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Ecological site F093BY009MI

Alfic Loamy Uplands

Last updated: 9/27/2023
Accessed: 12/22/2024

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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): 093B–Superior Stony and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills

The Wisconsin portion of this MLRA is a mixture of high-relief moraines and flat till plains with interspersed glacial meltwater deposits. It is bordered on the north by glaciolacustrine deposits of Glacial Lake Duluth and on the south by extensive pitted and unpitted outwash plains. The approximate land area is just under 600,000 acres (935 sq miles).

The Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range runs through the middle of the Wisconsin portion of this MLRA and into Michigian. The range is a hilly, bedrock-controlled moraine. The bedrock outcropping is composed of igneous and metamorphic materials and was created by inland folding and faulting of the ancient Superior continent when it collided with the Marshfield continent about 1.8 billion years ago (Dott & Attig, 2004). Volcanic and intrusive bedrock occurs in some places. This bedrock is overlain by a thin layer of glacial till deposited by the Chippewa Lobe.

To the north of the range is a former spillway for Glacial Lake Ontonagon. The flowing meltwater cut deep channels into the morainal systems. Glaciofluvial landforms here include old beaches and dunes. South of the range, along the southern edge of this MLRA, are rolling collapsed end moraines, pushed to their extent by the Chippewa and Ontonagon Lobes. The landscape is dotted with abundant kettle lakes and swamps, especially in the eastern portion. Ice-walled lake plains and eskers are also found along these collapsed moraines.

The climate is influenced by Lake Superior in areas near the lake, resulting in cooler summers, warmer winters, and greater precipitation – especially snowfall – compared to more inland locations. Historically, mixtures of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), and red pine (Pinus resinosa) covered the area. In wetter pockets (such as the swamps that dot the moraines to the south) white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), black spruce (Picea mariana), and tamarack (Larix laricina) were common (Finley, R., 1976).

Classification relationships

Relationship to Established Frameworks and Classification Systems:
Habitat Types of N. Wisconsin (Kotar, 2002): Two sites key out to Acer saccharum – Tsuga canadensis/ Maianthemum canadense (ATM), and one site keys to Acer saccharum / Vaccinium angustifolium – Viburnum acerifolium (AVVb).

Biophysical Setting (Landfire, 2014): This ES is mapped as Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine(-Oak) Forest, Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest – Hemlock, and Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest; though, it is likely best represented by the latter.

WDNR Natural Communities (WDNR (2015): This ES is most similar to the Northern Mesic Forest.

Hierarchical Framework Relationships:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Superior Stoney and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Eastern Part (93B)

USFS Subregions: Winegar Moraines (212Jc)
Small sections occur in the Gogebic-Penokee Iron Range (212Jb) subregion

Wisconsin DNR Ecological Landscapes: North Central Forest

Ecological site concept

Alfic Loamy Uplands is an uncommon site in MLRA 93B, located on moraines, outwash and lake plains, and stream and lake terraces. These sites are characterized by very deep, moderately well to well drained soils that formed in loamy glaciofluvial deposits. These sites have a significant layer of accumulated clay (an argillic horizon). Precipitation and runoff from adjacent uplands are the primary sources of water. Soils range from extremely acid to moderately acid.

The characteristic argillic horizon in Alfic Loamy Uplands perches water and increases the soil’s available water capacity, but does not restrict root growth. The lack of root restricting fragipan (a dense, reversibly-cemented layer) or fragic properties is what differs this ecological site from Fragic Loamy Uplands. The loamy texture differs Alfic Loamy Uplands from other upland sites. Loamy materials have a higher pH and available water capacity than sandy materials, which may promote more vegetative growth.

Associated sites

F093BY005MI	Moist Lowlands Moist Lowlands occur on footslope positions across the landscape. They are not subject to flooding nor ponding. Soils form in till, lacustrine deposits, or outwash deposits and may be loamy to sandy. These sites are somewhat poorly drained and occur slightly lower on the drainage sequence than Alfic Loamy Uplands.
F093BY004MI	Wet Lowlands Wet Lowlands occur on depressions and drainageways and form in loamy till or loamy alluvium underlain by dense sandy till or sandy and gravelly outwash. These sites are poorly drained and occur lower on the drainage sequence than Alfic Loamy Uplands.

F093BY005MI

Moist Lowlands

Moist Lowlands occur on footslope positions across the landscape. They are not subject to flooding nor ponding. Soils form in till, lacustrine deposits, or outwash deposits and may be loamy to sandy. These sites are somewhat poorly drained and occur slightly lower on the drainage sequence than Alfic Loamy Uplands.

F093BY004MI

Wet Lowlands

Wet Lowlands occur on depressions and drainageways and form in loamy till or loamy alluvium underlain by dense sandy till or sandy and gravelly outwash. These sites are poorly drained and occur lower on the drainage sequence than Alfic Loamy Uplands.

Similar sites

F093BY010MI	Loamy Uplands Loamy Uplands occur on upland sites in loamy till, sometimes with a mantle of loess. Unlike Alfic Loamy Uplands, these soils lack significant clay accumulation. They are moderately well to well drained.
F093BY008MI	Fragic Loamy Uplands Fragic Loamy Uplands occur on uplands sites in deep loamy till often overlain by loess. In these soils, a fragipan is either present or developing. The root restrictive Fragic layer is often impermeable and the water table is often perched above it (episaturation). Generally, Fragic Loamy Uplands support species with a slightly lower nutrient requirements than Loamy Uplands
F093BY006MI	Alfic Sandy Uplands Alfic Sandy Uplands occur on uplands sites in deep sandy drift deposits. Like Alfic Loamy Uplands, an argillic horizon is either present or forming, but the soil textures are much coarser. Alfic Loamy Uplands sometimes support species with slightly higher nutrient requirements than Alfic Sandy Uplands.

F093BY010MI

Loamy Uplands

Loamy Uplands occur on upland sites in loamy till, sometimes with a mantle of loess. Unlike Alfic Loamy Uplands, these soils lack significant clay accumulation. They are moderately well to well drained.

F093BY008MI

Fragic Loamy Uplands

Fragic Loamy Uplands occur on uplands sites in deep loamy till often overlain by loess. In these soils, a fragipan is either present or developing. The root restrictive Fragic layer is often impermeable and the water table is often perched above it (episaturation). Generally, Fragic Loamy Uplands support species with a slightly lower nutrient requirements than Loamy Uplands

F093BY006MI

Alfic Sandy Uplands

Alfic Sandy Uplands occur on uplands sites in deep sandy drift deposits. Like Alfic Loamy Uplands, an argillic horizon is either present or forming, but the soil textures are much coarser. Alfic Loamy Uplands sometimes support species with slightly higher nutrient requirements than Alfic Sandy Uplands.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Acer saccharum (2) Acer rubrum
Shrub	(1) Acer saccharum
Herbaceous	(1) Pteridium aquilinum (2) Maianthemum canadense

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Physiographic features

These sites are found on lake plains and terraces, moraines, outwash plains, and stream terraces on backslope, shoulder, and summer positions. Slope ranges from 0 to 35 percent.

These sites are subject to neither ponding nor flooding. These sites sometimes have a seasonally high water table at 18 to 24 inches, but the water table may be deeper in drier periods. Surface runoff is low to high.

Figure 1. Distribution of Alfic Loamy Uplands in the Superior Stoney and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Eastern Part (93B).

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Lake plain (2) Moraine (3) Outwash plain (4) Stream terrace (5) Lake terrace
Runoff class	Low to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	200 – 250 m
Slope	0 – 35%
Water table depth	46 – 61 cm
Aspect	W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW

Climatic features

The continental climate of the Superior Stoney and Rocky Loamy Plains and Hills, Eastern Part MLRA is characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers where precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration. Neither average annual precipitation nor average annual minimum and maximum temperatures vary greatly within this MLRA, though the climate of the northern tip is somewhat affected by Lake Superior and receives higher annual precipitation in the form of lake effect snow.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	92-118 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	124-146 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	737-864 mm
Frost-free period (actual range)	84-121 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	120-156 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	711-914 mm
Frost-free period (average)	104 days
Freeze-free period (average)	136 days
Precipitation total (average)	813 mm

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) MELLEN 4 NE [USC00475286], Mellen, WI
(2) WATTON [USC00208706], Watton, MI
(3) MARQUETTE [USW00014838], Marquette, MI
(4) HANCOCK HOUGHTON CO AP [USW00014858], Calumet, MI
(5) HURLEY [USC00473800], Ironwood, WI
(6) DRUMMOND [USC00472240], Drummond, WI

Influencing water features

Water is received through precipitation and runoff from adjacent uplands. Water is lost from the site primarily through runoff, evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge.

Permeability of the soils is moderately slow. The hydrologic soil group of these sites is B, C, or B/D.

Hydrologic Group: B, C, B/D
Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classification: None
Cowardin Wetland Classification: None

Soil features

These sites are represented by the Fence, Annalake, Alcona, Emmet, Onaway, and Ossineke series. Fence and Annalake are classified as Alfic Oxyaquic Haplorthods. Alcona is classified as an Alfic Haplorthods. Emmet and Onaway are classified as Inceptic Hapludalfs. Ossineke is classified as an Oxyaquic Glossudalf. Argillic horizons are present in these soils. The argillic horizon starts between 6 and 19 inches and may be up to 12inches thick.

These soils form in loamy glaciofluvial deposits. Surface textures are fine or very fine sandy loam. Subsurface textures are sandy loam to silt loam often underlain by stratified materials ranging from very fine sand to silt loam. Surface fragments are generally not present on these sites. Soil pH ranges from extremely acid to moderately acid with values of 4.0 to 5.9. Carbonates are absent in these soils.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Glaciofluvial deposits
Surface texture	(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Very fine sandy loam
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderately slow
Soil depth	198 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	21.82 – 25.27 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	0%
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	4 – 5.9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 15%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 2%

Ecological dynamics

Historically, mature forests on this ecological site were dominated by shade tolerant sugar maple and hemlock, often with an admixture of yellow birch (Wilde, 1933, Finley, 1976). This association was self-maintained with new cohorts of advanced regeneration gaining canopy status through gaps formed by small-scale disturbances and natural mortality in the dominant canopy. Scattered large individuals of less shade tolerant white pine were also common components of mesic hardwood forests. These presumably became established following relatively rare disturbances that included fire (Schulte and Mladenoff, 2005).

Current stands on this Ecological Site represent the entire array of potential successional stages from pure aspen, or aspen-white birch, stands to sugar maple dominated mixed northern hardwoods stands. Succession to sugar maple dominance is evident everywhere where seed sources are present and fire is suppressed. However, hemlock regeneration is scarce. In old forests, hemlock finds optimal conditions for germination and seedling establishment on rotten logs, stumps and mounds that normally have warmer surfaces and better moisture retention than the forest floor (USDA, 1990). Most present forest communities lack these conditions.

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. Early to Mid-Successional State

3. Agricultural State

T1A	-	Large scale disturbance
T1B	-	Clearing of site; agricultural production
R2A	-	Abandon agricultural practices
T2A	-	Clearing; agricultural production

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Advanced Succession Community

1.2. Rejuvenated Community Phase

1.1.A	-	Natural mortality in the oldest age classes, sporadic small-scale blow-downs and ice storms, create openings for entry of mid-tolerant species, such as red oak and red maple.
1.2.A	-	Time and natural succession

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Aspen - paper birch

2.2. Red oak - Red maple

2.3. red oak - red maple / sugar maple-balsam fir/ sugar maple - beaked hazelnut/ Canada mayflower

2.1.A	-	Red oak and red maple regenerate under aspen-paper birch canopy
2.2.A	-	Time and natural succession

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Agricultural Community

State 1
Reference State

The reference plant community is categorized as mesic forest community dominated by mixed deciduous species, primarily sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and sporadic occurrence of several conifer species. Although forest communities can vary greatly in terms of species composition and stand structure, depending on type, degree and frequency of disturbance, two common phases predominate.

Dominant plant species

sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
balsam fir (Abies balsamea), tree
sugar maple (Acer saccharum), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Advanced Succession Community

In the absence of major, stand-replacing disturbance this community is dominated by sugar maple, red maple (A. rubrum) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). The tree sapling and shrub layer in this community is not well developed due to dense shade created by multi-story tree canopy. Most common, but low coverage shrub species are beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), American hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), and fly-honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis). The herb layer is relatively species rich, but moderate in abundance. The dominant herbs typically include big-leaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), American starflower (Trientalis borealis), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens).

Dominant plant species

sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
balsam fir (Abies balsamea), tree
beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous

Community 1.2
Rejuvenated Community Phase

Disturbances described in Pathway 1.1A lead to increased species and structural diversity of the forest community. Depending on seed source, red oak and red maple regenerate in the canopy openings and in time join sugar maple in the dominant canopy. The relative density of the shrub and herb layers also increases during this stage. Species composition remains relatively unchanged, but abundance changes can be significant. Particularly beaked hazelnut can form dense thickets and big leaf aster often forms continuous carpets. Many other herb species that were present with very low abundance in the advanced-succession community typically form much larger population clusters.

Dominant plant species

sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), shrub
beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous

Pathway 1.1.A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Natural mortality in the oldest age classes—sporadic small-scale blow-downs and ice storms—create openings for entry of mid-tolerant species such as red oak and red maple.

Pathway 1.2.A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

In the absence of canopy reducing disturbances natural succession leads to community dominance by the most shade-tolerant species resulting in return to community phase 1.1.

State 2
Early to Mid-Successional State

Following disturbances described in Transition T1A a wide range of forest community phases may come into temporary existence, the three most common ones are red oak -red maple -sugar maple, red oak - red maple, and aspen-paper birch.

Dominant plant species

northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
balsam fir (Abies balsamea), tree
sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
sugar maple (Acer saccharum), shrub
beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Aspen - paper birch

These two species have a very narrow window of environmental and ecological conditions for successful establishment. Main requirements are exposed mineral soil and elimination, most effectively by fire, of on-site seed sources of potential competing vegetation. In addition, adequate soil moisture must be available for initial seedling development. Once seedlings are firmly established height growth of both species is relatively rapid and able to outgrow most competitive species. Paper birch seedlings and saplings tolerate partial shade and often become members of mixed species communities. This is not true for aspen which requires continuous full-sun exposure for survival. Aspen stands are initially very dense due to sprouting from extensive lateral roots, but rapid natural thinning ensues as stems compete for available light.

Dominant plant species

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

Community 2.2
Red oak - Red maple

This community phase may occur via two different origins: 1. By sprouting from stumps or by local seed source, following stand-leveling disturbance, or 2. By invading and succeeding a pioneer aspen-birch community. For this reason, tree species composition and community structure in early stages of development vary considerably, from pure canopy dominance by red oak and red maple, singly, or in combination, to modest, or strong presence of mature, or decaying, aspen and/or paper birch. The shrub layer, dominated by beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), typically reaches its best development in this community phase.

Dominant plant species

northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree

Community 2.3
red oak - red maple / sugar maple-balsam fir/ sugar maple - beaked hazelnut/ Canada mayflower

This community phase represents distinct transition into mid-successional state, by strong presence in second canopy, or in reproductive layers, of shade-tolerant species, sugar maple, basswood, eastern hemlock, or balsam fir and white spruce. Sporadic occurrence of individual white pine trees also is common. Eastern hemlock, although historically a prominent member of mature communities on this site, is today under-represented presumably due to lack of seed source and selective browsing by the white-tailed deer.

Dominant plant species

northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
balsam fir (Abies balsamea), tree
beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), shrub
sugar maple (Acer saccharum), shrub
western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), other herbaceous
Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), other herbaceous

Pathway 2.1.A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Aspen and paper birch do not reproduce under their own canopies and, depending on seed source, are succeeded by either mid-shade-tolerant species such as red oak, red maple and white pine - or directly by very tolerant species such as sugar maple and balsam fir (Pathway 2.1A).

Pathway 2.2.A
Community 2.2 to 2.3

Succession by shade-tolerant species, sugar maple, basswood and in some cases also balsam fir and white spruce.

Pathway 2.3.A
Community 2.3 to 2.1

State 3
Agricultural State

Indefinite period of applying agricultural practices.

Community 3.1
Agricultural Community

This community phase is composed of crops, hay, or pasture.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Major stand-replacing disturbance. In pre-European settlement time, the event was most often a severe blow down, sometimes followed by fires. Such blow downs have been estimated to occur in this part of Wisconsin every 300 to 400 years (Schulte and Mladenoff, 2005). In post settlement virtually every acre has been logged either by clear cutting or successive cuts targeting species marketable at that time. Post logging slash fires also have been a significant factor in most areas. These disturbances created the environment suitable for natural regeneration of many shade-intolerant species and for commercial planting.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Elimination of forest cover, application of agricultural practices.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Abandonment of agricultural practices and allowing natural vegetation to colonize the site or apply artificial afforestation. The time required for forest community to reach the reference state conditions may exceed 100 years.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Removal of forest cover, tilling and application of other agricultural techniques to grow agricultural crops.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Sites key to ATM and AVVb. ESD is better represented by ATM.
PESD has limited extent on Wisconsin.

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.

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

Dott, R. H., & Attig, J. W. 2004. Roadside geology of Wisconsin. pp. 40. Mountain Press Pub.

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, Forest Service. 1990. Silvics of North America, Vol. 1, Hardwoods. Agricultural Handbook 654, Washington, D.C.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1990. Silvics of North America, Vol. 2, Conifers. Agricultural Handbook 654, Washington, D.C.

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.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2008. Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classification System: An Overview and Modification to Better Meet the Needs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Technical Note No. 190-8-76. Washington D.C.

Wilde, S.A. 1933. The relation of soil and forest vegetation of the Lake States Region. Ecology 14: 94-105.

Wilde, S.A. 1976. Woodlands of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Pub. G2780, 150 pp.

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 (jprater@uwsp.edu) Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Joel Gebhard (jgebhard@uwsp.edu) Associate Research Specialist at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Bryant Scharenbroch Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
John Kotar (jkotar@wsic.edu) Ecological Specialist, independent contractor

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. Early to Mid-Successional State

3. Agricultural State

T1A	-	Large scale disturbance
T1B	-	Clearing of site; agricultural production
R2A	-	Abandon agricultural practices
T2A	-	Clearing; agricultural production

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Advanced Succession Community

1.2. Rejuvenated Community Phase

1.1.A	-	Natural mortality in the oldest age classes, sporadic small-scale blow-downs and ice storms, create openings for entry of mid-tolerant species, such as red oak and red maple.
1.2.A	-	Time and natural succession