Alpine Scrub-Tussock Frozen Silty Slopes

Description

This reference state is developed and characterized using available vegetation models, most notably United States Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service range surveys (SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985).

The reference state describes two distinct vegetative communities supported by a fire cycle regime. Along with a fire regime, soil wetness, caused by water perched by permafrost, is the major factor influencing vegetation.

There is no indication of an alternate grazing state on this site. Targeted data collection may be able to address whether grazing or browsing in the reference state result in an alternate state.

Submodel