Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R028AB324UT
Upland Shallow Loam (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South
Last updated: 6/12/2025
Accessed: 10/22/2025
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville
MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 36,775 square miles (95,246 square kilometers). A large area west and southwest of Great Salt Lake is a salty playa. This area is the farthest eastern extent of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level basins between widely separated mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep side slopes. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,204 to 2000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (1996 to 3398 meters) in the mountains. Much of the MLRA has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface from pluvial Lake Bonneville, which dominated this MLRA 13,000 years ago. A level line of remnant lake terraces on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The Great Salt Lake is what remains of the pluvial lake.
Mountains in the interior of this MLRA consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age with scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks. The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in the valleys and ranges up to 49 inches (124 cm) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall in the southern LRU occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season (April through September). The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn in the northern LRU. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 °F (4 to 12 °C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with increasing elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. Soils are dominantly in the mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. The soils are generally well drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.
LRU notes
The Basin and Range South LRU has mountain ranges that are about 40 percent sedimentary/metasedimentary (limestone/quartzite dominant) and about 40 percent Tertiary volcanics. The basin floors are generally higher in the southern LRU than in the north LRU between 4,900 and 6,100 feet (1,493 to 1,859 meters) in elevation. The Basin and Range South LRU also exhibits patterns of summers with a greater relative amount of precipitation in July and August coming from convective storms (ustic trending pattern). Pinyon and juniper ecological sites have a great percentage of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis or monophylla) than Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), with pinyon pine up to 50 percent of the tree composition in the semidesert zones and more than 50 percent in upland zones. Warm season grasses, such as James’ galleta (Pleuraphis jamesii) or blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), are present within the plant community, and can make up a large portion of the subdominant grass composition. Bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) and cliffrose (Purshia sp.) are also present and dominant on some ecological sites in the southern LRU, while they are sparse or absent in the northern LRU.
Ecological site concept
The Upland Shallow Loam (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South site is located on mountainsides, hillsides and mountain slopes on steep slopes (30 to 70 percent) between 4,300 and 5,800 feet (1,310 to 1,767 meters) although it can be found up to 7,800 feet (2,377 m). The soil is shallow to a lithic bedrock layer. The soil was formed in colluvium and/or residuum derived from intermediate igneous rock or sedimentary rock. The surface texture is extremely gravelly loam with up to 54 percent cover of rocks on the soil surface. The rock volume in the soil profile is about 54 percent. The precipitation ranges from 8 to 18 inches (203 to 457 mm). The dominant vegetation is scattered singleleaf pinyon pine and Utah juniper with an understory of black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). The plant composition by air-dry weight is about 50 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 15 percent trees.
Associated sites
| R028AY418UT |
Mountain Loam (Bigtooth Maple) This site can occur in concave positions higher in elevation. |
|---|---|
| R028AB338UT |
Upland Stony Loam (pinyon-Utah juniper) South This site occurs where the soil is deeper and rocky. |
Similar sites
| R028AY324UT |
Upland Shallow Loam (Utah Juniper - Singleleaf Pinyon) This site occurs in the Basin and Range North LRU and has less summer precipitation influence in the plant community composition. |
|---|---|
| R028AB338UT |
Upland Stony Loam (pinyon-Utah juniper) South The soil has more rock fragments in the soil profile which effects the production of the site and can be found on steeper slopes. |
| R028AB320UT |
Upland Shallow Hardpan (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South This site occurs on upper fan remnants and has a shallow petrocalcic contact and not a shallow lithic contact. |
| F028AY074NV |
PIMO JUOS/ARNO4/PSSP-ACHY This site is similar to R028AA324UT but was developed in Nevada. |
| R028AY308UT |
Upland Gravelly Loam (Singleleaf Pinyon-Utah Juniper) This site is not shallow and is found on gentle slopes (less than 15 percent). |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Pinus monophylla |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia nova |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata |
Physiographic features
The Upland Shallow Loam (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South site occurs on mountainsides, hillsides, and mountain slopes. This site is found on all aspects at elevations between 4,300 and 5,800 feet (1,310 to 1,767 meters). Slopes are steep (20 to 60 percent).
Figure 1.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hillside or mountainside
(2) Mountain slope |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,300 – 5,800 ft |
| Slope | 20 – 60% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate is characterized by warm, dry summers, cold, snowy winters and moist springs. The average annual precipitation is between 8 and 18 inches. There are summer convective storms that occur beginning in July. These storms are intermittent and may not occur reliably every year, however they may provide enough summer moisture to alter the plant community with warm season grasses. The effective moisture for plant growth is the 52 percent that falls during the plant dormant period, which wets the soil deeply in the spring.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 9-18 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | |
| Freeze-free period (average) | |
| Precipitation total (average) | 13 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, the Upland Shallow Loam (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South site is not typically influenced by streams or wetlands. It can sometimes be influenced by overland flow during heavy thunder storms and/or during wetter spring runoff periods.
Soil features
The soils are shallow over bedrock between 10 and 20 inches of the soil surface. They formed in colluvium and/or residuum derived from intermediate igneous or sedimentary rocks. The surface horizon has extremely gravelly loam textures and about 4 inches (10 cm) thick. Up to 54 percent of the soil surface is covered by rock fragments. The volume of rock fragments in the soil profile is 6 to 54 percent. Permeability is moderate to impermeable. The soil moisture regime is xeric and the soil temperature regime is mesic.
Soil Map Units that may contain this site:
Soil Survey Area: Soil Components (Map units in parentheses)
West Millard-Juab Area, Utah, Parts of Millard and Juab Counties (UT617): Lodar (2, 3); Reywat (64)
Loa-Marysvale Area, Utah, Parts of Piute, Wayne and Garfield Counties (UT629): Bodacious (111); Lorhunt (111); Pass Canyon (111, 157, 177, 189); Reebok (177)
Iron-Washington Area, Utah, Parts of Iron, Kane, and Washington Counties (UT634): Ikit (391); Lorhunt (391, 426)
Beaver-Cove Fort Area, Utah (UT640): Kersick (KCF); McQuarrie (MKF); McQuarrie variant (MLF, RDG2); Pass Canyon (PBF3, LCF2, PPF2)
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Colluvium
–
igneous and sedimentary rock
(2) Residuum |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Extremely gravelly loam |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate |
| Depth to restrictive layer | 10 – 20 in |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 9 – 35% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 29% |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
1.2 – 1.6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified) |
40 – 50% |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
10 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
7.9 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
8 – 37% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
20% |
Ecological dynamics
The Upland Shallow Loam (Singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper) South site is found in the Great Salt Lake Area of the Basin and Range Ecological Provence. It developed under the natural ecological conditions found there, including the normal influences of native wildlife herbivory, fire and climate. Species composition is generally dominated by an overstory canopy of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon. Black sagebrush dominates the shrub layer. A mix of other shrubs including smooth horsebrush, alderleaf mountain mahogany and antelope bitterbrush commonly occur. Perennial herbaceous species occurrence and production is directly related to overstory canopy density with bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass found most often.
Evidence indicates that this site historically maintained a fairly long burn cycle (100 years or more). Very old singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper are common on most undisturbed sites. Over time, without fire, tree and shrub canopies increase in density, slowly reducing understory herbaceous vegetation. Following stand removing fire, perennial grasses and forbs flourish for a time, but without fire are again reduced.
Severe drought and insect damage can affect singleleaf pinyon in some locations, causing them to die out, often allowing Utah juniper to further increase. This event can also allow for an increase in shrubs and herbaceous species during periods when wetter years return.
Because of the sites steep slopes, stony, shallow soils, and droughty aspect, it is rarely chained and or seeded to introduced forage species. Cheatgrass and annual forbs are most likely to invade this site.
As vegetative communities respond to changes caused by natural or human caused events that cause them to cross ecological thresholds, a return to previous states may not be possible. The amount of effort needed to affect desired vegetative shifts depends on a sites present biotic and abiotic features and the desired results.
The following State and Transition diagram depicts the most common plant communities found on this ecological site. It does not necessarily depict all the plant communities that can occur, but does show the most prevalent and repeatable. As more data are collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones added. These descriptions capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
State and transition model
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Ecosystem states
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State describes the various biotic communities that are expected to be found on this ecological site under natural conditions. The Reference State has an overstory canopy of Utah juniper with lesser amounts of singleleaf and/or two-needle pinyon. The shrub layer is typically dominated by black sagebrush. A mixture of other shrubs including big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and alderleaf mountain mahogany are commonly found. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the dominant herbaceous species with Nevada bluegrass and Indian ricegrass commonly occurring. Other native grasses, forbs, and shrubs will often produce a significant portion of vegetative composition in the plant community. The reference state is self-sustaining and resistant to change due to a good natural resilience to its natural disturbances. The primary natural disturbance mechanisms are wildlife population densities which can affect the shrub layer composition, weather fluctuations, and fire period. Definitions: Reference State: Natural plant communities as influenced by tree and shrub canopy densities, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Indicators: These communities are dominated by Utah juniper, black sagebrush, and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the tree and shrub canopies determines the amount and composition of the other native species present in the community. The composition by air-dry weight is approximately 15 percent trees, 35 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 40 percent shrubs. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self-sustaining tree, shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, an increase in fire frequency, or other disturbances may allow for the establishment of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and conditions are created that may allow invasive plants to establish. Trigger: The establishment of invasive plant species.
Characteristics and indicators. This state will not have non-native species in the plant communities.
Community 1.1
Old growth Utah Juniper/Black Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
This community phase is characterized by an open canopy of old Utah juniper and singleleaf or two-needle pinyon. Black sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs are also often present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 50 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 15 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (10 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 75 | 200 | 325 |
| Shrub/Vine | 85 | 125 | 225 |
| Tree | 75 | 125 | 175 |
| Forb | 20 | 50 | 125 |
| Total | 255 | 500 | 850 |
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-20% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 10-30% |
| Forb foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 15-25% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 1.2
Bluebunch wheatgrass/pinyon and juniper seedlings/shrubs
This community phase is characterized by a post-fire shrub and herbaceous community. Bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Forbs may increase post-fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper seedlings up to 20 inches in height may be present. Sagebrush may be present in unburned patches. Burned tree skeletons may be present; however, these have little or no effect on the understory vegetation.
Community 1.3
Young pinyon and juniper/perennial bunchgrasses/shrubs
This community phase is characterized as an immature woodland with pinyon, juniper trees averaging over 4 feet in height. Pinyon and juniper canopy cover is between 10 to 20 percent. Tree crowns are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation consists of smaller tree seedling and saplings, as well as perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush.
Community 1.4
Closed Canopy - Utah Juniper/Black Sagebrush (at-risk)
This community phase is characterized by a closed canopy of Utah juniper and singleleaf or two-needle pinyon. Black sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common understory shrubs. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass are present in the herbaceous layer but are somewhat reduced. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may also be present. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 20 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, 40 percent shrubs, and 35 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (10 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold; without proper management this phase will transition to the Infilled Woodland State. This community phase is typically described as early Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
Table 8. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-20% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 10-30% |
| Forb foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 9. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 15-25% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
A high severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows the perennial bunchgrasses to increase.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.4
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Time without disturbance such as fire, long-term drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Black and big sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Time without disturbance such as fire, long-term drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.4
Fire reduces or eliminates tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 1.4a
Community 1.4 to 1.1
This community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and some level of fire reduces Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon, significantly opening the sites canopy. Insect damage on singleleaf pinyon can also cause its canopy to be reduced on this site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to recover and increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 1.4b
Community 1.4 to 1.2
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
State 2
Current Potential State
The Current Potential State is similar to the Reference Sate except that non-native species are now present. Ecological function has not changed; however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of non-native species. These non-natives, particularly cheatgrass, can be highly flammable and promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the nonnatives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Fires within this community with the small amount of non-native annual species present are likely still small and patchy due to low fuel loads. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all/most of the following community phases within this state. This state describes the plant communities that may or have become established on this ecological site under various successional sequences and disturbance conditions. This state typically has a well developed overstory canopy composed of Utah juniper with lesser amounts of singleleaf and/or two-needle pinyon. Black sagebrush often dominates the shrub layer. Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common shrub species. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the dominant herbaceous species with Indian ricegrass, Nevada bluegrass and other perennial grasses and forbs also commonly found in abundance. Cheatgrass, alyssum, various mustard species and other non-native species are present on the site and, under certain circumstances, may visually dominate the sites aspect. The primary disturbance mechanisms are the tree and shrub layer densities; the amount and kinds of invasive species present; weather fluctuations; and fire. The current potential state is still self-sustaining but may be losing its resistance to change due to the impact of disturbances with less resilience following those disturbances. Definitions: Current Potential State: Plant communities influenced by tree and shrub canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Invasive species are present in various amounts. Indicators: A community dominated by Utah juniper, black sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the tree and shrub canopies determines the amount and composition of the other native and introduced grasses and forbs that may be present. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self sustaining shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, more frequent fires, and/or other disturbances that may allow for the increase of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase. Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.
Characteristics and indicators. This state will have non-native species in the plant community.
Community 2.1
Open Canopy - Utah Juniper/Black Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Invasive weed
This community phase is characterized by an open canopy of Utah juniper and singleleaf or two-needle pinyon. Black sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include cheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass. Non-native species are now present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 35 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 25 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent), and surface rock fragments (10 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces. Ground fires within this community are infrequent occurring on average every 15 to 25 years. This fire type will create a plant community mosaic that will include all/most of the following community phases within this state. Annual non-native species are present in trace amounts.
Table 10. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-20% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 10-30% |
| Forb foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 11. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 15-25% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 2.2
Bluebunch wheatgrass/pinyon and juniper seedlings/shrubs
This community phase is characterized by a post-fire shrub and herbaceous community. Bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial grasses dominate. Forbs may increase post-fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Pinyon and juniper seedlings up to 20 inches in height may be present. Sagebrush may be present in unburned patches. Burned tree skeletons may be present; however, these have little or no effect on the understory vegetation. Annual non-native species generally respond well after fire and may be stable or increasing within the community.
Community 2.3
Pinyon and juniper young trees/perennial bunchgrasses/shrubs
This community phase is characterized by an immature woodland, with singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper trees averaging over 4.5 feet in height. Tree canopy cover is between 10 to 20 percent. Tree crowns are typically cone- or pyramidal-shaped. Understory vegetation consists of smaller tree seedling and saplings, as well as perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs. Annual nonnative species are present.
Community 2.4
Pinyon and Utah Juniper/perennial bunchgrasses/shrubs
This community phase is characterized by a canopy of Utah juniper and singleleaf or two-needle pinyon that exceeds 20 percent cover. The density and vigor of the mountain big sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass understory is decreased. Bare ground areas are likely to increase. Mat-forming forbs may increase. Annual non-native species are present primarily under tree canopies. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold, without proper management this phase will transition to the Infilled Tree State 3. This community phase is typically described as early Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008). Black sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and alderleaf mountain mahogany are common understory shrubs. Cheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass are present in the herbaceous layer but are much reduced. Non-native species are now present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 20 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 40 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 tp 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (10 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Table 12. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-20% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 10-30% |
| Forb foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 13. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 15-25% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component. This allows for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.4
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon to significantly increase. This closed canopy causes understory vegetation to be reduced or nearly eliminated from the site. Drought and/or improper livestock grazing alone, or in combination, can also reduce native perennial grass production, and eventually eliminate them from the system. Non-native annuals may increase during these periods.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Time without disturbance such as fire, long-term drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of the singleleaf pinyon and Utah Juniper component. Sagebrush reestablishes. Excessive herbivory may also reduce perennial grass understory.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Time without disturbance such as fire, long-term drought, or disease will allow for the gradual maturation of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper. Infilling by younger trees continues.
Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.4
Fire reduces or eliminates tree canopy, allowing perennial grasses to dominate the site
Pathway 2.4a
Community 2.4 to 2.1
This community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and some level of fire reduces Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon, significantly opening the sites canopy. Insect damage on singleleaf pinyon can also cause it to be reduced on this site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to increase and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 2.4b
Community 2.4 to 2.2
A high-severity crown fire will eliminate or reduce the singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper overstory and the shrub component which will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Annual non-native grasses typically respond positively to fire and may increase in the post-fire community.
State 3
Infilled Tree State
The Infilled Tree State has one community phase that is characterized by the dominance of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon in the overstory. This state is identifiable by 30 to over 50 percent cover of Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon. This stand exhibits a mixed age class. Older trees are at maximal height and upper crowns may be flat-topped or rounded. Younger trees are typically cone- or pyramidal shaped. Understory vegetation is sparse due to increasing shade and competition from trees.
Community 3.1
Pinyon and juniper/invasive annuals/native perennials and shrubs
Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper dominate the aspect. Understory vegetation is thinning. Perennial bunchgrasses are sparse and mountain big sagebrush skeletons are as common as live shrubs due to tree competition for soil water, overstory shading, and duff accumulation. Tree canopy cover is greater than 30 percent. Annual non-native species are present or co-dominate in the understory. Bare ground areas are prevalent. This community phase is typically described as a Phase II woodland (Miller et al. 2008).
State 4
Annual State
The Annual occurs when a recent crown fire has removed most of the Utah juniper and any pinyon trees present from the site. Black sagebrush and other fire sensitive species have also been removed or significantly reduced. The site has a herbaceous aspect with both native and non-native grass and forb species present. Fire resistant shrubs are typically recovering and are increasing in the communities associated with this state. The herbaceous vegetation communities associated with this state can be highly variable depending on the before fire conditions. Typically however, bluebunch wheatgrass is the dominant herbaceous species with Indian ricegrass, Nevada bluegrass and other perennial grasses and forbs commonly found. Cheatgrass, alyssum, various mustard species and other non-native species are often present on the site and, under certain circumstances, may visually dominate the sites aspect. The primary disturbance mechanisms intensity of the fire; the amount and kinds of native and non-native species present; weather fluctuations; and time since the fire occurred. This state may be losing self-sustainability or may be increasing its resistance to degradation due to the impact of fire and the before fire conditions. Definitions: Annual State: Plant communities influenced by recent crown fire and its impact on the tree and shrub canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, time since the fire occurred. Invasive species are present in various amounts. Indicators: A community dominated by herbaceous species. The kind and amounts of native and introduced grasses and forbs that may be present. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self sustaining shrub and native grass community to develop. Prolonged drought, more frequent fires, and/or other disturbances that may allow for the increase of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase. Annual grasses and forbs that may shorten the sites fire period. Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.
Community 4.1
Introduced non-native species/native perennials/native shrubs
This community phase is created after fire has recently (typically 1 to 5 years) removed most of the Utah juniper and singleleaf or two-needle pinyon from the site. Black sage, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush and alderleaf mountain mahogany have also been reduced but may be slowly recovering. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include cheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass and Indian ricegrass. Non-native species are present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part and potentially dominate these communities. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 60 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 20 percent shrubs and 10% trees. Bare ground is variable (2-50%) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1-25%) and surface rock fragments (10-70%). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Table 14. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-20% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 10-30% |
| Forb foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 15. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 15-25% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This transitional pathway occurs when any combination of improper livestock grazing, prolonged drought, or other disturbance causes the perennial herbaceous community to become significantly reduced allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle, and other invasive weeds to become established. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Once invasive species occupy the site, a threshold has been crossed. Cheatgrass, however, has been known to become established in healthy communities on this site. Trigger: Introduction of non-native annual species Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native plants will increase within the community. Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Trigger: Time and a lack of disturbance allow trees to dominate site resources; may be coupled with inappropriate grazing management that favors shrub and tree dominance. Slow variables: Over time the abundance and size of trees will increase. Threshold: Juniper and pinyon canopy cover is greater than 30 percent. Little understory vegetation remains due to competition with trees for site resources.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Trigger: Catastrophic crown fire facilitates the establishment of non-native, annual weeds. Slow variables: Increase in tree crown cover, loss of perennial understory and an increase in annual non-native species. Threshold: Cheatgrass or other non-native annuals dominate understory. Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes spatial and temporal nutrient cycling and nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter. Increased canopy cover of trees allows severe stand-replacing fire. The increased seed bank of non-native, annual species responds positively to post-fire conditions facilitating the transition to an Annual State.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
This transitional pathway occurs when a major fire removes nearly all the Utah juniper and any pinyon present from the site. A combination of improper livestock grazing, prolonged drought or other disturbance can slow the expected recovery of the perennial herbaceous community, allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle, and other invasive weeds to flourish. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Fire tolerant shrubs will often recover quickly during these periods.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
Manual or mechanical thinning of trees coupled with seeding. Probability of success is highest from early on in community phase 3.1 before the understory is depleted.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Trigger: Fire reduces the tree overstory and allows for the annual non-native species in the understory to dominate the site. Soil disturbing treatments such as slash and burn may also reduce tree canopy and allow for non-native annual species to increase. Slow variables: Over time, cover and production of annual non-native species increases. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs changes temporal and spatial nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by increasing frequency, size, and spatial variability of fires.
Additional community tables
Table 16. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 125–225 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 55–120 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 15–60 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 15–60 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 25–55 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 5–20 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 1–20 | – | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 1–20 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 1–20 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 1–20 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 1–20 | – | ||
| saline wildrye | LESAS | Leymus salinus ssp. salinus | 1–20 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 1–20 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 1–20 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 1–20 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 1–20 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 1–20 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 35–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 7–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 7–20 | – | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 1–20 | – | ||
| Fendler's sandwort | ARFE3 | Arenaria fendleri | 1–20 | – | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 1–20 | – | ||
| Hooker's balsamroot | BAHO | Balsamorhiza hookeri | 1–20 | – | ||
| Wyoming Indian paintbrush | CALI4 | Castilleja linariifolia | 1–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 1–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 1–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 1–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 1–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 1–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 1–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 1–20 | – | ||
| ballhead ipomopsis | IPCOC3 | Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta | 1–20 | – | ||
| Bonneville pea | LABR | Lathyrus brachycalyx | 1–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 1–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 1–20 | – | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 1–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 1–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 1–20 | – | ||
| gooseberryleaf globemallow | SPGR2 | Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia | 1–20 | – | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 1–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 70–150 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 45–150 | – | ||
| alderleaf mountain mahogany | CEMO2 | Cercocarpus montanus | 10–60 | – | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 10–60 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 20–40 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–30 | – | ||
| Utah serviceberry | AMUT | Amelanchier utahensis | 0–30 | – | ||
| desert ceanothus | CEGR | Ceanothus greggii | 0–30 | – | ||
| littleleaf mountain mahogany | CEIN7 | Cercocarpus intricatus | 0–30 | – | ||
| curl-leaf mountain mahogany | CELE3 | Cercocarpus ledifolius | 0–30 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–30 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–30 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–30 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–30 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–30 | – | ||
| Mexican cliffrose | PUME | Purshia mexicana | 0–30 | – | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–30 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 6 | Trees | 100–160 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 50–120 | – | ||
| twoneedle pinyon | PIED | Pinus edulis | 20–50 | – | ||
| singleleaf pinyon | PIMO | Pinus monophylla | 20–50 | – | ||
Interpretations
Supporting information
Other references
Anderson, E. W. and R. J. Scherzinger. 1975. Improving quality of winter forage for elk by cattle grazing. Journal of Range Management:120-125.
Baily, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United Sates. Available http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html. Accessed February 27, 2008.
Belnap, J. and S.L. Phillips. 2001. Soil biota in an ungrazed grassland: response to annual grass (Bromus tectorum) invasion. Ecological Applications. 11:1261-1275
Blaisdell, J.P. and J.F. Pechanec. 1949. Effects of herbage removal at various dates on vigor of bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsamroot. Ecology 30(3):298-305.
Chapin, S.F., B.H. Walker, R.J. Hobbs, D.U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, O.E. Sala, and D. Tilman. 1997. Biotic control over the functioning of ecosystems. Science. 277:500-504
Cox R.D. and V.J. Anderson. 2004. Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management. 57:203-210,
Daubenmire, R. 1970. Steppe Vegetation of Washington. 131 pp.
Gruell, G.E. 1999. Historical and modern roles of fire in pinyon-juniper. In: S. B. Monsen, R. Stevens [comps.] Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon–juniper communities within the Interior West. RMRS-P-9. Ogden, UT, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 24-28.
Howard, Janet L. 2003. Atriplex canescens. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Jameson, D.A. 1970. Degradation and accumulation on inhibitory substances from Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little. Plant Soil 33: 213-224.
Knight, A.P. and R.G. Walter. 2001. A guide to plant poisoning of animals in North America. Teton NewMedia. Jackson, WY.
Laycock, W. A. 1967. How heavy grazing and protection affect sagebrush-grass ranges. Journal of Range Management:206-213.
Lett, M. S., and A. K. Knapp. 2005. Woody plant encroachment and removal in mesic grassland: Production and composition responses of herbaceous vegetation. American Midland Naturalist 153:217-231.
Miller, R.F., J.C. Chambers, D.A. Pyke, F.B. Pierson, and C.J. Williams. 2013. A review of fire effects on vegetation and soils in the Great Basin Region: response and ecological site characteristics. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-308. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 126 p.
Miller, R. F., T. J. Svejcar, and J. A. Rose. 2000. Impacts of western juniper on plant community composition and structure. Journal of Range Management:574-585.
Miller, R.F. R.J. Tasuch, E.D. McArthur, D.D. Johnson and S.C. Sanderson. 2008. Age Structure and Expansion of Pinon-Juniper Woodlands: A Regional Perspective in the Intermountain West. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-69. Fort Collins CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 15
National Engineering Handbook. US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available: http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/Default.cfm#National%20Engineering%20Handbook. Accessed February 25, 2008.
NRCS Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Fort Worth, TX, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 190-VI-NRPH.
Pierson, F. B., C. J. Williams, P. R. Kormos, S. P. Hardegree, P. E. Clark, and B. M. Rau. 2010. Hydrologic vulnerability of sagebrush steppe following pinyon and juniper encroachment. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63:614-629.
Tausch, R. J. 1999. Historic pinyon and juniper woodland development. In: S. B. Monsen, R. Stevens [comps.] Proceedings ecology and management of pinyon-juniper communities within the Interior West; 1997 September 15-18. RMRS-P-9. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Proceedings. p. 12-19.
Tilley, D.J. 2007. Reintroducing native plants to the American West. Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID, USA: US Department of Agriculture. Available: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html. Accessed February 22, 2008.
Tisdale, E. W. and M. Hironaka. 1981. The sagebrush-grass region: A review of the ecological literature. University of Idaho, Forest, Wildlife and Range Experiment Station.
Utah Climate Summaries. 2008. Available: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmut.html. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 2007.
Woods, A.J., D.A. Lammers, S.A. Bryce, J.M. Omernik, R.L. Denton, M. Domeier, and J.A. Comstock. 2001. Ecoregions of Utah (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,175,000).
Contributors
David J. Somorville
DJS
Keith Wadman And Shane A. Green
V. Keith Wadman
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 6/12/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 06/13/2025 |
| Approved by | Kendra Moseley |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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