Aleutian Shrub Meadow Ashy 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
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Aleutian Shrub Meadow Organic Ashy Slopes ecological site is characterized by the ashy deposits of sands and silts protected with an organic material cap. The gravels and volcanic deposits that are intermixed with shallow bedrock exposures and wind weathered areas creating a mosaic of communities across the landscape. The climatic conditions of the Islands inhibit the growth of trees and tall shrubs, alders and other short stature shrubs are relatively stable on this ecological site. The infrequent and non-repetitive nature of disturbance on this site reduce the longevity of herbaceous seral states within this community. Although fire has occurred and has altered the community on the very short-term time scale, there has been no substantial literature to support further details.
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. As such the current increase in development and some expansion in these village communities has continued to create disturbance on the landscape. Much of these communities were/are left to recover naturally. The colonization of these areas leads to a notable community. The slope and position further inland on the islands, disturbance is much less than many areas. But where accessible, there is an increasing occurrence on the landscape.
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.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.