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Ecological site F089XY013WI

Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands

Last updated: 9/27/2023
Accessed: 11/13/2024

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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: Neillsville Sandstone Plateau (222Rb)

Small sections occur in the Lincoln Formation Till Plain - Mixed Hardwoods (212Qb) and Central Wisconsin Sand Plain (222Ra) Subregions

Relationship to Established Framework and Classification Systems:
Habitat Types of N. & S. Wisconsin (Kotar, 2002 & 1996): The sites of this ES keyed out to five habitat types: Acer-Quercus/Viburnum, Geranium variant (AQVb-Gr); Acer-Tilia-Fraxinus/Circaea(ATiFrCi); Pinus/Vaccinium-Hamamelis (PVHa); Pinus/Vaccinium-Rubus hispidus(PVRh); Tsuga/Maianthemum-Coptis (TMC).

Biophysical Settings (Landfire, 2014): This ES is largely mapped as Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest, North-Central Interior Maple-Basswood Forest, and Eastern Cool Temperate Row Crop.

WDNR Natural Communities (WDNR, 2015): This ES is most similar to the Mesic Hardwood Forest, Central Sands, Pine-Oak Forest, an Northern Dry-Mesic Forest communities.

Ecological site concept

The Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands ecological site is widespread on hills and pediments in the northern portion of MLRA 89 where loamy till was deposited during the Wisconsin glaciation and where the depth to bedrock is relatively shallow. These sites are characterized by very deep, somewhat poorly drained soils that formed in loamy materials over loamy residuum weathered from the underlying interbedded sandstone and shale. Precipitation, runoff from adjacent uplands, and groundwater discharge are the primary sources of water. Soils range from very strongly acid to strongly acid.

The exact nature of pre-European settlement vegetation is difficult to assess at the scale of this Ecological Site. Natural disturbances and activities of native peoples no doubt produced a mosaic of plant community types. However, based on our understanding of ecological characteristics of species currently occupying these sites we can make estimates of the nature of ecological states and transitions that we might expect under current conditions. In our sampling of five representative sites, three species occurred on all of them: Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloidesred), red maple (A. rubrum) and white pine (P. strobus). Common associates were white oak (Q. alba) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). One site included several species that are more typical of nutrient-richer sites: White ash (Fraxinus americana), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and yellow birch (B. alleghaniensis). This site also included a number of understory species clearly identifying it as a richer Forest Habitat Type, ATiFrCi (Acer-Tilia-Fraxinus/Circaea). Some of these are: Alternate leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), Enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) and Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum).

Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands differs from other sites by its drainage, loamy textures, and relatively shallow bedrock. Other somewhat poorly drained loams lack bedrock contact within 80 inches (200 cm) of the surface. In addition to perching the water table, the relatively shallow bedrock restricts root growth which may cause trees to tip. Other somewhat poorly drained sites have sandy or clayey textures. Loamy textures tend to have higher pH and available water capacity than sand, but less than clay. The somewhat poor drainage sets this site apart from other loamy sites.

Associated sites

F089XY004WI	Loamy Floodplains Loamy Floodplains are found exclusively on floodplains in loamy alluvium underlain by sandy alluvium. Soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along tributaries to the Yellow River in central Wood County and along the Lemonweir River. They may be adjacent to Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.
F089XY008WI	Wet Loamy Lowlands Wet Loamy Lowlands form in a loamy or silty mantle 10 to 40 inches (25 to 100 cm) thick overlying sandy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Bedrock contact may occur as high at 26 inches (66 cm). These soils are poorly drained, remain saturated for much the growing season, and are sometimes subject to ponding. They are exclusive to the northern third of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA, which was covered in loamy glacial deposits prior to the most recent glacial advance. They occur lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.
F089XY019WI	Loamy Bedrock Uplands Loamy Bedrock Uplands form in loamy alluvium or loess overlain by interbedded sandstone and shale. Bedrock contact occurs within 39 inches (99 cm) of the surface. Soils are moderately well or well drained. These sites are primarily found in the northern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA which was covered in loamy glacial deposits prior to the most recent glacial advance and where depth of bedrock is shallow. They occur higher on the drainage sequence and have a deeper water table than Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.

F089XY004WI

Loamy Floodplains

Loamy Floodplains are found exclusively on floodplains in loamy alluvium underlain by sandy alluvium. Soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along tributaries to the Yellow River in central Wood County and along the Lemonweir River. They may be adjacent to Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.

F089XY008WI

Wet Loamy Lowlands

Wet Loamy Lowlands form in a loamy or silty mantle 10 to 40 inches (25 to 100 cm) thick overlying sandy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Bedrock contact may occur as high at 26 inches (66 cm). These soils are poorly drained, remain saturated for much the growing season, and are sometimes subject to ponding. They are exclusive to the northern third of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA, which was covered in loamy glacial deposits prior to the most recent glacial advance. They occur lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.

F089XY019WI

Loamy Bedrock Uplands

Loamy Bedrock Uplands form in loamy alluvium or loess overlain by interbedded sandstone and shale. Bedrock contact occurs within 39 inches (99 cm) of the surface. Soils are moderately well or well drained. These sites are primarily found in the northern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA which was covered in loamy glacial deposits prior to the most recent glacial advance and where depth of bedrock is shallow. They occur higher on the drainage sequence and have a deeper water table than Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.

Similar sites

F089XY014WI	Moist Loamy Uplands Moist Loamy Uplands consist of deep loamy alluvium over sandy alluvium or clayey lacustrine deposits. They are somewhat poorly drained and are subject to neither flooding nor ponding. These sites are primarily found in the northwestern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. Their vegetative communities are similar to those of Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.
F089XY004WI	Loamy Floodplains Loamy Floodplains are found exclusively on floodplains in loamy alluvium underlain by sandy alluvium. Soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along tributaries to the Yellow River in central Wood County and along the Lemonweir River. Occasional perching of the water table can create conditions on Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands sites suitable for supporting the same vegetative communities found on Loamy Floodplains.

F089XY014WI

Moist Loamy Uplands

Moist Loamy Uplands consist of deep loamy alluvium over sandy alluvium or clayey lacustrine deposits. They are somewhat poorly drained and are subject to neither flooding nor ponding. These sites are primarily found in the northwestern portion of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. Their vegetative communities are similar to those of Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands.

F089XY004WI

Loamy Floodplains

Loamy Floodplains are found exclusively on floodplains in loamy alluvium underlain by sandy alluvium. Soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and are subject to flooding. These sites occur primarily along tributaries to the Yellow River in central Wood County and along the Lemonweir River. Occasional perching of the water table can create conditions on Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands sites suitable for supporting the same vegetative communities found on Loamy Floodplains.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus strobus (2) Quercus alba
Shrub	(1) Amelanchier
Herbaceous	(1) Pteridium aquilinum

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Physiographic features

These sites formed in loamy alluvium or loess over loamy and clayey residuum on pediments and upland hill positions. Slope is primarily 0 to 6 percent, but some sites may reach up to 12 percent. Elevation ranges from 705 to 1,394 feet (215 to 425 meters) above sea level. These sites are not subject to ponding or flooding. Sites have a seasonally high water table at depths of 6 to 24 inches (15 to 61 cm). Water table may drop to 40 inches (100 cm) during drier conditions on these sites. Surface runoff is medium to high.

Figure 1. Distribution of Moist Loamy Bedrock Uplands in the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA (89).

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Hillslope profile	(1) Footslope
Slope shape across	(1) Linear
Slope shape up-down	(1) Concave
Landforms	(1) Pediment (2) Hill (3) Flat
Runoff class	Medium to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	705 – 1,394 ft
Slope	12%
Water table depth	6 – 24 in
Aspect	W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW

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.

The average annual precipitation for this ecological site is 33 inches. The average annual snowfall is 43 inches. The annual average maximum and minimum temperatures are 56°F and 33°F, respectively.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	82-109 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	104-132 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	32-33 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	75-116 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	96-140 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	32-33 in
Frost-free period (average)	96 days
Freeze-free period (average)	118 days
Precipitation total (average)	33 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) WISCONSIN RAPIDS [USC00479335], Wisconsin Rapids, WI
(3) PRENTICE #2 [USC00476859], Marshfield, 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 runoff, evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge. Subsurface flow may occur where the sandstone bedrock perches the water table.

Permeability of these sites is impermeable. Hydrologic group is B/D or C/D.

Soil features

These sites are represented by the Kert, Merrillan, and Rietbrock soil series. Kert and Rietbrock series are classified as Aquic Glossudalfs, and Merrillan is an Ultic Epiaquod. 52% of the acreage of this site is classified as Ultic Epiaquods.

These sites formed in loamy alluvium or loess over loamy or clayey residuum that weathered from the underlying interbedded sandstone and shale. Soil depth to bedrock ranges from 11 to 48 inches (74 to 122 cm). Soils are somewhat poorly drained but do not meet hydric soil requirements.

The surface of these sites is primarily fine sandy loam or silt loam. Subsurface horizons consist of sandy loam, loam, and clay loam textures. Soil pH ranges from very strongly acid to slightly acid with values from 4.5 to 6.5. Surface fragments are absent. Subsurface fragments less than 3 inches range from 3 to 21 percent volume. Subsurface fragments greater than 3 inches range from 0 to 18 percent volume. Carbonates are absent on most sites, but can be present up to 5 percent beginning at 38 inches (97 cm).

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Loess (2) Residuum
Surface texture	(1) Loam (2) Sandy loam (3) Silt loam
Drainage class	Somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Very slow
Soil depth	11 – 48 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-48in)	3.16 – 7.42 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	5%
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	4.5 – 6.5
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	3 – 21%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	18%

Ecological dynamics

Perhaps the most important ecological characteristic of this Ecological Site, in terms of its influence on forest community dynamics, is its lack of capacity to support high nutrient requiring species such as sugar maple, basswood and white ash, the shade-tolerant species, that typically dominate the more productive sites throughout Wisconsin.

In pre-European settlement time 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 less shade-tolerant than the preceding species, but often reproduces in larger canopy gaps.

Red maple has not been identified by Finley (1976) as an important component of pre-settlement pine or oak forests, but 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.

State and transition model

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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.
T2A	-	Livestock grazing commenced.
T2B	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R3A	-	Removal of livestock grazing.
T3A	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R4A	-	Cessation of agricultural practices, 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, snow-ice breakage.
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 white pine and red maple.
2.2A	-	Establishment of white pine and red maple.
2.3A	-	Establishment of white pine and red maple.

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Livestock Grazed 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
red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree
northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree

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
serviceberry (Amelanchier), 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

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.

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
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), 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 ovvata). 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

oak (Quercus), tree
quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree
pine (Pinus), 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
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
brome (Bromus), grass

Community 3.1
Livestock Grazed Community

The site is characterized by the seeding of forage species and livestock grazing.

Dominant plant species

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

State 4
Agriculture State

This state is characterized by the production of agricultural crops. Species will vary depending on landowner goals and objectives.

Dominant plant species

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

Community 4.1
Agricultural Community

Various agricultural crops can be grown on this site. Low slope sites are often converted to crop production.

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

The site is characterized by forage species and grazing by livestock.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

The site is cleared and tiling is installed to improve drainage.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

Grazing is removed from the site. The site is allowed to slowly transition to trees. Timber stand improvement activities will improve stand health and species distribution.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

The site is cleared and tiling is installed to improve drainage.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2

The site is transitioned from agricultural production to early successional tree species. Management actions my include seeding and/or planting of desired tree species, weed control, brush control, and timber stand improvement actions.

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

Shelly Stein, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
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

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.
T2A	-	Livestock grazing commenced.
T2B	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R3A	-	Removal of livestock grazing.
T3A	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
R4A	-	Cessation of agricultural practices, natural or artificial afforestation.