Shallow Limestone/Dolomite Upland Glade/Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A 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
Glade/Woodland Complexes harbor a wide diversity of plants and animals. Many, like the dominant grasses little bluestem, Indiangrass, and sideoats grama, are also found on prairies. But others, such as Missouri coneflower, calamint, and federally listed Missouri bladder-pod, are only found on limestone/dolomite glades. Desert-adapted animals, like scorpions and tarantulas, also occupy healthy glades. The glade/woodland complexes range from wide open grassy areas with shallow soils and bare bedrock, to areas with widely scattered chinquapin and post oaks on deeper soils.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by eastern redcedar. These can form relatively even-age stands, dating to when fire suppression became the dominant management characteristic on the site. Canopy closures can approach 100 percent with little or no ground flora.
Submodel
Description
Grazing has reduced the cover, diversity and vigor of the native glade/woodland flora. Woody species encroachment, particularly by eastern redcedar, has increased the woodland density relative to the reference state,
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is the result of fire suppression for greater than 20 years.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of uncontrolled livestock grazing and fire suppression.
Mechanism
Restoration requires cutting most of the eastern redcedar, accompanied by prescribed fire.
Relevant conservation practices
Practice | External resources |
---|---|
Prescribed Burning |
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Firebreak |
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Forest Stand Improvement |
Mechanism
Restoration requires exclusion of livestock grazing, accompanied by prescribed fire.
Relevant conservation practices
Practice | External resources |
---|---|
Prescribed Burning |
|
Firebreak |
|
Access Control |
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.