Lacustrine Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Disturbance; no management inputs
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site preparation; tillage; planting; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting desired species; brush control; weed control; timber stand management
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing of site; tillage; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Transition T3A
Abandonment; no management inputs
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
In reference condition, this site was dominated by oaks (northern red oak, white oak), sugar maple, white ash, American elm, and hickories. Other species present may include American beech, hophornbeam, tulip poplar, hackberry, red maple, and black walnut. Historically, full stand replacing disturbance events on these sites were uncommon. Small gap disturbance was the most common disturbance event that allowed propagation of these species.
Most sites today have been disturbed and/or cleared for agriculture. Higher sloping sites may still be wooded but have often been disturbed through selective harvest (oak removal), clearcutting, grazing, or introduction of non-native invasive species. Many sites are now dominated by tulip poplar, sugar maple and ash.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the establishment and eventual dominance of invasive species in the midstory and/or understory. This greatly reduces the tree, shrub and understory species richness and diversity of the site. Trees that are usually found on these sites include species that are the shade tolerant such as maple and ash.
Common invasives in Illinois and Indiana forests include, but are not limited to, Asian bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and wintercreeper (Euonymus fortune).
Submodel
Mechanism
Substantial disturbance and the establishment of invasive understory species with no management to control their abundance or distribution.
Mechanism
Clearing of trees and other wood species. Site prepared for planting desired agricultural crops. Practices and species selection depend on management objectives.
Mechanism
Restoration of these sites will include long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, timber stand improvement activities, brush and weed control, and restoration of hydrology is previously modified.
Mechanism
Clearing of trees and other wood species. Prepare the site for planting desired agricultural crops. Practices and species selection depend on management objectives.
Mechanism
Abandonment of farm fields leads to successional species including a number of weed and brush species. Establishment of invasive understory species may occur with no management to control their abundance or distribution. Tree species will depend on seed sources and favor fast-growing species.
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.