Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R013XY054ID
Marsh
TYLA-SCAC3
Last updated: 9/23/2020
Accessed: 08/12/2026
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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): 013X–Eastern Idaho Plateaus
Land Resource Region: B (Northwestern Wheat and Range)
MLRA: 13 (Eastern Idaho Plateaus)
EPA EcoRegion: Level III (Middle Rockies)LRU notes
013X-Eastern Idaho Plateaus
Additional moisture site.
https://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/index.htmlClassification relationships
No data.
Ecological site concept
Site receives additional water.
Soils are:
Not saline or saline-sodic.
Deep to very deep, not skeletal within 20” of soil surface.
Season water table <40” with high amounts of organic matter
Poorly drained, standing water is common until late summer
Not strongly or violently effervescent in surface mineral 10”.
Slope is < 30%.
Clay content is = <35% in surface mineral 4”.
Site does not have an argillic horizon with > 35% clay.Associated sites
R013XY038ID Meadow DECA18-CANE2
R013XY039ID Dry Meadow PONE-PHAL2
R013XY045ID Loamy Bottom 12-16 PZ ARTRT/LECI4-ELLAL
R013XY050ID Riparian Wet Meadow SALIX/CAREX
R013XY053ID Wet Meadow CAREX-JUNCUS
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site generally occurs on nearly level margins of streams, ponds, lakes, springs and reservoirs, as stringers paralleling stream and river channels. This site can also occur as parts of old stream courses, oxbows and potholes. Slopes are less than 2 percent. Elevation ranges between 4,000 to 6,800 feet (1200 to 2100 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Lake terrace
(2) Lakebed
(3) Flood plain
Flooding duration Long (7 to 30 days) to very long (more than 30 days) Flooding frequency Occasional to frequent Ponding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 4000 – 6800 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Ponding depth 2 – 12 in Water table depth 0 – 1 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
">Influencing water features
The Marsh site is influenced by additional water from either adjacent streams through seasonal flooding, water table, seeps or springs or from run-on from adjacent sites. The site may include the following wetlands and stream types.
Soil features
Typically these soils are erratically stratified with a surface mat of roots 4 or more inches deep over 3 to 6 inches of organic material over clays, clay loams, or silty clay loams that are over 60 inches deep. These soils are poorly drained and alluvial in origin. The soils are usually slightly acid to slightly alkaline in pH. Soils are saturated throughout the growing season and usually have standing water at or above the surface into the late summer.
Flooding can be frequent during snowmelt and just after snowmelt. Ponding is normal. The plant community is dependent on saturated soils and standing water during the growing season.
Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site -
Bear Lake
Bloomington
Dingle
Dinswamp
Marsh
Table 3. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Silty clay loam
(2) Silt loam
Drainage class Somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)7.1 – 11.3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is broadleaf cattail and/or hardstem bulrush. Hardstem bulrush is more dominant where water is 6 to 8 inches deep or deeper throughout the growing season. Broadleaf cattail is often more dominant where the water is at the soil surface through most of the growing season and may dry out at the surface later in the summer. When the two species occur together, broadleaf cattail is in shallower water than the hardstem bulrush. This is common on margins of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.
The site often occurs within a complex of wetland sites when adjacent to streams or rivers. In these situations, the soil surface of the area where the site is found is typically slightly undulating causing small depressions and high spots with variable soil moisture regimes. The plant communities found on these areas are sites within the complex. Characteristics of these sites are as follows:
1. Marsh site. Deeper depressions with the water table at or near the surface or slightly above the surface for the entire growing season. This site is dominated by broadleaf cattail, hardstem bulrush, and common threesquare.
2. Wet Meadow site. Shallow to depression areas with the water table at or near the surface for the entire growing season. This site is dominated by Carex spp. and Junus spp.
3. Meadow site. Slightly higher areas that are drier during the growing season. The water table is down to a depth of 20 to 40 inches by the end of the growing season. This site is dominated by tufted hairgrass and Nebraska sedge.
4. Dry Meadow site. Even higher areas that are even drier during the growing season and the water table is > 40 inches deep by the end of the growing season. The plant community is dominated by Nevada bluegrass and alpine timothy.
Either hardstem bulrush or broadleaf cattail can form impenetrable monotypic stands. Composition by weight is 95 percent grass or grass-like and 5 percent forbs.
During the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in a semi-arid and montane climate characterized by dry summers and cold, moist or wet winters. The site has evolved on deep alluvial soils that are saturated at the soil surface or standing water throughout most of the growing season. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at very low levels of utilization. Herbivory by some small mammals such as muskrats does occur.
Fire has had little influence on the development of the site. Rare wildfires can occur following consecutive drought years, particularly broadleaf cattail stands that go dry late in the summer.
The conditions for the plant community of this site are variable due to differences in the duration and depth of standing water. Dominant species are mostly rhizomatous and can form monotypic stands.
An infinite number of combinations of factors that influence the ecology of potential plant communities exist. For practical purposes, four plant communities where the depth to the water table drives the vegetative composition have been described. They are:
• Dry meadow Water table at >40” at end of growing season
• Meadow Water table at 20-40” at end of growing season
• Wet meadow Water table at 10-20” at end of growing season
• Marsh Water at surface toState and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
State 1 Phase ACommunity 1.1
State 1 Phase AThis plant community is dominated by broadleaf cattail and/or hardstem bulrush. There are a few forbs that may occur in minor amounts including water knotweed, leafybract aster, floating pondweed, and common duckweed. There may also be other grass-like species occurring in minor amounts.
Figure 1. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0315 , DRY MEADOW. State 1.
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 0 10 20 25 25 10 10 0 0 0 State 2
State 2Community 2.1
State 2This plant community may be similar to Wet Meadow, Meadow, Dry Meadow, or upland sites in low to mid-seral status. Initially, Carex and Juncus species may increase or become dominant. These species can be lost as degradation continues. Forbs may increase as degradation becomes severe. This state developed due to permanent reduction of standing water. The site has crossed the threshold. This state cannot be returned to State 1 without returning the standing water regime.
Additional community tables
Table 4. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 5. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
This ecological site provides habitat for unique wetland wildlife species. The duration of hydrology results in abundant herbaceous cover and invertebrate production. The insects provide an extremely important prey base for shorebirds and waterfowl. Wetland dependant animal species utilizing the site include marsh wren, great blue heron, Ibis, teal, mallard, yellow-head blackbird, red-winged blackbird, northern leopard frog, western toad, muskrat, and beaver. Large herbivores infrequently use the site due to the extreme hydrologic conditions and poor nutritional value of the forage. Loss of site hydrology significantly reduces habitat value of the adjacent ecological sites. Open water is being provided by runoff, ponding, flooding, seasonal high water table, and natural springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Broadleaf Cattail/ Hardstem Bulrush Reference Plant Community (RPC): The RPC and associated hydrology with deep ponded water, provide a diverse population of invertebrates (benthic and terrestrial) unique to wetlands and beneficial to water loving birds. Arthropods such as dragonflies, damselflies, midges, backswimmers, scuds, and waterfleas make up a large portion of potential invertebrates in these wetlands. They are a basic food source for many higher trophic level organisms. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by western skink, rubber boa, western rattlesnake, western toad, boreal chorus frog, and northern leopard frog. A diverse amphibian population is a key indicator of good ecological health on this site. Loss of hydrology will limit or exclude amphibians from this ecological site. The RPC may provide nesting, rearing, roosting, and forage habitat for bird species such as Canada goose, American wigeon, mallard, pied billed grebe, great blue heron, sora, whimbrel, Wilson’s snipe, marsh wren, and long-billed curlew. Small mammal populations are extremely limited due to the hydrologic conditions. Deer mouse, montane vole, and western jumping mouse would utilize the site for water throughout the year or during the winter when water is frozen.
State 2 Carex sp./ Juncus Sp./ Forbs/ Grasses Plant Community: The animal community may be similar to Wet Meadow, Meadow, Dry Meadow, or upland sites in low to mid-seral status depending on the severity of hydrology manipulation from State 1 Phase 1.1. The management of the resulting plant communities will be a major factor in determining the diversity and populations of the animal community. Refer to the above mentioned ecological sites for MLRA 13 for descriptions of the potential wildlife community.
Grazing Interpretations.
Due to standing water and low value forage, grazing during the growing season is rare. Grazing may occur during the dormant period. If dry soil conditions occur into the spring and livestock remove the tops of either broadleaf cattail or hardstem bulrush, the plants can die if water then covers them. Care must be exercised in grazing adjacent sites to avoid downcutting of stream channels that can influence standing water in this site. The potential of the site can be lost.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory, past use history and type, condition of vegetation, production, season of use, and seasonal preference. Calculations used to determine estimated initial stocking rate will be based on forage preference ratings.
Hydrological functions
No data.
Recreational uses
This site presents an aesthetically pleasing view of lush vegetation consisting primarily of grass-like plants and standing water. Hikers and fisherman often traverse the edges of this site. Fishing opportunities often exist on open water adjacent to this site. Waterfowl hunting can occur on or adjacent to the site.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
Field Offices
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Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jim Cornwell, Range Management Specialist, IASCD Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Chris Hoag, Wetland Plant Ecologist, NRCS, Idaho Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Kristen May, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
Other references
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.) National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA NRCS. 1992. Major Land Resource Area, Owyhee High Plateau, Range Site Descriptions. Reno, Nevada.
USDA NRCS. Major Land Resource Area, Owyhee High Plateau, Range Site Descriptions. Portland, Oregon.
USDA, Forest Service. 2004. (www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants.).
USDI, BLM and Idaho Conservation Data Center. 2001. Riparian and Wetland Plant Associations of Southwestern Idaho.
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; Version 4-2005.
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 9/23/2020
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Dave Franzen and Jacy Gibbs Intermountain Range Consultants 17700 Fargo Rd. Wilder, ID 83676 Contact for lead author Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709 Date 06/24/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
rills do not occur on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns do not occur. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
neither occurs on this site. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
none. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
none. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
blowouts and depositional areas do not occur. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
litter may move in the standing water. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
values should range from 4 to 6 but needs to be tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Structure ranges weak and moderate fine and medium granular to weak fine subangular blocky. Soil organic matter (SOM) ranges from 10 to 80 percent. Surface color is usually black to very dark brown to very dark gray. The A or A1 horizon is typically 2 to 11 inches thick. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
site has standing water. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
is not present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
rhizomatous speciesSub-dominant:
perennial forbsOther:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
little mortality occurs on the site. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
not applicable. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 4500 pounds per acre (5040 Kg/ha) in a year with normal amounts of standing water and temperatures. Rhizomatous species produce 90-95 percent of the total production and forbs less than 10 percent. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
includes purple loosestrife, common reed. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years. Most of the plants can reproduce vegetatively.
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