Natural Resources
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Ecological site R010XA044ID
Cinder
12-16 PZ PIFL2/ARTRV
Last updated: 4/01/2025
Accessed: 06/30/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 010X–Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills
This MLRA is characterized by gently rolling to steep hills, plateaus, and low mountains at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Oregon and the Central Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The geology of this area is highly varied and ranges from Holocene volcanics to Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Mollisols are the dominant soil order and the soil climate is typified by mesic or frigid soil temperature regimes, and xeric or aridic soil moisture regimes. Elevation ranges from 1,300 to 6,600 feet (395 to 2,010 meters), increasing from west to east. The climate is characterized by dry summers and snow dominated winters with precipitation averaging 8 to 16 inches (205 to 405 millimeters) and increasing from west to east. These factors support plant communities with shrub-grass associations with considerable acreage of sagebrush grassland. Big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue are the dominant species. Stiff sagebrush, low sagebrush, and Sandberg bluegrass are often dominant on sites with shallow restrictive layers. Western juniper is one of the few common tree species and since European settlement has greatly expanded its extent in Oregon. Nearly half of the MLRA is federally owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Most of the area is used for livestock grazing with areas accessible by irrigation often used for irrigated agriculture.
For further information, see "Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin (U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296, 2006)" available online at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624Classification relationships
Artemisia vaseyana/Agropyron spicatum ht. Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number “35”.
Ecological site concept
• Site occurs on uplands
• Slopes generally less than 30%, occurring on all aspects
• Site associated with recent lava flows
• Soil with further development relative to Cinder Gardens siteAssociated sites
R010XA020ID Mixed Shrub 12-16 PZ
Adjacent low slope areas with shallow soils
R010XA043ID Cinder North 12-16 PZ PIFL2/PUTR2
Adjacent north aspects
R010XA045ID Cinder South 12-16 PZ PUTR2/HECO26
Adjacent south aspects
R010XA046ID Cinder Garden 12-16 PZ EROVD-LERE7
Adjacent low slope cinder gardens
Similar sites
R010XA045ID Cinder South 12-16 PZ PUTR2/HECO26
South aspects greater than 30% slope
R010XA049ID Gravelly Loam 12-16 PZ ARTRV-PUTR2/PSSPS
Soils with greater soil development. Increased fine soil particles within the profile.
R010XA046ID Cinder Garden 12-16 PZ EROVD-LERE7
Site nearly devoid of vegetation, soil with little development
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Pinus flexilis
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to slightly sloping foot slopes, hill slopes and mountain slopes. It can occur on all aspects with slopes ranging from 1 to 30 percent. The elevation ranges from about 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1500 to 2150 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Foothills > Hill
(2) Mountains > Mountain slope
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 5000 – 7000 ft Slope 1 – 30 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Big and Little Wood River Foot slopes and Plains, proposed as MLRA 10X, has a mean elevation of 5310 feet above sea level, and varies from 3600 to 9235 feet. In general, average annual precipitation is greatest on the western side, with the southeast area being the driest. The average annual precipitation, based on 7 long term climate stations located throughout the MLRA, is 15.39 inches, with a range of 12.5 to 18 inches. Monthly precipitation is generally greatest at the end of the year, diminishes steadily until a low in July and August, then increases rapidly in the autumn.
Monthly temperatures can vary considerably. Highs of up to 102° and lows down to -52° Fahrenheit have been recorded. The average annual temperature is 42.9°. The frost-free period ranges from 75 to 98 days. The freeze-free period is a bit longer: 106 to 133 days.
Both morning and afternoon average relative humidity values peak in the winter, and reach their low in July and August. The average number of sunny, cloud-free days is above average for the summer months, but below average for the period from November through February.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 80-100 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 110-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) Freeze-free period (actual range) Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 100 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by adjacent streams or run on.
Wetland description
This site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands.
Soil features
The soils are formed in volcanic cinders. They are gravelly or very gravelly loams and gravelly coarse sandy loams. The soils have over 35 percent coarse fragments throughout the profile. The subsoils are generally very gravelly or very cobbly sandy loams. The gravels throughout the profile are cinders. The water intake is rapid with well to excessive drainage. The available water holding capacity is low to medium. Erosion hazard is low.
Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site
NoneTable 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Cinders – volcanic rock
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loam
(2) Very gravelly sandy loam
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Surface fragment cover <=3" 10 – 35 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0 – 4 in Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)35 – 60 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 10 % Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is an overstory of limber pine and antelope bitterbrush with Columbia needlegrass in the understory. Composition by weight is 25 to 35 percent grasses, 20 to 30 percent forbs, 35 to 45 percent shrubs, and 5 percent trees.
This site is evolving in a semi-arid climate characterized by dry summers and cold winters. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include mule deer and lagomorphs.
Ecological sites in this portion of the MLRA occur on geologically very young soils with poorly developed profiles. The plant communities reflect this lack of soil development. Six ecological sites have been identified based on relative soil development and are found in association on the landscape. Age of the soils and the associated sites can be shown in the following diagram:
Non-aspect sites
Volcanic ? Cinder ? Cinder? Cindery
Activity Garden ( not described)
Aspect sites
Volcanic ? Cinder ? Cinder? Cindery
Activity Garden North or North or
South South
-----------------Soil development ------------?
Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 50 to 100 years.
The Reference State (state 1), moves through many phases depending on the natural and man-made forces that impact the community over time. State 1, described later, indicates some of these phases.
FUNCTION:
This site is suited for big game animals as late spring, summer, and fall range. It is not well suited to livestock grazing due to unstable soils that be severely disturbed and moved down slope from hoof action. It is also suited for wildflower observation in the spring and early summer.
Infiltration is good where the community is in mid to late seral status. Snow accumulates on the site due to high elevation and presence of tall shrubs.
Impacts on the Plant Community.
Influence of fire:
In the absence of normal fire frequency, mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush can gradually increase on the site. Grasses and forbs decrease as shrubs increase. With the continued absence of fire, mountain big sagebrush and bitterbrush can displace most of the primary understory species. Limber pine also increases slightly.
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (50 to 100 years), mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush are reduced significantly. Limber pine can survive if the fire intensity is low to moderate but will be killed with intense fires or crown fires. Rabbitbrush can increase slightly. With continued short fire frequency, mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush can be completely eliminated along with many of the desirable understory species such as Columbia needlegrass. These species may be replaced by Canby bluegrass along with a variety of annual and perennial forbs including noxious and invasive plants. Cheatgrass will invade the site at lower elevations. These fine fuels will increase the fire frequency.
Influence of improper grazing management:
This site is not well suited to livestock grazing due to unstable soils that can be severely disturbed and moved down slope from hoof action. Season-long grazing and excessive utilization can be very detrimental to this site. This type of management leads to reduced vigor of the bunchgrasses. With reduced vigor, recruitment of these species declines. As these species decline, an increase in mountain big sagebrush and noxious and invasive plants will occur.
Continued improper grazing management influences fire frequency by increasing fine fuels. As cheatgrass increases and becomes co-dominant with Sandberg bluegrass and other annuals, fires become more frequent, particularly at lower elevations.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing can also keep fine fuels from developing, thereby reducing fire frequency. But this grazing can lead to down slope movement of soil. Some plants can actually be killed by this soil movement through dislodgement or from being buried.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in April, May, and June can dramatically increase total annual production of the plant community. These weather patterns can also increase viable seed production of desirable species to provide for recruitment. Likewise, below normal precipitation during these spring months can significantly reduce total annual production and be detrimental to viable seed production. Overall plant composition is normally not affected when perennials have good vigor.
Below normal temperatures in the spring can have an adverse impact on total production regardless of the precipitation. An early, hard freeze can occasionally kill some plants.
Prolonged drought adversely affects this plant community in several ways. Vigor, recruitment, and production are usually reduced. Mortality can occur. Prolonged drought can lead to a reduction in fire frequency.
Influence of Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health. Bitterbrush can be severely affected by the western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma fragilis). Two consecutive years of defoliation by the tent caterpillar can cause mortality in bitterbrush. Mormon cricket and grasshopper outbreaks occur periodically. Outbreaks seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak. Snow mold can adversely affect the health of mountain big sagebrush. Limber pine can be infected with white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola). Currant (Ribes) species are obligate alternate hosts. Limber pine is susceptible to numerous other fungal diseases. It can be killed by limber pine dwarf-mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyunocarpum) and is susceptible to infestation by mountain pine beetle, cone beetles, coneworms, and budworms.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
Many of these species add to the fine-fuel component and lead to increased fire frequency.
Annual and perennial invasive species compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients. The result is reduced production and change in composition of the understory.
Influence of wildlife:
Big game animals use this site in the spring, summer, and fall. Their numbers are seldom high enough to adversely affect the plant community. Herbivory can be detrimental to bitterbrush when livestock grazing and browsing by big game occurs at the same time and season. This will occur when both kinds of animal are using the plant in the late summer or fall. The adverse impact is excessive use of the current year’s leader growth. The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed. Clark’s nutcrackers have co-adapted as an important mutualism with limber pine and are the primary harvester and disperser of its seeds.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur with an increase in mountain big sagebrush. Desired understory species can be reduced. This affect is reduced with gravelly surface. This composition change can affect nutrient and water cycles. Abnormally short fire frequency also gives the same results, but to a lesser degree. The long-term effect is a transition to a different state.
Practice Limitations:
Mechanical seeding is generally not feasible on this site due to gravelly surface. Brush control should be carefully planned to avoid an increase in cheatgrass.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - frequent fire, improper grazing management, severe foot traffic. State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Fire 1.1B - Improper grazing management, hoof/foot traffic, other surface-disturbance, no fire 1.2A - No fire, controlled surface-disturbance 1.3A - Controlled surface-disturbance 1.3B - Fire State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceCommunity 1.1
Phase 1.1 - Reference Plant Community Limber Pine/Bitterbrush/Columbia needlegrassThe Reference Plant Community Phase is Phase 1.1. This plant community is dominated by antelope bitterbrush and Columbia needlegrass. Scattered limber pine does occur on the site. Other understory plants include Canby bluegrass, needle and thread, bottlebrush squirreltail, ovalleaf buckwheat, rubber rabbitbrush, and mountain big sagebrush.
Natural fire frequency is 50 to 100 years.
Resilience management. The plant species composition of Phase 1.1 is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”. Total annual production is 600 pounds per acre (672 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 800 pounds per acre (896 kilograms per hectare). Production in an unfavorable year is 400 pounds per acre (448 kilograms per hectare). Structurally, tall shrubs are dominant, followed by cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses being greater than perennial forbs while shallow rooted bunchgrasses and trees are subdominant.
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0305 , ARTRV SOUTH .
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 15 25 30 25 0 0 0 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Phase 1.2 - Columbia Needlegrass/Canby Bluegrass - Squirreltail. Reduced bunchgrasses.Reduced bunchgrasses.
This plant community is dominated by Columbia needlegrass. Canby bluegrass and bottlebrush squirreltail have increased. Forbs remain about in the same proportion as plant community 1.1. Only small amounts mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush occur in the plant community due to fire, but some root-sprouting rabbitbrush are present. Limber pine may have survived the fire if the intensity was low or may have died in a severe or intense fire. Some cheatgrass may have invaded the site at lower elevations. This plant community is the result of fire 1.1B).Community 1.3
Phase 1.3 - Limber Pine/Tall Shrubs with reduced grasses, ForbsLimber Pine/Tall Shrubs with reduced grasses, Forbs
This plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush and scattered limber pine. Grasses and forbs are reduced in the community. All deep-rooted bunchgrasses are typically in low vigor. Tall shrubs have increased. This phase has developed due to improper grazing management, uncontrolled hoof/foot traffic or other soil disturbing activities and no fire (1.1A). If improper grazing management is occurring, most grasses will be in low vigor and bitterbrush will be hedged. If the fire cycle is longer than normal, tall shrubs become decadent. Some cheatgrass may have invaded the site at lower elevations.Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Plant Community Phase 1.1 to 1.2 (1.1A). Develops with fire.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Plant Community Phase 1.1 to 1.3 (1.1B). Develops with improper grazing management, hoof/foot traffic or other surface- disturbing activities and no fire longer than normal fire cycle.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Plant Community Phase 1.2 to 1.1 (1.2A). Develops with no fire and control of surface-disturbing activities.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Plant Community Phase 1.3 to 1.1 (1.3A). Develops with control of all surface-disturbing activities.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2Plant Community Phase 1.3 to 1.2 (1.3B). Develops with fire
State 2
DisturbedCommunity 2.1
Phase 2.1 - Canby Bluegrass - Cheatgrass - AnnualsThis plant community is dominated by Canby bluegrass, cheatgrass, and other annuals. Root sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrush can be present, dependent upon, how frequent, fire has occurred. Some soil loss or severe soil movement (foot traffic terracettes) has occurred. This state has developed due to frequent fires, improper grazing management, or severe foot traffic. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Resilience management. State 2 to State 3 unknown new site. Excessive soil movement and changes in the plant community caused by continued improper grazing management and/or frequent firecause this state to cross a vegetation threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0302 , ARTRV Early Seral.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 10 30 40 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2State 1 Phase 1.2 and 1.3 to State 2. Develops through frequent fire or continued improper grazing management or severe foot traffic. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Compared to other ecological sites within this MLRA, the low level of soil development limits plant diversity and available food and cover for wildlife. The plant community provides a mixture of forbs and shrubs throughout the growing season, offering suitable habitat for native invertebrates. Mule deer and elk are the large herbivores using the site. The site provides seasonal habitat for resident and migratory animals including Clark’s nutcracker, chipping sparrow, red squirrel, sagebrush lizard, shrews, bats, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, horned lark and western meadowlark. Encroachment of noxious and invasive plant species (cheatgrass and medusahead) in isolated areas can replace native plant species which provide feed, brood-rearing and nesting cover for a variety of native wildlife. The loss of herbaceous understory vegetation has a negative impact on ground nesting birds, while the loss of shrub and tree cover negatively affects both ground and shrub nesting avians. Water features are sparse provided by seasonal streams, artificial water catchments and springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Limber Pine/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Columbia Needlegrass Reference Plant Community (RPC): This plant community provides a diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs, used by native insect communities that assist in pollination. An extensive array of forbs and shrubs are in bloom throughout the growing season leading to a diverse insect community. Many avian and mammal species utilize this habitat based on the availability of invertebrate prey species. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard, western skink and western rattlesnake. Clark’s nutcracker is beneficial to the site as it is the principal vector for planting limber pine. Native shrub-steppe obligate avian species (Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage-grouse and sage thrasher) may use the site if limber pine is sparse. As the canopy cover of limber pine increases the use of this phase by shrub-steppe obligate species declines. The plant community provides seasonal forage (antelope bitterbrush, Nevada and Sandberg bluegrass) and thermal cover for mule deer and elk. The coarse subsoil material would limit burrowing mammals but a small population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots could be expected on the site. Pikas may utilize the site if adjacent to rocky open areas. The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
State 1 Phase 1.2- Columbia Needlegrass/ Canby Bluegrass/ Bottlebrush Squirreltail Plant Community: This plant community is the result of fire. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little or no sagebrush or antelope bitterbrush would provide less vertical structure for animals. Insect diversity would be reduced but a diverse native forb plant community would still support select pollinators. An increase in rabbitbrush would provide late season pollinator habitat. The reptiles including short horned lizard and sagebrush lizard would be limited or excluded due to the loss of sagebrush. The dominance of herbaceous vegetation with little sagebrush canopy cover would not provide nesting habitat by Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher. This plant community provides limited brood-rearing habitat for sage- grouse if adjacent sagebrush cover is provided. The loss of limber pine in this phase eliminates habitat for the Clark’s nutcracker. The dominant herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland avian species (horned lark and western meadowlark). Mule deer and elk would use site for seasonal forage needs but the site would offer little thermal cover or young of year cover.
State 1 Phase 1.3 –Limber Pine/ Mountain Big sagebrush Plant Community Plant Community: This phase has developed due to improper grazing management, uncontrolled hoof/foot traffic or other soil disturbing activities and no fire. An increase in canopy cover of sagebrush results in a sparse herbaceous understory. Available pollinator habitat is reduced as is the diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard and western skink. The reduction of grasses and forbs in the plant community would reduce the available prey species and cover for these resident reptile species. Fewer prey species and less understory cover results in limited food, brood-rearing and nesting habitat for bird species. Clark’s nutcracker and chipping sparrow would still utilize the site if limber pine is part of the plant community. Key shrub-steppe obligate bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage-grouse and sage thrasher that may benefit from the increase in sagebrush. Seasonal forage habitat for mule deer and elk would be reduced due to loss in vigor and amounts of grasses and antelope bitterbrush. Small mammal population would be similar to Phase 1.1. Pikas may be present in areas with adjacent open rocky habitat. The deer mouse is beneficial to this site as it is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
State 2 – Canby Bluegrass/ Cheatgrass/ Annuals Plant Community:
This plant community is the result of improper grazing management, frequent fire or continued uncontrolled surface disturbance activities. Invasive herbaceous plants and patches of root sprouting shrubs like rabbitbrushes and can be present. With the loss of forbs the plant community does not support a diverse insect community. The reduced forb and shrub component in the plant community would support a very limited population of pollinators although rabbitbrush would provide fall pollinator habitat. Native reptile species are not supported with food, water or cover. This plant community does not support the habitat requirements for sage thrasher, Brewer’s sparrow or sage sparrow. Diversity of grassland avian species is reduced due to poor cover and available food. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Mule deer and elk may utilize the herbaceous vegetation in the early part of the year when the invasive annuals (cheatgrass) are more palatable. At other times of the year large mammals would not regularly utilize these areas due to poor food and cover conditions. Poor cover for small mammals would allow more predation and the plant community would favor seed eating species.
Grazing Interpretations.
It is not well suited to livestock grazing due to unstable soils that can severely move from hoof action.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species, composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use, and seasonal preference. Calculations used to determine estimated initial stocking rate will be based on forage preference ratings.Hydrological functions
No data.
Recreational uses
The site has limited opportunities for hunting, hiking, cross country skiing, photography, and nature study.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
Field Offices
Mountain Home, ID
Gooding, ID
Fairfield, ID
Shoshone, ID
Rupert, ID
Arco, IDSupporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Jim Cornwell, Range Management Specialist, IASCD Kristen May, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
Type locality
Location 1: Butte County, ID General legal description Both of these are within the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Location 2: Butte County, ID General legal description Both of these are within the Craters of the Moon National Monument. References
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1980. Fire Effects Information System. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/.
Other references
Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho. Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number “35”.
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-136-vols. 1-3.
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; Version 4-2005.Contributors
Dave Franzen
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 4/01/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Dave Franzen and Jacy Gibbs Intermountain Range Consultants 17700 Fargo Rd. Wilder, ID 83676 Contact for lead author Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709 Date 06/19/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
rills do not occur on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns do not occur on this site. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
pedestals do not occur on this site. Terracettes do not occur in the traditional sense (caused by water movement), but can develop due to dry raveling or foot/hoof action. They are not extensive. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
data is not available. On sites in mid-seral status bare ground may range from 15-30 percent. Most of the area absent of plants or litter is cinders. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
none. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
none due to gravelly surface. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
fine and coarse litter generally does not move. Gravels on the surface and shrub cover help reduce fine litter movement. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
values should range from 3 to 5 but needs to be tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
No data. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
infiltration is good regardless of plant cove due to cinder surface. Tall shrubs catch blowing snow in the interspaces. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
is not present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrassesSub-dominant:
tall shrubsOther:
perennial forbsAdditional:
shallow rooted bunchgrasses trees -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
little decadence is expected in shrubs or grasses with normal fire cycle, but decadence can occur in the absence of fire longer than the normal fire frequency. Grass and forb mortality will occur as tall shrubs increase. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
additional litter cover data is needed but is expected to be 15-20 percent to a depth less than 0.1 inches. Under mature shrubs litter is >0.5 inches deep and is 90-100 percent ground cover. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 600 pounds per acre (672 kilograms per hectare) in a year with normal temperatures and precipitation. Perennial grasses produce 25-35 percent of the total production, forbs 20-30 percent, shrubs 35-45 percent and trees 5 percent. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
includes bulbous bluegrass, rush skeletonweed, musk and scotch thistle, and diffuse and spotted knapweed. Cheatgrass can invade the site at the lower elevations. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years.
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