Glacial Ridge
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T 1-2 More details
- Transition T 1-3 More details
- Transition T 1-4 More details
- Restoration pathway R 2-1 More details
- Transition T 2-3 More details
- Restoration pathway R 3-1 More details
- Transition T 3-4 More details
- Restoration pathway R 4-1 More details
- Transition T 4-2 More details
- Restoration pathway R 4-3 More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This is the reference or diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference conditions, this site was dominated by oak species, primarily white oak, along with shagbark hickory. Sub-canopy species included dogwood, elm, and sugar maple. Surface fires every 20-65 years maintained the site. Absence of fire longer than 65 years transitions the site to state 2. Selective tree harvest and fire would restore the site to state 1. Removal of the trees and having the area prepped for planting moves the site to state 3. Restoration to the reference community involves appropriate tree planting, timber management, and fire.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a longer than normal fire return interval or the absence of fire as a disturbance agent. Shade tolerant species, specifically sugar maple and beech, that are present in the understory in relatively small amounts become the dominant tree species.
Submodel
Description
This site has largely been converted to agricultural use. Most of the historic acres are now in row crop agricultural use. Most common is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. Roughly 5% of the site is not used to grow hay or cool season forage and used for grazing.
Submodel
Description
Abandoned agricultural lands move into the old field state. This state is dominated at the outset by cool season grasses, mostly fescue, and weedy, opportunistic forbs. Absent management or fire, the site will progress to a shrub dominated phase then to that of a mesic forest.
Submodel
Mechanism
No tree species selective management or fire has occurred for 65+ years.
Mechanism
All trees are removed, the site prepared, tillage, and crops are planted.
Mechanism
All the trees are removed and not follow up management is conducted. Fire is absent from the site.
Mechanism
Prescribed tree thinning to give competitive advantage to desired species and fire move the site back to the reference state.
Mechanism
All trees removed, the site prepared, tillage and planting the of the agricultural crop.
Mechanism
Site preparation, tree planting, and regular application of fire.
Mechanism
No management. Agricultural practices abandoned and succession allowed to take place
Mechanism
Timber stand improvement, to include tree removal. Planting of desired tree species, especially white oak and shagbark hickory, if not present. The regular application of surface fires.
Model keys
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Major Land Resource Areas
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.