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Ecological site R058BY138WY

Saline Lowland (SL) 10-14” PZ

Last updated: 9/15/2024
Accessed: 11/21/2024

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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.

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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): 058B–Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part

MLRA 58B is located in northeastern Wyoming (95 percent) and extreme southeastern Montana (5 percent). It is comprised of sedimentary plains, scoria hills, and river valleys. The major rivers include the Powder, Tongue, Belle Fourche, Cheyenne, and North Platte. Tributaries include the Little Powder River, Little Missouri River, Clear Creek, Crazy Woman Creek, and others. This MLRA is traversed by Interstates 25 and 90, and U.S. Highways 14 and 16. The extent of MLRA 58B covers approximately 12.3 million acres. Major land uses include rangeland (approximately 93 percent), cropland, pasture, and hayland (approximately 2 percent), and forest, urban, and miscellaneous uses (approximately 5 percent). Cities include Buffalo, Casper, Sheridan, and Gillette, WY. Land ownership is mostly private. Federal lands include the Thunder Basin National Grassland (U.S. Forest Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Areas of interest in MLRA 58B in Wyoming include Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, and Lake DeSmet. The elevations in MLRA 58B increase gradually from north to south and range from approximately 2,900 to 5,900 feet. A few buttes are higher than 6,800 feet. The average annual precipitation in this area ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season, often during rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may drop to below zero. Snowfall averages 45 inches per year, but varies from 25 to over 70 inches in some locales.

Classification relationships

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Land Resource Region─G Western Great Plains Range and Irrigation; Major Land Resource Area (MLRA)─ 58B Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part (USDA, 2006).

Relationship to Other Classifications:

USDA Forest Service (FS) Classification Hierarchy:

Province─331 Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe; Section─331G-Powder River Basin; Subsections─331Gb Montana Shale Plains, 331Ge Powder River Basin, 331Gf South Powder River Basin-Scoria Hills (Cleland et al, 1997)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Classification Hierarchy:

Level III Ecoregion─43 Northwestern Great Plains; Level IV Ecoregion─43p Scoria Hills, 43q Mesic-Dissected Plains, 43w Powder River Basin (EPA, 2013)
https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecoregions

Ecological site concept

The Saline Lowland 10-14” Precipitation Zone (PZ) site occurs on drainageways, flood plains, and stream terraces. It is a cool- and warm-season mixed-grass prairie (bunch- and rhizomatous) midgrasses, with secondary cool- and warm-season (bunch- and rhizomatous) shortgrasses, followed by a lesser component of shrubs, and a minor component of forbs.

Associated sites

R058BY128WY	Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ Lowland 10-14
R058BY130WY	Overflow (Ov) 10-14” PZ Overflow 10-14
R058BY142WY	Saline Subirrigated (SS) 10-14” PZ Saline Subirrigated 10-14
R058BY144WY	Saline Upland (SU) 10-17” PZ Subirrigated 10-14

Similar sites

R058BY142WY	Saline Subirrigated (SS) 10-14” PZ Saline Subirrigated 10-14
R058BY128WY	Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ Lowland 10-14

R058BY142WY

Saline Subirrigated (SS) 10-14” PZ

Saline Subirrigated 10-14

R058BY128WY

Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ

Lowland 10-14

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Herbaceous	(1) Sporobolus airoides (2) Pascopyrum smithii

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level drainageways, flood plains, and stream terraces; on sedimentary plains or lowlands, adjacent to streams that run water at least during the major part of the growing season.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Drainageway (2) Flood plain (3) Stream terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to very high
Flooding frequency	Rare to occasional
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,067 – 1,981 m
Slope	0 – 6%
Water table depth	117 – 203 cm
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The average annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year across MLRA 58B. There are two precipitation zones (PZ). The 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone is predominant across the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Johnson, and Natrona Counties; portions of Campbell and Converse Counties; and smaller portions of Weston and Niobrara Counties. The 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone occurs in northern and eastern portions of the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Campbell, and western Crook Counties. Wide fluctuations in precipitation may occur from year to year, and occasional periods of extended drought (longer than one year in duration) can be expected. Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from May through September. Mean Annual Air Temperature (MAAT) is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may also occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranching operations during late winter and spring. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may occur during the summer. Annual wind speeds average about 5 mph. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime winds. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts of more than 75 mph. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 125 days and generally occurs from May 16 to September 19. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 101 days and generally occurs from June 1 to September 9.

The growth of native cool-season plants begins in late April to early May with peak growth occurring in mid to late June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in late May to early June and continue into August. Regrowth of cool-season plants occurs in September in most years, depending upon moisture.

Note: The climate described here is based on historic climate station data and is averaged to provide an overview of the annual precipitation, temperatures, and growing season. Future climate is beyond the scope of this document. However, research to determine the effects of elevated CO2 and heating on mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, and how it may relate to future plant communities, is ongoing.

For detailed information, or to find a specific climate station, visit the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) website: Western Regional Climate Center, Historical Data, Western U.S. Climate summaries, NOAA Coop Stations, Wyoming (Note: Montana climate stations are also listed under the Wyoming link).
https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmwy.html

Wind speed averages can be found at the WRCC home page, under the Specialty Climate tab: https://wrcc.dri.edu/

The following tables represent area-wide climate data for the 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone:

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	92-103 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	121-128 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	305-330 mm
Frost-free period (actual range)	86-107 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	116-129 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	254-356 mm
Frost-free period (average)	101 days
Freeze-free period (average)	125 days
Precipitation total (average)	330 mm

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Climate stations used

(1) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, WY
(2) CASPER NATRONA CO AP [USW00024089], Casper, WY
(3) DULL CTR 1SE [USC00482725], Douglas, WY
(4) KAYCEE [USC00485055], Kaycee, WY
(5) MIDWEST [USC00486195], Midwest, WY
(6) WESTON 1 E [USC00489580], Weston, WY
(7) BUFFALO [USC00481165], Buffalo, WY
(8) WRIGHT 12W [USC00489805], Gillette, WY
(9) GLENROCK 5 ESE [USC00483950], Glenrock, WY

Influencing water features

This ecological site is associated with ephemeral streams and adjacent upslope sites. During intense precipitation events, this site receives additional moisture from overflow of ephemeral streams and surface runoff moisture from adjacent upslope sites resulting in increased vegetative production. Due to the semi-arid climate in which it occurs, the water budget is normally contained within the soil profile. Soil moisture rarely exceeds field capacity in the upper 40 inches before being depleted by evapotranspiration. This site has no permanent water table.

Wetland description

N/A

Soil features

The soils on this site are deep to very deep, well drained soils that formed from alluvium. They typically have a moderate to moderately slow permeability class but range to very slow or impermeable in some soils. The available water capacity is typically moderate but may range to low or high in some soils. As fineness of texture increases, there is a general increase in available moisture storage from sands to loams and silt loams. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically loam, but may include sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, silt loam, clay loam, or silty clay. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 1 to 9 inches thick. The subsoil is stratified with thin, highly variable textural strata that when averaged is typically loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, silty clay, clay, sandy loam, fine sandy loam, or loamy sand. The subsoil typically contains 0 to 10 percent rock fragments in the subsoil but may range up to 15 percent in some soils. Soils in this site are typically calcareous to the surface, but some pedons are leached as deep as 2 to 20 inches, depending upon the source material of the most recent deposition. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind. The potential for water erosion accelerates with increasing slope.The soil moisture regime is typically ustic aridic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Clarkelen, Haverdad, and Lohmiller.

The attributes listed below represent 0-40 inches in depth or to the first restrictive layer.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium
Surface texture	(1) Loam (2) Sandy loam (3) Very fine sandy loam (4) Silt loam (5) Silty clay (6) Clay loam
Drainage class	Somewhat poorly drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderate to moderately slow
Soil depth	203 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0 – 5%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	3.05 – 21.34 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	0 – 10%
Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified)	4 – 16 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified)	0 – 13
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	6.6 – 9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 15%

Ecological dynamics

The Reference state is the plant community in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site. The Reference state evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. Changes may occur to the Reference state due to management actions such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, increased stocking rates, climatic conditions such as drought, and natural events such as multiple fires in close succession. The Reference state is characterized by warm-season bunch midgrass and cool-season rhizomatous grasses. A lesser component of forbs, and shrubs (black greasewood, Gardner’s and fourwing saltbush), are also present. The Reference state is not necessarily the management goal, as other vegetative states may be considered desired plant communities as long as critical resource concerns are met.

In addition to the Reference state, other plant communities can occur on this site and are usually the result of historic management practices. Grazing practices such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors on this ecological site results in grasses such as alkali sacaton, alkali cordgrass, and western wheatgrass decrease in frequency and production. Grasses such as saltgrass and blue grama will increase. Under continued frequent and severe defoliation, with no rest periods, alkali sacaton will eventually be removed from the plant community. The plant community will become sod-bound, and all midgrasses can eventually be removed. Key shrubs such as fourwing saltbush will be removed and black greasewood will significantly increase. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, will result in a broken sod, with areas of bare ground developing, and species such as cheatgrass, invading. There are various transitional stages which may occur on this ecological site. The information presented is representative of a dynamic set of plant communities that illustrate the complex interaction of several ecological processes.

State and transition model

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Ecosystem states

1. Reference

2. Sod Bound

3. Increased Bare Ground

T1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or frequent and severe defoliation
T2A	-	Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Greasewood, Alkali Sacaton, and Western Wheatgrass

1.2. Greasewood, Alkali Sacaton, and Saltgrass

1.1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation, and extended drought
1.2A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Greasewood and Inland Saltgrass

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Greasewood, Smooth Brome, and Inland Saltgrass

State 1
Reference

The Reference state is characterized by two distinct plant communities phases. The plant communities, and various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.

Dominant plant species

greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), grass
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass

Community 1.1
Greasewood, Alkali Sacaton, and Western Wheatgrass

This is the interpretive plant community for the Saline Lowland 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone ecological site. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely occurred infrequently, and were randomly distributed. This plant community can be found on areas where grazed plants receive adequate periods of recovery during the growing season. The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 15 percent woody plants. The major grasses include alkali sacaton and western wheatgrass. Secondary species include cool-season bunchgrasses such as Canada wildrye, Sandberg bluegrass, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and slender wheatgrass; warm-season bunchgrass such as switchgrass; and warm-season rhizomatous grasses including inland saltgrass, alkali cordgrass, and blue grama. Forbs include scarlet globemallow, scarlet beeblossom (also known as scarlet gaura), and white heath aster. Shrubs include black greasewood, fourwing saltbush, Gardner's saltbush, and silver buffaloberry. Plant diversity is very high. In the Saline Lowland 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone (PZ) ecological site the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,700 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1,400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 2,200 pounds per acre in above average years. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives. Community dynamics (nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow) are functioning properly. Infiltration rates are moderate, and soil erosion is low. Litter is properly distributed where vegetative cover is continuous. Decadence and natural plant mortality are low. This community is resistant to many disturbances except excessive grazing, or development into urban or other uses.

Figure 6. 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)
Grass/Grasslike	1491	1917	2343
Forb	785	1009	1233
Shrub/Vine	157	202	247
Tree	78	101	123
Total	2511	3229	3946

Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1402, 10-14NP extra water sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	5	20	30	15	10	15	5	0	0

Community 1.2
Greasewood, Alkali Sacaton, and Saltgrass

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Saltgrass (also known as inland saltgrass) has increased in abundance. Most of the palatable plants such as alkali sacaton, western wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass are present but occur in lesser amounts. Palatable shrubs such as fourwing saltbush have been reduced, while less palatable shrubs such as greasewood are becoming more vigorous. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. Plant diversity is moderate. In the Saline Lowland 10 to 14 inch Precipitation Zone, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,150 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 950 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,500 pounds per acre in above-average years. Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Nearly all plant species typically found in community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1402, 10-14NP extra water sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	5	20	30	15	10	15	5	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation, and extended drought can shift this plant community toward community 1.2. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. A single-age class of cottonwood may also develop where trees are present. Biotic integrity, water, and nutrient cycles may become impaired as a result of this community pathway. Biotic integrity and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates, will shift community 1.2 back toward community 1.1. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation will contribute to this shift.

State 2
Sod Bound

This state is characterized by the Sod Bound community. An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference state. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow, and nutrient and hydrologic cycles. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of inland saltgrass to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.

Dominant plant species

greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass

Community 2.1
Greasewood and Inland Saltgrass

This plant community develops under long-term frequent and severe defoliation. This typically occurs when the community has been excessively grazed with heavy stocking rates, throughout the growing season over a period of many years. The midgrasses, and palatable forbs have been eliminated. The dominant species are saltgrass (also known as inland saltgrass) and/or blue grama, with remnant stands of alkali sacaton. The saltgrass has developed into a sod-bound condition occurring in localized colonies exhibiting a mosaic appearance. Fendler’s threeawn, has increased. Forbs and shrubs that continue to increase are Cuman ragweed (also known as western ragweed), curlycup gumweed, scarlet globemallow, pricklypear, broom snakeweed, and greasewood. Plant diversity is very low. Annual weeds such as kochia, Russian thistle have invaded. The plant community lacks diversity and is resistant to change. Energy flow, water cycle and mineral cycle have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. In the Saline Lowland 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 850 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 700 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,100 pounds per acre in above average years.

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1402, 10-14NP extra water sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	5	20	30	15	10	15	5	0	0

State 3
Increased Bare Ground

The Increased Bare Ground state develops with heavy, excessive grazing and/or excessive defoliation. An ecological threshold has been crossed. The Increased Bare Ground state denotes changes in infiltration, runoff, aggregate stability and species composition. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending on the vegetation present. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns. Desertification is advanced. This alternative state should be tested and refined in future updates through long-term observation of ecosystem behavior, and repeated application of conservation and restoration practices.

Dominant plant species

greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass

Community 3.1
Greasewood, Smooth Brome, and Inland Saltgrass

This plant community occurs where the rangeland is grazed year-round, at high stock densities. Physical impact such as trampling, soil compaction, and trailing typically contribute to this transition. The plant composition is made up introduced annuals, noxious weeds, and remnant grasses such as saltgrass, that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. Forage palatability for livestock is low. The dominant grasses typically include saltgrass and Fendler’s threeawn. Annual grasses such as sixweeks fescue, foxtail barley, and cheatgrass have increased or invaded. The dominant perennial forbs include curlycup gumweed and Cuman ragweed. Other forbs that increase or invade the site include kochia, Russian thistle and pigweed. Shrubs include pricklypear, broom snakeweed and black greasewood. Noxious weeds, such as whitetop, and knapweeds may have invaded the site. Introduced trees, such as Russian olive and tamarisk may invade the site. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 500 pounds per acre during an average year but may be as low as 400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years, to 1,100 lbs. per acre in favorable years. This plant community is highly variable in both species composition and production. Average annual production should be determined on site. This plant community is very resistant to change because of the lack of native species and the amount of introduced plants and weeds present. It is nearly impossible to change the plant composition in a reasonable management timeframe. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Litter levels are extremely low due to reduced production. Runoff and evaporation are high because of soil crusting and the lack of cover.

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1402, 10-14NP extra water sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	5	20	30	15	10	15	5	0	0

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or frequent and severe defoliation, will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod Bound state. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired as because of this transition.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground state.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Cool-Season Rhizomatous			235–370
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	235–370	5–15
	thickspike wheatgrass	ELLAL	Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus	235–370	5–15
2	Warm-Season Rhizomatous			235–370
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	235–370	10–15
3	Cool-Season Bunch Midgrass			628–986
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	235–370	10–15
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	157–247	5–10
	Nuttall's alkaligrass	PUNU2	Puccinellia nuttalliana	157–247	5–10
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	78–123	1–5
4	Warm-Season Bunch Midgrass			392–616
	alkali sacaton	SPAI	Sporobolus airoides	392–616	10–25
Forb
6	Forbs			157–247
	aster	ASTER	Aster	0–95	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	19–95	–
	woodyaster	XYLOR	Xylorhiza	0–95	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	19–95	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–95	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–95	–
	povertyweed	IVAX	Iva axillaris	0–95	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	19–95	–
	Carelessweed	CYXA2	Cyclachaena xanthiifolia	0–95	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–38	–
	white heath aster	SYERE	Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides	0–38	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–38	–
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	0–38	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrubs			785–1233
	greasewood	SAVE4	Sarcobatus vermiculatus	314–493	10–20
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	78–123	1–5
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	78–123	1–5
	Gardner's saltbush	ATGA	Atriplex gardneri	78–123	1–5
	fourwing saltbush	ATCA2	Atriplex canescens	78–123	1–5
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	78–123	1–5
	Subshrub (<.5m)	2SUBS	Subshrub (<.5m)	78–123	1–5
Tree
8	Trees			78–123
	eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	78–123	1–5

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations (from 2001 ESD; will be revised in future updates)

Rhizomatous wheatgrass/ Alkali Sacaton (Reference): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing and foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland-obligate small mammals would occur here.

Rhizomatous wheatgrasses/greasewood: This plant community exhibits a low level of plant species diversity due to the accumulation of salts in the soil. It may provide some thermal and escape cover for deer and antelope if no other woody community is nearby, but in most cases it is not a desirable plant community to select as a wildlife habitat management objective.

Inland saltgrass/Cheatgrass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations (updated in the 2019 Provisional revision)

The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Saline Lowland 10 to 14 inch Precipitation Zone site. These are conservative estimates for initial planning. On-site conditions will vary, and stocking rates should be adjusted based on range inventories, animal kind and class, forage availability (adjusted for slope and distance to water), and the type of grazing system (number of pastures, planned moves, etc.), all of which is determined in the conservation planning process.

The following stocking rates are based on the total annual forage production in a normal year multiplied by 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species, divided by 912 pounds of ingested air-dry vegetation for an animal unit per month (Natl. Range and Pasture Handbook, 1997). An animal unit month is defined as the amount of forage required by one livestock animal, with or without one calf, for one month, and is shortened to AUM.

Example: Reference PC – (1700) (0.47)

1,700 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 425 lbs. forage demand for one month. 425 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =0.47

Plant Community (PC) Production (total lbs./acre in a normal year) and Stocking Rate (AUM/acre) are listed below:

Reference Plant Community 1400-2200 .5
Rhizomatous wheatgrasses/greasewood 800-1400 .4
Inland saltgrass/Cheatgrass 600-900 .15

* Highly variable stocking rates must be determined on-site.

Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangelands in this area provide year-long forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses, and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based on reliable forage analysis.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderate to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).

Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals should not be present. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts may be present. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1 to 2 percent of the soil surface.

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

None noted.

Other information

Site Development & Testing Plan

General Data (MLRA and Revision Notes, Hierarchical Classification, Ecological Site Concept, Physiographic, Climate, and Water Features, and Soils Data):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Community Phase Data (Ecological Dynamics, STM, Transition & Recovery Pathways, Reference Plant Community, Species Composition List, Annual Production Table):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Annual Production Table is from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2001).

The Annual Production Table and Species Composition List will be reviewed for future updates at the Approved level.

Each Alternative State/Community:

Complete to Provisional level.

Supporting Information (Site Interpretations, Assoc. & Similar Sites, Inventory Data References, Agency/State Correlation, References):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Wildlife Interpretations: Narrative is from “Previously Approved” ESD (2001). Wildlife species will need to be updated at the next Approved level.

Livestock Interpretations: Plant community names and stocking rates updated.

Hydrology, Recreational Uses, Wood Products, and Other Products carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2001).

Existing NRI Inventory Data References updated. More field data collection is needed to support this site concept.

Reference Sheet
Rangeland Health Reference Sheet carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2005).
It will be updated at the next “Approved” level.

“Future work, as described in a project plan, to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description is needed. This will include field activities to collect low and medium intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.” (NI 430_306 ESI and ESD, April 2015)

Supporting information

Inventory data references

IInventory data has been collected on private and federal lands by the following methods:
• Double Sampling (Determining Vegetation Production and Stocking Rates, WY-ECS-1)
• Rangeland Health (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005)
• Soil Stability (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005)
• Line Point Intercept (Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems, Volume II, 2005)
• Soil Pedon Descriptions (Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils, Version 3, 2012)
• SCS-RANGE-417 (Production & Composition Record for Native Grazing Lands)

National Resources Inventory (NRI)
Number of Records: 8
Sample Period: 2005-2017
Counties: Crook, Johnson, Weston

Additional data collection includes ESI data collection in conjunction with Soil Surveys conducted within MLRA 58B; ocular estimates; rangeland vegetative clipping for NRCS program support; field observations from experienced rangeland personnel

Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within MLRA 58B Northern Rolling High Plains (Southern Part)

Note: Revisions to soil surveys are on-going. For the most recent updates, visit the Web Soil Survey, the official site for soils information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

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Contributors

Everett Bainter
Glenn Mitchell

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 9/15/2024

Acknowledgments

Project Staff:
Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO
Mike Leno, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY

Partners/Contributors:
Joe Dyer, Soil Scientist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY
Arnie Irwin, Soil Scientist, BLM, Buffalo, WY
Blaine Horn, Rangeland Extension Educator, UW Extension, Buffalo, WY
Isabelle Giuliani, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Douglas, WY
Mary Jo Kimble, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Miles City, MT
Ryan Murray, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Buffalo, WY
Lauren Porensky, Ph.D., Ecologist, ARS, Fort Collins, CO
Chadley Prosser, Rangeland Program Manager, USFS, Bismarck, ND
Bryan Christensen, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Pinedale, WY
Marji Patz, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Powell, WY
Rick Peterson, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Rapid City, SD

Program Support:
John Hartung, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist-QC, NRCS, Casper, WY
David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Inventory Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS
Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS-SSR5, Denver, CO
Chad Remley, Regional Director, Northern Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS

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	04/01/2005
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production