Dry Sandstone Upland Woodland

Description

The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth woodland. This stage was dominated by post oak and black oak. 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. Reference states are very rare today. Many sites have been converted to non-native pasture (State 5). Others have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest coupled with domestic livestock grazing (State 6). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Many reference states have been managed for timber harvest, resulting in either even-age (State 2) or uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.

Submodel

Description

This state starts with a sequence of early seral mixed oak woodlands, which mature over time. These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with an underdeveloped understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished. Continual timber management, depending on the practices used, will either maintain this state, or convert the site to uneven-age (State 3) woodlands. Prescribed fire without extensive timber harvest will, over time, cause a transition to Fire Managed Oak Woodlands (State 4).

Submodel

Description

Uneven-Age Managed Woodlands resemble their reference state. The biggest difference is tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old. Composition is also 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, they will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant. Uneven Age Managed Woodland is also dense because of fire suppression, but less so than the Even-Age Managed state. Consequently, the woodland ground flora is less suppressed and structural diversity is better maintained. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hickory, increase in abundance.

Submodel

Description

The Fire Managed Oak Woodland state results from managing woodland communities in states 2 or 3 with prescribed fire. This state resembles the reference state, with younger maximum tree ages and lower ground flora diversity.

Submodel

Description

Type conversion of woodlands to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common in the Springfield plateau. Steep slopes, abundant surface fragments, low organic matter contents and soil acidity make non-native pastures difficult 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 Managed). Timber Stand Improvement practices can hasten this process.

Submodel

Description

Wooded sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and 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 cattle from sites in this state coupled with uneven-age management techniques will cause a transition to State 3 (Uneven-Age Managed).

Submodel