State and transition model
State 1
Reference State
Mixed Native Grasses with Sagebrush Over-Story
State 2
Current Potential
Mixed Native Grasses with Sagebrush Over-Story with Introduced, Non-Native Annual Grasses and Forbs
Characteristics and indicators. Sagebrush is a major component of the plant community, but a mix of warm and cool season native perennial grasses and forbs dominate the plant community. Introduced non-native annual grasses and forbs are only a small portion of the plant community. The composition of non-native annuals fluctuates based on climatic conditions and/or soil surface disturbance.
Resilience management. Grazing should be managed to enhance the vigor of native grasses and forbs. Fire should be used with caution and only when native grass and forb composition and vigor is sufficient to limit additional invasion by introduced non-native annual grasses and forbs.
State 3
Sagebrush Dominant State
Sagebrush with Sparse Under-Story of Native Grasses and Forbs
Characteristics and indicators. The percent composition and canopy cover of sagebrush has increased resulting in a sparse under-story of native grasses and forbs which are generally in poor vigor and capable of responding to only the most optimum climatic conditions. Soil surface erosion is often accelerated.
Resilience management. Due to the lack of available under-story plants to respond when the sagebrush composition and canopy are reduced, attempts to increase the herbaceous component of this plant community most likely should include provisions for seeding desired grasses and forbs.
State 4
Sagebrush Dominant with Introduced Non-Native Grasses and Forbs
Sagebrush with Sparse Under-Story of Native Grasses and Forbs and Introduced Non-Native Grasses and Forbs
Characteristics and indicators. The percent composition and canopy cover of sagebrush has increased resulting in a sparse under-story of native grasses and forbs which are generally in poor vigor and capable of responding to only the most optimum climatic conditions. Soil surface erosion is often accelerated. Introduced non-native grasses and forbs are better adapted to surviving and flourishing in a wide variety of climatic conditions further reducing composition and vigor of native grasses and forbs.
Resilience management. Due to the lack of available under-story plants to respond when the sagebrush composition and canopy are reduced, compounded by the presence of introduced non-native grases and forbs, attempts to increase the herbaceous component of this plant community most likely should include provisions for seeding desired grasses and forbs and possibly control of the non-native grasses and forbs.
State 5
Annual State
Non-Native Annual Grasses and Forbs Dominated
Characteristics and indicators. Annual grasses and forbs, predominantly non-native species, dominate the plant community. The composition of native perennial grasses and forbs and sagebrush is sparse, if found at all.
Resilience management. This is a self perpetuating plant community. A different mix of annual plants may occur every year, responding to differing climatic conditions from year to year. Restoring the plant community to one that is dominated by perennial grasses and forbs with a sagebrush over-story is difficult and will most likely require seeding desired plants and most likely control of non-native annual grasses and forbs.
Transition T1b - Introduced Non-Native Annual Grasses and Forbs
State 1 to 2
Transition T1a - Long Term Lack of Disturbance
State 1 to 3
Transition T2a - Long Term Lack of Disturbance
State 2 to 4
Transition T3a -Introduced Non-Native Annual Grasses and Forbs
State 3 to 4
Restoration pathway R4a - Sagebrush Control
State 4 to 2
Transition T4a - Severe Disturbance and/or Fire
State 4 to 5
Restoration pathway R5a - Seeding/Control of Annual Grasses and Forbs
State 5 to 2