Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Mesic Xeric Maritime Foothills 30-50 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Extensive timber harvest
More details -
Transition T1B
Site conversion to agricultural use
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Forest restoration, stand replacing fire
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Extensive forest restoration
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This moist forest site occurs across the landscape as a mosaic of plant community phases characterized by variation in forest structural stage (tree age, density and cover) and plant community composition. This mosaic pattern is highly influenced by a mixed fire regime approximating Landfire fire regime group 3: 35 - 200 Year Fire Return Interval, Low and Mixed Severity. As a highly productive forest community, this site will persist in closed canopy conditions represented by communities 1.2 and 1.3 most often. The mature, closed forest community represented by 1.3 is the reference community. Open stand conditions are possible due to insect outbreak or disease but rarely persist given site productivity. Given the likelihood that this state, even in the best condition and highest potential, will almost always include at least some component of exotic species regardless of management inputs, this may also be referred to as the “current potential state”. In this document, the term “reference state” is used synonymously with “current potential state” for the sake of simplicity. However, site productivity and diversity likely bolster resilience to invasion for this site and exotic species may not alter plant community dynamics significantly.
Dominant plant species
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), tree
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
Submodel
Description
This alternative state represents the many variations of timber harvesting that can occur in this site. This may result in a number of manipulated community types and pathways depending on strategies surrounding harvest, weed control and replanting. Selective removal of large ponderosa may advance succession and favor maturation of shade tolerant trees.
Dominant plant species
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), tree
Submodel
Description
This site may be converted to agricultural production and is commonly used for orchard production or pasture.
Dominant plant species
orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Extensive timber harvest followed by continual management for timber production that has significantly altered species compositions and resulting disturbance responses.
Mechanism
Site conversion to agricultural use
Mechanism
Ecological forestry practices may promote a return to Reference State. Forest reestablishment may require shrub control and tree replanting if the desired goal is regaining a forest structure within a desired timeframe. Stand replacing fire may lead to a transition to Community 1.1 of the Reference State if soil compaction is not severe, species composition has not been significantly altered and tree seed source is available.
Context dependence
Alterations of forest tree species composition, as well as soil compaction and surface disturbances due to large machine usage may hinder passive forest reestablishment.
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.
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