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
Invasive plant establishment and increase.
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; brush removal; site preparation; tillage; seeding; weed control
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Brush removal; weed control; tree planting; timber stand improvement practices
More details -
Transition T2A
Tree/brush removal; weed control; site preparation; tillage and seeding; continuous management inputs.
More details -
Transition T3A
No management inputs; abandonment.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This is the diagnostic plant community for this site is a high quality mixed hardwood forest. Dominant species include northern red oak, white oak, sugar maple, American beech, basswood, white ash, and black walnut. Various shrub species may be present along with a highly diverse understory including numerous spring ephemerals. Numerous native understory plants may be found on these sites.
Submodel
Description
Many of these sites have been invaded by non-native vegetation due to anthropogenic disturbances including timber harvest, road construction, recreation activities (ORV), and unmanaged grazing. Numerous species may be present depending on the disturbance type and severity and available seed exposure.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use. The most common land use is a corn-soybean rotation. A portion of the historic acres are used for hay production and pasture. Most pastureland is seeded with cool -season grasses such as tall fescue with forbs such as red clover.
Submodel
Mechanism
Establishment of invasive understory species with no management to control their abundance or distribution.
Mechanism
Conversion of site to agricultural uses includes clearing of trees and other wood species, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and continued maintenance. Practices depend on management objectives and crop type.
Mechanism
Numerous long-term management activities will be required to restore these sites to the reference community. Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species will be critical, along with the planting of desired tree species. Planting will depend on available seed sources. Timber stand improvement activities will be needed such as brush control, weed control, and selective thinning.
Mechanism
Activities include clearing of trees/brush, weed treatment, site preparation, seeding and continuous management. Practices will depend on crops seeded and management objectives.
Mechanism
Agricultural sites no longer managed will move toward successional stages including annual weeds and grasses to perennial grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees. Tree species will eventually become dominant; however, the species composition will be dependent upon seed availability. Site usually are pioneered by fast-growing species such as maple, ash, cottonwood, tulip poplar, eastern red cedar and locust.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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.