Poorly Drained Calcareous Bottomland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 - 2 More details
- Transition T1 - 3 More details
- Transition T1 - 4 More details
- Restoration pathway R2 - 1 More details
- Transition T2 - 3 More details
- Transition T2 - 4 More details
- Restoration pathway R3 - 1 More details
- Restoration pathway R3 - 2 More details
- Transition T3 - 4 More details
- Restoration pathway R4 -1 More details
- Restoration pathway R4 - 3 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
The reference state is an open herbaceous wetland fed by mineral rich groundwater. Called fens, these areas support rare calciphiles (calcium loving plants) and many wetland plant species. Some vegetation communities may be endemic to a specific site. Variations of the reference state have been described in West Virginia, Virginia, and may exist in Pennsylvania. Most of this ecological site has been drained and converted to agriculture. This state and transition model is not intended to cover every situation nor the full range of conditions and species.
Submodel
Mechanism
Woody vegetation may become established due to disturbance of the fen hydrology. Pre-settlement fire may have contributed to maintaining the open wetlands, therefore fire suppression since human encroachment may contribute to the growth of trees and shrubs.
Mechanism
Deposition of transported soil material from adjacent disturbance provides avenues for invasive plant species to be introduced, and may change the chemistry of the system to no longer be as favorable to rare calciphiles. Livestock grazing disturbs the natural plant community.
Mechanism
Drainage; tillage; conservation cropping system established
Mechanism
Removal of woody plant species, seeding with native vegetation, and return of natural hydrology. Prohibit grazing by livestock.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide can be used for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Critical Area Planting-342; Early Successional Habitat Development-647; Fence-382; Forest Stand Improvement-666; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Tree/Shrub site Preparation-490; Wetland restoration-657; Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management-644.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Critical Area Planting |
|
|
Fence |
|
|
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
|
|
Wetland Restoration |
|
|
Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Shifts in hydrology that allow continuous saturation may inhibit growth of woody plant species. Livestock grazing may maintain and encourage grass and herbaceous species. Prescribed fire could potentially promote the return to an open marsh condition.
Mechanism
Removal of woody plant species, installation of drainage systems, tillage and planting of row crops or non-native pasture grasses.
Mechanism
Plant native seeds and seedlings, exclude livestock grazing, eliminate and manage nonnative and aggressive species, minimize influence of adjacent disturbances with establishment of a buffer area or other barrier. An even more aggressive treatment would involve removal of the recently deposited alluvium and excavation down to the original fen soil and organic material surface.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide can be used for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Critical Area Planting-342; Early Successional Habitat Development-647; Fence-382; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Wetland restoration-657; Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management-644.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Critical Area Planting |
|
|
Fence |
|
|
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
|
|
Wetland Restoration |
|
|
Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Woody vegetation may become established due to disturbance to the fen hydrology causing seasonal drier periods. Pre-settlement fire may have contributed to maintaining the open wetlands, therefore fire suppression since human encroachment may have contributed to the growth of trees and shrubs.
Mechanism
Installation of drainage systems, tillage, and establishment of row crops or non-native pasture grasses.
Mechanism
Plant native seeds and seedlings, exclude livestock grazing, eliminate and manage nonnative and aggressive species, minimize influence of adjacent disturbances with establishment of a buffer area or other barrier. An even more aggressive treatment would involve removal of the recently deposited alluvium and excavation down to the original fen soil and organic material surface.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide can be used for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Critical Area Planting-342; Early Successional Habitat Development-647; Fence-382; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Wetland restoration-657; Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management-644.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Critical Area Planting |
|
|
Fence |
|
|
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
|
|
Wetland Restoration |
|
|
Herbaceous Weed Control |
Model keys
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