State 1
Reference

Community 1.1
Western Hemlock, Red Alder, Salmonberry, and American Skunkcabbage

Structure: Mosaic of mature overstory and regenerating openings

Community 1.1 represents a lack of major disturbance from windthrow or ponding for at least 80 years, which allows the pioneering species to form a mature canopy. Western hemlock and red alder are the dominant overstory species. Western redcedar and Douglas-fir may be present, but they are limited to drier microsites such as nurse logs and mounds. Shrubs commonly are restricted to nurse logs, stumps, and higher microsites. Understory species include salmonberry, devilsclub, salal, American skunkcabbage, red huckleberry, swordfern (Polystichum munitum), deer fern, and sedges (Carex spp.). Common disturbances include small gap dynamics (1/2-acre openings or smaller) following windstorms and excessive ponding.

Community 1.2
Red alder, Salmonberry, and American Skunkcabbage

Structure: Tree, shrub, forb, and sedge establishment

This phase represents a forest that is undergoing regeneration or stand initiation immediately following excessive ponding or windthrow. Scattered remnant mature trees and shrubs are in some areas, and woody debris is abundant. Loss of the overstory and the fallen trees can impact the hydrology by resulting in more frequent, longer periods of ponding. Successful regeneration is dependent on the local seed source, an adequate seedbed, and sufficient light and water. Rapid recolonization is limited to plants that are well adapted to saturated soil conditions much of the year. Red alder is the primary tree and establishes quickly with an open canopy. Salmonberry, American skunkcabbage, and sedges begin to reestablish during this phase.

Community 1.3
Red Alder, Western Hemlock, Salmonberry, and American Skunkcabbage

Structure: Single story with dense understory

This community consists of early seral forest in regeneration. Scattered remnant mature trees may be present. Western hemlock regenerates on hummocks and mounds and begins to establish a canopy. Shrubs are sparse, but species such as salmonberry, devilsclub, and red huckleberry become established on fallen trees and in higher microsites. Understory species can include deer fern, American skunkcabbage, and sedges.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This pathway represents excessive ponding that results in a shallow rooting zone. The trees are susceptible to windthrow, which may create pockets of fallen trees. The pockets can be larger than 1 acre. Catastrophic windstorms may be stand-replacing.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.3

This pathway represents growth over time with no further major disturbance.

Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.1

This pathway represents growth over time with active management to maximize timber development. Precommercial thinning, commercial thinning, or both, combined with understory control, lower the stand density and decrease competition for water and nutrients.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2

This pathway represents excessive ponding that results in a shallow rooting zone. The trees are susceptible to windthrow, which may create pockets of fallen trees. The pockets can be larger than 1 acre. Catastrophic windstorms may be stand-replacing.

State 2
Converted

Community 2.1
Managed Cropland or Hayland

Structure: Annual or perennial non-native species monoculture

Community phase 2.1 can consist of a range of crops, including annually planted species, short-lived perennial species, and more permanent shrubby plants. Hay and grasses and legumes for silage are included in this community phase.

Community 2.2
Non-native Grassland and Shrubland

Structure: Annual or perennial herbaceous or shrubby species

Community phase 2.2 is characterized by low-level agronomic or management activity such as the addition of soil nutrients, intensive grazing management, regular mowing, or weed control. This plant community commonly consists dominantly of introduced weedy species. Areas that have extremely low fertility or are subject to heavy grazing pressure have a higher proportion of annual, stoloniferous, or rhizomatous species. Wetland areas commonly support dominantly non-native rhizomatous grasses. The plant community may include remnants of introduced pasture species that commonly are seeded.

Community 2.3
Managed Grassland

Structure: Perennial herbaceous species

Community phase 2.3 consists of areas that receive regular agronomic inputs. Examples include adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; implementing grazing management plans; mowing regularly; controlling weeds; and reseeding as needed. This plant community typically includes introduced perennial pasture and hay species that commonly are seeded. In areas of historic native grassland, mixtures of perennial and annual native species may be seeded and managed by appropriate agronomic and livestock management activities. This phase includes minor amounts of introduced species that commonly are in non-native grassland and shrubland communities (community phase 2.2).

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

In the absence of agronomic and livestock management activities, seeds from surrounding weedy plant communities are transported to the site by wind, animals, or vehicle traffic, and the adapted species become established. Management activities include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; planting desirable herbaceous species; and implementing grazing management plans.

Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3

This pathway represents agronomic and livestock management activities. Examples include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; planting desirable herbaceous species; and implementing grazing management plans.

Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.1

This pathway represents agronomic activities. Examples include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; and planting desirable crop species.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.3

This pathway represents agronomic and livestock management activities. Examples include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; planting desirable herbaceous species; and implementing grazing management plans.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.1

This pathway represents agronomic activities. Examples include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; and planting desirable crop species.

Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.2

In the absence of agronomic and livestock management activities, seeds from surrounding weedy plant communities are transported to the area by wind, floodwater, animals, or vehicle traffic, and the adapted species become established. Management activities include tilling; adding soil nutrients and other soil amendments, such as lime; mowing; burning; harvesting or chemically controlling vegetation; planting desirable herbaceous species; and implementing grazing management plans.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This transition represents a change in land use. Land management includes modifications to the hydrologic function to develop pasture and agriculture. Non-native seed disbursement is introduced (intentionally or unintentionally), which alters the reference community (1.1).

Transition T2A
State 2 to 1

This transition represents restoration of the natural hydrologic function and native plant habitat. Native seed sources and extensive management and mitigation of brush and invasive species are needed to restore the community.