Peatland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Invasion by reed canarygrass or common reed, usually increases in water nutrient levels or alterations in hydrology.
More details -
Transition T1B
Long-term lowering of the water table, due to drainage, ditching, roads, etc.
More details -
Transition T2A
Long-term lowering of the water table, due to drainage, ditching, roads, etc.
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Return to reference hydrology.
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Transition T3A
Invasion by reed canarygrass or common reed, usually increases in water nutrient levels or alterations in hydrology.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This site is typically an open wetland, with an abundance of broad-leaved sedges and frequent fluctuations in water table depth. High levels of water on-site typically preclude tree establishment, although sometimes tree seedlings of American elm, black ash, and red maple can be present (MN DNR 2003). Trees in the canopy layer are not common and when present have less than 25% cover, the most common occurrence including American elm and black ash (MN DNR 2003). Forbs can be found in all community phases, and can include marsh bellflower, tufted loosestrife, marsh skullcap, great water dock, eastern marsh fern, purple marshlocks, and Epilobium sp. In reference condition, these sites are an important habitat for many songbirds, ruffed grouse, American woodcock and small mammals, and are particularly important winter habitat for ring-necked pheasant, eastern cottontail and white-tailed deer (Eggers 1997).
Submodel
Description
The invasive species reed canarygrass and common reed grass have become more abundant in recent decades, resulting in displacement of native vegetation and lowered species diversity on-site. Purple loosestrife is also a common invasive species. Typically, these invasions are the result of proximity to seed source, higher levels of nutrient loading (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) on-site, and human-induced alterations to fluctuations of the water table.
Submodel
Description
In cases where the water table and hydrology are permanently altered; or altered for prolonged periods of time, there results an overall average lower water table and decrease in water level fluctuations. Due to this lack of water, the site may dry up enough to allow for tree establishment and recruitment. This often occurs when seed sources are available on adjacent landscape positions. American elm and black ash are the most common species to establish in this state (MN DNR 2003).
Submodel
Mechanism
Invasion by reed canarygrass or common reed, usually increases in water nutrient levels or alterations in hydrology.
Mechanism
Long-term lowering of the water table, due to drainage, ditching, roads, etc. Can occur naturally also, as trees gradually establish and when abundant enough, can create enough evapotranspiration to permanently shift community into a wet forest. Much longer time scale than artificial draining.
Mechanism
Long-term lowering of the water table, due to drainage, ditching, roads, etc. Can occur naturally also, as trees gradually establish and when abundant enough, can create enough evapotranspiration to permanently shift community into a wet forest. Much longer time scale than artificial draining. Invasive species management, may be needed.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.