Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Restoration pathway R1B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Restoration pathway R1A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T5B More details
- Transition T5A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition typically results from even-age forest management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvests and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This transition typically results from uneven-age forest management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvests and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade harvesting and uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway generally requires uneven-age forest management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest, with extended rotations that allow mature trees to exceed ages of about 100 years.
Mechanism
This transition typically results from uneven-age forest management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This restoration transition is the result of extended rotations, prescribed fire and minimal disturbance.
Mechanism
This transition typically results from even-age forest management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvests.
Mechanism
This transition typically results from uneven-age forest management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest, tree planting and livestock exclusion.
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.