Aleutian Steep Tundra Slopes
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Military Operations historically, and Human development
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Aleutian Igneous Slope Tundra is a dwarf shrub community. Unlike surrounding ecological site communities, this dwarf shrub community is comprised of northern mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. ssp. minus), alpine bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpina), Alaska bellheather (Harrimanella stelleriana), Aleutian mountainheath (Phyllodoce aleutica), arctic willow (Salix arctica), and least willow (Salix rotundifolia). A composition of grasses and sedges are intermixed with the dwarf shrubs and lichen and moss cover. Frost heaving plays a role in vegetative cover and stability.
Sources referenced grazing by caribou, reindeer and small groups of cattle; however, no specific data was located on grazing effects on these communities.
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. Although this ecological site is not in the desired construction location, a few roads and other trails have extended into some of these communities, having an impact of site stability.
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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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.