Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Ecological site VX226X00A112

Aleutian Rolling Meadow Lowlands

Last updated: 6/14/2025
Accessed: 10/21/2025

Home / Esd catalog / MLRA 226X / Ecological site VX226X00A112

USC

Metric

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): 226X–Aleutian Islands-Western Alaska Peninsula

MLRA 226X is the only MLRA in the Aleutian Alaska Region. It makes up about 5,190 square miles (13,450 square kilometers). The chain of islands includes west of Unimak Island to Attu Island, the Pribilof Islands, and the Sanak Islands. Characteristics and weather patterns of the far western end of the Alaska Peninsula is being included in this MLRA. It is bordered on the south by the Pacific Ocean and on the north by the Bering Sea (the Pribilof Islands are bordered on all sides by the Bering Sea). The coastline is complex, with many prominent headlands, sea cliffs, and narrow, steep-walled bays. Elevation ranges from sea level to more than 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) on many of the islands. Islands drain into the North Pacific and the Bering Sea by numerous short, steep-gradient rivers and streams. Lakes make up less than 2 percent of the area.

Geology
This MLRA includes more than 50 volcanoes, with an estimated 27 with activity since the 1950s. Volcanic rocks and unconsolidated deposits from the Quaternary and Tertiary period overlie a submarine ridge of Tertiary sedimentary rocks. Glacial ice once covered the eastern part of the area to approximately Umnak Island. West of Umnak, only the upper elevations were glaciated. Glaciers account for only 1.5 percent, occurring on the highest volcanoes. Volcanic activity has mantled most of the area with thick deposits of silty volcanic ash, sandy and gravelly cinders, and volcanic rubble. Lower elevations have areas of glacial influenced landforms. Recent coastal and fluvial deposits occur in scattered areas along the coast and on flood plains.

Water
Precipitation is adequate for crops generally. Permanent mountain streams feed most of the MLRA. The surface water generally is suitable for all uses. The ground water used in this MLRA is primarily from unconsolidated river valley sediments and bedrock aquifers. Iron is commonly high in the ground water, causing staining and precipitate in pipes. Wells are shallow with constant recharge by freshwater (rainfall and runoff); and are highly susceptible to contamination from runoff. The intrusion of seawater can be a problem along the coast.

Soils
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Andisols and Histosols. Miscellaneous areas (cinder land, rock outcrop, water, riverwash, and beaches) make up about 45 percent of this MLRA. The main soils are: Cryofibrists are poorly drained or very poorly drained and formed in thick deposits of organic material, along the margins of streams and lakeshores.
Tsammana series, Andic Dystrocryepts, Aquandic Dystrocryepts and Vitrandic Dystrocryepts are coarse marine sediments underlain by volcanic deposits. Zolotoi series and other Haplocryands are shallow to deep, well drained to excessively drained, and formed in moderately thick or thick deposits of silty to sandy volcanic ash and coarse sandy to gravelly cinders over basalt bedrock. Polovina series and other Vitricryands are shallow to deep, well drained to excessively drained, and formed in moderately thick or thick deposits of silty to sandy volcanic ash and coarse sandy to gravelly cinders over basalt bedrock.

Biological Resources
Higher elevation vegetation consists of a mosaic of dwarf shrub scrub and lower elevations are wet and dry grasslands. Peatland vegetation consists of low ericaceous shrub scrub. No naturally occurring forests occur on the islands. Aleutian shield fern, Steller sea lion, and the Aleutian Canada goose are currently listed as threatened or endangered. The area is an important winter habitat and nesting habitat for waterfowl and a variety of other birds. Some of the eastern islands support small herds of caribou.

Land Use
Commercial fishing is the primary enterprise, with fur seal harvesting for pelts and meat, Reindeer herding, and small cattle herds. Subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering are critical for local residents. The major resource concerns are water erosion and mass wasting of soils. Overgrazing by reindeer has impacted vegetation and introduction of rats, dogs, cats, and foxes has severely impacted the nesting bird populations.

LRU notes

MLRA 226X, although very size-limited, contains a very complex and dynamic of weather patterns driven by the Pacific air currents on the southern exposure of the islands, and the Bering Sea to the north. The mixing or colliding of these two systems, creates very dramatic and intense storm systems that batter the islands. Weather variables from the Pacific to the Bering Sea, extent from west to east, as well as the extreme elevational gradient moving from sea level to Alpine life zone lends to a community diversity that is difficult to describe across an MLRA extent. Land Resource Units (LRUs) will need to be developed for this MLRA, as more extensive soils survey mapping is completed.

Classification relationships

Alaska-Aleutian province of the Pacific Mountain System.

USFS Description of Ecoregions of the United States
100 Polar Domain
120 Tundra Division
126 Bering Tundra (Southern) Province
M120 Tundra Division - Mountain Province
M127 Aleutian Oceanic Meadow--Heath Province
(USFS, 1994)

United States National Vegetation Classification
C04. Polar & High Montane Scrub, Grassland & Barrens Class
S12. Temperate to Polar Alpine & Tundra Vegetation Subclass
F031. Polar Tundra & Barrens Formation
D044. Arctic Tundra & Barrens Division
(USNVC, 2019)

LandFire BpS Model/Description Version: Nov. 2024
16110 - Western Northern American Boreal Mesic Bluejoint-Forb Meadow
16510 - Aleutian Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
(Landfire, 2009)

Ecological site concept

- Soils are associated with alluvial fans, glacial deposits (till and fluvioglacial), mountain side slopes, hills, and ridges.
- Soils have a very minor volcanic influence (not ash driven, nor on volcanic related landforms), and have gravelly outwash or sedimentary bedrock influence.
- Soils are moderately deep to very deep but may have increased rock fragments through the profile resulting in very shallow restrictive layers.
- Site is an herbaceous meadow with few to no woody species present.

Associated sites

VX226X00A109	Aleutian Shallow Cliffs and Slopes The Shallow to Bedrock ecological site is commonly co-located with the Sedimentary Slopes ecological site. Summits and shoulders tend to have shallower more windswept vegetation, that is less robust, and then as move down onto side slopes and toe slopes will transition into the herbaceous meadows with the deeper more stable soils.

VX226X00A109

Aleutian Shallow Cliffs and Slopes

The Shallow to Bedrock ecological site is commonly co-located with the Sedimentary Slopes ecological site. Summits and shoulders tend to have shallower more windswept vegetation, that is less robust, and then as move down onto side slopes and toe slopes will transition into the herbaceous meadows with the deeper more stable soils.

Similar sites

VX226X00A113	Aleutian Shrub Meadow Ashy Slopes The Organic Ashy Slopes ecological site may look very similar in vegetative cover, especially following fire or other disturbance. The herbaceous understory has a lot of similarities with the herbaceous meadows of the sedimentary slopes.

VX226X00A113

Aleutian Shrub Meadow Ashy Slopes

The Organic Ashy Slopes ecological site may look very similar in vegetative cover, especially following fire or other disturbance. The herbaceous understory has a lot of similarities with the herbaceous meadows of the sedimentary slopes.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Calamagrostis canadensis (2) Athyrium filix-femina

Legacy ID

R226XY112AK

Download full description

Physiographic features

- This ecological site is common on mountain back slopes, foot slopes and toe slopes. Also occurs on dip slope, strand plains, escarpments, and hills.
- No flooding, ponding, or water table is associated with this ecological site.
- Average slope is between 20 and 45 percent. The site can occur on nearly level to 70 percent slopes.
- Elevation is commonly on 20 to 3200 feet but is a potential site up to 7040 feet.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Hillslope profile	(1) Backslope (2) Footslope (3) Toeslope
Landforms	(1) Island > Mountain (2) Dip slope (3) Strand plain (4) Escarpment (5) Hill
Runoff class	Low to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	20 – 3,200 ft
Slope	20 – 45%
Aspect	W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW

Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)

Runoff class	Not specified
Flooding frequency	Not specified
Ponding frequency	Not specified
Elevation	20 – 7,040 ft
Slope	1 – 70%

Climatic features

The climate is similar to that on the arctic coastal plain, except Islands are impacted by the tides, air movement, and storms influenced by the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, and really no inland influence. Winters are less severe than those on the coastal plain, with temperature ranges of 18 to 27 degrees F (10 to 15C), as compared to a 54 degrees F (30C) range on the coastal plain. The climate is characterized by fog and rain, with the amount of precipitation varying little from month to month. Annual precipitation varies from 21 in (530 mm) to more than 78 in (2,000 mm) across all islands. The higher elevations average 46 to 58 inches per year, with smaller islands receiving less precipitation than larger islands. Winds are often severe on the islands. Pacific Ocean water moving northward through the straits between the islands produces complex mixing with Bering Sea water, including upwelling. The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea are the southern limit of the arctic ice pack in winter (USDA-NRCS 2022). Weather information below is captured by climate stations located at Dutch Harbor and Cold Bay. The location of these stations represents only a small segment of the dynamic climate across this chain of islands.

Table 4. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	78-92 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	122-136 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	46-58 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	75-95 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	119-139 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	43-61 in
Frost-free period (average)	85 days
Freeze-free period (average)	129 days
Precipitation total (average)	52 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

Bar

Line

Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) DUTCH HARBOR [USC00502587], Unalaska, AK
(2) COLD BAY AP [USW00025624], Cold Bay, AK

Influencing water features

No water table is associated with this ecological site. Runoff from surrounding sites will influence hydrologic characteristics and does contribute to the vegetation on this site.

Wetland description

Seeps and depressions, or pockets may pond water for short periods, providing added benefit to vegetation. These isolated communities, if characteristic of a wetland are included in the Drainage Complex ecological site.

Soil features

- Soils formed in a thin layer of silty ash and loess over gravelly colluvium derived from sedimentary rock or outwash.
- Surface texture are most commonly medial silt loams but include sands, fine sandy loams, and loams.
- Soils are well drained with moderate permeability.
- Soils are moderately deep to very deep to bedrock or very deep without bedrock in the upper 60 inches. Some soils have strongly contrasting particle size at shallow to moderate depths (9 to 20 inches).
- Surface fragments are common with less than 20 percent cover, while the subsurface rock fragments range from 15 to 75 percent.
The soils components (series) correlated to this ecological site are Tsammana sand, Zapadni fine sandy loam, Maritime scrub/herbaceous-gravelly colluvial slopes, and Maritime scrub/herbaceous-silty outwash hummocks.

Table 5. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Colluvium – sedimentary rock (2) Alluvium – sedimentary rock (3) Eolian deposits (4) Residuum – sedimentary rock (5) Outwash
Surface texture	(1) Medial silt loam (2) Fine sandy loam (3) Sand (4) Gravelly loam
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderate
Depth to restrictive layer	9 – 60 in
Soil depth	35 – 60 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	5%
Surface fragment cover >3"	20%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	2.7 – 3.9 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4 – 6.6
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-60in)	15 – 20%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-60in)	15 – 40%

Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)

Drainage class	Not specified
Permeability class	Not specified
Depth to restrictive layer	9 – 72 in
Soil depth	33 – 72 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.4 – 8.7 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	Not specified
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-60in)	35%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-60in)	40%

Ecological dynamics

The Aleutian Herbaceous Meadow Sedimentary Slopes reference plant community occurs on wind swept slopes, ridges, and mountains. A patchwork of small alder patches within this community is common. This ecological site usually grades into a dwarf alpine scrubland at higher elevations, and either a willow or alder shrubland at lower elevations. (Landfire, 2009).

The fire data is scarce, but researchers suggest that the fire history may be frequent than currently identified. This ecological site is impacted by grazing, landslides, overland flow, and other disturbances. Documents show fire are occasional to frequent across this community due to the herbaceous litter build up.

Military development on the Aleutian islands took place during World War II. There was extensive disturbance with construction and military operations. The denuded and torn ground was a great place for plants to colonize that were adapted to mineral soils. The community colonizers were native species but were not necessarily the common plants found pre-disturbance. Often, species in these disturbed areas are more vigorous and showier.

The information in this Ecological Dynamics section, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Disturbed State

T1A	-	Military Operations historically, and Human development

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Common Ladyfern/Bluejoint/Fireweed Meadow

1.2. Fireweed/Common Ladyfern/Bluejoint

1.3. Bluejoint Meadow

1.4. Forb Meadow

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Ruderal Community - Reedgrass/Lupine

State 1
Reference State

The Aleutian Herbaceous Meadow Sedimentary Slopes ecological site is characterized by sedimentary soils intermixed with rock outcrop. Although the area is windswept and unprotected, compared to other similar communities, the slopes support a thick herbaceous meadow community. Without the deep root system of the woody vegetation, the ecological site is prone to landslides, especially following fire and continuous grazing. With the moisture and time, the herbaceous community recovers quickly. The Landfire BpS Model described this vegetation type having four main communities. Knowing that the specific community drivers are not described and limited other information, the vegetation will be described but the transitional pathways will not be drawn. Sources referenced grazing by caribou, reindeer and small groups of cattle; however, no specific data was located on grazing effects on these communities.

Dominant plant species

black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), shrub
bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
red fescue (Festuca rubra), grass
bentgrass (Agrostis), grass
Bering's tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia beringensis), grass
fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), other herbaceous
common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina), other herbaceous
common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum), other herbaceous
reindeer lichen (Cladina), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Common Ladyfern/Bluejoint/Fireweed Meadow

Landfire BpS described a four-community biophysical site. When evaluating these communities, there was a significant shift from the first three communities to the last. The first three communities outlined the recovery community once the primary successional process was complete. The first community described here is the most mature, stable community and is recognized as the late seral community. The major dominant species is common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina). The common ladyfern community composition includes a mixture of herbaceous species including green false hellebore (Veratrum viride), common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum), claspleaf twistedstalk (Streptopus amplexifolius), seacoast angelica (Angelica lucida), and bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis).

Dominant plant species

black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. nigrum), shrub
manyflower sedge (Carex pluriflora), grass
longawn sedge (Carex macrochaeta), grass
Pacific reindeer lichen (Cladina portentosa ssp. pacifica), other herbaceous
globe ball lichen (Sphaerophorus globosus), other herbaceous

Community 1.2
Fireweed/Common Ladyfern/Bluejoint

The second community describes the mid- to late- seral transitional community. The early successional species have been reduced or removed, and perennial forbs and grasses are increasing; at this stage fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium) is dominant. The fireweed community has a sustainable composition of common ladyferns, bluejoint, and common cowparsnip.

Dominant plant species

bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
manyflower sedge (Carex pluriflora), grass
longawn sedge (Carex macrochaeta), grass
fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium), other herbaceous
common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina), other herbaceous
common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum), other herbaceous

Community 1.3
Bluejoint Meadow

This third community describes the mid-seral community; primary successional forbs have decreased in the system as the prominent pre-disturbance species are increase. This community is recognized as the Calamagrostis canadensis meadow type because it is dominated by bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis). Common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina) and other fern species are present, but not substantial in the system. Common cowparsnip (Heracleum lanatum) is beginning to establish with the remnants of other scattered forbs.

Dominant plant species

bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
manyflower sedge (Carex pluriflora), grass
longawn sedge (Carex macrochaeta), grass
alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina), grass
fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium), other herbaceous
common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum), other herbaceous
common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina), other herbaceous
spreading woodfern (Dryopteris expansa), other herbaceous

Community 1.4
Forb Meadow

The fourth community is the Forb Meadow Plant Community. The community is a diverse mix of forbs with a larger diversity of grasses and grass-likes. The community, although dense, is not as robust or deep rooted as the more mature Bluejoint community. The occurrence of common ladyfern (Anthyrium filix-femina), fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium) or bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) are minimal in composition. Common forbs in this community include Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), tall Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum), Alaska Indian paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis), Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis), green false hellebore (Veratrum viride), captiate valerian (Valeriana capitata), stoloniferous pussytoes (Antennaria dioica), umbel bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma var. kamtschatica), boreal yarrow (Achillea borealis), Alaska arnica (Arnica unalaschcensis), arctic daisy (Chrysanthemum arcticum ssp. arcticum), heartleaf springbeauty (Claytonia cordifolia), calthaleaf avens (Geum calthifolium), western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis ), spreading woodfern (Dryopteris expansa) and seacoast angelica (Angelica lucida). Graminoids include longawn sedge (Carex macrochaeta), red fescue (Festuca rubra), spike bentgrass (Agrostis exarata), rough bentgrass (Agrostis scabra) and Bering's tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia beringensis). Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) may also be common.

Dominant plant species

bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
Bering's tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia beringensis), grass
spike bentgrass (Agrostis exarata), grass
rough bentgrass (Agrostis scabra), grass
red fescue (Festuca rubra), grass
common ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina), other herbaceous
fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium), other herbaceous
Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), other herbaceous
Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), other herbaceous
tall Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum), other herbaceous
Alaska Indian paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis), other herbaceous
green false hellebore (Veratrum viride), other herbaceous
Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis), other herbaceous
spreading woodfern (Dryopteris expansa), other herbaceous
seacoast angelica (Angelica lucida), other herbaceous
stoloniferous pussytoes (Antennaria dioica), other herbaceous
Alaska arnica (Arnica unalaschcensis), other herbaceous

State 2
Disturbed State

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.

Dominant plant species

Pacific reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis), grass
smallflowered woodrush (Luzula parviflora), grass
tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), grass
alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina), grass
largeglume bluegrass (Poa macrocalyx), grass
Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), other herbaceous
Alaska arnica (Arnica unalaschcensis), other herbaceous
field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
western pearlwort (Sagina decumbens ssp. occidentalis), other herbaceous
ceratodon moss (Ceratodon purpureus), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Ruderal Community - Reedgrass/Lupine

These disturbance communities are highly variable. Research brought forward a few main communities with characteristic species; however, these communities were located on one of many islands. The list here provides only a partial list of potential species: Characteristic species: Pacific reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis), Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), Alaska arnica (Arnica unalaschcensis), field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), western pearlwort (Sagina decumbens ssp. occidentalis), and ceratodon moss (Ceratodon purpureus). Other species: boreal yarrow (Achillea borealis), western pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), seacoast angelica (Angelica lucida), stoloniferous pussytoes (Antennaria dioica), umbel bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma var. kamtschatica), longawn sedge (Carex macrochaeta), big chickweed (Cerastium fontanum ssp. Vulgare), keyflower (Dactylorhiza aristata), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Hornemann's willowherb (Epilobium hornemannii ssp. behringianum), fourpart dwarf gentian (Gentianella propinqua ssp. aleutica), autumn dwarf gentian (Gentianella amarella ssp. acuta), Alaska hawkweed (Hieracium gracile var. alaskanum), common cowparsnip (Heracleum lanatum), alpine azalea (Loiseleuria procumbens), common woodrush (Luzula multiflora ssp. multiflora), smallflowered woodrush (Luzula parviflor), Chimissso's orchid (Platanthera chorisiana), alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina ), largeglume bluegrass (Poa macrocalyx), alpine bistort (Polygonum viviparum), Pacific silverweed (Argentina egedii ssp. Egedii), wedgeleaf primrose (Primula cuneifolia subsp. Saxifragifolia), arctic rattlebox (Rhinanthus minor L. ssp. groenlandicus), Sagina intermedia, heartleaf saxifrage (Saxifraga nelsoniana D. Don ssp. Insularis), creeping sibbaldia (Sibbaldia procumbens), northern starwort (Stellaria calycantha), and brightblue speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia L. ssp. humifusa). Other common bryophytes are braehythecium and bryum mosses, pebble cup lichen (Cladonia pyxidata), Twotoothed Cephalozia (Cephalozia bicuspidata), dicranella moss (Dicranella subulata), ditrichum moss (Ditrichum heteromallum), sanionia moss (Sanionia uncinata var. uncinata), eurhynchium moss (Eurhynchium praelongum), splendid feather moss (Hylocomium splendens), porpidia lichen (Porpidia macrocarpa), fir clubmoss (Huperzia selago var. selago), umbrella liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha), rhizomnium moss (Rhizomnium glabrescens), ladder flapwort (Nardia scalaris), cold crabseye lichen (Ochrolechia frigida), American philonotis moss (Philonotis fontana var. americana), bullseye lichen (Placopsis gelida), pogonatum moss (Pogonatum urnigerum), polytrichum moss (Polytrichum formosum), pohlia moss (Pohlia nutans), racomitrium moss (Racomitrium ericoides), snow pearlwort (Sagina nivalis), intermediate snow lichen (Stereocaulon intermedium), and tomentose snow lichen (Stereocaulon tomentosum).

Dominant plant species

Pacific reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis), grass
Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), other herbaceous
Alaska arnica (Arnica unalaschcensis), other herbaceous
field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
trailing pearlwort (Sagina decumbens), other herbaceous
ceratodon moss (Ceratodon purpureus), other herbaceous

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

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.

Additional community tables

Interpretations

Animal community

Sedges provide high value reindeer forage during winter when covered by snow. Wide-leaf polargrass maintains its forage value well into the winter and provides excellent early spring forage.
Excellent winter range because of succulent green sedge shoots and roots covered by snow that may be available to foraging reindeer. Areas that are ponded during spring are poor for spring grazing.
The area provides nesting habitat for a variety of birds, including green-winged teal, rock sandpiper, whiskered auklet, rock ptarmigan, song sparrow, rosy finch, and winter wren.
The introduction of dogs, cats, and foxes has severely reduced the population of ground-nesting birds. Rats, coming from ships, also are a danger to these birds.
Some of the eastern islands support small herds of caribou. Overgrazing by reindeer is a local concern. Control of animal numbers and proper herd management help to prevent overgrazing and allow natural restoration of depleted range.

Recreational uses

Tourism and wildland recreation are becoming increasingly important. Subsistence hunting and gathering provide food and a variety of other resources to local residents and are a major component of the local economy.

Wood products

None - limited to small willows or dwarf shrubs.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Very limited data is available and resides more on the coastal zone than the higher volcanics. Information used to build this ecological site was obtained from existing land cover and vegetation maps, literature review, and vegetative summaries from partnering agencies.

References

Hansford T. Shacklette, L. W. Durrell, James A. Erdman, John R. Keith, William M. Klein, Hildur Krog, Herman Persson, H. Skuja, and William A. Weber. 1969. Vegetation of Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Geological Survey Professional Paper 648. United States Geological Survey, United States Government Printing Office, Washington : 1969.

Other references

Landfire National Vegetation Dynamics Models; USGS; http://www.LANDFIRE.gov/index.php, 2009 (Date accessed)

USDA PLANTS Database; http://plants.usda.gov, 2021

USNVC [United States National Vegetation Classification]. 2019. United States National Vegetation Classification Database, V2.03. Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee, Washington DC. USNVC: http://usnvc.org/

AMUNDSEN, C.C. 1972. Amchitka Bioenvironmental Program: Plant ecology of Amchitka Island, Final Report. Batelle, Columbus Laboratories, under AEC Prime, Contract No. AT(26-l)-171. 27 p.

AMUNDSEN, c.c. and E.E.C. CLEBSCH. 1971. Dynamics of the terrestrial ecosystem vegetation of Amchitka Island, Alaska. Bioscience 21:619-623.

AMUNDSEN, C.C. 1977. Terrestrial plant ecology. Pages 203-226 in M.L. Merritt and R.G. Fuller, eds. The environment of Amchitka Island, Alaska. ERDA TID-26712.

Bailey, R.G. [in prep.] Description of the ecoregions of the United States. 2d ed. Misc. Publ. No. 1391 [rev.]. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Bailey, Robert G.; Avers, Peter E.; King, Thomas; McNab, W. Henry, eds. 1994. Ecoregions and subregions of the United States (map). Washington, DC: U.S. Geological Survey. Scale 1: 7,500,000; colored. Accompanied by a supplementary table of map unit descriptions compiled and edited by McNab, W. Henry, and Bailey, Robert G. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

BANK, T.B. II. 1951. Botanical and ethnobotanical studies in the Aleutian Islands. I. Aleutian vegetation and Aleut culture. Mich. Acad. Sci., Arts, and Lett. 37:13-30 + 6 plates.

BYRD, G.V. 1984. Vascular vegetation of Buldir Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska compared to another Aleutian Island. Arctic 37(1):37-48.

Fosberg, Francis Raymond. "Succession and condition of ecosystems." (1967).

Hultén, Eric (1937) Flora of the Aleutian Islands and westernmost Alaska Peninsula with notes on the flora of Commander islands. Stockholm, Thule. 397 pp. 2nd ed. 1960 (series: Flora et vegetation mundi, vol. 1) Weinheim, Cramer. 376 pp.

SHACKLETTE, H.T., L.W. ERDMAN-J.R. KEITH, W.M. KLEIN, H. KROG, H. PERSSON, H. SKUJA, and W.A. WEBER. 1969. Vegetation of Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 648. 66p.

Swanson, D.J., Lehner, D., Zimmerman, J., and Pauling, D. Range survey of Nunivak Island, Alaska, 1986.

TATEWAKI. M. 1963. Phytogeography of. the islands of the north Pacific Ocean. Pages 23-27 in J.L. Gressitt, ed. Pacific Basin Biogeography. lOth Pacific Science Congress. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu.

TALBOT, S.S., S.L. TALBOT, and L.R. Walker. 2010. Post-eruption legacy effects and their implications for long-term recovery of the vegetation on Kasatochi Island, Alaska. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 285-296

WALKER., H. 1945. Plants of the Aleutian Islands. Pages 63-;71 in Collins, H.B., Jr., A.H. Clark, and E.H. Walker, eds. The Aleutian Islands: Their people and natural history. Smithsonian Inst. War Background Studies 21, Publ. 3775.

Contributors

Marji Patz
Tyler Annetts

Approval

Blaine Spellman, 6/14/2025

Acknowledgments

Blaine Spellman, Ecological Site Data Quality Specialist and Phil Barber, Ecological Site Specialist within Alaska, for your review and guidance of the PES development. Matt Mayer for assisting with R Scripts on weather, as well as Nathan Roe for assistance with R scripts on site data summaries.

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	06/15/2025
Approved by	Blaine Spellman
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: