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Ecological site F089XY007WI

Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands

Last updated: 9/27/2023
Accessed: 12/21/2024

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 089X–Wisconsin Central Sands

The Wisconsin Central Sands (MLRA 89) corresponds closely to Central Sand Plains Ecological Landscape published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR, 2015). Much of the following brief overview of this MLRA is borrowed from that publication.

The Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA is entirely in Wisconsin. The total land area is 2,187,100 acres (3,420 square miles, 8858 square kilometers). It is bordered to the east by Johnstown-Hancock end moraines, which were pushed to their extent by the west side of the Green Bay Lobe (Clayton & Attig, 1999). It is bordered to the southwest by highly eroded, unglaciated valleys and ridges. The dominant feature of this MLRA is the remarkably flat, sandy plain, composed of lacustrine deposits and outwash sand, that was once the main basin of Glacial Lake Wisconsin. It also features extensive pine and oak barrens and wetland complexes.

Glacial Lake Wisconsin was fed primarily by glacial meltwater from the north and east. The lake deposited silt overlain by tens of meters of sand (Clayton & Attig, 1989). The silty layers are closer to the surface in some areas, where they impede drainage and contribute to the formation of extensive wetland complexes. It is believed that Glacial Lake Wisconsin drained within several days after a breach in the ice dam that supported it. The catastrophic flood that followed flowed to the south and carved the scattered buttes and mesas protruding from the sandy plain in the southern portion of this MLRA. Before vegetation established after glacial recession, strong winds formed aeolian sand dunes that now support xeric pine and oak stands within the Wisconsin Central Sands.

The surface of the northwestern portion is mostly undulating. The sandy surface sediment was mostly deposited by meltwater during the Wisconsin glaciation. Gentle hills are a result of underlying bedrock topography. Valleys and floodplains are formed by stream action. The underlying bedrock controls the water table elevation and contributes to the formation of numerous wetlands.

Historically, the Wisconsin Central Sands were dominated by large wetland complexes, sand prairies, and oak forests, savannas, and barrens. Some pine and hemlock forests were found in the northwest portion. The Wisconsin Central Sands was subject to frequent fires, leading to today’s need for prescribed burns to maintain the area.

Classification relationships

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Wisconsin Central Sands (89)

USFS Subregions: Central Wisconsin Sand Plain (222Ra) and Neillsville Sandstone Plateau (222Rb)

Small sections occur in the Lincoln Formation Till Plain - Mixed Hardwoods (212Qb) subregion

Wisconsin DNR Ecological Landscapes: Central Sand Plains

Relationship to Established Framework and Classification Systems:
Habitat Types of S. Wisconsin (Kotar, 1996) and Wetland Forest Habitat Type Classification System for Northern Wisconsin (Kotar and Burger, 2017): The sites of this ES keyed out to three habitat types: Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaultheria (PVG); Pinus/Vaccinium-Rubus hispidus (PVRh); Pinus-Acer/Gaylussacia (PArGy). The latter is a wetland habitat type for Northern Wisconsin used in lieu of Southern Wisconsin habitat types.

Biophysical Settings (Landfire, 2014): This ES is largely mapped as North-Central Interior Maple-Basswood Forest, Central Interior and Appalachian Swamp Forest, Laurentian Shrubland Barrens, and Eastern Cool Temperate Pasture and Hayland.

WDNR Natural Communities (WDNR, 2015): This ES is most similar to the Northern Wet Forest, Mesic Hardwood Forest, with canopy vegetation of some sites most similar to Northern Dry-mesic Forest communities.

Ecological site concept

The Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands ecological site characterized by very deep, very poorly or poorly drained soils formed in siliceous sandy alluvium and siliceous sandy lacustrine deposits. The materials are comprised from sands weathered from sandstone that was cemented by silica. This site is common to the western half of MLRA 89, west of the Wisconsin River, where the sandstone bedrock is relatively shallow. These soils are subject to frequent, brief flooding events during the growing season. Precipitation and runoff from adjacent uplands are the primary sources of water, but groundwater discharge is another significant contributor. Soils range from extremely acid to moderately acid.

Historically, this Ecological Site was dominated by a variety of plant communities, apparently reflecting differences in historic fire regime. Prairie, Pine Barrens, Oak Barrens, Oak Savanna and mixed Pine - Oak forests were all represented. Following European settlement most of the area was cleared of forest vegetation and converted to farming, although scattered woodlots remained. Current woodlots typically consist of mixed oak, primarily white oak (Q. alba) and red oak (Q. rubra), white pine (Pinus strobus) and red maple (Acer rubrum). Also common are mixed stands of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). There also are considerable areas of planted red pine (P. resinosa).

Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands are distinguished from other ecological sites based on drainage and siliceous sandy material. Other poorly drained sands formed in outwash sands or have bedrock within 40 inches (100 cm). The siliceous sands tend to be less productive than the outwash sands and the two similar parent materials may support slightly different vegetative communities. The poor drainage differentiates this site from other siliceous sandy sites.

Associated sites

F089XY001WI	Acidic Poor Fen Acidic Poor Fens sites consist of deep herbaceous organic materials. They are very poorly drained and remain saturated throughout the year. They are strongly to extremely acidic. These sites are wetlands. These sites are found primarily in the western half of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. They occur lower on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.
F089XY012WI	Moist Siliceous Sandy Uplands Moist Siliceous Sand Uplands consist of deep sandy deposits sourced primarily from the weathering of sandstone high in silica. The weathered sand was deposited by rivers or glacial lakes. They are somewhat poorly drained and are subject to neither flooding nor ponding. These sites are found west of the Wisconsin River. They occur higher on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.
F089XY018WI	Siliceous Sand Uplands Siliceous Sand Uplands consist of deep sandy deposits sourced primarily from the weathering of sandstone high in silica. The weathered sand was deposited by rivers or glacial lakes. Soils are moderately well to excessively drained. These sites are found west of the Wisconsin River. They occur much higher on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY001WI

Acidic Poor Fen

Acidic Poor Fens sites consist of deep herbaceous organic materials. They are very poorly drained and remain saturated throughout the year. They are strongly to extremely acidic. These sites are wetlands. These sites are found primarily in the western half of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. They occur lower on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY012WI

Moist Siliceous Sandy Uplands

Moist Siliceous Sand Uplands consist of deep sandy deposits sourced primarily from the weathering of sandstone high in silica. The weathered sand was deposited by rivers or glacial lakes. They are somewhat poorly drained and are subject to neither flooding nor ponding. These sites are found west of the Wisconsin River. They occur higher on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY018WI

Siliceous Sand Uplands

Siliceous Sand Uplands consist of deep sandy deposits sourced primarily from the weathering of sandstone high in silica. The weathered sand was deposited by rivers or glacial lakes. Soils are moderately well to excessively drained. These sites are found west of the Wisconsin River. They occur much higher on the drainage sequence than Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

Similar sites

F089XY003WI	Sandy Floodplains Sandy Floodplains sites are found exclusively on floodplains in sandy alluvium. Most sites are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along the Wisconsin, Lemonweir, Yellow, and Black Rivers and some of their tributaries. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.
F089XY005WI	Wet Sandy Bedrock Lowlands Wet Sandy Bedrock Lowlands consist of sandy alluvium underlain by loamy residuum. Bedrock occurs within 40 inches (100 cm) and perches the water table. Soils are poorly drained and subject to ponding. These sites are found in the northwestern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA where the depth to bedrock is shallow. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.
F089XY006WI	Wet Sandy Outwash Lowlands Wet Sandy Outwash Lowlands consist of deep sandy deposits derived from a mixture of outwash, alluvium, and lacustrine sources. They are very poorly to poorly drained, remain saturated for much of the growing season, and are subject to frequent ponding. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY003WI

Sandy Floodplains

Sandy Floodplains sites are found exclusively on floodplains in sandy alluvium. Most sites are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along the Wisconsin, Lemonweir, Yellow, and Black Rivers and some of their tributaries. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY005WI

Wet Sandy Bedrock Lowlands

Wet Sandy Bedrock Lowlands consist of sandy alluvium underlain by loamy residuum. Bedrock occurs within 40 inches (100 cm) and perches the water table. Soils are poorly drained and subject to ponding. These sites are found in the northwestern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA where the depth to bedrock is shallow. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

F089XY006WI

Wet Sandy Outwash Lowlands

Wet Sandy Outwash Lowlands consist of deep sandy deposits derived from a mixture of outwash, alluvium, and lacustrine sources. They are very poorly to poorly drained, remain saturated for much of the growing season, and are subject to frequent ponding. These sites support vegetative communities similar to those found on Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus strobus (2) Quercus alba
Shrub	(1) Acer rubrum
Herbaceous	(1) Vaccinium (2) Pteridium aquilinum

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Physiographic features

This site occurs in depressions and flats in siliceous sandy alluvium on stream terraces and pediments. Slopes range from 0 to1 percent. Elevation ranges from 705 to 1,394 feet (215 to 425 meters) above sea level. These sites are subject to rare to frequent ponding throughout the year. The ponding duration is brief (2 to 7 days), with depths up to 12 inches (30 cm) above the soil surface. These sites do not flood. The soils have an apparent seasonally high water table (endosaturation) at the soil surface, but the water table may drop to 60 inches (150 cm) during dry conditions. Runoff is negligible to very low.

Figure 1. Distribution of Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands in the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA (89)

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Slope shape across	(1) Linear
Slope shape up-down	(1) Concave
Landforms	(1) Terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to very low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days)
Ponding frequency	Rare to frequent
Elevation	705 – 1,394 ft
Slope	1%
Ponding depth	12 in
Water table depth	Not specified
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The continental climate of the Wisconsin Central Sands is typical of the southern half of the state – cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is well-distributed throughout the year with a slight peak in the summer months. Snowfall covers the ground from late fall to early spring. The soil moisture regime of MLRA 89 is udic (humid climate). The soil temperature regime is mostly frigid, with a small portion of mesic in the southern tip. Neither precipitation nor temperature vary greatly across this MLRA. More so than latitude, local topography seems to be an important predictor of growing season length, with fewer growing degree days in lower-lying areas.

This site sometimes occurs on landscape depressions, where the local topography is expected to influence growing season length. In landscape depressions, the freeze-free and frost-free periods may be shorter than what is represented here.

The average annual precipitation for this PESD is 34 inches. The average annual snowfall is 47 inches. The annual average maximum and minimum temperatures are 55°F and 33°F, respectively.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	89-121 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	116-150 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	33-34 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	77-124 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	100-150 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	33-34 in
Frost-free period (average)	104 days
Freeze-free period (average)	131 days
Precipitation total (average)	34 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) HATFIELD [USC00473471], Merrillan, WI
(2) MATHER 3 NW [USC00475164], Warrens, WI
(3) MAUSTON 1 SE [USC00475178], Mauston, WI
(4) NECEDAH 5 WNW [USW00054903], Necedah, WI

Influencing water features

Water is received through precipitation, runoff from adjacent uplands, groundwater discharge, and rarely stream inflow. Water levels are greatly influenced by precipitation rates and runoff from upland sites. Water leaves the site primarily through evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge. These sites are wetlands.

Under the Cowardin System of Wetland Classification, or National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), the wetlands can be classified as:

1) Palustrine, forested, broad-leaved deciduous, saturated, or
2) Palustrine emergent, persistent, saturated

Under the Hydrogeomorphic Classification System (HGM), the wetlands can be classified as:

1) Depressional, forested/sandy, or
2) Depressional, scrub-shrub/sandy

Permeability of the soils is slow. The hydrologic soil group of these sites is A/D.

Soil features

These sites are represented by the Ponycreek soil series, classified as a Humaqueptic Psammaquent.

These soils formed in siliceous sandy alluvium or siliceous sandy lacustrine deposits on stream terraces and pediments. This sand is sourced primarily from the weathering of silica-rich sandstone. Soils are very deep, with depths greater than 80 inches (200 cm). Sites are poorly or very poorly drained and remain saturated for much of the growing season. They meet hydric soil requirements.

The surface of these sites is muck or mucky sand. Highly decomposed organic matter dominates the surface and stains the sand particles in the subsurface horizon beneath. Other subsurface horizons are siliceous sands—sands with less than 10 percent weatherable minerals. Soil pH ranges from extremely acid to moderately acid with values of 4.2 to 6.0. Fragments are typically absent, but subsurface fragments less than three inches can be present up to 7 percent in the profile. Carbonates are absent within 80 inches (200 cm).

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium
Surface texture	(1) Muck
Drainage class	Poorly drained to very poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-60in)	4.19 – 5.91 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	4.2 – 6
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-80in)	7%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-80in)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

In pre-European settlement times wild fire was the main controlling factor of forest community dynamics. Following a severe, stand-replacing fire, any of the species present on the landscape could become established, depending on seed source availability and specific conditions of post-fire seedbed. The newly established young stands of any species were easily eliminated by recurring fires, but differences in fire-resisting properties among the species began to play a role in any species’ survival success. White pine is best adapted for long-term success on this Ecological Site. Although vulnerable to damage or elimination by fire in early life it eventually develops thick fire-resistant bark which helps to extend its longevity, in some cases for up to four centuries or more. These survival properties assure the species’ relatively continuous seed source in the region as a whole. White pine is also moderately shade-tolerant in early life which means that it can become established in some pioneer communities, such as aspen – white birch stands, or in poorly stocked oak and red maple dominated communities. Red pine had in the past been a common associate of white pine stands. It shares some of the fire-resisting properties of white pine, but it lacks shade-tolerance and does not become established in the understory. For this reason, it has not maintained its presence in current stands and its seed source has been greatly reduced throughout its natural range following the unset of fire suppression. Several species of oak are common members of forest communities on this ecological site. Northern pin oak (Q. ellipsoidalis) and, to a lesser degree, black oak (Q. velutina), are intolerant of shade and do not reproduce from seed under existing canopies. However, following fire or clear cutting they respond by sprouting from stumps. In the absence of disturbance, they are replaced through succession, by more shade-tolerant white pine, red maple (Acer rubrum), or white oak (Q. alba). Red oak (Q. rubra) is somewhat less shade-tolerant than the preceding species, and reproduces sporadically in larger canopy gaps and following a major stand disturbance.

Although red maple has not been identified by Finley (1976) as an important component of pre-settlement pine or oak forests, it is a prominent member in current stands. Absence of fire since the original logging era is probably the main reason. Red maple is extremely sensitive to fire damage, but is a prolific and early seed producer. Stems of 2-4 inches in diameter can produce large amounts of seed (USDA For. Serv. 1990). It is sufficiently shade-tolerant to become established in the understories of most communities on sandy soils. On this Ecological Site it behaves similarly to white pine, but because of its much smaller size at maturity, it does not compete with white pine in the upper canopy.

While these sites are very similar to Wet Sandy Outwash Lowlands they are likely to be less productive (poorer canopy closure and slower growth rates) due to a lower nutrient status in the soils from the siliceous parent material.

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. Post-Logging State

3. Livestock Grazed State

4. Agriculture State

T1A	-	Clear cutting or stand-replacing fire.
R2A	-	Disturbance-free period 70+ years.
T2B	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R3A	-	Removal of livestock grazing.
T3A	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R4A	-	Cessation of agriculture and natural or artificial afforestation.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Advanced Succession Phase

1.2. Rejuvenated Phase

1.1A	-	Light to moderate intensity fires, blow-downs, ice storms.
1.2A	-	Disturbance-free period 30+ years

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Jack Pine Phase

2.2. Aspen-Birch Phase

2.3. Pin Oak-Black Oak-White Oak

2.4. Mid-Succession Phase

2.1A	-	Establishment of shade tolerant species
2.2A	-	Establishment of shade tolerant species
2.3A	-	Establishment of shade tolerant species

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Grazed land Community

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Agricultural community

State 1
Reference State

In absence of stand-leveling disturbances the Reference State Community oscillates between two easily definable community phases, a mature, or late successional, community phase and a rejuvenated community phase.

Dominant plant species

eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree
blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Advanced Succession Phase

A mature forest community contains a super-canopy, or a scattering, of large white pine trees. In pre-European settlement time such trees would have been anywhere from 80 to more than 300 years old (Sterns, 1950). Common associates have been red pine (P. resinosa), red oak (Q. rubra) and white oak (Q. alba). However, only white pine and white oak are moderately shade-tolerant and able to reproduce in small canopy openings and remain as permanent members of mature community in absence of moderate to severe disturbance. Red maple (Acer rubrum) had not been an important species in pre-settlement forests, but is today the most successful reproducing tree species in forest communities on this Ecological Site.

Dominant plant species

eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous

Community 1.2
Rejuvenated Phase

The canopy of the rejuvenated community is still dominated by original species, but the understory now also includes a well established younger cohort and perhaps a few additional seedlings and saplings of less shade tolerant species.

Dominant plant species

eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Light intensity fires, crown breakage from ice and snow and small scale blow-downs create canopy openings, releasing advance regeneration and stimulating new seedling establishment. Some additional less shade tolerant species such as red oak may be able to enter the community.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

A long period without major canopy disturbance allows gradual replacement of oldest canopy trees by younger cohorts. Small scale disturbances may still occur periodically, but once second or third canopies are established there is minimal new regeneration taking place and the forest gradually returns to mature state.

State 2
Post-Logging State

Post-logging state may consist of considerable diversity of pioneer and mid-successional community phases. Here we are describing four, most commonly found under current conditions.

Dominant plant species

pine (Pinus), tree
oak (Quercus), tree

Community 2.1
Jack Pine Phase

Jack pine and red pine have historically been almost entirely dependent on fire for regeneration. Jack pine is a predominantly a northern species and in southern part of Wisconsin seldom approaches its growth potential. Everywhere it occurs it is a pronounce pioneer, highly light demanding and resistant to drought and frost. It has low requirements for soil organic matter and nutrients. It is a prolific producer of seed and it often colonizes burnt over areas. Forest fires speed natural regeneration by opening the cones. However, today, jack pine is regenerated mostly by planting. Without disturbance jack pine does not regenerate and is readily succeeded by various species, even those of only moderate shade tolerance, such as white pine and red oak. Historically, red pine has often occurred in mixtures with jack pine. In terms of light, soil moisture and nutrient requirements it is intermediate between jack and white pines. In contrast to jack pine, natural red pine regeneration is often found in moderately dense pure or mixed pine stands, although not to the same extent as is white pine. Under current ecological and economic conditions red pine is regenerated almost entirely by planting.

Dominant plant species

jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree

Community 2.2
Aspen-Birch Phase

Although a ubiquitous species, quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is far more characteristic of northern rather than southern forest regions. Its most notable ecological characteristic is the ability to rapidly invade cut-over and burned-over areas. However, its perpetuation depends entirely on recurrence of disturbance. Because of its extreme intolerance to shade, it is readily replaced by many tree species in the absence of disturbance. Once in place, aspen reproduces entirely by sprouting from extensive, superficial root systems (root suckering). Most aspen stands on this Ecological Site resulted from sprouting following clear cutting of mixed stands of pine and/or oak, in which some aspen trees were still present. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is often a member of aspen stands. It shares aspen’s intolerance of shade and also produces small, winged seeds that readily disperse by wind. It does not sucker from root sprouts, but it readily sprouts from stumps upon clear cutting. It also has greater ability than does aspen of reproducing from seed under favorable seedbed conditions and in presence of large canopy openings. However in absence of disturbance it also succeeds to other species.

Dominant plant species

quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
birch (Betula), tree

Community 2.3
Pin Oak-Black Oak-White Oak

On this Ecological Site these three oak species occur in mixtures dominated by any of them. In some stands there also occur red oak, bur oak (Q. macrocarpa) or shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). Community composition and structure is a function of composition of the preceding, cut-over, or burned-over community and time since the disturbance. Time since disturbance is an important factor because of significant differences in sprouting abilities and success of regeneration from seed, among the participating species. Pin and black oak typically exist in current stands as multy-stem clusters resulting from stump sprouting, while white oak often reproduces from seed and gradually gains canopy dominance because of its greater shade tolerance than that of other oak species.

Dominant plant species

pin oak (Quercus palustris), tree
black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree

Community 2.4
Mid-Succession Phase

This community phase is considered a mid-successional community between the pioneering communities 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and the Reference State. The community is characterized by canopy dominance of any of the early - succession species (i.e.: oaks, aspen - birch, jack pine) and strong presence in the understory of white pine and/or red maple seedlings and saplings.

Dominant plant species

white oak (Quercus alba), tree
eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.4

Immigration and establishment of relatively shade tolerant white pine and red maple into shade – intolerant communities of aspen – birch, oaks or jack pine.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.4

Immigration and establishment of relatively shade tolerant white pine and red maple into shade – intolerant communities of aspen – birch, oaks or jack pine.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.4

Immigration and establishment of relatively shade tolerant white pine and red maple into shade – intolerant communities of aspen – birch, oaks or jack pine.

State 3
Livestock Grazed State

Site phase consists of various grasses and forbs impacted by livestock grazing.

Dominant plant species

reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass

Community 3.1
Grazed land Community

This community is utilized as pastureland. Many different grass species may be planted depending on the landowners objectives and management.

Dominant plant species

reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass

State 4
Agriculture State

This state is characterized by the production of various agricultural crops commonly corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Community 4.1
Agricultural community

This community is utilized by agricultural production. Sites may be tiled to improve drainage.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Clear cutting with initial control of competing vegetation, or stand-replacing fire, prepare the site for occupancy by shade intolerant species. This may occur through natural regeneration or by planting.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

A period of some 70-100 years without major stand disturbance, especially fire, leads to decreased presence, through natural mortality, of early successional species and the dominance of relatively shade tolerant white pine and sub-canopy of red maple, returning the community to Reference State.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Livestock grazing commenced.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

Removal of livestock grazing.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2

Cessation of agriculture and natural or artificial afforestation.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Plot and other supporting inventory data for site identification and community phases is located on a NRCS North Central Region shared and one drive folder. University Wisconsin-Stevens Point described soils, took photographs, and inventoried vegetation data at community phases within the reference state. The data sources include WI ESD Plot Data Collection Form - Tier 2, Releve Method, NASIS pedon description, NRCS SOI 036, photographs, and Kotar Habitat Types.

Other references

Clayton, L., & Attig, J. W. (1989). Glacial Lake Wisconsin (Vol. 173). Geological Society of America.

Clayton, L., Attig, J. W., & Mickelson, D. M. (1999). Tunnel channels formed in Wisconsin during the last glaciation. Special Papers-Geological Society of America, 69-82.

Cleland, D.T.; Avers, P.E.; McNab, W.H.; Jensen, M.E.; Bailey, R.G., King, T.; Russell, W.E. 1997. National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units. Published in, Boyce, M. S.; Haney, A., ed. 1997. Ecosystem Management Applications for Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Resources. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. pp. 181-200.

Curtis, J.T. 1959. Vegetation of Wisconsin: an ordination of plant communities. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison. 657 pp.

Finley, R. 1976. Original vegetation of Wisconsin. Map compiled from U.S. General Land Office notes. U.S. Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota.

NatureServe. 2018. International Ecological Classification Satandard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. NautreServe Centreal Databases. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 28 August 2018.

Kotar, J., J. A. Kovach, and T. L. Burger. 2002. A Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Northern Wisconsin. Second edition. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Madison.

Kotar, J., and T. L. Burger. 2017. Wetland Forest Habitat Type Classification System for Northern Wisconsin: A Guide for Land Managers and landowners. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PUB-FR-627 2017, Madison.
Schulte, L.A., and D.J. Mladenoff. 2001. The original U.S. public land sur¬vey records: their use and limitations in reconstructing pre-European settlement vegetation. Journal of Forestry 99:5–10.

Schulte, L.A., and D.J. Mladenoff. 2005. Severe wind and fire regimes in northern forests: historical variability at the regional scale. Ecology 86(2):431–445.

Schulte, L.A., and D.J. Mladenoff. 2005. Severe wind and fire regimes in northern forests: historical variability at the regional scale. Ecology 86(2):431–445.

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

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2015. The ecological landscapes of Wisconsin: An assessment of ecological resources and a guide to planning sustainable management. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PUB-SS-1131 2015, Madison.

Contributors

Jacob Prater, Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
John Kotar, Ecological Specialist, independent contract
Bryant Scharenbroch, Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Joel Gebhard, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Shelly Stein, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 9/27/2023

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	09/27/2023
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Post-Logging State

3. Livestock Grazed State

4. Agriculture State

T1A	-	Clear cutting or stand-replacing fire.
R2A	-	Disturbance-free period 70+ years.
T2B	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R3A	-	Removal of livestock grazing.
T3A	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R4A	-	Cessation of agriculture and natural or artificial afforestation.