Marsh Wetland Complex
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This site is dominated by diverse graminoid, herb, and shrub species. Shrubs such as speckled alder tend to dominate the higher perimeter and mounds within the marsh site, while diverse sedges, bulrushes, grasses, and forbs dominate the wetter areas. Relatively small changes in soil wetness may alter the distribution of these species within the site, and further study is required to distinguish the relationship between hydrology and vegetation on this site.
Due to its low-lying position, this site is susceptible to altered hydrology from beaver dams and man-made structures (e.g. roads). Increased ponding depth and duration results in a ponded phase dominated by emergent vegetation such as cattails. As ponding depth and duration returns to the natural regime due to dam/road removal (or over long periods of time the infilling of pond with sediment and debris) this site will transition through many short-lived marsh communities before eventually returning to dominance by those of the reference community.
Characteristics and indicators
More documentation and research is needed to distinguish the different types of marshes within this ecological site.
Submodel
Description
Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics driven by natural disturbances, processes, and pressures (may have some anthropogenic influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the Semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.
Submodel
Description
Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics that are primary driven by anthropogenic disturbances and pressures (may have some associated natural influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the cultural state associated with this ecological site.
Submodel
Mechanism
streambank erosion, climate change, hydrological alteration (beaver activity), significant increase in flooding events and annual precipitation, introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
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Monitoring and Evaluation |
Mechanism
hydrologic alteration (anthropogenic), timber harvesting, mechanical soil disturbance, landscape alteration
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Dam, Diversion |
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Dam |
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Rock Barrier |
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, management of invasive species, pests, and pathogens, restoration of key plant species
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Obstruction Removal |
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Streambank and Shoreline Protection |
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Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats |
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Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
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Wetland Restoration |
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Wetland Enhancement |
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Stream Corridor Improvement |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
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Invasive Plant Species Control |
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Invasive Species Pest Management |
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Extending riparian forest buffers for water quality protection and wildlife habitat |
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Extending existing riparian herbaceous cover for water quality protection and wildlife habitat |
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Shallow water habitat |
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Non-forested riparian zone enhancement for fish and wildlife |
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Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat |
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Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats |
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Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat |
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Establish pollinator habitat |
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Habitat Development for Beneficial Insects for Pest Management |
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Drainage water management for nutrient, pathogen, or pesticide reduction |
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Monitoring and Evaluation |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
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Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat |
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Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat |
Mechanism
hydrologic alteration, significant drought, potential for agricultural use
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Dam, Diversion |
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Diversion |
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Dam |
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Floodproofing |
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, increased flooding frequency/duration, planting/seeding, active forest management plan
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Stream Habitat Improvement and Management |
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Aquatic Organism Passage |
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Obstruction Removal |
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Streambank and Shoreline Protection |
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Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats |
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Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Shallow Water Development and Management |
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Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
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Wetland Restoration |
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Wetland Enhancement |
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Stream Corridor Improvement |
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Riparian Buffers - Vegetative |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
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Extending existing riparian herbaceous cover for water quality protection and wildlife habitat |
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Shallow water habitat |
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Non-forested riparian zone enhancement for fish and wildlife |
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Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat |
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Establish pollinator habitat |
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Monitoring and Evaluation |
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Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat |
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, increased flooding frequency/duration, planting/seeding, active forest management plan
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Obstruction Removal |
|
|
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats |
|
|
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Shallow Water Development and Management |
|
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Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
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Wetland Restoration |
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Wetland Enhancement |
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Stream Corridor Improvement |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
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Extending existing riparian herbaceous cover for water quality protection and wildlife habitat |
|
|
Shallow water habitat |
|
|
Non-forested riparian zone enhancement for fish and wildlife |
|
|
Riparian forest buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat |
|
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Establish pollinator habitat |
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Monitoring and Evaluation |
Model keys
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Major Land Resource Areas
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.