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Ecological site R067BY029CO

Sandy Meadow

Last updated: 9/08/2023
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): 067B–Central High Plains, Southern Part

MLRA 67B occurs in eastern Colorado and consists of rolling plains and river valleys. Some canyonlands occur in the southeast portion. The major rivers are the South Platte and Arkansas which flow from the Rocky Mountains to Nebraska and Kansas. Other rivers in the MLRA include the Cache la Poudre and Republican and associated tributaries. This MLRA is traversed by Interstate 25, 70 and 76; and U.S. Highways 50 and 287. Major land uses include 54 percent rangeland, 35 percent cropland, and 2 percent pasture and hayland. Urban, developed open space, and miscellaneous land occupy approximately 9 percent. Major Cities in this area include Fort Collins, Greeley, Sterling, and Denver. Other cities include Limon, Cheyenne Wells, and Springfield. Land ownership is mostly private. Federal lands include Pawnee and Comanche National Grasslands (U.S. Forest Service), Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (National Park Service), and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). State Parks include Cherry Creek and Chatfield Reservoirs, and Barr and Jackson Lakes.

This region is periodically affected by severe drought, including the historic “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s. Dust storms may form during drought years in windy periods. Elevations range from 3,400 to 6,000 feet. The Average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to17 inches per year and ranges from 13 inches to over 18 inches, depending upon location. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season, often during rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature (MAAT) is 48 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may be sub-zero, and snowfall varies from 20 to 40 inches per year. Snow cover frequently melts between snow events.

LRU notes

Land Resource Unit (LRU) A is the northeast portion of MLRA 67B, to an extent of approximately 9 million acres. Most of the LRU is rangeland, and includes the Pawnee National Grassland. Dryland winter wheat/fallow rotations (that may include dryland corn, sunflowers, and sorghum) are grown in most counties. Irrigated cropland is utilized in the South Platte Valley. Small acreage and urban ownership are more concentrated on the Front Range. This LRU is found in portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Elbert, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Washington, and Weld counties. Other counties include Boulder, Cheyenne, Denver, Jefferson, and Yuma. The soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. The mean annual air temperature (MAAT) is 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

LRU B is in the southeast portion of MLRA 67B (2.6 million acres) and includes portions of Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Las Animas, and Prowers counties. Most of the LRU remains in rangeland and includes the Comanche National Grassland. On the farmed land, a system of dryland winter wheat/fallow rotations (that may include dryland corn, sunflowers, and sorghum) is implemented. Irrigated cropland is found in the Arkansas Valley. The soil moisture regime is aridic ustic and the MAAT is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

LRU C occurs in portions of Morgan and Weld counties (approximately 1.2 million acres). Most of LRU C is in rangeland. On the farmed land, a system of dryland winter wheat/fallow rotations (that may include dryland corn, sunflowers, and sorghum) is implemented. The soil moisture regime is ustic aridic and the MAAT is 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

Classification relationships

MLRA 67B is in the Colorado Piedmont and Raton Sections of the Great Plains Province (USDA, 2006). The MLRA is further defined by Land Resource Units (LRUs) A, B, and C. Features such as climate, geology, landforms, and key vegetation further refine these concepts and are described in other sections of the Ecological Site Description (ESD). NOTE: To date, these LRUs are DRAFT.

Relationship to Other Hierarchical Classifications:
NRCS Classification Hierarchy: Physiographic Division, Physiographic Province, Physiographic Section, Land Resource Region, Major Land Resource Area, Land Resource Unit (Fenneman, 1946).
USFS Classification Hierarchy: Domain, Division, Province, Section, Subsection,
Land Type Association: Land Type, Land Type Phase (Cleland et al, 1997).

REVISION NOTES:
The Sandy Meadow Ecological Site was developed by an earlier version of the Sandy Meadow Ecological Site (2004, revised 2007). This earlier version was based on input from Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) and historical information obtained from the Siltstone Plains Range Site descriptions (1975). 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

This ecological site is commonly adjacent. is a run-on site and is within four feet of the water table. There are no visible salts present in the soil profile or on the surface, and the site is not in a river or creek channel or floodplain adjacent to a river or creek. The subsoil textures are coarse sand, fine sand, loamy coarse sand, loamy sand, or loamy fine sand.

Associated sites

R067BY015CO	Deep Sand This ecological site is commonly adjacent.
R067BY022CO	Choppy Sands This ecological site is commonly adjacent.
R067BY031CO	Sandy Bottomland This ecological site is commonly adjacent.
R067BY035CO	Salt Meadow This ecological site is commonly adjacent.
R067BY073CO	Riparian This ecological site is commonly adjacent.

Similar sites

R067BY035CO	Salt Meadow This ecological site is commonly adjacent. has visible salts in the profile or on the surface.
R067BY031CO	Sandy Bottomland This ecological site is commonly adjacent. is greater than four feet from the water table.

R067BY035CO

Salt Meadow

This ecological site is commonly adjacent. has visible salts in the profile or on the surface.

R067BY031CO

Sandy Bottomland

This ecological site is commonly adjacent. is greater than four feet from the water table.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Amorpha fruticosa
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon hallii (2) Panicum virgatum

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on the interdunes in the dune fields or on nearly level stream terraces and floodplains in the river valleys. There is an influential water table associated with this site.

Figure 2. The distribution of the Sandy Meadow site in MLRA 67B.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Interdune (2) Stream terrace (3) Flood plain
Runoff class	Negligible to very low
Flooding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days)
Flooding frequency	None to occasional
Ponding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days)
Ponding frequency	None to occasional
Elevation	3,600 – 5,000 ft
Slope	3%
Ponding depth	1 in
Water table depth	36 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

Average annual precipitation across the MLRA extent is 14 to 17 inches, and ranges from 13 to over 18 inches, depending on location. Precipitation increases from north to south. Mean Annual Air Temperature (MAAT) is 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the northern part and increases to 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the southern part. Portions of Morgan and Weld counties are cooler and drier, the MAAT is 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and average precipitation is 13 to14 inches per year.

Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from mid-April to late September. Snowfall averages 30 inches per year, area-wide, but varies by location from 20 to 40 inches per year. Winds are estimated to average 9 miles per hour annually. Daytime winds are generally stronger than at night, and occasional strong storms may bring periods of high winds with gusts to more than 90 mph. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may arise. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 155 days from April 30th to October to 3rd. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 136 days from May 11th to September 24th. July is the hottest month, and December and January are the coldest months. Summer temperatures average 90 degrees Fahrenheit and occasionally exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer humidity is low and evaporation is high. Winters are characterized with frequent northerly winds, producing severe cold with temperatures occasionally dropping to -30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Blizzard conditions may form quickly. For detailed information, visit the Western Regional Climate Center website:
Western Regional Climate Center Historical Data Western U.S. Climate summaries, NOAA Coop Stations Colorado http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmco.html.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	119-129 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	134-151 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	14-17 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	102-132 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	126-156 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	14-17 in
Frost-free period (average)	121 days
Freeze-free period (average)	142 days
Precipitation total (average)	15 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) LIMON WSMO [USW00093010], Limon, CO
(2) BRIGHTON 3 SE [USC00050950], Brighton, CO
(3) BYERS 5 ENE [USC00051179], Byers, CO
(4) CHEYENNE WELLS [USC00051564], Cheyenne Wells, CO
(5) SPRINGFIELD 7 WSW [USC00057866], Springfield, CO
(6) FLAGLER 1S [USC00052932], Flagler, CO
(7) FT MORGAN [USC00053038], Fort Morgan, CO
(8) BRIGGSDALE [USC00050945], Briggsdale, CO
(9) GREELEY UNC [USC00053553], Greeley, CO
(10) KIT CARSON [USC00054603], Kit Carson, CO
(11) NUNN [USC00056023], Nunn, CO

Influencing water features

There is a seasonal-long water table that influences the kinds and amounts of vegetation on this site. The variability in water table provides a mosaic of drier and wetter areas on a meadow. This provides a diversity of non-hydrophytic and hydrophytic vegetation on the site. The water table in some areas is artificially induced, caused by seepage from nearby irrigation ditches, canals, and reservoirs.
Wetland Description (Cowardin System)

System Subsystem Class
Palustrine N/A Emergent Wetland

Note: This is a general overview for the site concept, and is not a wetland determination.

Soil features

The soils on this site are very deep, poorly to somewhat poorly drained soils that formed from eolian sands or alluvium. They typically have a rapid to moderately rapid permeability class. The soil moisture regime is typically aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.

The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically loamy sand or sand, but may include fine sand or sandy loam. The surface layer ranges from 3 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is typically loamy sand, sandy loam, sand, or fine sand. Rock fragments range from 0 to 20 percent in the underlying material. Soils in this site are typically leached of carbonates at the surface to greater than 20 inches; some soils may have carbonates at the surface and throughout the profile. These soils are typically not susceptible to erosion by water and wind due to the wetness of the soil profile by the seasonal water table. However, these areas may be prone to wind erosion if these areas are drained and the surface is not protected by vegetation.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Boel, Els, and Loup.

Other soil series that have been correlated to this site, but may eventually be re-correlated include: Ipage variant, Dwyer wet*, Manter watertable*, and Manter wet*.

*Dwyer and Manter are typically found in the uplands and do not have water tables.

*Feature listed in “( )” relates to the salt content or the wetness of the soil.

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.

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

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium (2) Eolian sands
Surface texture	(1) Loamy sand (2) Sand (3) Sandy loam
Drainage class	Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Moderately rapid to rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	2.5 – 4 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	5%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.6 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	20%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

The Sandy Meadow Ecological Site is characterized by three states: Reference, Warm-Season Midgrass, and Increased Bare Ground. The Reference State is characterized by warm-season tall bunchgrass (sand bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass), and warm-season tall rhizomatous grass (prairie cordgrass, prairie sandreed), and a minor component of cool-season grasslikes (Nebraska sedge). The Warm- Season Midgrass State is characterized by a warm-season mid bunchgrass (sand dropseed). The Increased Bare Ground State is characterized by early successional cool-season grass (foxtail barley), annual grasses, and annual forbs.

This is an important site for livestock grazing, especially beef cattle. Today the management of livestock grazing by humans has been a major influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. This management, coupled with the effects of annual climatic variations, largely dictates the plant communities for the site. Continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence initially causes prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, Indiangrass, sand bluestem, Nebraska sedge, and false indigo bush to decrease in frequency and production. Prairie sandreed, sand dropseed, alkali sacaton, inland saltgrass, Baltic rush, and Cuman ragweed gradually increase. Further excessive grazing produces a plant community comprised of alkali tolerant species, remnant prairie sandreed, and Kentucky bluegrass (invasive). Excessive litter, decadence, and plant mortality results from the lack of fire or non-use. Heavy, long-term continuous grazing can lead to increased bare ground.

The information in this ESD, including the state-and-transition model diagram (STM), was developed using archeological and historical data, professional experience, and scientific studies. The information is representative of a dynamic set of plant communities that represent the complex interaction of several ecological processes. The plant composition has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, seasonal use pastures, short duration or time-controlled grazing strategies, and historical accounts.

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).

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.

Mechanical treatment consisting of contour pitting, furrowing, terracing, chiseling, and disking has been practiced in the past. It was theorized that the use of this high-input technology would improve production and plant composition on rangeland. These high-cost practices have shown to have no significant long-term benefits on production or plant composition and have only resulted in a permanently rough ground surface. Prescribed grazing that mimics the historic grazing of herds of migratory herbivores, as described earlier, has been shown to result in desired improvements based on management goals for this ecological site.

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

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Warm-season Midgrass State

3. Increased Bare Ground State

T1A	-	Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.
T2A	-	Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Andropogon hallii-Panicum virgatum (sand bluestem-switchgrass).

1.2. Calamovilfa longifolia-Panicum virgatum (prairie sandreed-switchgrass)

1.3. Andropogon hallii-Panicum virgatum (sand bluestem-switchgrass) Excessive Litter Plant Community.

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

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Sporobolus cryptandrus-Aristida purpurea (sand dropseed-Fendler threeawn). -

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Hordeum jubatum-Vulpia octoflora (foxtail barley-six weeks fescue).

State 1
Reference State

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

Dominant plant species

false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), shrub
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass

Community 1.1
Andropogon hallii-Panicum virgatum (sand bluestem-switchgrass).

This plant community is the interpretive plant community for this site. This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires occurred infrequently. This plant community can be found on areas that receive adequate recovery periods following each grazing event during the growing season. The potential vegetation is about 85 to 95 percent grasses and grass-likes, 4 to10 percent forbs and 1 to 5 percent woody plants. Warm-season tallgrasses dominate this plant community. The major grasses include sand bluestem, Indiangrass, prairie cordgrass, and switchgrass. Other grasses and grass-likes occurring in the community include prairie sandreed, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, Canada wildrye, mountain rush, Baltic rush, and Nebraska sedge. Important forbs and shrubs include American licorice, Colorado butterfly plant, prairie gentian, and false indigo bush. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Plant litter is properly distributed with little movement and natural plant mortality is very low. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. Total annual production ranges from 2,500 to 4,500 pounds of air-dry vegetation per acre with a Representative Value of 3,500 pounds.

Dominant plant species

false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), shrub
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass

Figure 9. 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	2335	3150	3945
Forb	135	245	375
Shrub/Vine	30	105	180
Total	2500	3500	4500

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CO6713, Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant; MLRA-67B; lowland water-influenced soils.

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	2	8	20	30	20	12	5	3	0	0

Community 1.2
Calamovilfa longifolia-Panicum virgatum (prairie sandreed-switchgrass)

Sand bluestem, prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, Indiangrass, Nebraska sedge, and false indigo bush have decreased. Prairie sandreed has increased. Western wheatgrass may initially increase or decrease depending upon the season of use. Baltic rush and Cuman ragweed have increased. This plant community is relatively stable but is at risk of losing warm-season tallgrasses, palatable forbs, and shrubs. The plants of this community have decreased in frequency and production compared to the Reference Plant Community. The reduction of key tallgrass species, deep-rooted forbs, and shrubs has begun to alter the biotic integrity of this plant community. The nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow may be impaired. Total annual production, during an average year, ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 pounds per acre air-dry weight and averages 2,000 pounds during a normal year.

Dominant plant species

false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), shrub
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CO6713, Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant; MLRA-67B; lowland water-influenced soils.

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	2	8	20	30	20	12	5	3	0	0

Community 1.3
Andropogon hallii-Panicum virgatum (sand bluestem-switchgrass) Excessive Litter Plant Community.

This plant community developed under the absence of grazing, fire, and haying. The dominant plants are similar to those found in the Reference Plant Community. Plant density has been reduced. Much of the nutrients are tied up in excessive litter. Organic matter oxidizes in the air rather than being incorporated into the soil due to the absence of animal impact. Excessive litter levels and standing dead canopy prevent sunlight from reaching plant crowns and in time can stagnate the plant community. Tallgrasses such as sand bluestem, prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, and Indiangrass can become decadent and eventually die. Grazing, haying, or fire followed by prescribed grazing with adequate recovery opportunity can move this plant community to the Reference Plant Community in a relatively short time frame. Total annual production varies substantially from 600 to 3,000 pounds of air-dry vegetation per acre depending on how long this plant community has developed in the absence of haying, grazing, or fire.

Dominant plant species

false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), shrub
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CO6716, Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, high litter; MLRA-67B; lowland water-influenced soils.

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	2	8	20	28	20	12	6	4	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events, and lack of fire shift this plant community to the 1.2 Community. Recurring spring seasonal grazing decreases cool-season plants. Recurring summer grazing decreases warm-season plants and increases cool-season plants. Biotic integrity is altered and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Non-use and lack of fire cause the Reference Plant Community to shift to the 1.3 Community. Plant decadence and standing dead plant material impede energy flow. Water and nutrient cycles are impaired.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Grazing that allows for adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events, proper stocking, and prescribed fire shift this community back to the Reference Community.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

The return of grazing with adequate recovery opportunity, haying, or normal fire frequency shift this 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

State 2
Warm-season Midgrass 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 edaphic (soil characteristics) changes have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient and hydrologic cycles. The loss of functional/structural groups such as warm-season tallgrass reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.

Dominant plant species

sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass

Community 2.1
Sporobolus cryptandrus-Aristida purpurea (sand dropseed-Fendler threeawn). -

Prairie cordgrass, sand bluestem, Indiangrass, and false indigo bush have been removed. Sand dropseed, red threeawn, inland saltgrass, foxtail barley, alkali sacaton, Baltic rush, and Cuman ragweed have increased. Kentucky bluegrass has likely invaded the community. Remnant amounts of low vigor prairie sandreed, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass may still be present. This community has lost much of its production and diversity. Nutrient cycle is impaired due to the loss of most tallgrass species, deep-rooted forbs (legumes and others) and shrubs. Soil compaction can be a concern if continuously grazed during wet cycles. Total annual production, during an average year, ranges from 900 to 1,700 pounds per acre air-dry weight and averages 1,300 pounds in a normal year.

Dominant plant species

sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CO6718, Warm-season dominant; MLRA-67B; lowland water-influenced soils.

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	15	40	23	12	3	2	0	0

State 3
Increased Bare Ground State

Compared to the Reference State, all perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Plant diversity and production are very low. Wind erosion can be a concern due to increased bare ground. Litter amounts are low. Carbon storage and nutrient cycling has been greatly reduced. Compaction, if severe enough, can affect water infiltration. Animal wastes can contaminate ground water or runoff. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Water cycling and energy flow are impaired.

Dominant plant species

foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
sixweeks fescue (Vulpia octoflora), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), other herbaceous
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), other herbaceous

Community 3.1
Hordeum jubatum-Vulpia octoflora (foxtail barley-six weeks fescue).

The plant composition is made up of primarily foxtail barley, sixweeks fescue, Cuman ragweed, and introduced annuals such as Russian thistle and burningbush. Kentucky bluegrass (invasive) may persist in small amounts. Remnants of western wheatgrass, inland saltgrass, Baltic rush, and other species may be present. Compared to the Reference Plant Community, all perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Plant diversity and production are very low. Planned rest periods during the growing season improves the vigor of the plant species present. Total Annual Production ranges from 100 to 400 pounds per acre air-dry weight.

Dominant plant species

foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
sixweeks fescue (Vulpia octoflora), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), other herbaceous
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), other herbaceous

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CO6714, Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant; MLRA-67B; lowland water-influenced soils.

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	2	7	25	40	15	7	3	1	0	0

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire shift this State across an ecological threshold to the Warm-season Midgrass State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired as a result of this transition.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increase Bare Ground State. Erosion, loss of organic matter, loss of carbon reserves, and flooding are concerns. Non-native exotic plants such as field bindweed and knapweeds are likely to invade.

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				2975–3325
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	525–700	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	525–700	–
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	350–700	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	350–700	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	350–525	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	175–350	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	35–175	–
	alkali sacaton	SPAI	Sporobolus airoides	0–175	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	35–175	–
	Nebraska sedge	CANE2	Carex nebrascensis	35–105	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	35–70	–
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	35–70	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–35	–
	sixweeks fescue	VUOC	Vulpia octoflora	0–35	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–35	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	0–35	–
	mountain rush	JUARL	Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis	0–35	–
	marsh muhly	MURA	Muhlenbergia racemosa	0–35	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–35	–
	Fendler threeawn	ARPUL	Aristida purpurea var. longiseta	0–35	–
Forb
2				140–350
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	35–175	–
	showy prairie gentian	EUEXR	Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum	35–70	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	35–70	–
	Colorado butterfly plant	OECOC	Oenothera coloradensis ssp. coloradensis	0–35	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–35	–
	giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	0–35	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	0–35	–
	vervain	VERBE	Verbena	0–35	–
	Colorado butterfly plant	GANEC	Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis	0–35	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–35	–
Shrub/Vine
3				35–175
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	35–70	–
	false indigo bush	AMFR	Amorpha fruticosa	35–70	–

Interpretations

Animal community

WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:

The combination of grasses, forbs, and shrubs found on the ecological site provide habitat for numerous wildlife species. Historic large grazers that influenced these communities were bison, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Bison are no longer widely distributed in their historic range. Mule deer are the most abundant ungulates using this ecological site, followed by pronghorn. Domestic grazers share these habitats with wildlife. The grassland communities of eastern Colorado are home to many bird species. Changes in the composition of the plant community when moving from the Reference Community to other communities on this ecological site may result in species shifts in bird species.

1.1 Reference Plant Community

The structural diversity in the plant community found on the Reference Site is attractive to a number of wildlife species. Common bird species expected on in this plant community include grasshopper sparrow, western meadowlark, and dickcissel. The combination of tall grasses and increased production of forbs provides brood rearing habitat greater prairie chicken in the northern portion of the MLRA. In the southern portion of the MLRA, scaled quail may also use the fringes of this community where sandy meadows abut other sites with a sand sage component. Mule deer, and to a lesser extent, pronghorn occur on this site and use it for feeding and bedding. Mule deer may use this site for fawning. Reptiles using this community include prairie rattlesnake, bullsnake, western hognose snake, racer, ornate box turtle, and six-lined racerunner.

1.2 Community

The wildlife community has not substantially changed from the reference community.
1.3 Community
The wildlife community has not substantially changed from the reference community.

2.1 Community

Due to the shortened vegetative structure in this community, use by grassland birds requiring tall cover has decreased. Use by prairie chickens also decreases. Scaled quail continue to use the site due to the increase in annual forbs and bare ground. Mule deer and pronghorn no longer spend much time feeding in this areas and deer do not use this community for fawning.

3.1 Community

In the increased bare ground community, most species of wildlife that were present in the reference plant community are no longer found on the site. The exception is scaled quail which continue to use this community due to the abundance of annual forbs and bare ground.

GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
The following table lists suggested initial stocking rates for an animal unit (1000-pound beef cow) under continuous grazing (yearlong grazing or growing-season-long grazing) based on normal growing conditions. However, continuous grazing is not recommended. These estimates should only be used as preliminary guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the existing plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community described in this ecological site description. Therefore, field inventories are always recommended to document plant composition, total production, and palatable forage production. Carrying capacity estimates that reflect on-site conditions should be calculated using field inventories.

If the following production estimates are used, they should be adjusted based on animal kind or class and on the specific palatability of the forage plants in the various plant community descriptions. Under a properly stocked, properly applied, prescribed grazing management system that provides adequate recovery periods following each grazing event, improved harvest efficiencies eventually result in increased carrying capacity. See USDA-NRCS Colorado Prescribed Grazing Standard and Specification Guide (528).

The stocking rate calculations are based on the total annual forage production in a normal year multiplied by 25 percent harvest efficiency divided by 912.5 pounds of ingested air-dry vegetation for an animal unit per month (AUM).

Reference PC - (3500) (.96)

1.2 PC - (2000) (0.55)

2.1 PC - (1300) (0.36)

Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangelands in this area provide yearlong forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses and other herbivores.

An on-site inventory is required prior to developing a grazing management plan.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration varies from moderate to high and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to low depending on and ground cover. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (USDA–NRCS, 1972–2012) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other 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.
NOTE: Annual Production Table is from the “Previously Approved” ESD 2004. The Species Composition List is also from the 2004 version, with minor edits. These will need review 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.

Livestock Interpretations updated to reflect Total Annual Production revisions in each plant community.

Wildlife interpretations, general narrative, and individual plant communities updated to the Provisional level. Hydrology, Recreational Uses, Wood Products, Other Products, Plant Preferences table, and Rangeland Health Reference Sheet carried over from previously “Approved” ESD 2004.

Reference Sheet

The Reference Sheet was previously approved in 2007.
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).

Other information

Relationship to Other Hierarchical Classifications:

NRCS Classification Hierarchy:
Physiographic Divisions of the United States (Fenneman, 1946): Physiographic DivisionPhysiographic ProvincePhysiographic SectionLand Resource RegionMajor Land Resource Area (MLRA)Land Resource Unit (LRU).
USFS Classification Hierarchy:
National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Cleland et al, 181-200):
DomainDivisionProvinceSectionSubsectionLandtype AssociationLandtypeLandtype Phase.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Inventory Data Ref:
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.

Those involved in developing the 2004 site description include: Harvey Sprock, Rangeland Management Specialist, CO-NRCS; Ben Berlinger, Rangeland Management Specialist, CO-NRCS; James Borchert, Soil Scientist, CO-NRCS; Terri Skadeland, Biologist, CO-NRCS.

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.

Other references

Other references:
Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within the 67B Central High Plains (Southern Part) of Colorado. It has been mapped and correlated with soils in the following soil surveys: Adams County, Arapahoe County, Baca County, Bent County, Boulder County, Cheyenne County, El Paso County Area, Elbert County, Eastern Part, Kiowa County, Kit Carson County, Larimer County Area, Las Animas County Area, Lincoln County, Logan County, Morgan County, Prowers County, Washington County, Weld County, Northern Part, and Weld County, Southern Part.

30 Year Climatic and Hydrologic Normals (1981-2010) Reports. National Water and climate Center: Portland, OR. August 2015

ACIS-USDA Field Office Climate Data (WETS), period of record 1971-2000 http://agacis.rcc-acis.org (powered by WRCC) Accessed March 2016

Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. 442

Armstrong, D.M. 1972. Distribution of mammals in Colorado. Univ. Kansas Museum Natural History Monograph #3. 415.

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 August 2015

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.

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

Cooperative climatological data summaries. NOAA. Western Regional Climate Center: Reno, NV. Web. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climatedata/climsum Accessed August 2015

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

Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, and D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. 467. Hammerson, G.A. 1986. Amphibians and reptiles in Colorado. CO Div. Wild. Publication Code DOW-M-I-3-86. 131.

Herrick, Jeffrey E., J.W. Van Zee, K.M. Haystad, L.M. Burkett, and W.G. Witford. 2005. Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems, Volume II. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, N.M.

Kingery, H., Ed. (1998) Colorado Breeding Birds Atlas. Dist. CO Wildlife Heritage Foundation: Denver, CO. 636.

National Water & Climate Center. USDA-NRCS. USDA Pacific Northwest Climate Hub: Portland, OR. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ Accessed March 2016

National Weather Service Co-op Program. 2010. Colorado Climate Center. Colorado State Univ. Web. http://climate.atmos.colostate.edu/dataaccess.php March 2016

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.

PLANTS Database. 2015. USDA-NRCS. Web. http://plants.usda.gov/java/ Accessed August 2015. February 2016

PRISM Climate Data. 2015. Prism Climate Group. Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR. http://www.prism.oregonstate.edu/ Accessed August 2015.

Rennicke, J. 1990. Colorado Wildlife. Falcon Press, Helena and Billings, MT and CO Div. Wildlife, Denver CO. 138.

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.

The Denver Posse of Westerners. 1999. The Cherokee Trail: Bent’s Old Fort to Fort Bridger. The Denver Posse of Westerners, Inc. Johnson Printing: Boulder, CO

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. September 1991. Changes in Vegetation and Land Use I eastern Colorado, A Photographic study, 1904-1986.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. US Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Geospatial Center of Excellence. Colorado annual Precipitation Map from 1981-2010, Annual Average Precipitation by State

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. 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. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242 Accessed July 2015

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.1973. Soil Survey of Baca County, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1970. Soil Survey of Bent County, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1968. Soil Survey of Crowley County, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1981 Soil Survey of El Paso County Area, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1995. Soil Survey of Fremont County Area, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1983. Soil Survey of Huerfano County Area, Colorado.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.1981. Soil Survey of Kiowa County, Colorado.

Western Regional Climate Center. 2022. Climate of Colorado, climate of the eastern plains. https://wrcc.dri.edu/Climate/narrative_co.php (accessed 9 August 2022).

Additional Literature:

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. Vegetation, 64, 87-94.

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

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.

Heitschmidt, Rodney K., J.W. Stuth, (edited by). 1991. Grazing Management, an Ecological Perspective. Timberland Press, Portland, OR.

Jackson, D. 1966. The Journals of Zebulon Montgomery Pike with letters & related documents. Univ. of Oklahoma Press, First edition: Norman, OK.

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.Available online. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v510/n7504/full/nature13207.html, accessed March 2017.

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.

The Denver Posse of Westerners. 1999. The Cherokee Trail: Bent’s Old Fort to Fort Bridger. The Denver Posse of Westerners, Inc. Johnson Printing: Boulder, CO.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2004. Vascular plant species of the Comanche National Grasslands in southeastern Colorado. US Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Research Station. Fort Collins, CO.

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.

Contributors

Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA, Pueblo SSO
Andy Steinert, MLRA 67B Soil Survey Leader, NRCS MLRA Fort Morgan SSO
Ben Berlinger, Rangeland Management Specialist, Retired. NRCS La Junta, CO
Doug Whisenhunt, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA, Pueblo SSO

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 9/08/2023

Acknowledgments

Program Support:
Rachel Murph, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist-QC, Denver, CO
David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS
Josh Saunders, Rangeland Management Specialist-QC, NRCS Fort Morgan, CO
Patty Knupp, Biologist, Area 3, NRCS Pueblo, CO
Noe Marymor, Biologist, Area 2, NRCS Greeley, CO
Richard Mullaney, Resource Conservationist, Retired., NRCS, Akron, CO
Chad Remley, Regional Director, N. Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS
B.J. Shoup, State Soil Scientist, Denver
Eugene Backhaus, State Resource Conservationist, Denver
Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS, Denver, CO

Partners/Contributors:
Rob Alexander, Agricultural Resources, Boulder Parks & Open Space, Boulder, CO
David Augustine, Research Ecologist, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, CO
John Fusaro, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Fort Collins, CO
Jeff Goats, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Pueblo, CO
Clark Harshbarger, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Greeley, CO
Mike Moore, Soil Scientist, NRCS MLRA Fort Morgan SSO
Tom Nadgwick, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Akron CO
Dan Nosal, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Franktown, CO
Steve Olson, Botanist, USFS, Pueblo, CO
Randy Reichert, Rangeland Specialist, retired, USFS, Nunn, CO
Don Schoderbeck, Range Specialist, CSU Extension, Sterling CO
Terri Schultz, The Nature Conservancy, Ft. Collins, CO
Chris Tecklenburg, Ecological Site Specialist, Hutchison, 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)	Harvey Sprock, Daniel Nosal
Contact for lead author	Harvey Sprock, Area Rangeland Management Specialist, Greeley, CO
Date	01/12/2005
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production