Sandy Floodplain

Description

Two communities are in State 1. The first community is characterized by trees such as eastern cottonwood and silver maple. Tree species have established on site in the absence of severe flooding disturbance. Large scale flood events will move Community 1.1 toward Community 1.2. Community 1.2. is post-disturbance and dominated by shrubs – predominately willows. Natural succession will continue with shrubs increasing and trees. These sites will exhibit a mosaic of early to late successional floodplain forest communities depending on the disturbance regime.

Submodel

Description

Today most of these sites have been impacted by human disturbance including clearing, grazing, and hydrological modifications. Remaining wooded areas are generally a narrow band along a stream corridor. Although sites may be small in acreage, they provide critical habitat for wildlife and water quality protection. These wooded areas capture stream sediment and aid in maintaining stable stream banks.

Trees present on a site, will depending on the type, length and severity of human disturbance and natural flooding regimes. Sites that have had a long-term absence of flooding will have larger trees and more tree species diversity. Early successional sites will be dominated by cottonwood, maple, and willow. As with upland sites, these floodplain zones are highly vulnerable to invasive species and management support is often necessary to keep native species dominant.

Submodel