Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XA047ID
Cindery North
12-16 PZ ARTRV-PUTR2/FEID-PSSPS
Last updated: 2/14/2025
Accessed: 08/05/2026
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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/ Idaho fescue 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 greater than 30% on northerly aspects
• Site is in 12-16 PZ with elevation below 7000 ft
• Soils are volcanic cindersAssociated sites
R010XA020ID Mixed Shrub 12-16 PZ
Adjacent low slope areas with shallow soils
R010XA048ID Cindery South 12-16 PZ PUTR2-ARTRV/PSSPS
Adjacent south aspects
R010XA049ID Gravelly Loam 12-16 PZ ARTRV-PUTR2/PSSPS
Adjacent low slope areas
R010XA050ID Very Shallow Loam 12-16 PZ ARAR8/POSE
Adjacent low slope areas with shallow soils
Similar sites
R010XA043ID Cinder North 12-16 PZ PIFL2/PUTR2
Site supports PIFL2, no abiotic criteria has been identified to distinguish these sites
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana
(2) Purshia tridentataHerbaceous (1) Festuca idahoensis
(2) Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicataPhysiographic features
This site occurs on moderate to steep mountain side slopes on northeast, north and northwest aspects. Slopes range from 30 to 60 percent. The elevation ranges from about 5000 to 7000 feet (1500 to 2150 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountains > Mountain slope
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 5000 – 7000 ft Slope 30 – 60 % Aspect NW, N, NE 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 (average) 90 days Freeze-free period (average) 120 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 more fine to coarse soil particles than the soils of Cinder North 12-16. 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. Available water capacity is low to medium. Erosion hazard is low.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Cinders – volcanic rock
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loam
(2) Very gravelly sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Medial
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Rapid Depth to restrictive layer 60 – 80 in Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 10 – 35 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0 – 4 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-60in)35 – 60 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-60in)0 – 10 % Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is an overstory of mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass in the understory. Composition by weight is 50 to 60 percent grasses, 5 to 15 percent forbs, 30 to 40 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, Rocky Mountain elk, and lagomorphs.
From a geological standpoint, the ecological sites in this portion of the MLRA occur on 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 20 to 50 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 can be used for livestock grazing in spring, summer and fall. Livestock grazing must be carefully applied as the unstable soils can move downslope due to disturbance 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. Antelope bitterbrush becomes dominant. 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.
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (20 to 50 years), mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush are reduced significantly. 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 Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. These species may be replaced by Sandberg 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 plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, Idaho fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Other understory plants include Sandberg bluegrass, lomatium, tapertip hawksbeard, arrowleaf balsamroot, Wyeth buckwheat, and rubber rabbitbrush. Livestock grazing must be carefully applied as soils can move down-slope due to 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 species 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. This soil movement can kill some plants either through dislodgement or by 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.
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.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur with an increase in mountain big sagebrush. Desired understory species can be reduced. This effect 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 steep slopes and gravelly surface. Mechanical brush control is not feasible on steep slopes. Brush management can occur with aerial chemical application or prescribed burning, but needs to be carefully planned and applied to insure that cheatgrass does not increase. There are moderate limitations to implementation of vegetation management and facilitating practices.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 and improper grazing management State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - improper grazing management and no fire 1.1B - fire 1.1C - no fire and no livestock grazing 1.2A - prescribed grazing 1.3A - prescribed grazing and no fire 1.4A - brush management or proper grazing management State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceDominant plant species
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mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
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antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata), grass
Community 1.1
Phase 1.1 - Mountain big sagebrush - antelope bitterbrush/Idaho fescue - bluebunch wheatgrassMountain big sagebrush - antelope bitterbrush/Idaho fescue - bluebunch wheatgrass
The Reference Plant Community Phase is Phase 1.1. This plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, Idaho fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Other understory plants include Sandberg bluegrass, lomatium, tapertip hawksbeard, arrowleaf balsamroot, Wyeth buckwheat, and rubber rabbitbrush. The plant species composition of Phase A is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”.
Natural fire frequency is 20 to 50 years.
Resilience management. Total annual production is 1100 pounds per acre (1232 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 1300 pounds per acre (1456 kilograms per hectare). Production in an unfavorable year is 900 pounds per acre (1008 kilograms per hectare). Structurally, cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses are dominant, followed by tall shrubs being more dominant than perennial forbs while shallow rooted perennial bunchgrasses 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 - Mountain big sagebrush/Sandberg bluegrass Reduced other bunchgrasses.Phase 1.2 - Mountain big sagebrush/Sandberg bluegrass. Reduced other bunchgrasses.
This plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush with reduced amounts of antelope bitterbrush, Idaho fescue, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Sandberg bluegrass has increased in the understory. Forbs may have increased. All deep-rooted bunchgrasses are typically in low vigor. Mountain big sagebrush has increased and antelope bitterbrush has decreased. Antelope bitterbrush is hedged and in low vigor. This phase has developed due to improper grazing management (1.1A). Some cheatgrass may have invaded the site at lower elevations.Figure 4. 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 1.3
Phase 1.3 - Bluebunch wheatgrass - Idaho fescue - Sandberg bluegrassPhase 1.3 - Bluebunch wheatgrass - Idaho fescue - Sandberg bluegrass
This plant community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. 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 and may have increased. Some cheatgrass may have invaded the site at lower elevations. This plant community is the result of fire (1.1B).Figure 5. 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 1.4
Phase 1.4 - Antelope bitterbrush - Mountain big sagebrush / Idaho fescue - Bluebunch wheatgrassPhase 1.4 - Antelope bitterbrush - Mountain big sagebrush / Idaho fescue - Bluebunch wheatgrass
This plant community is dominated in the overstory with increased amounts of antelope bitterbrush and mountain big sagebrush. Antelope bitterbrush has increased more than mountain big sagebrush. Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass have been reduced. Forbs also have been reduced. Some grasses and forbs are in reduced vigor due to competition with shrubs and shading by shrubs. Antelope bitterbrush and mountain big sagebrush are decadent with large amounts of dead limbs. This plant community is a result of no grazing and fire being absent for periods longer than the normal fire cycle (1.1C).Figure 6. 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 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Plant Community Phase 1.1 to 1.2 (1.1A). Develops with improper grazing management and no fire.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Plant Community Phase 1.1 to 1.3 (1.1B). Develops with fire.
Pathway 1.1C
Community 1.1 to 1.4Plant Community Phase 1.1 to 1.4 (1.1C). Develops with no fire longer than the normal fire cycle and no livestock grazing.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Plant Community Phase 1.2 to 1.1 (1.2A). Develops with prescribed grazing.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Plant Community Phase 1.3 to 1.1 (1.3A). Develops with prescribed grazing and no fire.
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1Plant Community Phase 1.4 to 1.1 (1.4A). Develops with brush management or proper grazing management.
State 2
InvadedDominant plant species
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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
Community 2.1
Plant Community 2.1 Sandberg bluegrass - Cheatgrass - annualsSandberg bluegrass - Cheatgrass - annuals
State 2 Community 2.1
This 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 movement by foot or hoof traffic has occurred. This state has developed due to frequent fires and improper grazing management or with severe foot or hoof traffic (T1A) from plant community 1.2, State 1. It also develops with frequent fires and/or improper grazing management or with severe foot or hoof traffic (T1B) from plant community 1.3, State 1. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Resilience management. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross a 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 7. 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 to State 2 (T1A). Develops through frequent fire and continued improper grazing management, or with severe foot or hoof traffic. State 1, Phase 1.3 to State 2 (T1B). Develops through frequent fire and/or continued improper grazing management, or with severe foot or hoof 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 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. 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
This plant community provides a mixture of forbs and shrubs throughout the growing season, offering suitable habitat for native invertebrates. Native bees are supported in this plant community and assist in pollination. 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 can have 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 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Idaho Fescue/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass 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 percent cover of limber pine increases the use of this phase by shrub-steppe obligate species declines. The plant community provides seasonal forage (antelope bitterbrush, Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass) 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- Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: This phase has developed due to improper grazing management. An increase in canopy cover of sagebrush contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. Available habitat for invertebrates is similar to Phase 1.1, with an increase in forbs and rabbitbrush offering habitat for fall pollinators. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake and western skink. The reduction of grass cover and change in species in the plant community may reduce diversity of prey species for these resident reptile species. 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 still part of the plant community. Key shrub-steppe avian obligates include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage-grouse and sage thrasher and may benefit from the increase in sagebrush. Seasonal forage habitat for mule deer and elk would be reduced due to changes in grass species, loss in vigor and amounts of grasses and poor quality antelope bitterbrush stands. 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 1 Phase 1.3 –Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Idaho Fescue/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community Plant Community: This plant community is the result of fire. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little to 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 prevent use of these areas as 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 loss of shrub cover and increase in herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland avian species (horned lark and western meadowlark). Mule deer and elk would use site for seasonal (spring, summer and fall) forage needs but the site would offer little thermal cover and young of year cover.
State 1 Phase 1.4 –Antelope Bitterbrush/ Mountain Big sagebrush/ Idaho Fescue/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass Plant Community Plant Community: This plant community is a result of no grazing and fire being absent for periods longer than the normal fire cycle. An increase in canopy cover of sagebrush contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. Available habitat for invertebrates would be reduced due to the loss of forbs and grasses in the understory. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard, short horned lizard, sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake and western skink. The reduction of understory cover and associated invertebrates would reduce the quality of habitat for native reptiles. 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 still part of the plant community. Key shrub-steppe obligate bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, and sage-grouse. The change in shrub dominance to decadent antelope bitterbrush would reduce quality of nesting habitat for these shrub-steppe obligate birds. Seasonal forage habitat for mule deer and elk would be reduced due to changes in grass species, loss in vigor and amounts of grasses and poor quality antelope bitterbrush stands. Small mammal populations 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 state has developed due to frequent fires and improper grazing management or with severe foot or hoof traffic. Invasive herbaceous plants and patches of root sprouting shrubs like rabbitbrush 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. 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. Reduced cover for small mammals would allow more predation and the plant community would favor seed eating mammal species.
Grazing Interpretations.
It can be used for livestock grazing in spring, summer, and fall. Livestock grazing must be carefully applied as unstable soils can move down-slope due to 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, 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 This is within the Craters of the Moon National Monument, north of the headquarters. 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 and Jacy Gibbs
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 2/14/2025
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 06/23/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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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:
gullies do not occur on this site. -
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 cover due to cindery 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 -
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 within the normal fire cycle, but decadence can occur in the absence of fire greater 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 1100 pounds per acre (1232 kilograms per hectare) in a year with normal temperatures and precipitation. Perennial grasses produce 50-60 percent of the total production, forbs 5-15 percent and shrubs 30-40 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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PrintThe 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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