Aquic Coastal Wetland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Introduced Species State (2) by gradual invasion and replacement of native species by introduced plant species.
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Transition T1B
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Mangrove-Invaded State (3) by gradual invasion and replacement of native and introduced herbaceous species by mangroves.
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Restoration pathway R2A
It may not be feasible to restore the Introduced Species State (2) to the Reference State (1) due to the intermixing of introduced and native species and the unknown provenance of some species. It is worthwhile in some cases to reduce the abundance of weedy species and reintroduce native plant species where the wildlife habitat functions of the marsh have been degraded.
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Transition T2A
The Introduced Species State (2) transitions to the Mangrove-Invaded State (3) by gradual invasion and replacement of herbaceous stands by woody mangroves.
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Restoration pathway R3A
Mechanical or hand methods can be employed to remove mangroves and reestablish herbaceous vegetation.
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State (1) consists of one historical community phase. Few if any examples of this historical state remain. The concept of this site may encompass more than one wetland type, but because there are few intact sites to study, and because all wetlands have been drained from some soil series or phases, a range of variation is included.
Gradual invasion by introduced herbaceous plant species results in a transition to the Introduced Species State (2). Gradual invasion by mangroves results in a transition to the Mangrove-Invaded State (3).
Submodel
Description
The Introduced Species State (2) consists of one community phase. It differs from the Reference State (1) by containing fewer or less abundant native plant species due to invasion by introduced plant species. In many cases, the vegetation is similar to Reference State (1) with regard to plant families, plant statures, and functions of the community with regard to wildlife habitat. In some cases, dominance by introduced herbaceous species may alter these conditions and functions.
Submodel
Description
The Mangrove-Invaded State (3) is dominated by red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), a medium-sized tree that has replaced all or part of the herbaceous vegetation that dominates the Reference State (1) and the Introduced Species State (2). Sea hibiscus or Hau trees are not present.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Introduced Species State (2) by gradual invasion and replacement of native species by introduced plant species.
Mechanism
The Reference State (1) transitions to the Mangrove-Invaded State (3) by gradual invasion and replacement of native and introduced herbaceous species by mangroves.
Mechanism
It may not be feasible to restore the Introduced Species State (2) to the Reference State (1) due to the intermixing of introduced and native species and the unknown provenance of some species. It is worthwhile in some cases to reduce the abundance of weedy species and reintroduce native plant species where the wildlife habitat functions of the marsh have been degraded.
Mechanism
The Introduced Species State (2) transitions to the Mangrove-Invaded State (3) by gradual invasion and replacement of herbaceous stands by woody mangroves.
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.