Mucky Peat Bogs
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition 1 More details
- Transition 2 More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The reference state of Mucky Peat Bogs is a productive, growing forest of the bog conifers--black spruce and tamarack. Occasionally, other conifer species (Pinus or Picea)occur on these sites, but these seldom dominate a stand. There are two main phases of the reference state. They are based on greater than or less than 75% canopy cover, but on this ecological site these phases are often interspersed. The level of canopy cover on these sites is affected by various disturbance factors such as wet-dry cycles, insect infestations and wind damage. Sphagnum moss thickness is strongly correlated to canopy cover. With more canopy cover there is less light to the forest floor, thus slower moss accumulation, and conversely, more light favors the moss and also turns it various shades of red, yellow, and brown.
Submodel
Description
The Ponded State in Mucky Peat Bogs is relatively rare. It occurs mainly as a result of road construction activity, although excess precipitation may prolong ponding long to drown trees in some patches. Also, the hydrology of these sites can be impacted by nearby actions such as diversion of runoff. There are two phases of the Ponded State, one is predominantly open water with both emergent and submergent vegetation, the other phase is less wet, with scattered pools of water and standing dead timber in and around the pools, some trees within this phase remain alive. This state does not include naturally occurring pond bogs, i.e. remnants of the lake-fill process, which were not previously forested.
Submodel
Description
The Drained State is another relatively rare occurrence on Mucky Peat Bogs. The main cause once again is water manipulation by humans. The naturally occurring cause is drought, which affects the hydrology of the entire area. Drained areas are often subject to colonization by unwanted species. The two phases of this state are drained bog and a converted condition. The drained bog is an area that is drier than normal for an extended period due to once again, human manipulation or drought. Converted areas are no longer bogs, but roads or ditch banks or some artifact of construction activities traversing the larger site. These areas affect a zone surrounding them by increasing light penetration and by the lateral effect of the drainage project.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurs when the site receives too much water through sometimes natural, but mostly artificial means.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when the site is drained either naturally occurring events like extreme drought or human activities such as construction. There is very little conversion to agricultural land or cranberry bog on these sites but they may be affected by nearby conversion.
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.