Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F146XY051ME
Rockland
Last updated: 9/27/2024
Accessed: 11/24/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 146X–Aroostook Area
This area is entirely in Maine and it makes up about 1,275 square miles (3,305 square kilometers). Presque Isle is the largest city in the area. Interstate 95 ends in the town of Houlton, at the border with New Brunswick, Canada. Aroostook State Park, Fort Kent Historic Site, and Loring Commerce Center are in this area. The Big Rock ski area is in the middle of this MLRA and is on the highest point, which is Mars Hill Mountain.
Ecological site concept
This site is characterized by 25 to 75 percent exposed bedrock, interspersed with pockets of shallow soil supporting mostly herbaceous species. It typically occurs on moderate or very steep sloping terrain with many rock fragments on the surface and throughout the soil profile.
Soils formed in mostly slate and phyllite parent materials which were deposited over bare bedrock as glaciers receded. Although this site receives similar precipitation amounts as nearby forests, the impermeability of bedrock and steep slopes generate significant runoff, resulting in dry soil and site conditions for most of the growing season.
The plant community is composed of diverse lichens, shrubs, and herbaceous species, with some stunted balsam fir and other small trees. The plant community dynamics of this site are poorly understood, and require further study.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Abies balsamea |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Vaccinium angustifolium |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Dryopteris marginalis |
Physiographic features
This site occurs mostly on ridges, cliffs, and surrounding areas where bedrock is exposed at the soil surface and interspersed with small pockets of shallow soil. This site generates large amounts of runoff due to steep slopes and impermeability of bedrock, resulting in extremely dry soil/site conditions.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Ridge
(2) Hill (3) Cliff |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Low to very high |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 61 – 762 m |
| Slope | 15 – 100% |
| Water table depth | 201 cm |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate of this site is characterized by cold, snowy winters, and cool summers. Precipitation is nearly equally distributed throughout the year, with slightly more moisture falling in June-October. During winter months, and sometimes fall and spring, cold winds from the north bring severe weather events. Due to the lack of tree cover, this site may experience high wind speeds, which in the winter may cause some snow-drifts that influence microclimate and species distribution within the site.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 80-94 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 126-134 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 940-1,067 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 61-107 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 103-141 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 914-1,067 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 85 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 127 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 991 mm |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) ALLAGASH [USC00170200], Saint Francis, ME
-
(2) CARIBOU MUNI AP [USW00014607], Caribou, ME
-
(3) BRIDGEWATER [USC00170833], Bridgewater, ME
-
(4) FT KENT [USC00172878], Fort Kent, ME
-
(5) HOULTON 5N [USC00173944], Houlton, ME
-
(6) PRESQUE ISLE [USC00176937], Presque Isle, ME
-
(7) HOULTON INTL AP [USW00014609], Houlton, ME
Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, this site is not influenced by streams or wetlands.
Soil features
This site consists of 25 to 75 percent exposed bedrock, interspersed with pockets of shallow soil. Soils formed in mostly slate and phyllite parent materials which were deposited on bedrock as glaciers receded. Pockets of accumulated organic matter may also support patches of vegetation. Rock fragments are typically abundant on the surface and throughout the soil. Water-holding capacity is low and drainage is excessive, resulting in dry soil conditions for plant establishment. The soil temperature regime is frigid, and the soil moisture regime is udic.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Melt-out till
–
slate
(2) Organic material – phyllite |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very channery silt loam |
| Drainage class | Excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to slow |
| Soil depth | 0 – 51 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0 – 30% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0 – 10% |
| Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
4.06 – 11.43 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
0 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
0 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
3.6 – 6 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
30 – 40% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 20% |
Ecological dynamics
[Caveat: The vegetation information contained in this section and is only provisional, based on concepts, and future projects support validation through field work. *] The vegetation groupings described in this section are based on the terrestrial ecological system classification and vegetation associations developed by NatureServe (Comer 2003) and localized associations provided by the Maine Natural Areas Program (Gawler and Cutko, 2010).
This site concept includes various plant communities, composed of diverse lichens, shrubs, and herbaceous species, with some stunted balsam fir and other small trees. The plant community dynamics of these rockland sites are poorly understood, and require further study.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State (minimally-managed)
This ecological site occurs on ridges or summits of circumneutral to calcareous bedrock. Sites are often exposed and dry; however, there may be local areas of more moist conditions. The vegetation is patchy and often a mosaic of woodlands and open glades. This system may also occur on rocks that are primarily acidic but with a local influence of calcium through weathering.
Characteristics and indicators. Sparsely vegetated cliffs occur below treeline, without circumneutral indicator species.
Dominant plant species
-
balsam fir (Abies balsamea), tree
-
tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), grass
-
brownish sedge (Carex brunnescens), grass
Community 1.1
Birch - Oak Talus Woodland
These community types are partial canopy deciduous woodlands or patches of woodland among talus areas. Overall canopy closure may be <25% when the open areas are included. The herb layer is best developed in open patches and vegetation is generally very patchy in pockets among the rocks. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Resilience management. Maine Natural Areas Program State Rank: S3 Vulnerable – At moderate risk of extinction or elimination due to a fairly restricted range, relatively few populations or occurrences, recent and widespread declines, threats, or other factors. Talus woodlands receive little human use because of their inaccessibility and low timber value; however, areas at the base of talus slopes that receive water and nutrients from above sometimes have enough large trees to make logging economical. Conservation of these sites should include the range of talus forest cover, from the base of the slope on up, with a buffer of adjacent forest cover. South facing occurrences of this type in the southern part of the state may have provided historical habitat for the timber rattlesnake, which is believed to have been extirpated from Maine. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Dominant plant species
-
blue birch (Betula ×caerulea), tree
-
paper birch (Betula papyrifera), tree
-
northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
-
yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), tree
-
striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), tree
-
bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata), tree
-
lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), shrub
-
eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), shrub
-
tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), grass
-
bigleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), other herbaceous
-
marginal woodfern (Dryopteris marginalis), other herbaceous
-
rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum), other herbaceous
-
wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
-
Sheet and rill erosion
-
Wind erosion
-
Organic matter depletion
-
Aggregate instability
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 1.2
Acidic Cliff Gorge
Sparse vegetation occurs on steep outcrops or cliffs of granitic or other acidic rock. Marginal wood fern and rock polypody are characteristic ferns; fragrant wood fern can be found on cooler sites. Rock tripe lichens may form extensive patches. Sites occupy nearly vertical to vertical outcrops of non calcareous, erosion resistant rocks. Most are dry, with large unvegetated areas; a moist microclimate is maintained over local areas by runoff or seeps from higher elevations, or, in gorges, by the flowing streamwater. Smaller ledges and outcrops (e.g., less than 5,000 square feet of rock exposure) should be considered as inclusions in the surrounding forest rather than distinct natural communities. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Resilience management. Maine Natural Areas Program State Rank: S1 Critically Imperiled – At very high risk of extinction or elimination due to very restricted range, very few populations or occurrences, very steep declines, very severe threats, or other factors. Many sites are relatively inaccessible and minimally affected by either forestry or recreational activities. Several are within public lands or conservation ownership. Exposure and occasional fire are the major factors in keeping the vegetation relatively open. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Dominant plant species
-
tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), grass
-
brownish sedge (Carex brunnescens), grass
-
marginal woodfern (Dryopteris marginalis), other herbaceous
-
Rand's goldenrod (Solidago simplex ssp. randii), other herbaceous
-
rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
-
Sheet and rill erosion
-
Wind erosion
-
Organic matter depletion
-
Aggregate instability
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
State 2
Semi-natural State
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.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
Community 2.1
Invasiveness and Biological Introductions
Introduction of invasive species, pathogens, and/or pests resulting in shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics. More research is needed to determine the extent of these effects on the semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
State 3
Cultural State
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.
Community 3.1
Timber Management and Harvesting
Site harvested
Dominant resource concerns
-
Sheet and rill erosion
-
Wind erosion
-
Aggregate instability
-
Ponding and flooding
-
Drifted Snow
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Pressures from climate change and natural disturbances (erosion, flooding, wind, fire)
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Site managed and prepped for harvesting, thinned, harvested
Conservation practices
| Tree/Shrub Site Preparation | |
|---|---|
| Forage Harvest Management |
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Management, control, or removal of invasive species, pests, and/or pathogens
Conservation practices
| Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
|---|---|
| Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
| Native Plant Community Restoration and Management | |
| Invasive Species Pest Management | |
| Monitoring and Evaluation |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Site managed and prepped for harvesting, thinned, harvested
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Seeding, planting, restoration of soil disturbance, unmanaged
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Seeding, planting, restoration of soil disturbance, unmanaged
Additional community tables
Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Future work is needed, as described in a future project plan, to validate the information presented in this provisional ecological site description. Future work includes field sampling, data collection and analysis by qualified vegetation ecologists and soil scientists. As warranted, annual reviews of the project plan can be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD are necessary to approve a final document.
Other references
Comer, P., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Evans, S. Grawler, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, M. Pyne, M. Reid, K. Schultz, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2003. Ecological Systems of the United States: A Working Classification of U.S. Terrestrial Systems. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia
Gawler, S. and A. Cutko. 2010. Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Department of Conservation, Augusta, Maine.
NatureServe. 2018. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. NatureServe Explorer (accessed 10 July. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. (accessed 11 Aug. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Climate Research Station Data. Available online. (accessed 23 June. 2021).
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for [MLRA 146, Maine]. Available online. (accessed 14 Oct. 2021).
USNVC [United States National Vegetation Classification]. 2017. United States National Vegetation Classification Database V2.01. Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee, Washington DC. Available The U.S. National Vegetation Classification (usnvc.org) (accessed 2 July. 2021).
Contributors
Christopher Mann
Jamin Johanson
Approval
Nels Barrett, 9/27/2024
Acknowledgments
Nels Barrett, Nick Butler, and Carl Bickford provided considerable review of this ecological site concept.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 11/24/2024 |
| Approved by | Nels Barrett |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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