Aleutian Dwarf Shrub Terraces
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Military Operations historically, and Human development
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Aleutian Dwarf Shrub Terraces ecological site is closely associated with the Aleutian Eolian Hills and Plains ecological site. Handsford et. al. 1969 Geologic Survey Report capture the typical community as an Cladonia-Carex meadow community. The black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) cover is reduced in this ecological site with the dominant cover being sedges, lichen, and other bryophytes. Areas of hummocks are still present but not as prevalent and are interspersed with large extents of meadow and other flowering plants.
A unique community complex found on the Aleutian Islands are interspersed mounds formed by moss and in some instances rocks. These distinct mounds provide a roosting or nesting zone for birds creating isolated micro-communities that are fed by the bird manure deposited by the migrating bird populations over the centuries.
Submodel
Description
The events of World War II impacted much of the Alaska Coastline, including the Aleutian Islands and the villages. The establishment of Military installations, the roads and other infrastructure installed, and the equipment movement around these instillations had a significant impact. As such the current increase in development and some expansion in these village communities has continued to create disturbance on the landscape. Much of these communities were/are left to recover naturally. The colonization of these areas leads to a notable community.
Submodel
Mechanism
Extensive military operations occurred several of the islands leading to significant disturbance. Road systems, base developments, housing, and military equipment movement removed vast areas of cover and altered the landscape. Most of these areas were left to recover naturally. Current development around villages and port access on the islands are expanding to a minor degree on these remote islands, providing a source for further disturbance.
Model keys
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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.