Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Restoration pathway R1B More details
- Restoration pathway R1A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland dominated by black oak, post oak, and white oak. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the woodland structure and diverse 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.
This reference state is uncommon today. Some sites have been converted to grassland (State 4). Others have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvests coupled with domestic livestock grazing (State 5). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Many reference sites have been managed for timber harvest, resulting in either even-age (State 2) or uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.
Submodel
Description
Even-Age Managed woodlands can resemble the reference state. The biggest difference is tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old and density. These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with an under developed understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. Continual timber management, depending on the practices used, will either maintain this state, or convert the site to uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.
Submodel
Description
Composition in this state is likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest. In addition, without a regular 15 to 20 year harvest re-entry into these stands, this state will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species such as sugar maple and white oak will become less dominant.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of forests to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common in this region. Steep slopes, abundant surface fragments, low organic matter contents and soil acidity make non-native pastures challenging to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. If grazing and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will eventually transition to State 2 (Even-Age).
Submodel
Description
Ecological sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this State. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff. Exclusion of livestock from sites in this state coupled with uneven-age management techniques will cause a transition to State 3 (Uneven-Age).
Submodel
Mechanism
This restoration pathway generally requires uneven-age timber management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest, with extended rotations that allow mature trees to exceed ages of about 150 years. Prescribed fire is part of the restoration process. Mechanical thinning may be necessary in dense woodlands.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway generally requires uneven-age timber management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest, with extended rotations that allow mature trees to exceed ages of about 150 years. Prescribed fire is part of the restoration process.
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.