Sand Barrens
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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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 for Sand Barrens ecological has two main phases that were created by a variable fire frequency. Frequent low intensity fires favor prairie vegetation (grasses and forbs) over woody vegetation; whereas a lower fire frequency would permit for more trees and shrubs on these sites. Modern fire suppression has made prairies and Sand Barrens a threatened ecosystem. Prescribed burning is often used to restore these plant communities.
Submodel
Description
Logging occurred on this site even though these species were not the main target. Tall jack pines were used mainly for poles, and there were a lot of poles needed for the new telegraph networks. Pin oak was used mainly for firewood during the cold northern winters. The vast cutover lands were often sold to settlers who wanted to farm. With fewer large stumps, clearing these sites for agriculture was easier. Ironically, agriculture failed sooner on these sites due to the infertile soils. Abandonment left these sites to naturally re-vegetate. Natural re-forestation often failed and these sites were left open until the conservation movement started in the 1930’s, pine plantations then became the dominant land use on these sites.
Submodel
Description
This state is very problematic because the weeds that occupy the site are so tough that they are difficult to eradicate and the site conditions can be so harsh as to preclude restoration.
Submodel
Description
The Converted State is very recognizable on this site. The soil is nearly pure sand and becomes so dry and hot that plants have a difficult time establishing on it, leading to the Bare Ground Phase. Some of these sites have been planted to red or jack pine in an attempt to reclaim their productivity.
Submodel
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.