Lacustrine Terrace Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Fire suppression >30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; uncontrolled livestock grazing
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T1C
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
More details -
Transition T2A
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T2B
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system
More details -
Transition T3A
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Transition T4A
Vegetative seeding ; grassland management
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth terrace forest. The forest overstory was dominated by pin oak and cherrybark oak. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the reference structure and ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.
Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Reference states are very rare today. Lack of natural disturbances has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Most reference states are currently altered because of timber harvesting, grazing, clearing and conversion to grassland or cropland.
Submodel
Description
Species composition is altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest and the amount of uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing. Without periodic canopy disturbance, stem densities and more shade tolerant species will increase in abundance. Some periodic uncontrolled grazing may be occurring.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) has been common in the Illinois Central Claypan area. Occasionally, these pastures may have scattered bur and pin oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the Reference State may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Submodel
Description
This is a state that exists currently on slopes less than 10 percent with intensive cropping of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurring. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.
Submodel
Mechanism
Fire suppression >30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; uncontrolled livestock grazing
Mechanism
Clearing; woody removal; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Mechanism
Clearing/woody species removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
Mechanism
Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
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.