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Ecological site R092XY013WI

Sandy Uplands

Last updated: 4/09/2020
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): 092X–Superior Lake Plain

The Wisconsin portion of the Superior Lake Plain (MLRA 92) corresponds very closely to the Superior Coastal Plain Ecological Landscape published by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR 2015). The following brief overview of this MLRA is borrowed from that publication.

The Superior Coastal Plain is bordered on the north by Lake Superior and on the south by the Northwest Sands, Northwest Lowlands, and North Central Forest Ecological Landscapes. The total land area is approximately 1.2 million acres, which mostly consists of privately-owned forestland. The climate is strongly influenced by Lake Superior, resulting in cooler summers, warmer winters, and greater precipitation compared to more inland locations. The most extensive landform in this ecological landscape is a nearly level plain of lacustrine clays that slopes gently northward toward Lake Superior. The coastal plain is cut by deeply incised stream drainages and interrupted by the comparatively rugged Bayfield Peninsula.

During the Late Wisconsin glacial period, this area was covered with the advancing and retreating lobes of Superior and Chippewa. The landscape was rippled with moraines, but they were subdued by deposition of lacustrine materials. As the glaciers receded, glacial lakes riddled the landscape—most notably, Glacial Lake Duluth. The glacier receded eastward, exposing the western Lake Superior Basin. The ice covered the eastern basin, blocking the outlet of the lake, and continued to recede and contribute meltwaters that filled the glacial lake. The deep, red clays were deposited during this period of glacial lakes. The meltwaters from the glacier also contained sands which were deposited along the edge of the glacial lakes as beach deposits. Deep, narrow valleys have since been carved by rivers and streams flowing north into Lake Superior.

Historically, the Superior Coastal Plain was almost entirely forested. Various mixtures of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), white spruce (Picea glauca), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), white birch (Betula papyrifera), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) occurred on the fine-textured glacio-lacustrine deposits bordering much of the Lake Superior coast. Sandy soils, sometimes interlayered with clays, occur in some places. Such areas supported forests dominated by eastern white pine and red pine (Pinus resinosa). Eastern white pine was strongly dominant in some areas, according to mid-19th century notes left by surveyors of the federal General Land Office (Finley, R. 1976). Dry-mesic to wet-mesic northern hardwoods or hemlock-hardwood forests were prevalent on the glacial tills of the Bayfield Peninsula. Large peatlands occurred along the Lake Superior shoreline, associated with drowned river mouths.

Classification relationships

Habitat Types of N. Wisconsin (Kotar, 2002): Six sites in this ES key out to Pinus strobus – Acer rubrum / Vaccinium angustifolium – Aralia nudicaulis – Polygonatum pubescens variant [PArVAa-Po] and seven sites in this ES key out to Acer saccharum – Tsuga canadensis / Maianthemum canadensis [ATM].

Biophysical Setting (Landfire, 2014): This is ES is mapped as Larentian – Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest and Larentian – Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest – Hemlock. This ES is better represented by the Nothern Hardwoods Forest without the Hemlock aspect.

WDNR Natural Communities (WDNR, 2015): This ES is most similar to Northern Dry-mesic Forest.

USFS Subregions: Superior-Ashland Clay Plain Subsection (212Ya); May contain small areas of Ewen Dissected Lake Plain Subsection (212Jo), Winegar Moraines Subsection (212Jc), Gogebic-Penokee Iron Range Subsection (212Jb), and NorthShore Highlands Subsection (212Lb)*
*Located in Upper Peninsula of Michigan (212J) and Minnesota (212Lb)

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Superior Lake Plain (92)

Ecological site concept

Sandy Uplands has a large extent in the Bayfield peninsula of MLRA 92. This site occurs on plains, terraces, knolls, ridges, hillslopes, interfluves, post glacial dunes, and ravines and eskers located on outwash plains, lake plains, and till plains. Landform shape can be linear, convex, or concave. These sites were formed primarily in sandy outwash, beach deposits, or sandy eolian deposits and may be underlain by finer glaciofluvial or till substrates. The underlying deposits typically occur at a depth below 100 cm. Bedrock is typically deeper than 200 cm (a very small portion of sites have igneous/metamorphic bedrock as shallow as 50 cm). Soils are moderately well to excessively drained. Sites with underlying finer material may have a seasonally high or perched water table beginning at a depth of 61 cm, but may drop below 200 cm during dry periods. The soil does not stay saturated for extended lengths of time, making it distinct from the Moist Sandy Lowlands and the Wet Sandy Depressions. Soil moisture regime can be characterized as dry to dry-mesic and nutrient regime poor to medium. Water is primarily received through precipitation. Soils range from strongly acid to neutral, and carbonates may be present on some sites beginning at 109 cm.

Historically this Ecological Site was occupied by forest communities dominated by various mixtures of pine and oak species. The mixtures were largely dependent on frequency and severity of disturbances, particularly fire and subsequent seed-bed conditions and availability of seed sources. White pine was the most persistent species in forest communities due to its ecological characteristics of great longevity, resistance of old trees to fire damage and moderate tolerance to shade by seedlings and saplings. Red oak was often present as an associate species. Virtually all stands on this Ecological Site were harvested during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and post-logging fires were almost universal. Today’s forests are dominated by any mixture of white pine, red pine, aspen, red oak and red maple. White birch, balsam fir and white spruce are common associates. Frequent ground flora includes bracken fern, hazelnuts, grasses, large-leaved aster, partridge berry, Canada mayflower, and wild sarsaparilla.

The deep solum with some finer materials makes this ES different from Sandy Sandstone Uplands (sandstone bedrock within 200 cm). Sandy Uplands differs from Loamy Uplands and Clayey Uplands based on soil texture and parent materials (coarser). Wet Sandy Lowlands and Moist Sandy Lowlands occur in lower slope positions on the landscape and are somewhat poorly to very poorly drained.

Associated sites

R092XY006WI	Wet Sandy Lowlands Wet Sandy Depressions are poorly or very poorly drained sandy soils that have formed in outwash and lake plains. The sites are seasonally ponded depressions that remain saturated for sustained periods, allowing for hydric conditions to occur. Primarily associated with Kinross soil series. HGM criteria: recharge; Depressional. These sites are often adjacent to Sandy Uplands, but located on a lower landscape position in the drainage sequence.
R092XY010WI	Moist Sandy Lowlands Moist Sandy Flats have a sandy mantle overlying finer glaciofluvial materials. The finer materials can cause episaturation in spring and fall, allowing the site to remain moist for some of the growing season, but does not remain saturated, nor does it have hydric conditions. These sites are often adjacent to Sandy Uplands, but located on a lower landscape position in the drainage sequence.

R092XY006WI

Wet Sandy Lowlands

Wet Sandy Depressions are poorly or very poorly drained sandy soils that have formed in outwash and lake plains. The sites are seasonally ponded depressions that remain saturated for sustained periods, allowing for hydric conditions to occur. Primarily associated with Kinross soil series. HGM criteria: recharge; Depressional. These sites are often adjacent to Sandy Uplands, but located on a lower landscape position in the drainage sequence.

R092XY010WI

Moist Sandy Lowlands

Moist Sandy Flats have a sandy mantle overlying finer glaciofluvial materials. The finer materials can cause episaturation in spring and fall, allowing the site to remain moist for some of the growing season, but does not remain saturated, nor does it have hydric conditions. These sites are often adjacent to Sandy Uplands, but located on a lower landscape position in the drainage sequence.

Similar sites

R092XY008WI	Sandy Sandstone Uplands These sites are shallow sandy soils that overly sandstone bluffs along the shore of Lake Superior. They are excessively drained, do not remain saturated any time of the year, and are strongly acidic. These sites differ from Sandy Uplands with a truncated soil and excessive drainage.
R092XY014WI	Loamy Uplands These sites are deep, moderately well to well drained loamy soils. They formed in loamy and silty till, glaciolacustrine, or glaciofluvial deposits. Some sites have a sandy mantle. Many sites have a seasonally high water table, but does not remain saturated for the growing season. Soils range from strongly acid to strongly alkaline, and some sites have carbonates present. These sites are found in a similar landscape as Sandy Uplands, but are finer textured and in a different drainage sequence.
R092XY015WI	Clayey Uplands These sites are deep, moderately well to well drained soils that formed in clayey till or glaciolacustrine deposits. Some sites have a sandy or loamy mantle. Sites have a seasonally high water table, but does not remain saturated for extended periods. Sites range from strongly acid to moderately alkaline, with carbonates present in many sites. These sites are found in a similar landscape as Sandy Uplands, but are finer textured and in a different drainage sequence.

R092XY008WI

Sandy Sandstone Uplands

These sites are shallow sandy soils that overly sandstone bluffs along the shore of Lake Superior. They are excessively drained, do not remain saturated any time of the year, and are strongly acidic. These sites differ from Sandy Uplands with a truncated soil and excessive drainage.

R092XY014WI

Loamy Uplands

These sites are deep, moderately well to well drained loamy soils. They formed in loamy and silty till, glaciolacustrine, or glaciofluvial deposits. Some sites have a sandy mantle. Many sites have a seasonally high water table, but does not remain saturated for the growing season. Soils range from strongly acid to strongly alkaline, and some sites have carbonates present. These sites are found in a similar landscape as Sandy Uplands, but are finer textured and in a different drainage sequence.

R092XY015WI

Clayey Uplands

These sites are deep, moderately well to well drained soils that formed in clayey till or glaciolacustrine deposits. Some sites have a sandy or loamy mantle. Sites have a seasonally high water table, but does not remain saturated for extended periods. Sites range from strongly acid to moderately alkaline, with carbonates present in many sites. These sites are found in a similar landscape as Sandy Uplands, but are finer textured and in a different drainage sequence.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus strobus (2) Quercus rubra
Shrub	(1) Corylus cornuta
Herbaceous	(1) Corylus cornuta (2) Eurybia macrophylla

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on plains, terraces, knolls, ridges, hillslopes, interfluves, terraces on dunes located on outwash plains and lake plains, and ravines and eskers located on outwash plains, lake plains, and till plains. Bedrock is typically deeper than 200 cm (a very small portion of sites have igneous/metamorphic bedrock as shallow as 50 cm). Landform shape can be linear, convex, or concave. Elevation of the landforms range from 185 to 360 meters above sea level. Slopes range from 0 to 60 percent. This site occurs on all slope aspects.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Outwash plain (2) Lake plain (3) Till plain
Runoff class	Negligible to very high
Elevation	607 – 1,181 ft
Slope	60%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

MLRA 92 has a continental climate typical of northern Wisconsin—cool summers and cold winters, often with heavy snowfall. Even in the small region, there is some climatic differences based on a location’s proximity to the lake. The lake influences temperature and precipitation of the region. Areas closer to the lake tend to have a slightly warmer spring and fall, allowing for a longer growing season. As you move inland, the growing season is cut shorter without the temperature regulation of the lake. Additionally, Lake Superior greatly influences the precipitation—especially snowfall. Areas that are subject to northwesterly winds that cross Lake Superior have higher amounts of snowfall than those that are not. The annual snowfall varies quite greatly in the region. The soil moisture regime of MLRA 92 is udic (humid climate). The soil temperature regime is frigid, typical of the northern half of Wisconsin.

The Sandy Upland PESD is located throughout the MLRA, but most concentrated in the Bayfield Peninsula. The annual average precipitation ranges from 29-33 inches, with a range of 56-167 inches of annual average snowfall (PRISM, 1981-2010). The annual average minimum temperature ranges from 29-35oF, and the maximum temperature ranges from 46-52oF (PRISM, 1981-2010). The length of the freeze free period ranges from 156 to 194 days, with an average of 171 days (Table 2). The length of the frost-free period ranges from 130 to 166 days, with an average of 144 days (Table 2).

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	80-113 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	116-137 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	31-32 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	69-114 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	107-138 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	30-33 in
Frost-free period (average)	95 days
Freeze-free period (average)	126 days
Precipitation total (average)	31 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) ASHLAND 3S [USC00470347], Ashland, WI
(2) ASHLAND KENNEDY MEM AP [USW00094929], Ashland, WI
(3) ASHLAND EXP FARM [USC00470349], Ashland, WI
(4) BAYFIELD 6 N [USC00470603], Bayfield, WI
(5) MADELINE ISLAND [USC00474953], La Pointe, WI
(6) FOXBORO [USC00472889], Foxboro, WI

Influencing water features

Water is received primarily through precipitation. Water is lost from the site primarily through ground water recharge and evapotranspiration, but runoff is a factor on steeper slopes.

Permeability of the soil ranges from very slow to rapid. Runoff potential is negligible to very high. The hydrologic group of this site is either A or B (if there is bedrock it is A/D).

Enough water will percolate into some soil areas that will result in a perched seasonally high water table (episaturation), or in an apparent seasonally high water table (endosaturation), at a depth of 61 to 106 cm that may occur during any month, but will range to greater than 200 cm under dry conditions. Other soil areas will not exhibit any significant saturation at any depth for any significant period. Water that percolates into the soil is generally lost through plant uptake and evapotranspiration. There is a high potential for significant ground water recharge and soils can be droughty.

Soil features

The soils of this site are represented by the Ashwabay, Croswell, Cublake, Keweenaw, Neconish, Rousseau, Ishpeming, Rubicon, Sayner,Vilas, and Sultz soil series. These soils are classified as Haplorthods.

This ecological site is characterized by very deep, moderately well to excessively well drained soils formed in sandy outwash or beach deposits (Croswell, Neconish, Rubicon, Sayner, Vilas, and Sultz), in sandy till (Keweenaw), in sandy outwash or beach deposits over loamy glaciolocustrine (Cublake) or over clayey glaciolacustrine deposits or clayey till (Ashwabay) [loamy and clayey deposits typically occur at a depth below 100 cm], in sandy eolian deposits (Rousseau), or some sites have soil that formed in moderately deep sandy outwash over igneous/metamorphic bedrock (Ishpeming).

The average gravel content within the soil can be as much as 25 percent, while the average content of cobbles and stones can be as much as 5 percent. Soil reaction (pH) in the upper 100 cm ranges from very strongly acid to neutral. Carbonates are typically absent, but may occur as shallow as 109 cm.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Glaciolacustrine deposits (2) Eolian deposits (3) Outwash (4) Till
Surface texture	(1) Sand (2) Loamy sand (3) Loamy fine sand
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to excessively drained
Permeability class	Very slow to rapid
Surface fragment cover >3"	1%
Available water capacity (0-60in)	2.31 – 4.06 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	4.6 – 6.7
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in)	1 – 13%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in)	3%

Ecological dynamics

Perhaps the most important ecological characteristic of this Ecological Site, in terms of influence on forest community dynamics, is its limited 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, commonly known as the northern hardwoods, that typically dominate the more productive sites throughout northern Wisconsin. Although these species do occur sporadically on this Ecological Site, their regeneration capacity and growth rates are sub-optimal, thus precluding their canopy dominance.

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 naturally occurring species could become established, depending on the seed source 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.

Red maple (Acer rubrum) has not been identified by Finley (1976) as a component of pre-settlement pine forests, but it is a prominent member in current stands. Absence of fire since the end of 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 natural, much smaller stature 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. Early to Mid-successional Forest

3. Livestock Grazed Forest

4. Agriculture State

T1A	-	Stand replacing disturbance e.e. blow-down ad fire, or clear-cutting, folowed by fire. Regeneration by natural seeding or planting.
R2A	-	Fire control, time, natural succession.
T2A	-	Grazing by livestock. Disruption of tree regeneration and ground vegetation.
T2B	-	Removal of natural vegetation, plowing, fertilizing, irrigating, planting agricultural crops.
T3B	-	Removing livestock from stands.
T3A	-	Removal of natural vegetation, plowing, fertilizing, irrigating, planting agricultural crops.
T4A	-	Cessation of agricultural crop cultivation, replanting trees.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Advanced Succession Phase

1.2. Old, mixed pine – oak forest

1.1A	-	Light to moderate intensity fires, reducing, or eliminating fire sensitive species such as red maple, balsam fir, and white spruce.
1.2A	-	Time, natural succession.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. White pine – Red pine Forest

2.2. Red Pine Plantation

2.3. Jack pine Forest

2.4. Aspen-Paper birch Forest

2.5. Mixed Species Phase

Communities 1, 5 and 2 (additional pathways)

2.1. White pine – Red pine Forest

2.5. Mixed Species Phase

2.2. Red Pine Plantation

2.1A	-	White pine regeneration in mixed stand of white, red, and sometimes Jack pine.
2.2A	-	White pine seeding in from natural seed source, or under-planted
2.3A	-	White pine seeding in from natural seed source, or under-planted.
2.4A	-	White pine seeding in from natural seed source, or under-planted.

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Livestock Grazed Forest

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Hay or Irrigated and fertilized potato, corn, or soybeans

State 1
Reference State

In the long-term absence of stand replacing disturbance, the tree species composition of forest communities on this ecological site fluctuates among a relatively large number of species such as white pine (Pinus strobus), red pine (P. Resinosa), Jack pine (P. banksiana), red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), balsam for (Abies balsamea) and white spruce (Picea alba). This fluctuation is the result of a range of common, but less severe, disturbances, natural mortality and species differences in regeneration requirements and tolerance of understory conditions. While community species composition and structure can be viewed as a continuum, two distinct community phases can be described as representing the opposite ends of a continuum.

Community 1.1
Advanced Succession Phase

White pine, with varying admixtures of red pine and red oak, constitutes the dominant over-story. The sub-canopy is a mixture of balsam fir, white spruce and red maple. The shrub layer typically is well-developed and is dominated by beaked hazel, Corylus cornuta. Other important species are juneberry, Amalenchier spp., blueberries, Vaccinium angustifolum, blackberries/raspberries, Rubus spp.. Herbaceous layer typically is dominated by high cover of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and large-leaf aster (Aster macrophyllus). Other well represented species include wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), wild lily of-the valley (Maianthemum canadense) and starflower (Trientalis borealis).

Community 1.2
Old, mixed pine – oak forest

A mixture of mature and over-mature white and red pine and red oak, containing sporadic seedlings and saplings of white pine and red oak sprouts. Successful reproduction of red pine is rare. The shrub and herb layers are same as described in Community Phase 1.1.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Periodic moderate intensity fires, eliminating or reducing balsam fir and white spruce, but leaving at least the oldest and fire-resistant white and red pine trees.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Slow encroachment of balsam fir and white spruce into stands, as part of common succession process on these sites.

State 2
Early to Mid-successional Forest

The early to mid-successional forest state can take a variety of forms depending on management and disturbance history. It is composed of a variety of natural succession pathways dependent on seed source and disturbance type as well as the inclusion of red pine plantation which is common on these sites. Presence of fire and seed source might influence this state towards Jack pine or Paper birch, while clear cutting or natural stand removal other than fire will likely cause the tree community to be composed of White and Red pine with mixtures of other species. As these stands age they trend toward a mixture of species with the oldest tree cohort made up of remnants of the pioneer communities of either Jack pine, red pine, or aspen-paper birch. This cohort is in the process of being replaced by more shade tolerant white pine and red maple. Red oak is also frequent associate.

Community 2.1
White pine – Red pine Forest

Even-aged, naturally regenerated, mixed pine forest, some times with admixture of red oak of sprout origin. These stands often contain considerable amount of white pine regeneration, but with only sporadic presence of young red pine in locations with large canopy openings and absence of other competing vegetation.

Community 2.2
Red Pine Plantation

Planted red pine with varying spacing. Plantations with close spacing e.g. less than 8 x 8 feet typically are devoid of significant understory vegetation. However, if thinning is applied the shrub component, dominated by beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), increases significantly. Other common shrubs may include blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.), juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) and blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Depending on the proximity of seed sources, white pine regeneration, together with balsam fir and white spruce, becomes common. Herbaceous layer also increases, often dramatically, with bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and large-leaf aster (Aster macrophyllus) attaining strong dominance.

Community 2.3
Jack pine Forest

Unless planted, this community develops only if fire was included in the destruction of preceding community and jack pine trees were present to provide seed source. Young Jack pine communities often are very dense. Over time, natural mortality thins the stand and shrub and herb layers develop similarly as described for Community Phase 2.2.

Community 2.4
Aspen-Paper birch Forest

Like the naturally developed jack pine forest, the aspen-paper birch forest community requires fire disturbance for establishment. Once in place it can be perpetuated by clear cutting, but paper birch presence drops off dramatically due to very dense stocking of aspen sprouts. Understory communities develop in a similar way as described in communities 2.2 and 2.3, but more quickly, because aspen mortality leads to faster self-thinning of stands and light penetration in aspen canopy is greater that that in conifer stands.

Community 2.5
Mixed Species Phase

This is a mid-successional community. The oldest tree cohort is made up of remnants of the pioneer communities of either Jack pine, red pine, or aspen-paper birch. This cohort is in the process of being replaced by more shade tolerant white pine and red maple. Red oak is also frequent associate. In absence of major disturbance this community phase transitions into Reference State Community.

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.5

Invasion of pioneer, or early successional communities by white pine where seed source is present.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.5

Invasion of pioneer, or early successional communities by white pine where seed source is present.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.5

Invasion of pioneer, or early successional communities by white pine where seed source is present.

Pathway 2.4A
Community 2.4 to 2.5

Aspen-Paper birch Forest

Mixed Species Phase

Invasion of pioneer, or early successional communities by white pine where seed source is present.

State 3
Livestock Grazed Forest

Livestock grazed forests are more often referred to as woodlands rather than forests because this long-term land use significantly changes some soil characteristics and nature of vegetative community. Species composition is altered by selective browsing and grazing as well as by distribution of seeds and other propagules by grazing animals. In addition, soil compaction differentially affects germination and establishment of plant species, including trees.

Community 3.1
Livestock Grazed Forest

This community phase is characterized as an open woodland where grazing has diminished the number and coverage of trees and grasses and forbs now compose the majority of the understory. Persistence in this phase may eventually lead to pasture type conditions as trees mature and die without regeneration.

State 4
Agriculture State

Production of agricultural crops, most often potatoes, corn or hay.

Community 4.1
Hay or Irrigated and fertilized potato, corn, or soybeans

This phase constitutes an agricultural production phase where land has been cleared. Major crops would include potatoes, corn, and hay.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Stand-replacing disturbance, such as blow-down, or ice storm, followed by fire, or clear-cut logging, followed by natural regeneration or site preparation and planting.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Time. Natural succession by shade-tolerant species e.g.: red maple, balsam fir, white spruce and white pine.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Prolonged grazing by livestock.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Elimination of forest cover and introduction of tilling, fertilizing and/or irrigation.

Transition T3B
State 3 to 2

Removal of livestock, natural succession.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

Elimination of forest cover and introduction of tilling, fertilizing and/or irrigation.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 2

Cessation of agricultural practices, natural conversion to forest communities, or planting.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Other references

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.

County Soil Surveys from Douglas, Bayfield, and Ashland Counties.

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

Davis, R.B. 2016. Bogs and Fens, A Guide to the Peatland Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. University Press of New England, Hanover and London. 296 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.

Hvizdak, David. Personal knowledge and field experience.

Jahnke, J. and Gienccke, A. 2002. MLRA 92 Clay Till Field Investigations. Summary of field day investigations by Region 10 Soil Data Quality Specialists.

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. 1986. Soil – Habitat Type relationships in Michigan and Wisconsin. J. For. and Water Cons. 41(5): 348-350.

Kotar, J., J.A. Kovach and G. Brand. 1999. Analysis of the 1996 Wisconsin Forest Statistics by Habitat Type. U.S.D.A. For. Serv. N.C. Res. Stn. Gen. Tech. Rept. NC-207.

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.

Martin, L. 1965. The physical geography of Wisconsin. Third edition. The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison.

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Radeloff, V.C., D.J. Mladenoff, H.S. He and M.S. Boyce. 1999. Forest landscape change in Northwestern Wisconsin Pine Barrens from pre-European settlement to the present. Can. J. For. Res. 29: 1649-1659.

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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

Approval

Chris Tecklenburg, 4/09/2020

Acknowledgments

Contact for Lead Authors: Jacob Prater (jprater@uwsp.edu) Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, John Kotar (jkotar@wsic.edu) Ecological Specialist, independent contract, and Bryant Scharenbroch Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

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	09/07/2022
Approved by	Chris Tecklenburg
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production