Igneous Upland

Description

Narrative: The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland with an open understory and a dense ground flora of native grasses and forbs. This state was dominated by white oak, with occasional red oak, post oak, and shortleaf pine. 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. Reference sites are very rare today.
Most of these sites have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest (State 3). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora (State 4). Relatively few Igneous Upland Woodlands have been managed effectively for timber harvest (State 2), resulting in either even-age or uneven-age forests.