Sandy Littoral Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
State 1 Reference transitions to State 2 Coconut Plantation by removal of native vegetation and planting coconut palms (Cocos nucifera).
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Transition T1B
State 1 Reference transitions to State 3 Abandoned if cleared and abandoned. This allows heliophytes, both native and introduced, to temporarily cover the understory.
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Transition T2A
State 2 Coconut Plantation transitions to State 3 Abandoned with abandonment of coconut plantations, which are quickly invaded by low-statured, native and/or introduced heliophytes.
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Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 Abandoned may be restored to State 1 Reference. The intensity of active restoration measures will be determined by the presence or lack of nearby native forest or, at least, some native trees as well as the density and species mix of grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees present on the site, especially if many competitive introduced species are present.
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Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 Abandoned may be restored to State 2 Coconut Plantation by land clearing, weed control, and replanting coconut palms.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This ecological site occupies a narrow area on the immediate coast and typically exhibits zonation into several bands that run roughly parallel to the coastline. These zones may be indistinct or missing in some locations. There are two community phases dominated. Plant species here are primarily salt-resistant heliophytes that propagate by seeds that are buoyant and salt-resistant or are transported by birds.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase that has been cleared of natural vegetation and planted with coconut palms (Cocos nucifera).
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase dominated by a variable mixture of native and introduced small trees, shrubs, vines, forbs, and grasses that thrive in sunny environments. Remnant coconut palms are likely be present.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Coconut Plantation State (2) by removal of native vegetation and planting coconut palms (Cocos nucifera).
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Abandoned State (3) if cleared and abandoned. This allows heliophytes, both native and introduced, to temporarily cover the understory.
Mechanism
The Coconut Plantation State (2) transitions to the Abandoned State (3) with abandonment of coconut plantations, which are quickly invaded by low-statured, native and/or introduced heliophytes.
Mechanism
The Abandoned State (3) may be restored to the Reference State (1). The intensity of active restoration measures will be determined by the presence or lack of nearby native forest or, at least, some native trees as well as the density and species mix of grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees present on the site, especially if many competitive introduced species are present.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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.