Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XC034OR
SR Shrubby Mountain Loam
16-20 PZ
Last updated: 4/01/2025
Accessed: 06/21/2026
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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.
Ecological site concept
In reference condition, this site supports a plant community dominated by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis). Abiotically, this site is characterized by moderately deep to deep soils, gentle slopes and adjacency to forestland. Compared to other grass-shrub sites within this LRU, this site experiences higher precipitation and therefore has high production. The soil climate is mesic to near frigid and xeric. Historically, plant community dynamics were driven primarily by disturbances such as periodic fire and drought. Presently, reference conditions are less common and current dynamics are influenced by the spread of invasive species, proliferation of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), livestock grazing pressures and fire suppression.
This is a provisional ecological site whose accelerated development from a draft site was undertaken with little to no field verification and is subject to extensive review and revision before final approval. All data herein was developed using existing information and literature and should be considered provisional and contingent upon field validation prior to use in conservation planning.Associated sites
R010XC049OR SR Shrubby Mountain South 16-20 PZ
Adjacent south slopes
R010XC054OR SR Mountain Shallow South 12-16 PZ
Adjacent shallow south slopes
R010XC067OR SR Shrubby Mountain North 16-20 PZ
Adjacent north slopes
Similar sites
R010XB028OR JD Shrubby Mountain 12-16 PZ
Lower precipitation
R010XC067OR SR Shrubby Mountain North 16-20 PZ
North slopes within the same precipitation zone
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Purshia tridentata
(2) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyanaHerbaceous (1) Festuca idahoensis
Physiographic features
This site occurs adjacent to forestland on the backslopes of canyons, tablelands, and mountain plateaus. Slopes range from 0 to 12 percent. Elevations range from 3,200 to 4,500 feet (975 to 1,375 meters). This site does not experience ponding or flooding and no water table is present within the soil profile.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountains > Canyon
(2) Foothills > Plateau
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 3200 – 4500 ft Slope 0 – 12 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 20 inches (400 to 500 mm), 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. The soil temperature regime is typically mesic to near frigid with a mean annual air temperature of 48° F (9° C). Temperature extremes range from 90 to -30° F (32 to -34° C). The frost-free period ranges from 80 to 150 days. The optimum period for plant growth is from April through mid-July. Climate graphs are based on the nearest available climate stations to representative site locations and are provided to indicate general climate patterns.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 80-150 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 110 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) RICHLAND [USC00357160], Richland, OR
">Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by adjacent or on site water features.
Wetland description
Not applicable
Soil features
The soils of this site are typically moderately deep to deep and well-drained. Typically the surface layer is a loam or coarse sandy loam from 8 to 20 inches thick. The subsoil is a sandy loam or coarse sandy clay loam from 8 to 22 inches thick. Depth to bedrock or an indurated pan may range from 20 to 60 inches. Permeability is moderate. The available water holding capacity is about 6 to 8 inches for the profile. The potential for erosion is moderate to severe.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – igneous rock
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Sandy
(2) Coarse-loamy
(3) Fine-loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate Depth to restrictive layer 20 – 60 in Soil depth 20 – 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 45 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 45 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 8 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-60in)5 – 25 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-60in)0 – 10 % Ecological dynamics
Range in Characteristics:
Needlegrasses increase on more coarse textured soils and at the lower end of the precipitation range. Shrubs will increase with soil depth and precipitation. Tall shrubs often occur in groups with shorter shrubs forming a shrub and grass mosaic. As a fire-influenced community, the frequency of fire will have a major impact on the composition of the stands. Root sprouting shrubs are favored with a higher fire frequency.
Ecological Dynamics and Disturbance Response:
Ecological dynamics of this site are primarily driven by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Frequent low intensity fires were the historical disturbance that maintained the reference state and drove plant community shifts within the state. Intensity and frequency of these fires is strongly influence by drought cycles and/or insect or disease attacks on the plant community. Introduction of exotic annual grasses compromises the resistance and resiliency of the site, putting it at higher risk of crossing a threshold into another state.
Periodic drought regularly influences sagebrush ecosystems and drought duration and severity has increased throughout the 20th century in much of the Intermountain West. Major shifts away from historical precipitation patterns have the greatest potential to alter ecosystem function and productivity. Species composition and productivity can be altered by the timing of precipitation and water availability with the soil profile (Bates et al. 2006).
The range and density of western juniper has increased since the middle of the nineteenth century (Tausch 1999, Miller and Tausch 2000). Causes for expansion of western juniper into sagebrush ecosystems include wildfire suppression, historic livestock grazing, and climate change (Bunting 1994). Mean fire return intervals prior to European settlement in these ecosystems were 15 to 25 years (Burkhardt and Tisdale 1976, Young and Evans 1981), frequent enough to inhibit the encroachment of western juniper into these cover types (Miller and Tausch 2000). With the increased suppression of wildfire and livestock grazing, which reduces ground fuels and understory competition, regeneration and establishment of western juniper have expanded into suitable sites previously dominated by shrubs (Burns and Honkala 1990). An increase in crown density causes a decrease in understory perennial vegetation and an increase in bare ground. This allows for the invasion of non-native annual species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). With annual species in the understory wildfire can become more frequent and increase in intensity. With frequent wildfires these plant communities can convert to annual species with a sprouting shrub and juvenile tree overstory.
(Adapted from: Stringham, T.K et al., 2017)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 textStates 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
T1A - Introduction of non-native species T2A - Less frequent fire and extended drought reduces perennial bunchgrasses and allows for an increase in shrub/tree species. T2B - Catastrophic fire: often coupled with soil disturbing activities or extended drought. T2C - Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community T3A - Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, or soil disturbing treatments/activities. T3B - Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community. R5A - Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species. R5B - Catastrophic fire R5B - Mechanical treatment of trees State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Low severity and high severity fires 1.1B - Time and lack of disturbance 1.2A - Time and lack of disturbance 1.3A - High severity fire 1.3B - Low severity fire State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Low severity fire; high severity fire; Brush treatment and tree thinning 2.1B - Time and lack of disturbance such as fire, drought 2.2A - Time and lack of disturbance 2.3A - Moderate to high severity fire; Brush treatments and tree thinning 2.3B - Low severity fire; Brush treatments and tree thinning State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Fire or brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance. 3.2A - Time and lack of disturbance State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - Fire 4.2A - Time and lack of disturbance State 5 submodel, plant communities
5.1A - Time and lack of disturbance State 1
Historic ReferenceThe Reference State 1.0 is a representation of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has three general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. 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 phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack. 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.
Dominant plant species
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antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), shrub
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mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community - Perennial Bunchgrasses/Sagebrush-BitterbrushThe potential native plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush, bitterbrush, and Idaho fescue. Tall shrubs, serviceberry, chokecherry, and bitter cherry are scattered throughout the stand. Needlegrasses, squaw apple, and wax currant are common. Vegetative composition of the community is approximately 55 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, and 40 percent shrubs. Approximate ground cover is 60 to 70 percent (basal and crown).
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 784 1120 1456 Shrub/Vine 304 592 880 Forb 80 136 192 Tree 32 48 64 Total 1200 1896 2592 Community 1.2
Perennial Bunchgrasses/ShrubsDeep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses are dominant; forbs may increase; shrub component reduced, shrub dominance shifts to sprouting shrubs.
Community 1.3
Shrub/Perennial BunchgrassesShrub component increases; deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses decrease; young juniper and pine increasing.
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Low severity fire creates a grass and shrub mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces shrub cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Time and lack of disturbance such as fire facilitates an increase in the shrub overstory.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1High severity fire significantly reduces shrub and juniper cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2Low severity fire reduces shrub and juniper cover and creates a shrub and grass mosaic.
State 2
Current PotentialThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. 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. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, residual dry matter accumulation, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Dominant plant species
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antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), shrub
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mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 2.1
Perennial Bunchgrasses/Sagebrush-Bitterbrush/AnnualsDeep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses, sagebrush, and bitterbrush are dominant, with a diverse component of sub-dominant shrubs present. Annual non-native species present.
Community 2.2
Perennial Bunchgrasses/Sprouting Shrubs/AnnualsDeep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses are dominant; forbs may increase; shrub component reduced, shrub dominance shifts to sprouting shrubs. Annual non-native species present to increasing.
Community 2.3
Shrub/AnnualsShrub component increases; deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses decrease; young juniper and pine increasing. Non-native annual species present to increasing.
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Low severity fire creates a grass and shrub mosaic; high severity fire significantly reduces shrub cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs. Brush treatment and tree thinning would also reduce the overstory allowing the perennial understory to increase.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3Time and lack of disturbance such as fire facilitates an increase in the shrub overstoryp may be coupled with drought
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration.
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.1Moderate to high severity fire reduces shrub and juniper cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs. Brush treatments and tree thinning would also reduce the overstory allowing the perennial understory to increase.
Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.2Low severity fire creates a shrub and grass mosaic. Brush treatments and tree thinning would also reduce the overstory allowing the perennial understory to increase.
State 3
ShrubThis state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses, changes in the historic fire regime or long-term drought favoring shrub establishment. Grazing tolerant Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grass. Sprouting shrubs begin to dominate the shrub component. Shrub cover exceeds site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory and Sandberg bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed (3.1). In both community phases, bare ground may be significant with soil redistribution occurring between interspace and shrub locations. Western juniper increases and may begin to influence the understory vegetation.
Dominant 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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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Community 3.1
Shrubs/BluegrassShrubs are dominant. Sandberg bluegrass increases. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species are present to increasing. Western juniper is present to increasing.
Community 3.2
Bluegrass/ShrubsSandberg bluegrass is dominant. Non-sprouting shrubs decreased. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are minor components or are missing. Non-native annual species are present to increasing. Western juniper are present to increasing.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Fire or brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Time and lack of disturbance allows for shrubs to recover. Western juniper may increase.
State 4
AnnualThis community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass, north-africa grass, medusahead, and tansy mustard in the understory. Sprouting shrubs may dominate the overstory.
Dominant plant species
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
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North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
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medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Community 4.1
Shrubs/AnnualsShrubs are dominant in the overstory. Annual non-native species are dominant in the understory. Mat-forming forbs increase. Western juniper are present to increasing.
Community 4.2
AnnualsAnnual non-native species are dominant. Perennial grasses decrease or are missing. Western juniper may be present. Sprouting shrubs may increase.
Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Fire
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Time and lack of disturbance allows for sagebrush, bitterbrush, and sprouting shrubs to increase. Western juniper may be present.
State 5
TreeThis state is characterized by a dominance of western juniper in the overstory. Bitterbrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.
Dominant plant species
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western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
Community 5.1
Juniper/ShrubsWestern juniper is dominant. Shrubs decrease. Deep-rooted perennial grasses decrease. Sandberg bluegrass may increase. Non-native annual species increase.
Community 5.2
Juniper WoodlandWestern juniper is dominant. Shrubs are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species increase. Bare ground may be increasing.
Pathway 5.1A
Community 5.1 to 5.2Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Introduction of non-native species
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Less frequent fire and extended drought reduces perennial bunchgrasses and allows for an increase in shrub/tree species.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Catastrophic fire: often coupled with soil disturbing activities or extended drought.
Transition T2C
State 2 to 5Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, or soil disturbing treatments/activities.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 5Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community.
Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 2Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species.
Restoration pathway R5B
State 5 to 3Catastrophic fire
Restoration pathway R5B
State 5 to 4Mechanical treatment of trees
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 640–960 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 640–960 – 2 Perennial, deep-rooted, sub-dominant 128–448 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 80–240 – needlegrass ACHNA Achnatherum 32–128 – blue wildrye ELGL Elymus glaucus 16–80 – 5 Other perennial grasses, all 16–48 California brome BRCA5 Bromus carinatus 0–10 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–10 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–10 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–10 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–10 – Forb7 Perennial, all, dominant 48–80 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 48–80 – 8 Perennial, all, sub-dominant 16–48 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 16–48 – 9 Other perennial forbs, all 16–64 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–6 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–6 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–6 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–6 – waterleaf HYDRO4 Hydrophyllum 0–6 – stoneseed LITHO3 Lithospermum 0–6 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–6 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–6 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 0–6 – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus 0–6 – Shrub/Vine11 Perennial, evergreen, dominant 160–480 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 80–320 – mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 80–160 – 14 Perennial, deciduous, sub-dominant 112–336 Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 32–80 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 32–80 – wax currant RICE Ribes cereum 16–48 – common snowberry SYAL Symphoricarpos albus 16–48 – 15 Other perennial shrubs, all 32–64 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–32 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 0–32 – Tree16 Perennial, evergreen, dominant 32–64 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 16–32 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 16–32 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 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 (%) Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 5.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) 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 withstand trampling damage and soil compaction.
Native Wildlife Associated with the Climax Plant Community:
Mule deer
Elk
Hawks
Rodents
Songbirds
This site offers food and cover for mule deer and elk.Hydrological functions
The soils are in hydrologic group B. The soils of this site have moderately low 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
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 immediate goal of juniper control.
Supporting information
References
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Bates, J.D., T. Svejcar, R.F. Miller, and R.A. Angell. 2006. The effects of precipitation timing on sagebrush steppe vegetation. Journal of Arid Environments 64:670–697.
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Bunting, S.C., B.M. Kilgore, and C.L. Bushey. 1987. Guidelines for Prescribe burning sagebrush-grass rangelands in the Northern Great Basin. General Technical Report INT-231. USDA Forest Service Intermountain Research Station, Ogden, UT. 33.
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Burns, R.M. and B.H. Honkala. 1990. Silvics of North America. Volume 2: Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
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Chambers, J.C., B.A. Bradley, C.S. Brown, C. D’Antonio, M.J. Germino, J.B. Grace, S.P. Hardegree, R.F. Miller, and D.A. Pyke. 2013. Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America. Ecosystems 17:360–375.
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Young, J.A. and R.A. Evans. 1981. Demography and Fire History of a Western Juniper Stand. Journal of Range Management 34:501–506.
Other references
Burkhardt, J. W. and E. W. Tisdale. 1976. Causes of juniper invasion in southwestern Idaho. Ecology
57:472-484.
Miller, R. F. and R. J. Tausch. 2000. The role of fire in pinyon and juniper woodlands: a descriptive analysis. Pages 15-30 in Proceedings of the invasive species workshop: the role of fire in the control and spread of invasive species. Fire conference.
Stringham, T.K, D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2017. Final Report for USFS Crooked River National Grassland State-and-Transition Models for Selected Disturbance Response Groups in Major Land Resource Area B10 Oregon. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report RR-2017-01. 230 p.
Available at: http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/resources/MLRA.aspx
Tausch, R. J. 1999. Historic pinyon and juniper woodland development. Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon–juniper communities within the Interior West. Ogden, UT, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, RMRS-P-9:12-19Contributors
A. Bahn, H. Barrett
M. Parks (OSU)
2020/2021 update Andrew NearyApproval
Kirt Walstad, 4/01/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 08/07/2012 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None, moderate to severe sheet & rill erosion hazard -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None to some -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
5-15% -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None, moderate wind erosion hazard -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine - limited movement -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Slight to moderate resistance to erosion: aggregate stability = 1-4 -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Moderately deep to deep well drained loam to coarse sandy loam (8-20 inches thick): Low to moderate OM (0-3%) -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Moderate to significant ground cover (60-70%) and gentle slopes (0-12%) effectively limit rainfall impact and overland flow -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None -
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:
Idaho fescue > Antelope bitterbrush > Bluebunch wheatgrass > other shrubs > other grasses > forbsSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Normal decadence and mortality expected -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable: 2000, normal: 1600, Unfavorable: 1200 lbs/acre/year at high RSI (HCPC) -
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:
Perennial brush species will increase with deterioration of plant community. Western Juniper readily invades the site. Cheatgrass and Medusahead invade sites that have lost dep rooted perennial grass functional groups. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species should be capable of reproducing annually
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