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Ecological site R067AY106WY

Closed Depression (Cd)

Last updated: 9/07/2023
Accessed: 11/23/2024

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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): 067A–Central High Plains, Northern Part

MLRA 67A-Central High Plains, Northern Part is located in southeastern Wyoming (58 percent), the southwestern portion of the Nebraska panhandle (38 percent), and extreme northeastern Colorado (4 percent). It is comprised of rolling plains, upland breaks, and river valleys. The major rivers are the North Platte and Laramie. The headwaters of these systems are in the Rocky Mountains. Other tributaries include Crow, Horse, and Lodgepole Creeks. This MLRA is traversed by Interstate 25 and Interstate 80, and by U.S. Highways 26, 30 and 85. Major land uses include rangeland (71 percent), cropland (21 percent), pasture and hayland (1 percent), urban (3 percent), and miscellaneous (4 percent). Cities in this area include Cheyenne, Torrington, and Wheatland, WY; and Kimball, Oshkosh, and Scottsbluff, NE. Land ownership is mostly private. Areas of interest include Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock and Fort Laramie National Historic Sites; Hawk Springs, Lake Minatare, and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Areas; Ash Hollow and Guernsey State Parks.

The elevations in MLRA 67A range from approximately 3,300 to 6,200 feet. The average annual precipitation in this area ranges from 13 to17 inches per year, but may increase up to 18 inches per year, in localized areas. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season from rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature ranges from 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the western part to 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the eastern part. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may drop to sub-zero, and snowfall varies from 20 to 50 inches per year.

Classification relationships

MLRA 67A is in the Western Great Plains Range and Irrigation Land Resource Region. It is in the High Plains Section, of the Great Plains Province, of the Interior Plains (USDA, 2006). MLRA’s can be defined by climate, landscapes, geology, and annual precipitation zones (PZ). Other features such as landforms, soil properties, and key vegetation further refine these concepts, and are described at the Ecological Site Description (ESD) level.

Revision Notes:

The Closed Depression Ecological Site Description was developed from an earlier version of the Clayey Overflow (CyO) ESD (2005, updated 2008). The earlier version of the Clayey Overflow (CyO) 12-17” Precipitation Zone ESD was based on input from NRCS (formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service) and historical information obtained from the Clayey(CyO) Range Site Description (1988) and earlier (1970). This ESD meets the Provisional requirements of the National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH). This ESD will continue refinement towards an Approved status according to the NESH.

Ecological site concept

The Closed Depression Ecological Site is a non-saline, non-alkaline site that receives water as run-on from uplands It has no connection with the water table and is in a closed depression. This ecological site has silty clay, silty clay loam, clay, or clay loam subsurface textures.

Associated sites

R067AY104WY	Clayey (Cy) This ecological site is commonly adjacent.

R067AY104WY

Clayey (Cy)

This ecological site is commonly adjacent.

Similar sites

R067AY126WY	Loamy Overflow (LyO) The Loamy Overflow Ecological Site has loamy subsurface soil textures and is not in a closed depression.
R067AY104WY	Clayey (Cy) The Clayey Ecological Site is a run-off site and is not in a closed depression.

R067AY126WY

Loamy Overflow (LyO)

The Loamy Overflow Ecological Site has loamy subsurface soil textures and is not in a closed depression.

R067AY104WY

Clayey (Cy)

The Clayey Ecological Site is a run-off site and is not in a closed depression.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia tridentata (2) Atriplex canescens
Herbaceous	(1) Pascopyrum smithii (2) Nassella viridula

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Physiographic features

This ecological site occurs in playas, closed depressions on dissected plains, or uplands. It receives water as runoff from adjacent uplands. This site is ponded, from occasionally to frequently, for very brief to long periods from run-in water, but is not subject to flooding. The surface layer may be saturated for periods of long duration due to surface ponding that ranges from +0.5 to 2.0 feet in depth.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Playa (2) Closed depression
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding duration	Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to long (7 to 30 days)
Ponding frequency	Occasional to frequent
Elevation	1,219 – 1,646 m
Slope	0 – 1%
Ponding depth	15 – 61 cm
Water table depth	203 – 508 cm
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

Wide fluctuations in precipitation may occur from year to year, as well as occasional periods of drought (longer than one year in duration). Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from April to September. The mean annual air temperature (MAAT) ranges from 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the western part to 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the eastern part. 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 ranch operations during the late winter and spring months. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may arise in summer. Wind speed averages about 8 miles per hour, ranging from 10 during the spring to 7 during late summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 75 mph. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 150 days from May 4 to October 1. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 128 days from May 16 to September 21. Growing season increases from west to east (Wyoming to Nebraska). Growth of native cool-season plants begins about April 1 and continues to mid-June. Native warm-season plants begin growth about May 15 and continue to about August 15. Regrowth of cool-season plants occur in September in most years, depending upon moisture.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	85-117 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	119-135 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	406-432 mm
Frost-free period (actual range)	84-123 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	116-137 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	356-457 mm
Frost-free period (average)	103 days
Freeze-free period (average)	128 days
Precipitation total (average)	406 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

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) KIMBALL 2NE [USC00254440], Kimball, NE
(2) CHEYENNE [USW00024018], Cheyenne, WY
(3) CHUGWATER [USC00481730], Chugwater, WY
(4) HARRISBURG 12WNW [USC00253605], Harrisburg, NE
(5) OSHKOSH [USC00256385], Oshkosh, NE
(6) OLD FT LARAMIE [USC00486852], Yoder, WY
(7) PHILLIPS [USC00487200], LaGrange, WY
(8) WHEATLAND 4 N [USC00489615], Wheatland, WY
(9) SCOTTSBLUFF HEILIG AP [USW00024028], Scottsbluff, NE
(10) BRIDGEPORT [USC00251145], Bridgeport, NE

Influencing water features

This ecological site has no surface drainage outlet. It is located in a receiving position that collects runoff from adjacent uplands in response to precipitation events. The water escapes only by evaporation or subsurface drainage. The kinds and amount of vegetation existing here are influenced by the amount and timing of precipitation events, as well as the duration of ponding. A few of the map units in this ESD have a 1 percent to 5 percent hydric component for the playa floors.

Figure 8. Hydrologic Image - Recharge of a Playa

Soil features

The soils on this ecological site are very deep, somewhat poorly drained soils that formed from loess or local alluvium. They have slow permeability resulting in a ponded condition during some part of the growing season in most years. The available water capacity is moderate to high. The soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.

The surface layer of the soils are silty clay loam, silt loam, or loam. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 2 to 8 inches thick. The subsoil is silty clay or silty clay loam but may include clay or clay loam. These soils crack when dry due to the high shrink-swell of the clay in the subsoil textures. Soils are leached of carbonates to below 40 inches; but some may have carbonates at 30 inches. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind. The potential for erosion increases where vegetative cover is inadequate.

Surface soil structure is fine granular, and structure below the surface is prismatic and/or strong angular or subangular blocky. Soil structure describes the manner in which soil particles are aggregated and defines the nature of the system of pores and channels in a soil.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Lodgepole.

Other soil series that have been correlated to this site: None.

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

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

Figure 9. Lodgepole Series, Garden County, NE

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium (2) Loess
Surface texture	(1) Silty clay loam (2) Silt loam (3) Loam
Drainage class	Somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow
Soil depth	203 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (0-101.6cm)	15.24 – 30.48 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm)	0 – 5%
Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm)	0 – 2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm)	0
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm)	6.1 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0%

Ecological dynamics

The Closed Depression Ecological Site is characterized by two states: Reference and Increased Bare Ground. The Reference State is characterized by cool-season rhizomatous midgrass (western wheatgrass), cool-season bunch midgrass (green needlegrass), and warm-season stoloniferous shortgrass (buffalograss). Other cool-season grasses and grass-likes include prairie Junegrass, alkali (Sandberg) bluegrass, slender wheatgrass, Canada wildrye, and threadleaf sedge. Warm-season grasses are buffalograss, blue grama, and switchgrass. A minor component of forbs such as purple or white prairie clover, penstemon, and American vetch; and shrubs such as fourwing saltbush and winterfat are also present. The Sod-bound State is characterized by warm-season shortgrass (blue grama and buffalograss). The Increased Bare Ground State is characterized by Fendler’s threeawn, cuman ragweed (also known as western ragweed), curlycup gumweed, Rocky Mountain beeplant, seepweed, and other annual grasses and forbs. Species such as prickly lettuce and Kentucky bluegrass may invade.

As the Closed Depression ecological site begins to deteriorate from frequent and severe grazing during the growing season, bunchgrasses such as green needlegrass and rhizomatous wheatgrasses begin to decrease in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama and buffalograss increase. If continued, the plant community becomes sod-bound and all midgrasses are eventually removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities results in a broken sod, bare ground, and species such as Kentucky bluegrass invading. Dugouts are occasionally constructed to supply livestock water but are not a reliable source of water. The immediate area of the dugout is affected due to soil disturbance and increased animal impact. This has an impact on the overall integrity and ecological functioning of the site and is applicable to any of the plant community phases.

The degree of grazing has a significant impact on the ecological dynamics of the site. This region was historically occupied by large grazing animals, such as bison, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Grazing by these large herbivores, along with climatic and seasonal weather fluctuations, had a major influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. Deer and pronghorn are widely distributed throughout the MLRA. Secondary influences of herbivory by species such as prairie dogs and other small rodents, insects, and root-feeding organisms continues to impact the vegetation.

Historically, grazing patterns by herds of large ungulates were driven by water distribution, precipitation events, drought events, and fire. It is believed that grazing periods would have been shorter, followed by longer recovery periods. These large migrating herds impacted the ecological processes of nutrient and hydrologic cycles, by urination, trampling (incorporation of litter into the soil surface), and breaking of surface crust, (which increases water infiltration).

Today, livestock grazing, especially beef cattle has been a major influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. Grazing management, coupled with the effects of annual climatic variations, largely dictates the plant communities for the site.

Recurrent drought has historically impacted the vegetation of this region. Changes in species composition vary depending upon the duration and severity of the drought cycle and prior grazing management. Drought events since 2002 have significantly increased mortality of blue grama and buffalograss in some locales.

This site developed with occasional fire as part of the ecological processes. Historic fire frequency (pre-industrial) is estimated at 10 to14 years (Guyette, 2012), randomly distributed, and started by lightning at various times throughout the growing season. Early human inhabitants also were likely to start fires for various reasons (deliberate or accidental). It is believed that fires were set as a management tool for attracting herds of large migratory herbivores (Stewart, 2002). The impact of fire over the past 100 years has been relatively insignificant due to the human control of wildfires and the lack of acceptance of prescribed fire as a management tool.

Eastern Colorado was strongly affected by extended drought conditions in the “Dust Bowl” period of the 1930’s, with recurrent drought cycles in the 1950s and 1970s. Extreme to exceptional drought conditions have re-visited the area from 2002 to 2012, with brief interludes of near normal to normal precipitation years. Long-term effects of these latest drought events have yet to be determined. Growth of native cool-season plants begins about April 1 and continues to mid-June. Native warm-season plants begin growth about May 1 and continue to about August 15. Regrowth of cool-season plants occurs in September in most years, depending on the availability of moisture.

State and transition model

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

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Increased Bare Ground State

T1A	-	Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Pascopyrum smithii-Nassella viridula (western wheatgrass-green needlegrass).

1.2. Pascopyrum smithii-Bouteloua gracilis (western wheatgrass-bluegrama).

1.3. Pascopyrum smithii-Nassella viridula (western wheatgrass-green needlegrass) Low Plant Density Community.

1.4. Bouteloua gracilis-Bouteloua dactyloides (blue grama-buffalograss).

1.1A	-	Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.
1.1B	-	Non-use. Lack of fire.
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire.
1.2B	-	Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.
1.3A	-	Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire.
1.4A	-	Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Bouteloua gracilis-Aristida purpurea (blue grama-Fendler threeawn).

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State is characterized by four distinct plant community phases. The plant communities and the various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass

Community 1.1
Pascopyrum smithii-Nassella viridula (western wheatgrass-green needlegrass).

The Reference Plant Community is the interpretive community for the Closed Depression Ecological Site. It developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely occurred infrequently, and were randomly distributed. The Reference Plant Community can be found on areas where grazed plants receive adequate periods of recovery during the growing season. The potential vegetation consists of 85 to 95 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs and 0 to 5 percent woody plants. Big sagebrush, silver sagebrush, and fourwing saltbush are the dominant shrubs while western wheatgrass and green needlegrass are the dominant grasses. 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 heavy, continuous grazing, tillage or development into urban or other uses.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass

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

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1102, 12-14SP Extra water w/o warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), without warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position), from adjacent 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	25	30	20	15	5	0	0	0

Community 1.2
Pascopyrum smithii-Bouteloua gracilis (western wheatgrass-bluegrama).

Western wheatgrass is reduced and green needlegrass is nearly absent. Blue grama increases. Other grasses present may include buffalograss and prairie Junegrass. Prairie clover species and other palatable forbs such as dotted gayfeather, American vetch, and Penstemon are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, scarlet globemallow, and cuman ragweed have increased. Palatable shrubs such as fourwing saltbush and winterfat have decreased. Plant frequency, production, and litter have been reduced. 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.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1105, 12-14SP Extra water w/warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), with warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position, from adjacent 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	25	30	15	5	0	0	0

Community 1.3
Pascopyrum smithii-Nassella viridula (western wheatgrass-green needlegrass) Low Plant Density Community.

This plant community developed under many years of non-use and lack of fire. Plant species resemble the Reference Plant Community however, frequency and production are reduced. Eventually, litter levels can become high enough to cause decadence and mortality of the stand. Bunchgrasses typically develop dead centers and rhizomatous grasses can form small decadent communities due to a lack of impact by grazing animals. Much of the available nutrients are tied up in standing dead plant material and increased amounts of litter. The semiarid environment and the absence of animal traffic to break down litter slows nutrient cycling. In advanced stages of non-use or lack of fire, bare areas increase, causing an erosion concern. The introduction of grazing or fire can quickly change this plant community.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1102, 12-14SP Extra water w/o warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), without warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position), from adjacent 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	25	30	20	15	5	0	0	0

Community 1.4
Bouteloua gracilis-Bouteloua dactyloides (blue grama-buffalograss).

Green needlegrass, American vetch, fourwing saltbush, and winterfat have been completely removed. Western wheatgrass may persist in trace amounts. Blue grama and buffalograss dominate the community and form a dense sod. Fendler’s threeawn, ring muhly, hairy false goldenaster, broom snakeweed, and plains pricklypear increase. This plant community is resistant to change due to grazing tolerance of blue grama and buffalograss. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community. Loss of warm and cool-season grasses, fourwing saltbush and winterfat, and nitrogen fixing forbs have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly due to the massive shallow root system, (root pan), characteristic of sod-bound blue grama and buffalograss. This results in an increase of ponding duration which increases the amount of bare ground due to the loss of desirable grass and grass-like species.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1105, 12-14SP Extra water w/warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), with warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position, from adjacent 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	25	30	15	5	0	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Continuous, heavy grazing and lack of fire shifts this plant community to the 1.2 Community. Drought accelerates this process.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Non-use and lack of fire causes the Reference Plant Community to shift to the 1.3 Community. Plant decadence and standing dead plant material impede energy flow. Initially, excess litter increases. Eventually, native plant density begins to decrease and introduced species may begin to invade. Water and nutrient cycles are impaired.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Prescribed grazing and prescribed fire shift this community back to the reference community.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.4

Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity and lack of fire shifts this plant community to the 1.4 Community.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

The return of grazing with adequate recovery and normal fire frequency shifts this plant community to the Reference Plant Community. This change can occur in a relatively short time frame with the return of these disturbances.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.2

Long-term prescribed grazing and prescribed fire move this plant community to the 1.2 Community and eventually to the Reference Community, assuming an adequate seed or vegetative source is available. Extended drought followed by normal precipitation can reduce the sod-bound condition and facilitate the shift in plant communities. This is a long-term community pathway requiring many years to accomplish.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

State 2
Increased Bare Ground State

Compared to the Reference State, perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Annuals and non-native species have increased. Litter levels are extremely low. Wind erosion can be a hazard due to increased bare ground. Mineral crusting caused by raindrop impact magnifies the situation by disrupting surface soil aggregates decreasing infiltration. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), other herbaceous
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Bouteloua gracilis-Aristida purpurea (blue grama-Fendler threeawn).

The plant composition is comprised of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. The dominant grasses include blue grama, buffalograss, and Fendler threeawn. Annuals such as Russian thistle, burningbush, and cheatgrass have invaded.

Dominant plant species

big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), other herbaceous
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), other herbaceous

Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1105, 12-14SP Extra water w/warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), with warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position, from adjacent 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	25	30	15	5	0	0	0

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion, loss of organic matter, and invasion of annual plants may delay recovery.

Additional community tables

Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	12"-14"			1211–1513
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	908–1009	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	303–504	–
2	12"-14"			0–202
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–202	–
3	12"-14"			202–504
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–101	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	0–101	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	0–101	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	0–101	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–101	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–101	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–101	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–101	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	0–40	–
6	15"-17"			1345–1681
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	1009–1121	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	336–560	–
7	15"-17"			0–224
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–224	–
8	15"-17"			224–560
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–112	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	0–112	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	0–112	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	0–112	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–112	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–112	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–112	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–112	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	0–45	–
Forb
4	12"-14"			101–303
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	0–101	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–40	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–40	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	0–40	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–40	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–40	–
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	0–40	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	0–40	–
	larkspur	DELPH	Delphinium	0–40	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–40	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	0–40	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–40	–
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	0–40	–
	Indian breadroot	PEDIO2	Pediomelum	0–40	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–40	–
	slimflower scurfpea	PSTE5	Psoralidium tenuiflorum	0–40	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–40	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–40	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–40	–
	meadow deathcamas	ZIVE	Zigadenus venenosus	0–40	–
	poison suckleya	SUSU2	Suckleya suckleyana	0–20	–
	silky sophora	SONU	Sophora nuttalliana	0–20	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	0–20	–
	oppositeleaf bahia	PIOP	Picradeniopsis oppositifolia	0–20	–
	wedgeleaf	PHCU3	Phyla cuneifolia	0–20	–
9	15"-17"			112–336
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	0–112	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–45	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–45	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	0–45	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–45	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–45	–
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	0–45	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	0–45	–
	larkspur	DELPH	Delphinium	0–45	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–45	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	0–45	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–45	–
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	0–45	–
	Indian breadroot	PEDIO2	Pediomelum	0–45	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–45	–
	slimflower scurfpea	PSTE5	Psoralidium tenuiflorum	0–45	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–45	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–45	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–45	–
	meadow deathcamas	ZIVE	Zigadenus venenosus	0–45	–
	poison suckleya	SUSU2	Suckleya suckleyana	0–22	–
	silky sophora	SONU	Sophora nuttalliana	0–22	–
	wedgeleaf	PHCU3	Phyla cuneifolia	0–22	–
	oppositeleaf bahia	PIOP	Picradeniopsis oppositifolia	0–22	–
Shrub/Vine
5	12"-14"			0–40
	silver sagebrush	ARCA13	Artemisia cana	0–101	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–101	–
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	0–101	–
	fourwing saltbush	ATCA2	Atriplex canescens	0–101	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–40	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–40	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–40	–
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	0–40	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	0–40	–
	prairie rose	ROAR3	Rosa arkansana	0–40	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	0–40	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	0–40	–
10	15"-17"			0–224
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–112	–
	silver sagebrush	ARCA13	Artemisia cana	0–112	–
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	0–112	–
	fourwing saltbush	ATCA2	Atriplex canescens	0–112	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–45	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–45	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–45	–
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	0–45	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	0–45	–
	prairie rose	ROAR3	Rosa arkansana	0–45	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	0–45	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	0–45	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Wildlife Interpretations:

Reference Plant Community - Western Wheatgrass, Green Needlegrass:

The predominance of grasses plus high forb diversity in this community favors large grazers such as pronghorn and elk. Suitable thermal and escape cover for mule deer is limited due to low shrub cover. White and black-tailed jackrabbit, badger, and coyote commonly use this community. This community also provides habitat for a wide array of smaller mammals, so diverse prey populations are available for raptors such as ferruginous and Swainson’s hawks. Birds such as western kingbird, western meadowlark, lark bunting, and grasshopper sparrow utilize this community for nesting and foraging. This community is especially favorable for ground-nesting birds because of the abundant residual vegetation available in the spring for nesting, escape, and thermal cover.

1.2 Community – Decreased Western Wheatgrass, Increased Blue Grama and Buffalograss:

The reduction in taller grasses in this community results in decreased use by lark buntings and western meadowlarks. Use by long-billed curlew increases, provided there is standing water within one-quarter mile. Killdeer, horned larks, and McCown’s longspurs also make significant use of this community. Pronghorn may forage in this community.

1.3 Community – Increased Litter, Decadent Plants, and Standing Dead Canopy:

This community has low habitat value for most wildlife species. Horned larks may nest in this community. Prairie dogs and jackrabbits are frequent users of this community.

1.4 Community: Blue Grama and Buffalograss:

This community provides limited foraging for antelope and other grazers. Ground-nesting birds favoring sparse vegetation may use this community. Long-billed curlews use this community if standing water is present within one-quarter mile.

3.1 Community – Blue Grama, Fendler Threeawn, Annual Grasses, Forbs, Cheatgrass, and Other Invasives:

Sparse vegetation and greater amounts of bare ground provide suitable habitat for prairie dogs, horned larks, and McCown’s longspurs. However, a lack of complex vegetation structure and residual cover makes this community poor habitat in general for most ground-nesting birds and big game species. Burrowing owls may occur here if the community is occupied by prairie dogs. Pronghorn may find limited forage in this community.

Grazing Interpretations:

The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Closed Upland Depression 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 (AUM) is defined as the amount of forage required by one mature cow, for one month.

Plant Community (PC) Production (total lbs. /acre in a normal year) and Stocking Rate (AUMs/acre) are listed below:
Example: Reference PC – (1800) (.49)
1,800 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 450 lbs. forage demand for one month. Then, 450 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =.49
Plant Community (PC) Production (lbs.ac), and Stocking Rate (AUM/Acre)

12-14” PZ:

Reference PC - (1800) (0.49)
1.2 PC - (1400) (0.38)
2.1 PC - (900) (0.25)

15-17” PZ:

Reference PC - (2000) (0.55)
1,2 PC - (1500) (0.41)
2.1 PC - (1000) (0.27)

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 B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderately slow to moderate. Runoff potential for this site varies from low to moderate 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 are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. 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, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other recreational opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

Site Development and 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 (2008).

Growth Curves are from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2008).

The Annual Production Table, Species Composition List, and Growth Curves will be reviewed for future updates at 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: Plant community names updated. Narrative is from “Previously Approved” ESD (2008). Wildlife species must 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 (2008).

Plant Preferences tabled removed. Will be released as a technical guide notice by NE and WY State Offices in the future.

Existing NRI or 417 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 (2008).
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 required to produce the final document.” (NI 430_306 ESI and ESD, April, 2015)

Supporting information

Inventory data references

NRI: references to Natural Resource Inventory data
Information presented here has been derived from data collection on private and federal lands using:
• Double Sampling (clipped 2 of 5 plots)*
• Rangeland Health (Pellant et al., 2005)
• Soil Stability (Pellant et al., 2005)
• Line Point Intercept : Foliar canopy, basal cover (Forb, Graminoid, Shrub, subshrub, Lichen, Moss, Rock fragments, bare ground, % Litter) (Herrick et al., 2005)
• Soil pedon descriptions collected on site (Schoeneberger et al., 2012)

*NRCS double-sampling method, CO NRCS Similarity Index Worksheet 528(1).
Additional reconnaissance data collection using numerous ocular estimates and other inventory data; NRCS clipping data for USDA program support; Field observations from experienced range trained personnel. Specific data information is contained in individual landowner/user case files and other files located in county NRCS field offices.

References

Guyette, R.P., M.C. Stambaugh, D.C. Dey, and R. Muzika. 2012. Predicting Fire Frequency with Chemistry and Climate. Ecosystems 15:322–335.
Stewart, O.C., H.T. Lewis, and M.K. Anderson. 2002. Forgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient Wilderness. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. 351p.

Other references

Anderson, R.C. 2006. Evolution and origin of the central grassland of North America: Climate, fire, and mammalian grazers. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 133:626–647.

Bragg, T.B. 1995. The physical environment of the Great Plains grasslands. In: A. Joern and K.H. Keeler (eds.) The changing prairie, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. pp. 49–81.

Branson, D.H. and G.A. Sword. 2010. An experimental analysis of grasshopper community responses to fire and livestock grazing in a northern mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Entomology 39:1441–1446.

Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Technical Report WRP–DE–4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Cleland, D., P. Avers, W.H. McNab, M. Jensen, R. Bailey, T. King, and W. Russell. 1997. National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units, published in Ecosystem Management: Applications for Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Resources, Yale University Press

Coupland, R.T. 1958. The effects of fluctuations in weather upon the grasslands of the Great Plains. Botanical Review 24:273–317.

Davis, S.K., R.J. Fisher, S.L. Skinner, T.L. Shaffer, and R.M. Brigham. 2013. Songbird abundance in native and planted grassland varies with type and amount of grassland in the surrounding landscape. Journal of Wildlife Management 77:908–919.

DeLuca, T.H. and P. Lesica. 1996. Long-term harmful effects of crested wheatgrass on Great Plains grassland ecosystems. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 51:408–409.

Derner, J.D. and R.H. Hart. 2007. Grazing-induced modifications to peak standing crop in northern mixed-grass prairie. Rangeland Ecology and Management 60:270–276.

Derner, J.D. and A.J. Whitman. 2009. Plant interspaces resulting from contrasting grazing management in northern mixed-grass prairie: Implications for ecosystem function. Rangeland Ecology and Management 62:83–88.

Derner, J.D., W.K. Lauenroth, P. Stapp, and D.J. Augustine. 2009. Livestock as ecosystem engineers for grassland bird habitat in the western Great Plains of North America. Rangeland Ecology and Management 62:111–118.

Dillehay, T.D. 1974. Late Quaternary bison population changes on the southern Plains. Plains Anthropologist 19:180–196.

Dormaar, J.F. and S. Smoliak. 1985. Recovery of vegetative cover and soil organic matter during revegetation of abandoned farmland in a semiarid climate. Journal of Range Management 38:487–491.

Fenneman, N.M. and D.W. Johnson. 1946. Physical divisions of the United States. U.S. Geological Survey, Physiographic Committee. Scale 1:700,000.

Harmoney, K.R. 2007. Grazing and burning Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) on mixed grass rangelands. Rangeland Ecology and Management 60:479–486.

Heitschmidt, R.K. and L.T. Vermeire. 2005. An ecological and economic risk avoidance drought management decision support system. In: J.A. Milne (ed.) Pastoral systems in marginal environments, 20th International Grasslands Congress, July 2005. p. 178.

Knopf, F.L. 1996. Prairie legacies—Birds. In: F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf (eds.) Prairie conservation: Preserving North America’s most endangered ecosystem, Island Press, Washington, DC. pp. 135–148.

Knopf, F.L. and F.B. Samson. 1997. Conservation of grassland vertebrates. In: F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf (eds.) Ecology and conservation of Great Plains vertebrates: Ecological Studies 125, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. pp. 273–289.

Lauenroth, W.K., O.E. Sala, D.P. Coffin, and T.B. Kirchner. 1994. The importance of soil water in recruitment of Bouteloua gracilis in the shortgrass steppe. Ecological Applications 4:741–749.

Laycock, W.A. 1988. History of grassland plowing and grass planting on the Great Plains. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.) Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program in the Great Plains—symposium proceedings, September 16–18, 1987. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-158.

Malloch, D.W., K.A. Pirozynski, and P.H. Raven. 1980. Ecological and evolutionary significance of mycorrhizal symbioses in vascular plants (a review). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 77:2113–2118.

Ogle, S.M., W.A. Reiners, and K.G. Gerow. 2003. Impacts of exotic annual brome grasses (Bromus spp.) on ecosystem properties of the northern mixed grass prairie. American Midland Naturalist 149:46–58.

Roath, L.R. 1988. Implications of land conversions and management for the future. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.) Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program in the Great Plains—symposium proceedings, September 16–18, 1987. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-158.

Smoliak, S. and J.F. Dormaar. 1985. Productivity of Russian wildrye and crested wheatgrass and their effect on prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 38:403–405.

Smoliak, S., J.F. Dormaar, and A. Johnston. 1972. Long-term grazing effects on Stipa-Bouteloua prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 25:246–250.

Soil Science Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual. C. Ditzler, K. Scheffe, and H.C. Monger (eds.). USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587. Accessed 15 November, 2017.

Soil Survey Staff. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 12th edition. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC.

Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed 15 February, 2018.

Soller, D.R. 2001. Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series I-1970-E, scale 1:3,500,000.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Wetlands Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1. Available online. http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/Portals/38/docs/USACE%2087%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Manual.pdf. Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Glossary of landform and geologic terms. National Soil Survey Handbook, Title 430-VI, Part 629.02c. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242. Accessed 16 January, 2018.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010a. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States, version 7.0. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and C.V. Noble (eds). USDA-NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013a. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. Available online. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate. Accessed 13 October, 2017.

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U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 2011. LANDFIRE 1.1.0 Existing Vegetation Types. Available online. http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/.

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Wilson, S.D., and J.M. Shay. 1990. Competition, fire, and nutrients in a mixed-grass prairie. Ecology 71:1959–1967.

With, K.A. 2010. McCown’s longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii). In: A. Poole (ed.) The birds of North America [online], Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Available online. https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/home.

Additional References:

Augustine, D.J., J. Derner, D. Milchunas, D. Blumenthal, and L. Porensky. 2017. Grazing moderates increases in C3 grass abundance over seven decades across a soil texture gradient in shortgrass steppe. Journal of Vegetation Science, Doi:10.1111/jvs.12508, International Association of Vegetative Science.

Augustine, D.J., J. Derner, J.K. Detling. 2014. Testing for thresholds in a semiarid grassland: The influence of prairie dogs and plague. Rangeland Ecology & Management 67(6)

Butler, LD., J.B. Cropper, R.H. Johnson, A.J. Norman, G.L. Peacock, P.L. Shaver and K.E. Spaeth. 1997, revised 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. National Cartography and Geospatial Center’s Technical Publishing Team: Fort Worth, TX.
http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html (accessed 26 February 2018).

Clark, J., E. Grimm, J. Donovan, S. Fritz, D. Engrstom, and J. Almendinger. 2002. Drought cycles and landscape responses to past aridity on prairies of the Northern Great Plains, USA. Ecology, 83(3), 595-601.

Collins, S. and S. Barber. (1985). Effects of disturbance on diversity in mixed-grass prairie. Vegetatio, 64, 87-94.

Cooperative climatological data summaries. NOAA. Western Regional Climate Center: Reno, NV. Web. Available online. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climatedata/climsum. Accessed 16 November, 2017.

Egan, Timothy. 2006. The Worst Hard Time. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company: New York, NY.

Guyette, Richard P., M.C. Stambaugh, D.C. Dey, RM Muzika. (2012). Predicting fire frequency with chemistry and climate. Ecosystems, 15: 322-335

Hart, R. and J. Hart. 1997. Rangelands of the Great Plains before European Settlement. Rangelands, 19(1), 4-11.

Hart, R. 2001. Plant biodiversity on shortgrass steppe after 55 years of zero, light, moderate, or heavy cattle grazing. Plant Ecology, 155, 111-118.

Pellant, M., P. Shaver, D.A. Pyke, J.E. Herrick. (2005) Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4. BLM National Business Center Printed Materials Distribution Service: Denver, CO.

Mack, Richard N. and J.N. Thompson. 1982. Evolution in Steppe with Few Large, Hooved Mammals. The American Naturalist. 119, No. 6, 757-773.

Reyes-Fox, M., Stelzer H., Trlica M.J., McMaster, G.S., Andales, A.A., LeCain, D.R., and Morgan J.A. 2014. Elevated CO2 further lengthens growing season under warming conditions. Nature, April 23, 2014 issue. Available online. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v510/n7504/full/nature13207.html Accessed 1 March, 2017.

Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysockie, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center: Lincoln, NE.

Stahl, David W., E.R. Cook, M.K. Cleaveland, M.D. Therrell, D.M. Meko, H.D. Grissino-Mayer, E. Watson, and B.H. Luckman. Tree-ring data document 16th century megadrought over North America. 2000. Eos, 81(12), 121-125.

Stewart, Omer C., 2002. Forgotten Fires. Univ. of Oklahoma Press, Publishing Division: Norman, OK.

Zelikova, Tamara Jane, D.M. Blumenthal, D.G. Williams, L. Souza, D.R. LeCain, J.Morgan. 2014. Long-term exposure to elevated CO2 enhances plant community stability by suppressing dominant plant species in a mixed-grass prairie. Ecology, 2014 issue. Available online. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1414659111.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2009. Part 630, Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1972-2012. National Engineering Handbook Hydrology Chapters. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/?&cid=stelprdb1043063. Accessed August, 2015.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Soil Survey Handbook title 430-VI. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey.
Available online. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed 15 November, 2017.

Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within the 67A Central High Plains (Northern Part) of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. It has been mapped and correlated with soils in the following soil surveys:

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.1994. Soil Survey of Banner County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1997. Soil Survey of Cheyenne County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1999. Soil Survey of Garden County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2005. Soil Survey of Kimball County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1985. Soil Survey of Morrill County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1968 Soil Survey of Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.2013. Soil Survey of Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1998. Soil Survey of Sioux County, Nebraska.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1981. Soil Survey of Goshen County, Northern Part, Wyoming.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1971. Soil Survey of Goshen County, Southern Part, Wyoming.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1983. Soil Survey of Laramie County, Eastern Part, Wyoming.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2001. Soil Survey of Laramie County, Western Part, Wyoming.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2003. Soil Survey of Platte County, Wyoming.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1982. Soil Survey of Weld County, Northern Part, Colorado.
For manuscripts of archived soil surveys, see: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.

Contributors

Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO
Andy Steinert, MLRA 67B Soil Survey Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Fort Morgan, CO
Doug Whisenhunt, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 9/07/2023

Acknowledgments

Partners/Contributors:
David Cook, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Oshkosh, NE
George Gamblin, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Wheatland, WY
Cameron Clark, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Douglas, WY
Angie Elg, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Scottsbluff, NE
Tim Becket, Area Resource Conservationist, Douglas, WY
Mitchell Stephenson, Ph.D. Rangeland Management Specialist, UNL-Panhandle Research Station, Scottsbluff, NE
Kristin Dickinson, District Conservationist, NRCS, Sidney, NE
Rick Peterson, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, SD-NRCS-MLRA SSO, Rapid City, SD

Program Support:
Nadine Bishop, NE State Rangeland Management Specialist/ QC, NRCS, Imperial, NE
John Hartung WY State Rangeland Management Specialist/ QC, NRCS, Casper, WY
David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS
James Bauchert, WY State Soil Scientist, WY-NRCS, Casper, WY
Neil Dominy, NE State Soil Scientist, NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Britt Weiser, NE State Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Clayton Schmitz, WY State Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Casper, WY
Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS-SSR5, Denver, CO
Chad Remley, Regional Director, N. Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS

Those involved in developing the 2008 version: Chuck Ring, Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS, Everett Bainter, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS

Non-discrimination statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:
HYPERLINK "mailto:program.intake@usda.gov" program.intake@usda.gov.

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)	Dave Cook, Kristin Dickinson, George Gamblin, John Hartung, Andy Steinert, Nadine Bishop
Contact for lead author
Date	11/19/2020
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production