Cinder Subsurface Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
State 1 Reference transitions to State 2 Cleared by large landslides, very severe storms, or removal of native vegetation and allowing colonization by weedy, introduced plant species when a nearby seed source for these invaders is present.
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Transition T1B
State 1 Reference transitions to State 3 Invaded Forest by landslide or wind damage to the forest when there is a nearby source of seeds of invasive species or, more gradually, by damage to the forest understory by ungulates, especially feral pigs, when there is a source of seeds of invasive species.
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Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 Cleared 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 invasive trees present on the site, especially if many competitive introduced species are present.
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Transition T2A
State 2 Cleared transitions to State 3 Invaded Forest by growth of an overstory of trees with an understory of shade-tolerant shrubs, vines, ferns, forbs, and grasses. The species mix is variable but may be mostly introduced species or a combination of native and introduced species.
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Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 Invaded Forest can be restored to State 1 Reference. The difficulty, cost, and likelihood of success will depend on the species composition and amount and competitiveness of introduced species present on a given site.
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Restoration pathway T3A
State 3 Invaded Forest can transition back to State 2 Cleared due to damage by landslide, a severe storm, or clearing by humans. State 2 is likely to rapidly transition to State 3 due to presence of an abundant tree seed bank in the soil.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This ecological site is the most diverse forest type in American Samoa. The tree canopy is moderately tall (49 to 58 feet or 15 to 18 meters). Ground cover is dense. Epiphytes and lianas are very abundant.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase dominated by a variable mixture of introduced and native shrubs, vines, forbs, and grasses that thrive in sunny environments.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase. It is forest with both overstory and understory composed of a variable mix of native and introduced species. The actual species composition on a given site depends on the original native species composition, the disturbance history, and the species composition existing near the site before, during, and after disturbances.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) Reference transitions to the Cleared State (2) by large landslides, very severe storms, or removal of native vegetation and allowing colonization by weedy, introduced plant species when a nearby seed source for these invaders is present.
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Invaded Forest State (3) by landslide or wind damage to the forest when there is a nearby source of seeds of invasive species or, more gradually, by damage to the forest understory by ungulates, especially feral pigs, when there is a source of seeds of invasive species.
Mechanism
The Cleared State (2) 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 invasive trees present on the site, especially if many competitive introduced species are present.
Mechanism
The Cleared State (2) transitions to the Invaded Forest State (3) by growth of an overstory of trees with an understory of shade-tolerant shrubs, vines, ferns, forbs, and grasses. The species mix is variable but may be mostly introduced species or a combination of native and introduced species.
Mechanism
The Invaded Forest State (3) can be restored to the Reference State (1). The difficulty, cost, and likelihood of success will depend on the species composition and amount and competitiveness of introduced species present on a given site.
Mechanism
The Invaded Forest State (3) can transition back to the Cleared State (2) due to damage by landslide, a severe storm, or clearing by humans. The Cleared State (2) is likely to rapidly transition to the Invaded Forest State (3) due to presence of an abundant tree seed bank in the soil.
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.