	twoneedle pinyon	PIED	Pinus edulis	84–168	–
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	28–56	–

Table 18. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant Grasses			22–45
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–22	–
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–22	–
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–22	–
2	Sub-Dominant Grasses			11–34
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	11–22	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–11	–
	saline wildrye	LESA4	Leymus salinus	0–11	–
	James' galleta	PLJA	Pleuraphis jamesii	0–11	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–11	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	0–11	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	0–11	–
Forb
3	Forbs			34–56
	Russian thistle	SAKA	Salsola kali	11–22	–
	tall tumblemustard	SIAL2	Sisymbrium altissimum	6–11	–
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	6–11	–
	longstalk clover	TRLO	Trifolium longipes	6–11	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	6–11	–
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	6–11	–
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	6–11	–
	clasping arnica	ARAM2	Arnica amplexicaulis	6–11	–
	Holboell's rockcress	ARHO2	Arabis holboellii	6–11	–
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	6–11	–
	aridland goosefoot	CHDE	Chenopodium desiccatum	6–11	–
	narrowstem cryptantha	CRGR3	Cryptantha gracilis	6–11	–
	roundspike cryptantha	CRHU2	Cryptantha humilis	6–11	–
	herb sophia	DESO2	Descurainia sophia	6–11	–
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	6–11	–
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	6–11	–
	hoary tansyaster	MACA2	Machaeranthera canescens	6–11	–
	rock goldenrod	PEPU7	Petradoria pumila	6–11	–
	Whipple's penstemon	PEWH	Penstemon whippleanus	6–11	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	6–11	–
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	6–11	–
	basindaisy	PLIN7	Platyschkuhria integrifolia	6–11	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	6–11	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Dominant Shrubs			90–135
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	22–56	–
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	22–45	–
5	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			22–45
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	6–11	–
	mormon tea	EPVI	Ephedra viridis	6–11	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	6–11	–
	bastardsage	ERWR	Eriogonum wrightii	6–11	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	6–11	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	6–11	–
	Mexican cliffrose	PUME	Purshia mexicana	6–11	–
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	6–11	–
	blue elderberry	SANIC5	Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea	6–11	–
	narrowleaf yucca	YUAN2	Yucca angustissima	6–11	–
Tree
6	Dominant Trees			280–420
	twoneedle pinyon	PIED	Pinus edulis	196–308	–
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	84–112	–

Table 19. Community 3.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Dominant Grasses			112–673
	crested wheatgrass	AGCR	Agropyron cristatum	112–560	–
	intermediate wheatgrass	THIN6	Thinopyrum intermedium	112–560	–
	Geyer's sedge	CAGE2	Carex geyeri	0–22	–
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	0–22	–
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	0–22	–
2	Sub-Dominant Grasses			56–112
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	56–112	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	0–11	–
	saline wildrye	LESA4	Leymus salinus	0–11	–
	James' galleta	PLJA	Pleuraphis jamesii	0–11	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–11	–
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	0–11	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	0–11	–
Forb
3	Forbs			34–56
	Russian thistle	SAKA	Salsola kali	11–22	–
	tall tumblemustard	SIAL2	Sisymbrium altissimum	6–11	–
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	6–11	–
	longstalk clover	TRLO	Trifolium longipes	6–11	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	6–11	–
	desert madwort	ALDE	Alyssum desertorum	6–11	–
	low pussytoes	ANDI2	Antennaria dimorpha	6–11	–
	clasping arnica	ARAM2	Arnica amplexicaulis	6–11	–
	Holboell's rockcress	ARHO2	Arabis holboellii	6–11	–
	woollypod milkvetch	ASPU9	Astragalus purshii	6–11	–
	aridland goosefoot	CHDE	Chenopodium desiccatum	6–11	–
	narrowstem cryptantha	CRGR3	Cryptantha gracilis	6–11	–
	roundspike cryptantha	CRHU2	Cryptantha humilis	6–11	–
	herb sophia	DESO2	Descurainia sophia	6–11	–
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	6–11	–
	scarlet gilia	IPAG	Ipomopsis aggregata	6–11	–
	hoary tansyaster	MACA2	Machaeranthera canescens	6–11	–
	rock goldenrod	PEPU7	Petradoria pumila	6–11	–
	Whipple's penstemon	PEWH	Penstemon whippleanus	6–11	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	6–11	–
	longleaf phlox	PHLO2	Phlox longifolia	6–11	–
	basindaisy	PLIN7	Platyschkuhria integrifolia	6–11	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	6–11	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Dominant Shrubs			90–135
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	22–56	–
	alderleaf mountain mahogany	CEMO2	Cercocarpus montanus	22–45	–
5	Sub-Dominant Shrubs			22–45
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	6–11	–
	mormon tea	EPVI	Ephedra viridis	6–11	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	6–11	–
	bastardsage	ERWR	Eriogonum wrightii	6–11	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	6–11	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	6–11	–
	Mexican cliffrose	PUME	Purshia mexicana	6–11	–
	antelope bitterbrush	PUTR2	Purshia tridentata	6–11	–
	blue elderberry	SANIC5	Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea	6–11	–
	narrowleaf yucca	YUAN2	Yucca angustissima	6–11	–
Tree
6	Dominant Trees			56–112
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	34–67	–
	twoneedle pinyon	PIED	Pinus edulis	45–67	–

Interpretations

Animal community

--Wildlife Interpretation--
Small herds of mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and elk can be seen grazing/browsing on these sites, especially when near water sources and in the winter. The hot summers and lack of water favors small mammals, which have an easier time finding shelter, food, and water. Many species of rats, mice, squirrels, bats, and chipmunks can be observed, along with coyotes and foxes. Utah juniper provides good habitat for several bird species including juniper titmice, scrub jays, pinyon jays, and black throated gray warblers, and sparrows. Lizards are the most visible and can be observed during the day. (NPS.gov, 2008).

--Grazing Interpretations--
The open canopy community phases of this site can provide fair spring, fall, and winter grazing conditions for livestock because of its accessible but somewhat limited nutritious forage. This site may lack natural perennial water sources, however, which can influence its suitability for livestock grazing. The plant community is primarily composed of an overstory canopy of two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper with an understory of perennial grasses, with Indian ricegrass, Letterman needlegrass, and Geyer sedge occurring most often. Shrubs, including black sagebrush, birchleaf mountain mahogany, and bitterbrush can provide some winter browse for cattle, sheep, and goats. Forb composition and annual production depends primarily on precipitation amounts, and thus, is challenging to use in making livestock grazing management decisions. However, forb composition should be monitored for species diversity, as well as the occurence of poisonous or injurious plant communities which may be detrimental to livestock if grazed. Before making specific grazing management recommendations, a science based grazing management plan should be developed.

Hydrological functions

The soils associated with this ecological site are generally in Hydrologic Soil Group D due to the shallow depth (NRCS National Engineering Handbook). These soils are saturated quickly due to high infiltration rates and shallow depth; once soils are saturated, run off potential is high. Hydrological groups are used in equations that estimate runoff from rainfall. These estimates are needed for solving hydrologic problems that arise in planning watershed-protection and flood-prevention projects and for designing structures for the use, control and disposal of water. Heavy grazing can alter the hydrology by decreasing plant cover and increasing bare ground. Fire can also affect hydrology, but its affect is variable. Fire intensity, fuel type, soil, climate, and topography can each have different influences. Fires can increase areas of bare ground and hydrophobic layers that reduce infiltration and increase runoff (National Range and Pasture Handbook, 2003).

Recreational uses

Recreation activities include aesthetic value and fair opportunities for hiking and hunting. Trees can provide some screening values for camping and picnicking. In good condition there are several forbs and shrubs that bloom in the spring. Shallow soils limit this site’s ability to be used for vacation homes, other residences, or deep ponds.

Wood products

Two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper can provide firewood and fence post where growth is sufficient and regulations allow for such use.

Other information

--Poisonous and Toxic Plant Communities--
Toxic plants associated with this site include woolly locoweed, broom snakeweed, and Russian thistle.

Woolly locoweed is toxic to all classes of livestock and wildlife. Locoweed is palatable and has similar nutrient value to alfalfa, which may cause animals to consume it even when other forage is available. Locoweed contains swainsonine (indolizdine alkaloid) and is poisonous at all stages of growth. Poisoning will become evident after 2-3 weeks of continuous grazing and is associated with 4 major symptoms: 1) neurological damage, 2) emaciation, 3) reproductive failure and abortion, and 4) congestive heart failure linked with “high mountain disease”.

Broom snakeweed contains steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and flavones that can cause abortions or reproductive failure in sheep and cattle, however, cattle are most susceptible. These toxins are most abundant during active growth and leafing stage. Cattle and sheep generally will only graze broom snakeweed when other forage is unavailable, typically in winter when toxicity levels are at their lowest (Knight and Walter, 2001).

Russian thistle is an invasive toxic plant, causing nitrate and to a lesser extent oxalate poisoning, which affects all classes of livestock. The buildup of nitrates in these plants is highly dependent upon environmental factors such as after a rain storm, during a drought, during periods with cool/cloudy days, and when growing on soils high in nitrogen and low in sulfur and phosphorus. Nitrate collects in the stems and can persist throughout the growing season. Clinical signs of nitrate poisoning include drowsiness, weakness, muscular tremors, increased heart and respiratory rates, staggering gait, and death. Conversely, oxalate poisoning causes kidney failure; clinical signs include muscle tremors, tetany, weakness, and depression. Poisoning generally occurs when livestock consume and are not accustomed to grazing oxalate-containing plants. Animals with prior exposure to oxalates have increased numbers of oxalate-degrading rumen microflora, and thus, are able to degrade the toxin before clinical poisoning can occur.

--Invasive Plant Communities--
Generally, as ecological conditions deteriorate and perennial vegetation decreases due to disturbance (fire, drought, off road vehicle overuse, erosion, etc.) annual forbs and grasses may invade the site. Of particular concern in semi-arid environments are annual invaders including cheatgrass, Russian thistle, alyssum and annual mustards. The presence of these species will depend on soil properties and moisture availability; however, these invaders are highly adaptive and can flourish in many locations. Once established, complete removal is difficult, but suppression may be possible.

On well developed Utah juniper and two-needle pinyon communities, soils are often completely occupied by lateral roots which can inhibit the herbaceous understory as well as limit annual invasive species. Once these sites are disturbed and pinyon-juniper communities begin to decline, their increase or invasion is possible.

--Fire Ecology--
The ability for an ecological site to carry fire depends primarily on its' present fuel load and plant moisture content. Sites with small fuel loads will burn more slowly and less intensely than sites with large fuel loads. The two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper communities growing on shallow soils are quite unique. These trees can support stand-replacing fires, though historically, fires were likely a mixture of surface and crown fires with intensities and frequencies dependent on site productivity. Most research agrees that historic fire return intervals are at a minimum 100 years, indicating that fire may have not played an important role in short term community dynamics. Fires are more common when trees are stressed or dead due to drought and/or beetle infestations. Pinyon-juniper stands reestablish either by seeds dispersed from adjacent unburned patches or by unburned seeds found at the burn site. Continuous (every 20-40 years) burning of these ecological sites can result in shrub dominated communities, due to the relatively fast recovery of shrubs when compared to trees. If invasive annual grasses are allowed to establish, fires may become more frequent, inhibiting the site’s ability to recover.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Data to support this ecological site originated from historic inventories collected by USDA Range professionals.

Other references

Baily, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United Sates. Available http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html. Accessed February 27, 2008.

Belnap, J. and S.L. Phillips. 2001. Soil biota in an ungrazed grassland: response to annual grass (Bromus tectorum) invasion. Ecological Applications. 11:1261-1275

Chapin, S.F., B.H. Walker, R.J. Hobbs, D.U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, O.E. Sala, and D. Tilman. 1997. Biotic control over the functioning of ecosystems. Science. 277:500-504

Cox R.D. and V.J. Anderson. 2004. Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management. 57:203-210,

Howard, Janet L. 2003. Atriplex canescens. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/. Accessed on February 25, 2008.

Knight, A.P. and R.G. Walter. 2001. A guide to plant poisoning of animals in North America. Teton NewMedia. Jackson, WY.

National Engineering Handbook. US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available: http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/Default.cfm#National%20Engineering%20Handbook. Accessed February 25, 2008.

NRCS Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Fort Worth, TX, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 190-VI-NRPH.

Tilley, D.J. 2007. Reintroducing native plants to the American West. Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID, USA: US Department of Agriculture. Available: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html. Accessed February 22, 2008.

Utah Climate Summaries. 2008. Available: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmut.html. Accessed on February 25, 2008.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 2007.
Woods, A.J., D.A. Lammers, S.A. Bryce, J.M. Omernik, R.L. Denton, M. Domeier, and J.A. Comstock. 2001. Ecoregions of Utah (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,175,000).

Contributors

V. Keith Wadman

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 3/05/2024

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)	Robert Stager (BLM), F.E. Busby (USU), Dana Truman (NRCS), Paul Curtis (BLM), Shane A. Green (NRCS), adapted to this site by V. Keith Wadman, (NRCS Retired).
Contact for lead author	shane.green@ut.usda.gov
Date	09/12/2008
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production