Moist Clayey Uplands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Clear cut; fire
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Restoration pathway R2A
Disturbance-free period 70+ years.
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Transition T2A
Livestock grazing
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Transition T2B
Cleating; agricultural production
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Restoration pathway R3A
Restoration to forested site
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Transition T3A
Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
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Restoration pathway R4A
Cessation of agricultural practices, natural or artificial afforestation.
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The reference state plant community is categorized as dry, nutrient poor forest, composed of any mixture of pines including Jack pine (Pinus banksiana), Red pine (P. resinosa), and white pine, (P. strobus). Several species of oak may be on site including northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis), black oak (Q. velutina), and white oak (Q. alba). Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a common subcanopy tree. All of these species, except for white pine and red maple, depend on disturbance, especially fire, to maintain their presence in the community. In the absence of stand-replacing fires two common community phases can be recognized: mature, or advanced succession community phase, and rejuvenated community phase.
Submodel
Description
Following original logging around the turn of the 20th century, most logged over areas were followed by fire, often repeatedly, for decades. There was almost no replanting until the 1930’s and 1940’s and new forests, where land was not converted to farming, regenerated naturally, with varying degree of stocking and with varying species mixtures. Eventually planting became the principal method of reforestation with red pine as the most common species of choice. The most common naturally regenerated forest cove types were Jack pine, some times in mixtures with red pine, aspen-paper birch and mixed oak.
Submodel
Description
Site phase consists of various grasses and forbs impacted by livestock grazing.
Submodel
Mechanism
Time, natural succession with an increase in white pine and red maple.
Mechanism
The community is transitioned from an early successional forest to a grazed, pasture state. Management inputs include woody plant removal, site preparation, weed management, and seeding of desired forage species.
Mechanism
The site is transitioned from forest to cropland. Inputs include woody species removal, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and in many cases, hydrological modifications.
Mechanism
Livestock grazing is stopped and the site is allowed to slowly transition to a shrubby woodland. Eventually a mixed forest community will develop. Actual restoration of the site will require management inputs including brush control, weed control, and timber stand improvement projects.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.