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Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XB080OR
Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan
12-16 PZ
Last updated: 5/16/2025
Accessed: 08/06/2026
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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.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
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.
LRU notes
This ecological site is found across all of the land resource units within the Blue Mountain Foothills (Western) portion of MLRA 10. Within this extent, much of its range is concentrated in the John Day Sediments and John Day Mountain Foothills LRUs due to the influence of the John Day and Clarno formations on subsurface clay content.
Classification relationships
International Vegetation Classification System:
Macrogroup: M170. Great Basin-Intermountain Dwarf Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland
Group: G308. Intermountain Low & Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland
Landfire Biophysical Setting:
11240 - Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe
Bunchgrass Plant Communities of the Blue and Ochoco Mountains:
SD1911 - Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass plant associationEcological site concept
This site typically occurs on stable landforms such as plateaus and is characterized by gentle slopes (less than 12 percent), and "claypan" soils marked by a strong clay increase within 4 to 8 inches of the surface, facilitating the presence of little sagebrush. In reference condition, this ecological site supports a plant community dominated by little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). The site receives 12 to16 inches of annual precipitation, the soil climate is frigid/xeric; resistance/resilience to disturbance is moderate to moderately high.
Associated sites
R010XB031OR JD Shallow 12-16 PZ
Adjacent landscape positions with deeper surfaces, lacking little sagebrush
R010XB032OR JD Very Shallow 12-16 PZ
Shallower soils, sometimes in complex with this site in geologically eroded areas, stiff sagebrush present
R010XB028OR JD Shrubby Mountain 12-16 PZ
Adjacent positions with deeper soils, clay subsoil deeper than 8 inches, bitterbrush common
R010XC037OR SR Mountain Shallow 12-16 PZ
Often in complex with this site in areas with deeper surfaces supporting big sagebrush and lacking little sagebrush
R010XC039OR SR Very Shallow 12-16 PZ
Very shallow soils, sometimes in complex with this site in geologically eroded areas, stiff sagebrush present
R010XC032OR SR Mountain 12-16 PZ
Exists on adjacent deeper soils with the clay subsoil deeper than 8 inches, supporting big sagebrush
Similar sites
R010XB081OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan North 12-16 PZ
Northerly slopes greater than 20 percent
R010XB096OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan South 12-16 PZ
Southerly slopes greater than 12 percent
R010XB029OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan 9-12 PZ
Lower elevation, mean annual precipitation and production
R010XB082OR JD Shrubby Claypan 12-16 PZ
Overlying fractured bedrock, facilitating greater composition of bitterbrush
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia arbuscula
Herbaceous (1) Festuca idahoensis
(2) Pseudoroegneria spicataPhysiographic features
This site occurs predominantly on hills, mountain plateaus and broad summits of ridges. Extensive acreage occurs on broad volcanic plateaus and other stable landforms where soils have weathered in place. Slopes typically range from 0 to 12 percent, but may extend to 20 percent on northerly slopes. Elevations typically range from 3,800 to 5,200 feet. On some sites, brief ponding may occur in late winter and spring due to water perching on restrictive layers.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Hill
(2) Mountains > Plateau
(3) Upland > Ridge
Flooding frequency None Ponding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Ponding frequency None Elevation 3800 – 5200 ft Slope 0 – 12 % Ponding depth 0 in Water table depth 60 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Flooding frequency None Ponding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Ponding frequency None to rare Elevation 3400 – 5700 ft Slope 0 – 20 % Ponding depth 0 – 1 in Water table depth 60 in Climatic features
The annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches, most of which occurs in the form of snow during the months of November through March. Localized, occasionally severe, convectional storms occur during the summer. Mean annual air temperature is 45 degrees F and temperature extremes range from over 100 to -30 degrees F. The frost-free period ranges from 30 to 90 days. The optimum period for plant growth is from April through June.
Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 30-90 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 90-120 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 30-110 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 80-150 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 60 days Freeze-free period (average) 100 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BARNES STN [USC00350501], Prineville, OR
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(2) MITCHELL 2 E [USC00355638], Mitchell, OR
">Influencing water features
This site is not typically associated with riparian or wetland features.
Soil features
The soils of this site are typified by a shallow depth to claypan marked by a strong increase in clay within 4 to 8 inches of the surface. Soils may be deep overall but these heavy clay layers restrict some root penetration and cause soils to function as effectively shallow. Occasionally, a heavy clay layer is absent and the site occurs with a shallow to very shallow depth to bedrock. Soils are formed from colluvium, residuum and volcanic ash over igneous volcanic rock. The surface layer is a loam, ashy loam, ashy silt loam to a sometimes abrupt subsurface marked by a heavy clay loam or clay. The soils are often skeletal with gravels and cobbles. Permeability is moderate to moderately slow in the surface and slow to very slow in the subsoil. The available water capacity (AWC) is typically 0.8 to 2.5 inches. The erosion potential is moderate to severe. The soil temperature regime is frigid and the moisture regime is xeric. See Longbarn, Fopiano or Merlin for soil series that typify this site.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Colluvium – volcanic rock
(2) Residuum – volcanic rock
(3) Volcanic ash
Surface texture (1) Very stony loam
(2) Ashy loam
(3) Ashy silt loam
(4) Very cobbly loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
(2) Clayey-skeletal
(3) Fine
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 15 in Soil depth 15 – 25 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 10 – 30 % Surface fragment cover >3" 2 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.5 – 3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Clay content
(0-6in)10 – 25 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-40in)10 – 20 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-40in)10 – 35 % Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Very slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 10 – 60 in Soil depth 10 – 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 45 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 30 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 3 % Clay content
(0-6in)6 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-40in)0 – 35 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-40in)0 – 50 % Ecological dynamics
Indicators and Range in Characteristics:
Within MLRA 10, this is by far the most common claypan ecological site and represents the modal concept for similar claypan ecological sites. Little sagebrush is a strong indicator of this ecological site; given its adaptation to the unique soil conditions that define the site. This site often exists within a matrix of stiff sagebrush (Artemisia rigida) ecological sites on very shallow soil and big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp.) ecological sites on soils with deeper surface horizons. Old growth juniper may occur sporadically on this site in low density (0 to 3 trees per acre, BLM ESI data). Onespike danthonia (Danthonia unispicata) is sometimes present in areas that are intermittently ponded and can be considered a weak indicator of this site, especially toward the upper elevations of this site. Sandberg bluegrass increases on shallower soils or soils with thinner surface horizons. Total site production is proportional to surface soil depth, increasing with deeper surface soil layers.
Ecological Dynamics and Disturbance Response:
Ecological dynamics of this site are primarily driven by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Infrequent fires were the primary historical disturbance that maintained the reference state and drove plant community shifts within the state. Mean fire return intervals for little sagebrush communities are estimated at 100 to 200 years across their range and 97 to 183 for communities within Oregon (Landfire 2009, Bukowski and Baker 2013). Intensity and frequency of these fires is driven by relatively low fuel loads and strongly influence by drought cycles and insect or disease attacks on the plant community.
Livestock grazing is a common land use of this ecological site. Under improper grazing management, especially repeated over utilization during the growing season, cover of deep-rooted perennial grasses, such as Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass, will decrease. If improper management continues, cover of shallow-rooted perennial grasses, such as Sandberg bluegrass, and shrubs such as little sagebrush, may increase. Ongoing deterioration due to improper management will increase bare ground and release soil resources, facilitating invasion by annual grasses and forbs.
Little sagebrush has extensive fibrous roots with a greater capacity to tolerate poor aeration and extract water from lower depths than big sagebrush (Steinberg 2002); an important adaptation allowing it to thrive on seasonally saturated, claypan soils. Little sagebrush is killed by fire and will not resprout (Young 1983). Establishment after fire is from seed, which typically does not persist in the seedbank and must be dispersed from offsite (Bradley et al. 1992). After fire, if regeneration conditions are favorable, little sagebrush may recover in as little as five years, however during drought periods or on sites with low potential, recovery may require more than ten years (Young 1983). One study in Oregon found no recruitment of little sagebrush eight years post-fire (Bates and Davies 2022).
The primary perennial bunchgrass species found on this ecological site differ somewhat in their response to fire. While both Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass can survive low severity fires, Idaho fescue is characterized by somewhat higher growing points than bluebunch wheatgrass, rendering it more susceptible to damage and mortality following high severity fire (Conrad and Poulton 1966). Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) is generally unharmed by fire given its low litter production and early dormancy. While increases in Sandberg bluegrass have been documented in some sagebrush systems following fire (Howard 1997), one study in a little sagebrush community found no change after eight years post-fire (Bates and Davies 2022).
Perennial forbs are an important component of the species composition of this site. Mat forming forbs such as phlox (p. hoodii and longiloba), low pussytoes (Antenaria dimorpha) and desert yellow fleabane (Erigeron linearis), are common as are geophytes such as desert parsley (Lomatium spp.) and bitter root (Lewisia rediviva); and other forbs such as lupine (Lupinus spp.) and hawksbeard (Crepis spp.). Mat forming forbs may be particularly vulnerable to decreases in cover and density following fire (Bates and Davies 2022). Interannual variation is often a significant driver of forb expression in little sagebrush communities (Bates and Davies 2022).
Western juniper is intolerant of fire and historically was restricted to sites with lower fuel loads and infrequent fire regimes, such as characterizes this ecological site. Given these conditions, this site may act as refugia that allow some scattered old growth juniper to persist (Miller et al. 1999). With the increased suppression of wildfire and livestock grazing which reduces ground fuels and understory competition, western juniper has increased in range and density and expanded into suitable sites previously dominated by sagebrush (Miller and Tausch 2008, Burns and Honkala 1990). However, post settlement western juniper expansion is also likely due at least in part to changing climate and may be accelerated by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels (Miller 2019). On this site, high clay content in the soil subsurface slows the rate at which juniper infill and encroachment occur.
The introduced annual grass species most likely to invade these sites are cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia). All of these species compete with native herbaceous species for finite site resources and may increase fine fuel loads. Annual grass invasion, particularly cheatgrass, has been linked to increases in fire frequency in the intermountain west (Bradley et al. 2018). Medusahead invasion may promote thick, decomposition resistant thatch layers that suppress establishment of other species. Invasions by North Africa grass are increasing in recent years and research as to cause and effect of these invasions is ongoing.
Within the natural range of variability, this site is considered to have moderate to moderately high resistance and resilience to disturbance. These attributes are driven by the cool annual temperatures and semi-arid Mediterranean precipitation patterns (Frigid/Xeric soil climate) (Chambers, et al. 2014). Resistance is further bolstered by the claypan soils which slow establishment of western juniper. However, in an altered state where erosion of the surface horizon occurs, this site may lose resilience more rapidly than sites supporting deeper surface horizons.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
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHStates 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHT1A - Introduction of non-native species; long-term overutilization by livestock. T2A - Inappropriate grazing management T2B - Time T2C - Fire, soil disruption, inappropriate grazing management T3B - Time T3A - Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments, Inappropriate grazing management R4A - Tree thinning; seeding R4B - Mechanical tree thinning; seeding (failed) T4A - Failed mechanical treatment, catastrophic fire R5A - Annual grass treatment; reseeding State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Time and lack of disturbance 1.2A - Fire State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Time, growing season grazing 2.1B - Inappropriate grazing management 2.2A - Fire, dormant season grazing, brush treatments, aroga moth outbreak 2.2B - Inappropriate grazing management, brush management 2.3B - Time, rest from grazing, reseeding 2.3A - Time and rest from grazing, reseeding State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Time 3.2A - Fire State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - Time State 5 submodel, plant communities
5.1A - Fire, mechanical shrub removal State 1
Reference
The Reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine condition. While occurrence is rare, this is not considered a "Historical" reference since for this ecological site, examples of these conditions may still occur on the landscape. No introduced species occur and repeated disturbance has not fundamentally altered soil quality or plant community composition. The reference state has two general plant communities; a grass-shrub dominant community, a shrub-grass dominant community and a shallow-rooted grass dominant community (considered the at-risk community). State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community changes are primarily driven by fire, time and periodic drought.
Characteristics and indicators. • Lack of introduced plant species • Presence of all functional and structural groups • High plant vigor and reproductive capacity in most years • Lack of widespread soil erosion
Resilience management. Reference sites should be prioritized in landscape health strategies wherever possible. Management should focus on land conservation and protection of these rare conditions above other uses. Surrounding landscapes should be carefully managed to prevent species introductions and other impacts on reference sites. See the "Defend the Core" strategy for additional information (Maestas et al. 2021).
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 1.1
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
This plant community is dominated by Idaho Fescue with little sagebrush sub-dominant. Bluebunch wheatgrass and a variety of forbs are present. Sandberg bluegrass is the dominant shallow-rooted perennial grass. Following fire, little sagebrush cover will be very patchy or absent. Vegetative composition of the community is approximately 70 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs and 20 percent shrubs. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, three plots (2 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 350 500 650 Shrub/Vine 20 65 125 Forb 30 70 105 Tree 0 15 20 Total 400 650 900 Table 8. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-50% Forb foliar cover 0-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 20-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 9. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-20% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 10-20% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-60% Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4300 , Claypan 12-16 PZ.
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 5 15 30 35 5 0 5 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Little sagebrush is dominant and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass, particularly Idaho fescue, are sub-dominant. Bluebunch wheatgrass and a diverse forb component is typically present. Young juniper may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, two plots (1 percent) were classified to this community, for this reason production values have largely been extrapolated from expert knowledge and high functioning current potential plots.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 190 320 405 Shrub/Vine 150 220 310 Forb 35 70 80 Tree 0 15 30 Total 375 625 825 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4300 , Claypan 12-16 PZ.
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 5 15 30 35 5 0 5 5 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration and growth.
Context dependence.Ungulate grazing of perennial grasses may favor increases in shrub cover
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushLow severity fire creates a grass and sagebrush mosaic; higher severity fire significantly reduces sagebrush cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs.
Context dependence.Fire may be more likely following wet years that increase herbaceous production
State 2
Current Potential
This state is similar to the reference state yet some amount of introduced species occur and species composition or soil quality has been altered by long-term overutilization by livestock. Ecological function is largely intact, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced. This state has two general communities; a grass-shrub dominant community, a shrub-grass dominant community and a shallow-rooted grass dominant community (considered an at risk-community). Introduced species may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients.
Characteristics and indicators. • Low cover of introduced plant species (less than twice as much as deep rooted perennial bunchgrass cover) • Deep rooted perennial grasses typically greater than 10 percent cover • Presence of most or all functional and structural groups • High plant vigor and reproductive capacity in most years • Lack of widespread soil erosion
Resilience management. Current potential sites in high condition should be prioritized in landscape health strategies wherever possible. Management should focus on protection, minimization of disturbance, and early detection and treatment of plant invasions. Plant community management should focus on preserving deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in particular. Surrounding landscapes should be carefully managed to prevent impacts to these sites. See the "Defend the Core" strategy for additional information (Maestas et al. 2021).
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 2.1
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses, particularly Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass, are dominant and little sagebrush is sub-dominant. Following fire, little sagebrush may be very patchily distributed or nearly absent. A diverse forb component is typically present and may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. Western juniper may be present in low density. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 37 plots (22 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 11. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 330 350 665 Shrub/Vine 20 100 120 Forb 45 90 100 Tree 5 10 40 Total 400 550 925 Table 12. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-50% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 13. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-20% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-60% Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4300 , Claypan 12-16 PZ.
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 5 15 30 35 5 0 5 5 0 0 Community 2.2
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Little sagebrush is dominant and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses, particularly Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass, are sub-dominant. A diverse forb component is typically present. Young juniper may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 41 plots (24 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 16. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 14. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 170 185 390 Shrub/Vine 140 200 345 Forb 35 50 90 Tree 5 15 50 Total 350 450 875 Table 15. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-30% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-20% Table 16. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.1-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 40-60% Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4300 , Claypan 12-16 PZ.
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 5 15 30 35 5 0 5 5 0 0 Community 2.3
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Shallow-rooted perennial bunchgrass, particularly Sandberg bluegrass, is dominant and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass are sub-dominant but still typically occupy at least 10 percent cover. Some of the soil surface may have been degraded due to compaction or minor erosion. Young juniper may be increasing. Introduced annual species present to increasing. This is considered an at-risk phase due to the loss of some of the deep-rooted bunchgrass component and typically an increase in introduced annual species, bare ground, and gap cover. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 22 plots (13 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 17. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 190 205 385 Shrub/Vine 30 100 235 Forb 50 80 115 Tree 5 15 40 Total 275 400 775 Table 18. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-30% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 19. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-1.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-40% Surface fragments >3" 0-40% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-60% Figure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4301 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, poor condition.
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 5 20 30 25 5 0 5 10 0 0 Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and lack of disturbance allows for shrub growth and regeneration.
Context dependence.Ungulate grazing during the growing season may also reduce deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass composition relative to little sagebrush.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushInappropriate grazing management, or excessive wildlife grazing, especially during the growing season may reduce deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Soil compaction as a result of inappropriate grazing management may also favor shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominance.
Context dependence.Drought may accelerate or exacerbate change; soils are particularly susceptible to compaction when moist.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushLow severity fire creates a grass and shrub mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces sagebrush cover and leads to an early- to mid-seral community, dominated by grasses and forbs. Aroga moth outbreaks may decrease little sagebrush. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance may reduce the shrub overstory. Dormant season grazing by ungulates, particularly sheep, may also decrease little sagebrush composition.
Context dependence.Soil disturbance will be influenced by season of treatment or grazing
Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushInappropriate year-round grazing may reduce deep-rooted bunchgrasses and little sagebrush relative to Sandberg bluegrass. Brush treatments that lead to soil compaction may reduce shrubs and deep-rooted bunchgrasses. Soil compaction as a result of inappropriate grazing management may also favor shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominance.
Context dependence.Drought may accelerate or exacerbate change; soils are particularly susceptible to compaction when moist.
Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.1
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushTime and rest from growing season grazing may promote an increase in deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses.
Context dependence.Above average growing season precipitation may increase establishment success; if deep-rooted bunchgrass establishment is limited by reproductive vigor, reseeding may be required
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and rest from excessive grazing allows the shrub overstory to mature. Deep-rooted bunchgrasses may increase in the absence of disturbance if conditions are favorable.
Context dependence.If deep-rooted bunchgrass establishment is limited by reproductive vigor, reseeding may be required
State 3
Degraded
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during growth periods of cool season, perennial bunchgrasses. Much of the deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass component has been lost and cover rarely exceeds 5 to 7 percent. Erosion and compaction of the surface soil horizon may have occurred and may be ongoing. Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grass. This state consists of two plant communities, a shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominant community and a little sagebrush, shallow-rooted bunchgrass community. Introduced species cover is typically higher than in the current potential state. The shrub overstory and bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Characteristics and indicators. • Low cover and production of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses (typically less than 7 percent cover) • Moderate to high cover of shallow-rooted perennial bunchgrasses • Variable cover of little sagebrush • Evidence of soil erosion and/or compaction
Resilience management. Management should focus on preserving and reintroducing deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and treating introduced annual species to prevent a transition to an annual state.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Community 3.1
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Annuals
Sandberg bluegrass is dominant and little sagebrush decreased. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species present to increasing. Western juniper present to increasing. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 13 plots (8 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 20. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 115 200 300 Shrub/Vine 20 40 95 Forb 30 40 55 Tree 10 10 50 Total 175 290 500 Table 21. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-40% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-40% Table 22. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.1% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-1.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-40% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-70% Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4301 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, poor condition.
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 5 20 30 25 5 0 5 10 0 0 Community 3.2
Little Sagebrush, Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Annuals
Little sagebrush is dominant. Sandberg bluegrass increases. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species present to increasing. Western juniper present to increasing. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 16 plots (9 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 22. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 23. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 80 175 295 Grass/Grasslike 120 130 275 Forb 15 20 65 Tree 10 25 40 Total 225 350 675 Table 24. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 25. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0-0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-1.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-40% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-70% Figure 23. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4301 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, poor condition.
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 5 20 30 25 5 0 5 10 0 0 Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Annuals
Little Sagebrush, Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and AnnualsTime without disturbance
Context dependence.Shrub regeneration and growth may depend on nearby availability of seed source and/or shrub reproductive vigor
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Little Sagebrush, Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Annuals
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and AnnualsFire reduces shrub component
Context dependence.Years of above average precipitation may increase herbaceous fuels and increase the probability of fire
State 4
Encroached
In this state the site has crossed a threshold and is dominated by western juniper. Low sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. As juniper cover increases, shrub cover typically decreases, therefore this site is characterized by two communities, a western juniper/shrub community and a western juniper dominated community. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered. Soil erosion may accelerate as perennial herbaceous cover decreases.
Characteristics and indicators. • Western juniper canopy cover 10 to 25 percent (or greater) (see Miller et al. 2007 for additional context) • Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and little sagebrush decreased • Evidence of soil erosion common
Resilience management. Management should focus on preserving and reintroducing deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and treating western juniper to prevent further loss of other plant functional groups. Communities at earlier stages of invasion will have the highest likelihood of restoration success (See Miller et al. 2007). Special care should be taken to avoid removal of old growth western juniper.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Community 4.1
Western Juniper and Little Sagebrush
Western juniper is co-dominant relative to little sagebrush and deep-rooted perennial grasses. Sandberg bluegrass may be increasing in the understory. Introduced annual species are often common. The site will be expressing stage 1 or early stage 2 juniper invasion (see Miller et al. USGS, 2007). In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 17 plots (10 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 24. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 26. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Tree 100 175 305 Grass/Grasslike 55 100 200 Shrub/Vine 80 100 180 Forb 15 25 40 Total 250 400 725 Table 27. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-20% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 10-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-20% Table 28. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.1-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.0-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-70% Figure 25. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4300 , Claypan 12-16 PZ.
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 5 15 30 35 5 0 5 5 0 0 Community 4.2
Western Juniper
Western juniper dominates and shrub cover is diminished. For this site this transition typically occurs at a 20 percent or greater canopy cover of juniper where the site will be expressing late stage 2 or stage 3 juniper invasion (see Miller et al. USGS, 2007). Sandberg bluegrass may be dominant in the understory and introduced annual species may be abundant. As juniper cover increases, shrubs are eliminated, infiltration decreases, soil moisture is reduced and erosion accelerates. Idaho fescue typically persists longer than other deep-rooted bunchgrasses due to its shade tolerance. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, six plots (4 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 26. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 29. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Tree 180 285 360 Grass/Grasslike 95 145 195 Shrub/Vine 20 30 70 Forb 5 15 25 Total 300 475 650 Table 30. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 20-40% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 31. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.1-2.0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0.5-5.0% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.1-0.5% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-80% Figure 27. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4301 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, poor condition.
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 5 20 30 25 5 0 5 10 0 0 Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2
Western Juniper and Little Sagebrush
Western JuniperTime without fire allows cover to increase.
Context dependence.Above average precipitation may facilitate wester juniper regeneration and growth (Miller 2019).
State 5
Annual
In this state, the site has crossed a threshold into a state dominated by introduced annual species, especially invasive annual grasses. Invasive annual grasses become increasingly dominant though time by altering nutrient cycling, litter creation, and soil moisture capture thereby promoting positive feedbacks. An increase in fire frequency may also occur due to higher fine fuel loads that become flammable earlier in the season. Shrub and tree cover is variable. Shallow-rooted perennial grasses are common but are no longer controlling site resources.
Characteristics and indicators. • Annual grass cover typically greater than 25 percent • Deep-rooted perennial grass cover typically less than 5 percent • Annual grass cover greater than twice as much as deep-rooted perennial grass cover • Little sagebrush cover may be very low • Herbaceous litter cover may be abnormally high, especially in summer
Resilience management. Focus management actions on reducing invasive annual grass cover and spread to adjacent sites.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
Community 5.1
Annual Grass and Shrubs
Introduced annual grasses are dominant and shrubs are sub-dominant. Annual native and introduced forbs may also be common. The little sagebrush component of the site is typically still intact but may be replaced by resprouting rabbitbrush species if fire occurs. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, ten plots (6 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
Figure 28. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 32. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 150 175 295 Shrub/Vine 110 130 230 Tree 10 25 50 Forb 5 20 50 Total 275 350 625 Table 33. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-50% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 20-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-20% Table 34. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.5-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.0-0.5% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.1-1.0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-70% Figure 29. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4302 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, annual invaded.
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 25 35 15 0 0 5 10 0 0 Community 5.2
Annual Grass
Introduced annual grasses are dominant. Annual native and introduced forbs may also be common. Dominant annual grasses include medusahead, cheatgrass and North Africa grass. Cover of little sagebrush and western juniper is variable but will decrease, and likely remain suppressed, if fire occurs. In an analysis of 170 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, three plots (2 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Figure 30. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 35. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 195 275 450 Forb 5 15 60 Shrub/Vine 0 5 20 Tree 0 5 20 Total 200 300 550 Table 36. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 30-60% Forb foliar cover 0-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 0-10% Table 37. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.1% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.0-0.5% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.1-1.0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-70% Figure 31. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4302 , Claypan 12-16 PZ, annual invaded.
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 25 35 15 0 0 5 10 0 0 Pathway 5.1A
Community 5.1 to 5.2
Annual Grass and Shrubs
Annual GrassFire occurs and eliminates shrubs. May also be caused by a mechanical shrub removal treatment.
Context dependence.Probability of fire may increase following successive years with increased spring precipitation and high annual grass production
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Reference
Current PotentialIntroduction of non-native species; long-term overutilization by livestock.
Context dependence.Ecological drought may increase the likelihood of this transition
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Current Potential
DegradedInappropriate grazing management, especially repeated growing season over utilization, will reduce deep-rooted perennial grasses and lead to soil compaction and eventually erosion
Context dependence.Soil is particularly vulnerable to compaction during late winter and spring when it is moist or saturated but unfrozen; this transition is most likely to occur from the 2.3 at-risk phase.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Current Potential
EncroachedTime and lack of fire allows for maturation of the tree community
Context dependence.Years with above average precipitation may accelerate establishment and growth of western juniper (Miller et al. 2019); adjacent seed sources will also increase juniper establishment rates.
Transition T2C
State 2 to 5
Current Potential
AnnualCatastrophic fire, multiple fires, soil disturbing treatments, inappropriate grazing management
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species; higher than normal spring precipitation may interact with these disturbances to further favor increases in annual plant composition; this transition may be more likely to occur from the 2.3 at-risk phase.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4
Degraded
EncroachedTime and lack of fire allows for maturation of the tree community
Context dependence.Years with above average precipitation may accelerate establishment and growth of western juniper (Miller et al. 2019); adjacent seed sources will also increase juniper establishment rates.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 5
Degraded
AnnualCatastrophic fire, multiple fires, soil disturbing treatments, inappropriate grazing management
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species; higher than normal spring precipitation may interact with these disturbances to further favor increases in annual plant composition
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2
Encroached
Current PotentialThinning of trees, potentially coupled with seeding of desired species if required. Use of fire should be restricted to sites without little sagebrush and very low cover of annual species.
Context dependence.If most functional groups are still present, community 4.1 may be potentially restored to State 2; if most functional groups have been diminished or soil loss has occurred, 4.2 is likely to restore to State 3. Hand thinning may help decrease soil disruption while mechanical thinning may increase compaction; seeding success is low on this site and will depend in part on existing exotic grass pressure.
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 3
Encroached
DegradedGround disturbing mechanical tree thinning treatment; potentially coupled with a failed seeding. Use of fire should be restricted to sites without little sagebrush and very low cover of annual species.
Context dependence.If most functional groups are still present, community 4.1 may be potentially restored to State 2; if most functional groups have been diminished or soil loss has occurred, 4.2 is likely to restore to State 3. Hand thinning may help decrease soil disruption while mechanical thinning may compact soils and increase the likelihood of a transition to State 3; seeding success is low on this site and will depend in part on existing exotic grass pressure.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5
Encroached
AnnualGround disturbing mechanical treatment, catastrophic fire
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species
Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 3
Annual
DegradedTreatment of annual grasses, likely requiring herbicide application; coupled with seeding of desired native species
Context dependence.Above average growing season precipitation may increase establishment success; restoration success will be much more likely from community 5.1 than 5.2 given a greater composition of functional groups
Additional community tables
Table 38. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 305–545 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 210–400 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 75–150 – 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 10–25 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 5–15 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 5–15 – 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 35–80 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 35–80 – onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–15 – Forb4 Perennial, dominant 20–50 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 5–20 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 5–12 – serrate balsamroot BASE2 Balsamorhiza serrata 5–12 – largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 5–12 – 5 Perennial, other 15–40 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 – lambstongue ragwort SEIN2 Senecio integerrimus 0–5 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–5 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–5 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–5 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–5 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–5 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–5 – 6 Annual forbs, native 0–15 bushy bird's beak CORA5 Cordylanthus ramosus 0–10 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 – tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 – rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–5 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 20–100 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 20–100 – 11 Other shrubs 0–25 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 – Tree12 Evergreen 0–20 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 0–20 – Table 39. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 150–275 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 100–225 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 40–100 – 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 20–40 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 5–10 – Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 5–10 – 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 20–90 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 20–80 – onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–15 – Forb4 Perennial forbs 20–40 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 2–20 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 2–12 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 2–12 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 2–12 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 2–12 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 2–12 – 5 Perrenial forbs, other 5–20 Lava aster IOAL Ionactis alpina 0–5 – agoseris AGOSE Agoseris 0–5 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–5 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–5 – largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 0–5 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–5 – serrate balsamroot BASE2 Balsamorhiza serrata 0–5 – 6 Annual forbs, native 10–20 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–10 – bushy bird's beak CORA5 Cordylanthus ramosus 0–5 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 – tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 150–270 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 150–270 – 11 Other shrubs 0–40 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 – Truckee rabbitbrush CHHU2 Chrysothamnus humilis 0–10 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 – Tree12 Tree, evergreen 0–30 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 0–30 – Table 40. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 270–475 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 165–380 10–25 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 100–180 5–20 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 15–40 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 7–25 1–3 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 7–25 1–3 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 35–80 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 35–80 10–20 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–10 0–3 9 Annual grass, introduced 10–70 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 2–40 1–10 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 6–20 1–5 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 2–15 1–5 Forb4 Perennial forbs, dominant 25–50 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 5–20 1–2 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 0–15 0–6 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 5–15 1–4 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 5–10 1–3 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–10 0–3 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 5–10 1–3 5 Perrenial forbs, other 10–20 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–5 0–2 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–5 0–1 nineleaf biscuitroot LOTR2 Lomatium triternatum 0–5 0–1 Hooker's balsamroot BAHO Balsamorhiza hookeri 0–5 0–1 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–5 0–1 lambstongue ragwort SEIN2 Senecio integerrimus 0–5 0–1 parrothead Indian paintbrush CAPI3 Castilleja pilosa 0–5 0–1 desert yellow fleabane ERLI Erigeron linearis 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–10 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–3 0–4 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–3 0–3 chaparral willowherb EPMI Epilobium minutum 0–2 0–2 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–2 0–2 7 Annual forbs, introduced 10–20 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–5 0–5 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 20–100 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 20–100 2–15 11 Other shrubs 0–20 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 0–2 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 0–2 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–5 0–1 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–5 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 5–40 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 5–40 0–4 Table 41. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 115–250 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 60–170 5–15 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 50–90 5–10 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 20–40 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 1–3 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 5–10 1–2 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 5–10 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 25–60 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 20–50 7–16 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–10 1–2 9 Annual grass, introduced 10–40 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–15 0–8 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 5–15 1–4 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–10 0–1 Forb4 Perennial forbs, dominant 20–45 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 10–15 0–5 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 4–10 1–4 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 4–10 0–3 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 4–10 0–2 5 Perrenial forbs, other 10–20 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–6 0–2 rock buckwheat ERSP7 Eriogonum sphaerocephalum 0–4 0–3 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 0–4 0–2 nineleaf biscuitroot LOTR2 Lomatium triternatum 0–4 0–2 parrothead Indian paintbrush CAPI3 Castilleja pilosa 0–4 0–1 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–4 0–1 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 0–4 0–1 cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 0–4 0–1 serrate balsamroot BASE2 Balsamorhiza serrata 0–3 0–2 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 15–30 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–10 1–4 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–5 0–2 largeflower hawksbeard CROC Crepis occidentalis 0–5 0–2 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 0–2 annual agoseris AGHE2 Agoseris heterophylla 0–5 0–1 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–5 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 140–270 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 140–270 12–30 11 Other shrubs 0–75 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–35 0–5 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–15 0–2 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–15 0–1 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–15 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 5–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 5–50 0–5 Table 42. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 85–170 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 40–120 3–10 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 20–80 2–5 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 10–25 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 1–4 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 70–110 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 70–100 10–22 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–10 0–2 9 Annual grass, introduced 25–80 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–40 1–5 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–30 0–10 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–30 0–10 Forb4 Perennial forbs, dominant 30–50 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 2–5 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 5–10 1–2 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 5–10 1–2 5 Perennial forbs, other 10–30 desert yellow fleabane ERLI Erigeron linearis 0–5 0–3 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–5 0–2 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–4 0–2 nineleaf biscuitroot LOTR2 Lomatium triternatum 0–3 0–1 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–3 0–1 parrothead Indian paintbrush CAPI3 Castilleja pilosa 0–3 0–1 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 0–3 0–1 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–3 0–1 bigflower agoseris AGGR Agoseris grandiflora 0–3 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 10–25 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 2–5 1–3 annual agoseris AGHE2 Agoseris heterophylla 0–5 0–3 chaparral willowherb EPMI Epilobium minutum 0–5 0–3 largeflower hawksbeard CROC Crepis occidentalis 0–5 0–2 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 0–2 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–5 0–2 7 Annual forbs, introduced 0–10 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–4 0–3 spring draba DRVE2 Draba verna 0–3 0–2 jagged chickweed HOUM Holosteum umbellatum 0–3 0–2 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 30–130 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 30–130 2–15 11 Other shrubs 0–55 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 0–2 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–15 0–2 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–10 0–1 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 5–40 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 5–40 0–5 Table 43. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 20–45 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–20 1–3 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 5–15 0–2 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 5–10 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 70–145 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 70–120 12–35 bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 0–40 0–5 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–5 0–1 9 Annual grass, introduced 25–115 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 15–60 2–20 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 10–30 2–7 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–20 0–5 brome BROMU Bromus 0–5 1–2 Forb5 Perennial forbs 20–35 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 2–5 1–3 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 2–5 1–3 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 2–5 1–3 desert yellow fleabane ERLI Erigeron linearis 0–5 0–2 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 2–5 0–1 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–3 0–1 cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 0–3 0–1 cous biscuitroot LOCO4 Lomatium cous 0–3 0–1 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–3 0–1 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–3 0–1 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–10 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–2 0–5 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–2 2–3 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–2 1–3 chaparral willowherb EPMI Epilobium minutum 0–2 0–3 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–2 1–2 7 Annual forbs, introduced 5–10 curveseed butterwort CETE5 Ceratocephala testiculata 0–3 0–5 spring draba DRVE2 Draba verna 0–3 2–5 desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 0–3 0–1 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–3 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 20–80 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 20–80 3–10 11 Other shrubs 0–15 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 0–2 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–10 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 10–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 10–50 0–4 Table 44. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 20–45 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 15–25 1–4 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 5–15 0–3 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 60–120 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 60–100 5–20 bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 0–15 0–1 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–5 0–1 9 Annual grass, introduced 40–110 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–50 1–10 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–40 0–7 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–20 0–5 Forb5 Perennial forbs 10–40 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 1–6 1–2 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–6 0–2 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 1–6 1–2 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 1–6 1–2 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 0–5 0–1 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–5 0–1 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–5 0–1 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–20 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–6 0–3 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–5 0–1 annual agoseris AGHE2 Agoseris heterophylla 0–3 0–1 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–3 0–1 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–3 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 0–5 curveseed butterwort CETE5 Ceratocephala testiculata 0–5 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 80–260 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 80–260 12–30 11 Other shrubs 0–35 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 2–20 1–2 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 2–20 1–2 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 1–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 10–40 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 10–60 1–3 Table 45. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 30–90 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 16–40 2–12 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–30 1–6 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 2–10 1–3 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 2–5 0–3 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–5 0–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 15–65 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 15–60 5–15 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–5 0–3 9 Annual grass, introduced 10–45 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 5–25 1–10 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–20 0–8 Forb5 Perennial forbs 10–25 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 2–10 1–3 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 0–10 1–3 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–10 0–3 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–10 0–3 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 0–5 0–2 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–5 0–1 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–5 0–1 Hooker's balsamroot BAHO Balsamorhiza hookeri 0–2 0–1 sulphur-flower buckwheat ERUM Eriogonum umbellatum 0–2 0–1 sagebrush false dandelion NOTR2 Nothocalais troximoides 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–15 bushy bird's beak CORA5 Cordylanthus ramosus 0–6 0–3 Great Basin woollystar ERSP3 Eriastrum sparsiflorum 0–6 0–2 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–2 1–2 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–2 0–1 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–2 0–1 largeflower hawksbeard CROC Crepis occidentalis 0–2 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 80–140 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 80–140 6–18 11 Other shrubs 0–40 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–30 0–4 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 0–3 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 100–305 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 100–305 10–20 Table 46. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 35–70 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 15–40 6–10 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 1–5 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–20 2–3 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 40–80 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 40–80 7–20 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 2–10 0–4 9 Annual grass, introduced 20–45 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 15–30 3–10 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–15 2–5 Forb5 Perennial forbs 5–20 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 2–10 2–3 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 2–10 1–3 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–10 0–3 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–5 0–4 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–5 0–3 parsnipflower buckwheat ERHE2 Eriogonum heracleoides 0–5 0–2 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–5 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–2 0–3 Great Basin woollystar ERSP3 Eriastrum sparsiflorum 0–2 0–2 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–2 0–2 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 20–40 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 20–40 4–10 11 Other shrubs 0–30 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 2–7 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 0–2 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–5 0–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 180–360 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 180–360 16–40 Table 47. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 15–40 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–20 1–2 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 5–15 0–1 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 5–25 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 5–25 1–6 9 Annual grass, introduced 130–230 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 50–120 10–40 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 40–80 5–12 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 20–60 4–10 Forb5 Perennial forbs 5–15 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 0–15 0–2 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–10 0–3 rock buckwheat ERSP7 Eriogonum sphaerocephalum 0–10 0–1 sulphur-flower buckwheat ERUM Eriogonum umbellatum 0–5 0–1 onion ALLIU Allium 0–2 0–1 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–1 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–5 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–5 0–1 willowherb EPILO Epilobium 0–5 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 0–30 tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 0–20 0–3 desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 0–20 0–3 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–20 0–3 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 100–165 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 100–165 12–30 11 Other shrubs 10–65 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–40 1–4 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–30 1–3 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 10–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 10–50 3–10 Table 48. Community 5.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 15–50 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–30 2–5 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 5–20 1–4 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 5–30 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 5–30 1–8 9 Annual grass, introduced 175–370 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 40–200 5–40 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–140 5–20 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 20–80 4–10 field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–10 0–10 rattlesnake brome BRBR5 Bromus briziformis 0–10 0–5 Forb5 Perennial forbs, other 0–15 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–4 0–2 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–4 0–2 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–2 0–1 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–5 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–4 0–3 largeflower hawksbeard CROC Crepis occidentalis 0–2 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 5–40 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–25 0–5 tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 0–25 0–5 desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 0–25 0–5 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 0–20 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 0–20 0–5 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 0–20 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 0–20 0–3 Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Grazing:
This site is suited to use by cattle, sheep, and horses in late spring, summer, and fall under a planned grazing system. Use should be postponed until the soils are firm enough to avoid trampling damage and soil compaction.
Native Wildlife Associated with the Potential Climax Plant Community:
Deer
Antelope
Elk
Hawks
Songbirds
Rodents
This site will offer food and cover for mule deer, antelope, elk, rodents, and a variety of birds and their associated predators. It is an important late fall, winter, and spring use area for big game.
Hydrological functions
The soils are in hydrologic group D. The soils of this site have high runoff potential.
Wood products
This site is susceptible to increase in western juniper. Where this has occurred, the site will yield fence posts, firewood, and specialty products.
Other information
The soils in this site have good water holding capacities providing late season water for plant growth and slow water releases to streams. Increase in western juniper and the subsequent competition for moisture will lead to a reduction of available forage. Overgrazing can easily reduce ground cover and accelerate soil loss. Improving infiltration and permeability, and reducing runoff should be the immmediate goal of juniper control. When incised channels are present, rehabilitation will markedly improve production, reduce downstream sedimentation and restore good hydrologic characteristics. On altered sites, the reintroduction of basin wildrye may be needed to fully restore the site potential.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
This site was verified using vegetation and soils data summarized across 170 plots collected on this ecological site across MLRA10 in Oregon from 2005 to 2022. Of these plots, 60 included vegetative production estimates, all included cover estimates. Data sources: NRCS ecological site plots, n = 10; BLM ecological site inventory (ESI), n = 89; BLM assessment inventory and monitoring (AIM), n = 63; NRCS natural resource inventory, n = 8. A list of plots with names, locations (for publicly available plots), data collection intensity and associated state and plant community is available to users with EDIT developer privileges. For these plots, coordinate locations listed are in WGS84. Site_IDs included that are not in NASIS for data duplication or legal reasons are preceded by "Pville_ESI", 'Oregon_AIM', or 'NRI'.
References
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Bukowski, B.E. and W.L. Baker. 2013. Historical fire regimes, reconstructed from land-survey data, led to complexity and fluctuation in sagebrush landscapes. Ecological Applications 23:546–564.
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Chambers, J.C., D.A. Pyke, J.D. Maestas, M. Pellant, C.S. Boyd, S.B. Campbell, S. Esipinosa, D.W. Havlina, K.E. Mayer, and A. Wuenschel. 2014. Using resistance and resilience concepts to reduce impacts of invasive annual grasses and altered fire regimes on the sagebrush ecosystem and greater sage-grouse: A strategic multi-scale approach.. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-326.. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station., Fort Collins, CO. 73.
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Stringham, T.K., D. Snyder, P. Novak-Echenique, A. Wartgow, A. Badertscher, and K. O'Neill. 2019. Great Basin Ecological Site Development Project: State and Transition Models for Major Land Resource Area 23, Nevada and portions of California. Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 2019-01. University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada.
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Stringham, T.k., D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2016. State-and-Transition Models for USFS Crooked River National Grassland Major Land Resource Area B10 Oregon. DRAFT Report.. University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV.
Other references
Bates, Jonathan D. and Davies, Kirk W. "Early Succession Following Prescribed Fire in Low Sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula var. Arbuscula) Steppe," Western North American Naturalist 82 (1), 50-66, (8 April 2022). https://doi.org/10.3398/064.082.0105
Bradley, B. A., Curtis, C. A., Fusco, E. J., Abatzoglou, J. T., Balch, J. K., Dadashi, S., & Tuanmu, M.-N. (2018). Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) distribution in the intermountain Western United States and its relationship to fire frequency, seasonality, and ignitions. Biological Invasions, 20, 1493–1506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1641-8
Bradley, A.F., N.V. Noste, and W.C. Fischer. 1992. Fire ecology of forests and woodlands in Utah. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-287. Ogden, UT. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 128 p.
Howard, Janet L. 1997. Poa secunda. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online].
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/graminoid/poasec/all.html [2024, December 30].
LANDFIRE, 2020, BpS Model 11240 - Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe, LANDFIRE 2.0.0, U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed 11, November 2024 at https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/pdfs/BpS/LF2020/11240_1_7_8_9.pdf
Miller, H.C., D. Clausnitzer, and M.M Borman. 1999a. Medusahead. In: Sheley, R.L. and J.K. Petroff (eds.). Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.
Miller, Richard F.; Bates, Jonathan D.; Svejcar, Tony J.; Pierson, Frederick B.; Eddleman, L.E. 2007. Western juniper field guide: asking the right questions to select appropriate management actions. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1321. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey. 61 p.
Miller, Richard F.; Chambers, Jeanne C.; Evers, Louisa; Williams, C. Jason; Snyder, Keirith A.; Roundy, Bruce A.; Pierson, Fred B. 2019. The ecology, history, ecohydrology, and management of pinyon and juniper woodlands in the Great Basin and Northern Colorado Plateau of the western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-403. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 284 p.
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of piñon-juniper woodlands: A regional perspective in the Intermountain West. Res.
Pap. RMRS-RP-69. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Rocky Mountain Research Station. 15 p.
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Young, Richard P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the Intermountain region. In: Monsen, Stephen B.; Shaw, Nancy, compilers. Managing Intermountain rangelands--improvement of range and wildlife habitats: Proceedings of symposia; 1981 September 15-17; Twin Falls, ID; 1982 June 22-24; Elko, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-157. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 18-31.
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BLM/SCS Team - Burns, J. Thompson, A. Bahn
Cici Brooks
JPR
Andrew Neary - verification project 2024Approval
Kirt Walstad, 5/16/2025
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) James A. Cornwell, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired) Lee Brooks, Assistant State Conservationist, NRCS, Idaho (Retired) Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist for NRCS – Oregon Date 09/01/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None. Slight to moderate sheet and rill erosion hazard on slopes greater than 10 percent. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
5 to 15 percent. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine Litter movement, typically would be less than 1 foot. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Values are expected to range from 4 to 5, but need to be validated. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The A horizon in typically 3 to 6 inches thick. Structure ranges from weak to moderate very fine granular and thin platy. Soil organic matter (SOM) ranges from 1 to 4 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Moderate to significant plant cover (50 to 60 percent) and gentle slopes (2 to 12 percent) effectively limit rainfall impact and overland flow. The root mass of perennial bunchgrasses provides significant soil stability. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
A compaction layer does not occur but a claypan or bedrock does occur on this site within 6 to 10 inches of the surface. -
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:
Deep-rooted, perennial, cool season bunchgrasses>>Sub-dominant:
Shallow-rooted shrubs=shallow rooted, perennial, cool season bunchgrasses=forbs>>Other:
tall shrubsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Expect some decadence and mortality in low sagebrush. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Needs to be verified. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable 700, Normal 500, Unfavorable 300. -
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:
Cheatgrass and medusahead. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species should be capable of reproducing annually.
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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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