Steep Sandy Ridges
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition 1 More details
- Restoration pathway 1 More details
- Transition 3 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 Steep Sandy Ridges has two phases--the Jack Pine-Pin Oak Phase and the White Pine-Red Oak Phase--plus these phase tended to intergrade because they occurred simultaneously on different parts of the site but often in close proximity. In addition, the Jack Pine-Pin Oak Phase was succeeded by the White Pine-Red Oak Phase because the latter species are longer-lived and more shade tolerant. Moreover, jack pine and pin oak stands are regenerated by fire and this site has areas that are more or less protected from by their physiography, portions of the have natural fire breaks such as the lower slopes of the leeward side of the ridge. The Reference State exists as mere remnants of its former extent.
Submodel
Description
The Cutover State is by far the most common condition on this site. The pre-logging era vegetation on this site was mostly mature pine and oak forest. Both types of trees were in demand at the time. Pines were the most commonly logged species because of their usefulness as light-weight, moderate-strength building lumber, oaks were second in demand as sawlogs. This resulted in extensive clear-cuts that are now, one hundred years later, starting to resemble the former condition on some of these sites.
Submodel
Description
The Disturbed/Invaded State is less common on this ecological site than on other closely related sites, but given the prominent landforms on which this site is located, disturbance is readily identified. The disturbance is largely man-made, such as logging activities or accelerated erosion on bare soil; natural disturbances include drought, fire, wind damage, insect herbivory, and disease outbreaks. Insect herbivory spreads disease, but herbivory alone can extirpate some species. These disturbances open the canopy, expose the forest floor to sunlight and increase the risk of soil erosion. While these sites are prone to disturbances, many invasive species do not thrive here due to steep, thin soils; but that also slows recovery of the forest canopy. The main effect of disturbance is lower site productivity; a longer recovery time from disturbance is a property inherent to this site.
Submodel
Description
The Converted State is common on most upland ecological sites, less so on this one because steepness limits alternatives. However, this site is an excellent source of sand and gravel, and is often preferred because of the ease of access. Landforms such as eskers are especially utilized. Plantations are less common on this site because of difficulties in preparing and planting steep ground, however these sites are often included in larger plantations.
Submodel
Mechanism
Most of these sites were part of the great cutover of the logging era (1870-1920). It would very difficult to find a Steep Sandy Ridges ecological site that was left untouched by loggers
Mechanism
Canopy closure can reduce the weed problem. There no known methods to eliminate earthworms, if they could be eliminated, they could readily re-infest a site.
Mechanism
A disturbed area is a prime candidate for conversion to another land use if the opportunity arises. On Steep Sandy Ridges sites, agriculture is less desirable, but borrow pits are common. It is easier to excavate ridges than flat areas. Tree planting, however, is not easier.
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.