The reference state includes one major NatureServe ecological systems as described previously, South-Central Interior Small Stream and Riparian. Other systems may also be included but this requires further investigation. The USDA-NRCS Official Series Description (OSD) for one soil series included in this site, Wesser, specifies that in the GRSM these areas are mapped on hanging coves that provide critical habitat to amphibians, especially salamanders. In these areas, rhododendron thickets are dominant, along with eastern hemlock, white pine, and red spruce. This will likely need to be separated into an individual ecological site in the future as it differs from most of the rest of this PES.
For the purpose of PES, all managed land was lumped into one state. This includes cropland, pasture and hay as well as white pine plantations. All of these will likely need to be separated as future projects are refined.
Perhaps the greatest challenge to the integrity of this ecological site is the presence of invasive, non-native pests, pathogens and plants. The impact and response vary by species (both of the host and the invader) but often will include combinations of mechanical, biological, chemical and cultural control. Tree breeding programs for genetic resistance and germplasm conservation may be important considerations, especially in front an incoming invasion if reforestation is planned after it passes. It is always best if local genetic material can be used if restoration efforts are attempted.
Conversion to agricultural production. Pasture and hay are the most common. Practices vary based on site-specific conditions. White pine plantations were mentioned in several of the OSDs for soils included in this PES. In future projects, if prolific enough based on field investigation, it should likely be separated into its own state as management approaches will be quite different.
Invasion by a number of non-native forest pests and pathogens and/or weedy plants. Of particular concern on this PES is the hemlock woolly adelgid, which has decimated eastern hemlock populations throughout the southern Blue Ridge mountains and may impact stream temperatures and aquatic ecology.
Restoration pathways should be determined in individual approved level ESD projects, as they will differ greatly based on current land-use. In some cases where land has been drained, there may be no way to truely restore critical hydrological processes.
Some potential restoration methods might include controlling invasive, exotic species, tree planting, restoring natural drainage patterns where possible, etc. but these practices should be determined on a site-by-site basis.
Management of invasive species (mechanical, chemical, biological control, etc.) and planting where merited. Germplasm conservation of native tree species like the eastern hemlock could be considered.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
