Western Alaska Maritime Graminoid Gravelly Plains, Berms
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Berm construction
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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State 1
Reference State
Description
The reference state supports one community phase that is distinguished by the developed structure and dominance of the vegetation and the ecological function and stability of the community (fig. 4). The reference plant community is grassland consisting of graminoids and forbs.
This report provides baseline vegetation inventory data. Future data collection is needed to provide further information about existing plant communities. Common and scientific names are from the USDA PLANTS database. All community phases are characterized by the Alaska Vegetation Classification System (Viereck et al., 1992).
Submodel
State 2
Berm Reconstruction
Description
This alternate state results from anthropogenic construction of coastal berms. Naturally shifting berms can create pathways for flooding during coastal storms. To prevent this, bulldozers have been used to reconstruct damaged berms and shore up existing berms (figs. 1 and 8). A new plant community consisting dominantly of bluejoint and coastal forbs typically colonizes these berms. This community commonly is on the gentle slopes of the leeward side of constructed berms. The steeper, exposed, coastal-facing side supports salt-resistant graminoids and forbs such as those in the reference state.
No browsing is associated with this alternate state.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is a result of the anthropogenic movement or buildup of berms. The plant community on the leeward side of the berms shifts from salt-resistant coastal vegetation to fast-growing, less salt-tolerant graminoids and forbs.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.