Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland

Description

Historically, these woodlands occurred on exposed slopes in the valleys of most major rivers of the region. The restricted soil depth, drought conditions, and native grasses made them susceptible to frequent fires, once every 3 to 5 years. Consequently, fire-tolerant post oak and blackjack oak dominated the open-canopy overstory, and the understory consisted of a dense cover of native grasses and forbs (Community 1.1). Tree height was 40 to 50 feet, and canopy closure 40 to 80 percent. During fire-free intervals, eastern redcedar, along with hickory and oak sprouts, increased in abundance and competed with the herbaceous ground flora, creating a more brushy woodland (Community 1.2). However, the return of fire would re-open the woodland and promote the development of ground flora.

Submodel

Description

Fire suppression over the last 50 years has allowed these open woodlands to become dense with less fire-tolerant trees and saplings such as eastern redcedar, black oak, and hickory. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity. Fragrant sumac often forms a dense shrub understory under these conditions. However, many of the original herbaceous species persist as small plants or in the seed bank. Consequently, thinning of the woody species and the re-introduction of fire has shown these communities to be exceptionally resilient, and a return to the reference condition is possible.

Submodel

Description

In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock. Like State 2, these areas are dense and shady with a diminished ground flora. In addition, grazed areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as coralberry. Like State 2, restoration using thinning and fire is possible, but will take longer and require more effort. Restricting livestock access will be necessary for successful restoration.

Submodel

Description

Conversion of woodlands to planted, non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue is common for this region. Steep slopes, surface fragments,and low organic matter contents make grasslands harder to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site.

Three community phases are recognized in the Grassland State, with shifts between some phases based on types of management. Poor management will result in a shift to Community 4.2 that shows an increase in oak sprouting and increases in broomsedge densities. If grazing and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will eventually transition to State 2 from this phase.

Conversion to native warm season grasses and forbs has increased in recent years due federal and state cost-share programs and has created a third community phase. On many sites the simple activity of removing most if not all of the canopy will allow existing native grasses and forbs to increase in abundance and create a natural native ground cover.

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