Fine To Loamy Mixed Metamorphic Floodplain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A 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
The reference forest state is a combination of several vegetation communities within the Central Appalachian Stream and Riparian and Central Appalachian River Floodplain Systems as defined by NatureServe (NatureServe 2009). Due to the long history of human activity, the associations listed below may in reality reflect the current naturalized, minimally managed post disturbance state rather than the historic, pre-European settlement condition. These areas will have tuliptree as well as a mixture of oak and hickory species characteristic of dry to mesic conditions, mesophytic (moisture loving) hardwood and hemlock forests, and typical floodplain species like sycamore, maple, and ash. Some of the highly variable coarse to fine textured depositional bars will host an early successional community of shrubs and woodlands and pockets of wetland plants. The reference communities listed below have been documented on this ecological site and are associated with the Northern Blue Ridge. Due to the heterogeneity and the broadness of this provisional ecological unit, they are not intended to cover every situation nor the full range of conditions and species. There are no transition pathways designated between the two communities in the reference state because the differences in vegetation are more controlled by landscape position and flooding frequency than management or disturbance.
Submodel
Submodel
Mechanism
Logging, clearing, and then planting of non-native pasture grass mixes, and grazing. Maintenance with periodic mowing to prevent trees and shrubs from reestablishing.
Mechanism
Logging, agricultural conversion, or other significant human disturbance. Natural regeneration is allowed to occur. Fire suppression and the inherent moisture in the landscape allows fire sensitive species like tuliptree, red maple, and birches to out compete oak seedlings in the understory.
Mechanism
Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. If using acorns, direct seeding must be done fairly heavily. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance (Dyer, 2010). Aggressive control of nonnative species and invasives will be ongoing.
Mechanism
Abandonment of pasture or old field. Discontinue mowing and do not allow grazing. Allow natural regeneration.
Mechanism
Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. If using acorns, direct seeding must be done fairly heavily. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance (Dyer, 2010). Aggressive control of nonnative species and invasives will be ongoing.
Model keys
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