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Ecological site R058BY258WY

Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 15-17” 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 Shallow Clayey 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands. Primary production is from cool-season midgrasses (bunch and rhizomatous), and secondary warm-season mid- and shortgrasses. There is also lesser component of forbs and shrubs, with occasional trees. Soils are shallow to a restrictive layer, usually of bedrock. Soil textures are clay loam, clay, silty clay, or sandy clay with greater than 35% clay in the profile.

Associated sites

R058BY222WY	Loamy (Ly) 15-17” PZ Loamy soils are lower on the landform, similar to Clayey sites, with more interbedded sedimentary parent material.
R058BY204WY	Clayey (Cy) 15-17” PZ Clayey sites are mod deep to very deep soils with higher species diversity and production. Clayey occurs lower in the landform or on lower sloping sites.
R058BY262WY	Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 15-17” PZ Shallow Loamy sites are similar in production with a slight variation in species due to lighter textured soils. They occur on similar positions on interbedded sedimentary rock.

R058BY222WY

Loamy (Ly) 15-17” PZ

Loamy soils are lower on the landform, similar to Clayey sites, with more interbedded sedimentary parent material.

R058BY204WY

Clayey (Cy) 15-17” PZ

Clayey sites are mod deep to very deep soils with higher species diversity and production. Clayey occurs lower in the landform or on lower sloping sites.

R058BY262WY

Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 15-17” PZ

Shallow Loamy sites are similar in production with a slight variation in species due to lighter textured soils. They occur on similar positions on interbedded sedimentary rock.

Similar sites

R058BY158WY	Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 10-14” PZ Shallow Clayey 10-14” P.Z. has lower productivity.

R058BY158WY

Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 10-14” PZ

Shallow Clayey 10-14” P.Z. has lower productivity.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous	(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata (2) Nassella viridula

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hill (2) Ridge
Runoff class	Medium to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	3,500 – 4,800 ft
Slope	60%
Water table depth	80 in
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 (PZs). 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 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone:

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	88-105 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	122-130 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	15-16 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	83-109 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	119-130 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	15-17 in
Frost-free period (average)	101 days
Freeze-free period (average)	125 days
Precipitation total (average)	15 in

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

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) DOUGLAS 1 SE [USC00482685], Douglas, WY
(2) BIDDLE 8 SW [USC00240743], Biddle, MT
(3) DILLINGER [USC00482580], Gillette, WY
(4) GILLETTE 4SE [USC00483855], Gillette, WY
(5) LEITER 9N [USC00485506], Clearmont, WY
(6) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, WY

Influencing water features

This upland ecological site is not influenced by a water table or run in from adjacent sites. Due to the semi-arid climate in which it occurs, the water budget is normally contained within the soil pedon. Soil moisture is recharged by spring rains, but it rarely exceeds field capacity in the upper 20 inches before being depleted by evapotranspiration. During intense precipitation events, precipitation rates frequently exceed infiltration rates and the site delivers moisture to downslope sites through surface runoff. Moisture loss through evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation for a majority of the growing season. Soil moisture is the primary limiting factor for vegetative production on this ecological site.

Wetland description

N/A

Soil features

The soils on this site are well drained, shallow to bedrock and formed in residuum and slope alluvium weathered from shale. They typically have a very slow to slow permeability class. The available water capacity is typically very low to low. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically clay loam, but may include silty clay, clay, or silty clay loam. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 1 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is typically clay, but may include silty clay, clay loam, or silty clay loam. Soils in this site typically have carbonates at the surface; but some soils may be leached up to 6 inches or do not contain carbonates as they formed in residuum weathered from non-calcareous shale. 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 aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is mesic or frigid.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Lismas and Samsil.

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

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Residuum – shale (2) Slope alluvium – shale
Surface texture	(1) Clay loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Silty clay (4) Clay
Family particle size	(1) Clayey
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Very slow to slow
Soil depth	10 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	5%
Available water capacity (0in)	2 – 5.6 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0in)	10%
Electrical conductivity (0in)	4 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0in)	5
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0in)	6.1 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	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 cool-season rhizomatous midgrass , cool-season bunch midgrasses and warm-season shortgrass. Forbs and shrubs are also present. Trees such as Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine occur in minor amounts. 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 bunchgrasses such as needle and thread decreasing in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and sixweeks fescue will increase. Forbs and shrubs such as hairy false goldenaster, tansyaster, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort, will also increase. If continued, the plant community will become sod-bound, and all midgrasses can eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, will result in bare ground developing, and shrubs such as pricklypear, broom snakeweed; and annual forbs such as wooly plantain, field cottonrose, and pepperweed increasing or invading. Other invasives include field brome (also known as Japanese brome) and cheatgrass. 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. Eroded

T1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events 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. Wyoming Big Sagebrush, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, and Western Wheatgrass

1.2. Wyoming Big Sagebrush and Western Wheatgrass

1.3. Decreased Midgrasses, Decreased Western Wheatgrass, Decreased Green Needlegrass and Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Increased Blue Grama and Threadleaf Sedge

1.1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or lack of fire
1.1B	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire
1.2A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates
1.3A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Blue Grama and Threadleaf Sedge

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Plains Pricklypear, Fendler’s Threeawn, and Field Brome

State 1
Reference

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

Dominant plant species

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Community 1.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, and Western Wheatgrass

This is the interpretive plant community for this site. It is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climate. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely were patchy and 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, 10 to 15 percent forbs, and 10 to 15 percent woody plants. The plant community is predominately cool-season midgrasses, with a smaller component of warm-season shortgrasses. The major grasses and grass-likes include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Secondary grasses include thickspike wheatgrass, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, threadleaf sedge, Cusick’s bluegrass, needle and thread, and blue- and hairy grama, squirreltail, and plains muhly. A variety of forbs include American vetch, white- and purple prairieclover, breadroot scurfpea, and prairie coneflower. Primary shrubs are big sagebrush, winterfat, or birdfoot sagebrush (see the Species Composition List for additional information.) Plant diversity is high. In the Shallow Clayey 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone (PZ) ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,300 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1,000 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,600 pounds per acre in above-average years. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives. 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 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1050	1365	1680
Shrub/Vine	325	422	515
Forb	150	195	240
Tree	25	33	45
Total	1550	2015	2480

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1501, 15-17NP Upland 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	10	25	40	10	5	5	5	0	0

Community 1.2
Wyoming Big Sagebrush and Western Wheatgrass

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, large Indian breadroot, scarlet globemallow, broom snakeweed and fringed sagewort, have increased. Big sagebrush canopy has also increased. Natural disturbances such as lack of fire can contribute to this shift. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,200 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 900 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 the community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1501, 15-17NP Upland 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	10	25	40	10	5	5	5	0	0

Community 1.3
Decreased Midgrasses, Decreased Western Wheatgrass, Decreased Green Needlegrass and Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Increased Blue Grama and Threadleaf Sedge

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery during the growing season. Grazing-tolerant species such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge have noticeably increased. Midgrasses such as green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, scarlet globemallow, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed have increased. Big sagebrush canopy may be reduced by fire. Natural disturbances such as fire and drought can contribute to this shift. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 900 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. 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 the Reference Plant Community are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5803, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
		3	10	20	28	21	10	5	3

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or lack of fire, 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. Excessive seasonal-use grazing, from year-to-year (i.e. spring grazing only) will result in a loss of cool-season species. Conversely, summer use only will result in a reduction of warm-season species. Big sagebrush canopy may also increase with lack of fire. Biotic integrity and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire can shift this plant community toward the community 1.3. 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. Excessive grazing from year-to-year will result in a reduction or loss of cool-season species. 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 and/or fire will contribute to this shift.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates, will shift community 1.3 back toward community 1.1. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation patterns and/or no fire will contribute to this shift.

State 2
Sod Bound

This state is characterized by the Sod Bound state. 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 the nutrient and hydrologic cycles. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and/or buffalograss 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 and productivity of this site.

Dominant plant species

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass

Community 2.1
Blue Grama and Threadleaf Sedge

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 blue grama and threadleaf sedge. These species have developed into a sod-bound condition occurring in localized colonies exhibiting a mosaic appearance. Perennial threeawn species such as Fendler’s threeawn have increased. Forbs such as scarlet globemallow, wild onion, death camas, and slimflower scurfpea remain. Forbs and shrubs that continue to increase are Cuman ragweed (western ragweed), hairy false goldenaster, fringed sagewort, and pricklypear. Plant diversity is low. Energy flow, water cycle and mineral cycle have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. In the 15 to 17“ PZ, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 500 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 650 pounds per acre in above-average years. This plant community is extremely resistant to change. Many plant species are missing a seed source is not readily available.

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5803, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
		3	10	20	28	21	10	5	3

State 3
Eroded

The Eroded state develops with long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation, without adequate recovery between grazing events. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter or carbon reserves are concerns.

Dominant plant species

plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
Fendler's threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana), grass
field brome (Bromus arvensis), grass

Community 3.1
Plains Pricklypear, Fendler’s Threeawn, and Field Brome

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 of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. Grasses include Fendler’s threeawn. Annuals such as sixweeks fescue, Russian thistle, and kochia have increased or invaded. The dominant forbs include hairy false goldenaster, curlycup gumweed, field cottonrose, and woolly plantain. Green sagewort, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear are increasing. Annual bromes such as field brome (also known as Japanese brome), and cheatgrass invade. In the 15 to 17“ PZ, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 450 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 300 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 600 pounds per acre in above-average years. Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground. Runoff typically is high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired. Desertification is advanced.

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
			5	20	35	30	8	2

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events 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 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 Eroded state. Non-native annual bromes begin to invade in this transition.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Cool-Season Rhizomatous			250–400
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	250–400	10–25
	thickspike wheatgrass	ELLAL	Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus	250–400	10–25
2	Cool-Season Bunch Midgrasses			450–720
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	250–400	10–25
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	100–160	5–10
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCU3	Poa cusickii	100–160	1–10
3	Warm-Season Shortgrass			100–160
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	100–160	5–10
4	Miscellaneous			250–400
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	250–400	5–25
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	250–400	5–25
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	50–80	1–5
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	50–80	1–5
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	50–80	1–5
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	50–80	1–5
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	50–80	1–5
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	50–80	1–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	50–80	1–5
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	50–80	1–5
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	50–80	1–5
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	50–80	1–5
	plains reedgrass	CAMO	Calamagrostis montanensis	50–80	1–5
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	50–80	1–5
Forb
5	Forbs			150–240
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	50–80	1–5
	aster	ASTER	Aster	50–80	1–5
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	50–80	1–5
	large Indian breadroot	PEES	Pediomelum esculentum	50–80	1–5
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	50–80	1–5
	rosy pussytoes	ANRO2	Antennaria rosea	50–80	1–5
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	50–80	1–5
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	50–80	1–5
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	50–80	1–5
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	50–80	1–5
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	50–80	1–5
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	50–80	1–5
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	50–80	1–5
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	50–80	1–5
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	50–80	1–5
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	50–80	1–5
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	50–80	1–5
Shrub/Vine
6	Shrubs			325–515
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	65–130	–
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	65–130	–
	birdfoot sagebrush	ARPE6	Artemisia pedatifida	13–65	–
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	13–65	–
	Woods' rose	ROWO	Rosa woodsii	13–65	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	13–65	–
Tree
7	Trees			25–45
	Rocky Mountain juniper	JUSC2	Juniperus scopulorum	0–65	–
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	0–65	–

Interpretations

Animal community

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

Rhizomatous wheatgrass/ Green Needlegrass (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/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.

Heavy Sagebrush: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. This community provides excellent escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.

Mixed Sagebrush/Grass: The combination of an overstory of sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provide a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range.

Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. Grazing during spring to fall may be restricted due to low grass production. This community provides nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.

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

The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Shallow Clayey 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological 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/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.

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

Example:
1,300 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 325 lbs. forage demand for one month. 325 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM = 0.36

Reference Plant Community 1000-1600 .35
Heavy Sagebrush 800-1200 .3
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass 600-1200 .3
Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass 300-600 .1

Increased Bare Ground PC - (*) (*)

* Highly variable stocking rates need to 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 group C and D. Infiltration ranges from very slow to slow. 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% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).

None expected on slopes less than 15%. On slopes greater than 15%, if rills are present, they will be discontinuous. Gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals and/or terracettes are not expected to occur on this site. Occasionally, bunch grasses may be pedestalled on steeper slopes (>15% slopes) with no exposed roots. Drought and fire should not increase the incidence of pedestals except on the steepest slopes. Fine litter will generally move short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. 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

Inventory information has been derived from data collection 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: 2005-2016
Counties: Campbell, Crook, Johnson

Additional reconnaissance data collection includes ocular estimates and other inventory data; vegetative clipping data 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

Other references

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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