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Ecological site F089XY018WI

Siliceous Sand Uplands

Last updated: 9/27/2023
Accessed: 04/29/2024

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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) Subregions

Relationship to Established Framework and Classification Systems:
Habitat Types of S. Wisconsin (Kotar, 1996): The sites of this ES keyed out to four habitat types: Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaultheria (PVG); Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus (PVCr); Pinus/Euphorbia (PEu); Acer-Quercus/Viburnum, Geranium variant (AQVb-Gr)

Biophysical Settings (Landfire, 2014): This ES is largely mapped as Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine Forest, Managed Tree Plantation-Northern and Central Hardwood and Conifer Plantation Group, North-Central Oak Barrens Woodland, North-Central Interior Oak Savanna, and North-Central Interior Maple-Basswood Forest.

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

Ecological site concept

The Siliceous Sand Uplands are found on pediments, stream terraces, and lake plains in the western portion of MLRA 89, where the sandstone bedrock is relatively shallow. These sites are characterized by very deep, well drained soils formed primarily in siliceous sandy alluvium. Some sites have siliceous eolian deposits, and other sites may be underlain by sandy residuum. The sand in these soils is derived from weathered sandstone that was cemented by silica. Precipitation and runoff from adjacent uplands are the primary sources of water, but groundwater discharge may also be a significant contributor. Soils range from extremely acid to strongly acid.

Siliceous Sand Uplands differs from other sites by its drainage and siliceous sandy material. Other well 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. Difference in vegetation has been observed. The sandy texture sets this site apart from the loamy well drained sites. Sands tend to have lower pH and available water capacity than loams, which can limit vegetative growth. The well-draining soil differentiates this site from other 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 and are much wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.
F089XY007WI	Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands 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 very poorly to poorly drained and remain saturated from much of the growing season. Some are subject to ponding. These sites are primarily found in the western half of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. They occur lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.
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 lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.

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 and are much wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.

F089XY007WI

Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands

Wet Siliceous Sand Lowlands 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 very poorly to poorly drained and remain saturated from much of the growing season. Some are subject to ponding. These sites are primarily found in the western half of the Wisconsin Central Sands MLRA. They occur lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.

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 lower on the drainage sequence and are wetter than Siliceous Sand Uplands.

Similar sites

F089XY016WI	Dry Sandy Bedrock Uplands Dry Sandy Bedrock Uplands form in sandy deposits derived from a mixture of outwash, alluvium, and residuum. Contact with interbedded sandstone and shale bedrock occurs within 40 inches (100 cm) of the surface. These soils are moderately well to excessively drained. Their textures and drainage capabilities are very similar to those of Siliceous Sand Uplands, amounting to very similar vegetative communities between the two sites.
F089XY017WI	Sandy Outwash Uplands Sandy Outwash Uplands primarily consist of deep sandy outwash deposits. Soils are somewhat excessively to excessively drained and are primarily found east of the Yellow River. Their textures and drainage capabilities are very similar to those of Siliceous Sand Uplands, amounting to very similar vegetative communities between the two sites.

F089XY016WI

Dry Sandy Bedrock Uplands

Dry Sandy Bedrock Uplands form in sandy deposits derived from a mixture of outwash, alluvium, and residuum. Contact with interbedded sandstone and shale bedrock occurs within 40 inches (100 cm) of the surface. These soils are moderately well to excessively drained. Their textures and drainage capabilities are very similar to those of Siliceous Sand Uplands, amounting to very similar vegetative communities between the two sites.

F089XY017WI

Sandy Outwash Uplands

Sandy Outwash Uplands primarily consist of deep sandy outwash deposits. Soils are somewhat excessively to excessively drained and are primarily found east of the Yellow River. Their textures and drainage capabilities are very similar to those of Siliceous Sand Uplands, amounting to very similar vegetative communities between the two sites.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus strobus (2) Quercus alba
Shrub	(1) Corylus (2) Prunus serotina
Herbaceous	(1) Pteridium aquilinum (2) Maianthemum canadense

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Physiographic features

These sites formed on pediments, upland hills, stream terraces, and lake terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 45 percent. Sites are positioned on summits, backslopes, and toeslopes. Elevation ranges from 689 to 1969 feet (210 to 600 meters) above sea level. These sites are not subject to ponding or flooding. Most sites have a seasonally high water table at depths of 24 to 57 inches (61 to 145 cm). The water table can drop to greater than 80 inches (200 cm) during dry conditions. Surface runoff ranges from negligible to low.

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

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Hillslope profile	(1) Summit (2) Backslope (3) Toeslope
Landforms	(1) Pediment (2) Hill (3) Stream terrace (4) Lake terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	689 – 1,969 ft
Slope	45%
Water table depth	24 – 57 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.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	86-118 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	117-150 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	33-34 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	76-123 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	100-150 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	33-34 in
Frost-free period (average)	102 days
Freeze-free period (average)	132 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) MATHER 3 NW [USC00475164], Warrens, WI
(3) MAUSTON 1 SE [USC00475178], Mauston, WI
(4) NECEDAH 5 WNW [USW00054903], Necedah, WI
(5) NECEDAH [USC00475786], Necedah, WI

Influencing water features

Water is received primarily from precipitation, runoff from adjacent uplands, and groundwater discharge. Water leaves the site primarily through runoff, evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge. Permeability of these sites is slow, moderately slow, moderately rapid, or rapid. Hydrologic group is A.

Soil features

These sites are represented by the EauClaire, Rockdam, Simescreek, Tarr, Tint, and Tintson soil series. Tarr, Simescreek, and Tint series are classified as Typic Quartzipsamments; Tintson is an Oxyaquic Quartzipsamment; EauClaire is an Alfic Oxyaquic Haplorthod; and Rockdam is an Entic Haplorthod.

These soils formed in primarily in siliceous sandy materials weathered from silica-rich sandstone and sometimes transported by wind or water (i.e. alluvium, eolian, outwash, or residuum). Soils are very deep, and moderately well or excessively drained. They do not meet hydric soil requirements.

The surface texture of these sites is primarily sand, but some sites may have moderately decomposed plant material at the surface. Subsurface textures are primarily sand, but also include loamy sand and sandy loam. Soil pH ranges from extremely acid to moderately acid with values of 3.5 to 5.9. Surface fragments less than 3 inches can be present up to 2 percent volumes and fragments greater than 3 inches can be present up to 3 percent. Subsurface fragments less than 3 inches are present up to 8 percent, and fragments greater than 3 inches can be present up to 3 percent. Carbonates are absent.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Eolian deposits (2) Pedisediment (3) Outwash (4) Residuum (5) Alluvium
Surface texture	(1) Sand (2) Loamy sand
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to excessively drained
Permeability class	Slow to rapid
Soil depth	78 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	2%
Surface fragment cover >3"	3%
Available water capacity (0-60in)	3.08 – 6.3 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	3.5 – 5.9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-78in)	8%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-78in)	2%

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 the high to moderate soil moisture and 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 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, 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 this site is similar vegetatively to Sandy Outwash Uplands it represents a lower nutrient status and thus likely has sparser vegetation and slower growth rates.

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. 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
T2B	-	Site transitioned to cropland production
R3A	-	Livestock removed
T3A	-	Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.

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 and/or Red Pine Phase

2.2. Aspen-Birch Phase

2.3. Pin Oak-Black Oak-White Oak

2.4. Mixed Species Phase

2.1A	-	Immigration and establishment of white pine and red maple
2.2A	-	Immigration and establishment of white pine and red maple.
2.3A	-	Immigration and establishment of white pine and red maple.

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Livestock Grazed Community

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Agriculture 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
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
hazelnut (Corylus), shrub
black cherry (Prunus serotina), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), 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
hazelnut (Corylus), shrub
black cherry (Prunus serotina), shrub
brackenfern (Pteridium), other herbaceous
European lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), 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
hazelnut (Corylus), shrub
black cherry (Prunus serotina), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), 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 which releases advance regeneration and stimulates 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 common communities that are found under current conditions.

Dominant plant species

pine (Pinus), tree
oak (Quercus), tree
quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree

Community 2.1
Jack Pine and/or Red 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 (Quercus rubra), 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
Mixed Species 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

jack pine (Pinus banksiana), tree
red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree
quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), tree
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 a shade intolerant community of 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 community of aspen and birch.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.4

Immigration and establishment of relatively shade tolerant white pine and red maple into shade intolerant community of oaks.

State 3
Livestock Grazed State

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

Dominant plant species

brome (Bromus), grass
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass

Community 3.1
Livestock Grazed Community

This community is utilized for livestock grazing. Various grass and forb species may be seeded.

Dominant plant species

tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
brome (Bromus), grass

State 4
Agriculture State

This state is characterized by lower slopes and the production of various agricultural crops.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass

Community 4.1
Agriculture Community

Some lower slope sites have been transitioned to agricultural production. Species planted vary but often include corn, wheat, and other small grains.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Clear cutting with initial control of competing vegetation or a stand-replacing fire will 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

State 2 is transitioned to the Livestock Grazed State (3). The presence of livestock grazing characterizes this state. Management activities in transitioning the site may include woody species removal and seeding of desired forage species.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

The site is transitioned to agricultural crop production. Management inputs will include woody species removal, site preparation, weed control, and planting of desired crop species. This is feasible only on lower slope areas.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

Removal of livestock will allow woody vegetation to increase. Management inputs may include planting, brush control, weed control and timber stand improvement activities.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

The site is transitioned from livestock grazing to cropland. Management inputs commonly include woody species removal, site preparation, planting desired crop species, and weed control. This is feasible only on lower slope areas.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 4 to 2

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 contractor
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