Natural Resources
Conservation Service
-
Search
Major Land Resource Area or ecological site by name and/or ID.
PreviousSectionsNextGeneral information
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): 024X–Humboldt Basin and Range Area
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 024X–Humboldt Area
Major land resource area (MLRA) 24, the Humboldt Area, covers an area of approximately 8,115,200 acres (12,680 sq. mi.). It is found in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. Elevations range from 3,950 to 5,900 feet (1,205 to 1,800 meters) in most of the area, some mountain peaks are more than 8,850 feet (2,700 meters).
A series of widely spaced north-south trending mountain ranges are separated by broad valleys filled with alluvium washed in from adjacent mountain ranges. Most valleys are drained by tributaries to the Humboldt River. However, playas occur in lower elevation valleys with closed drainage systems. Isolated ranges are dissected, uplifted fault-block mountains. Geology is comprised of Mesozoic and Paleozoic volcanic rock and marine and continental sediments. Occasional young andesite and basalt flows (6 to 17 million years old) occur at the margins of the mountains. Dominant soil orders include Aridisols, Entisols, Inceptisols and Mollisols. Soils of the area are generally characterized by a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic soil moisture regime and mixed geology. They are generally well drained, loamy and very deep.
Approximately 75 percent of MLRA 24 is federally owned, the remainder is primarily used for farming, ranching and mining. Irrigated land makes up about 3 percent of the area; the majority of irrigation water is from surface water sources, such as the Humboldt River and Rye Patch Reservoir. Annual precipitation ranges from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) for most of the area, but can be as much as 40 inches (101 cm) in the mountain ranges. The majority of annual precipitation occurs as snow in the winter. Rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in the spring and fall.Ecological site concept
The Lakeshore Marsh ecological site occurs on lake fringes where the water is ponded for much of the growing season. The dominant plants are wetland obligate species, such as broadleaf cattail (TYLA) and hardstem bulrush (SCAC3). This Lakeshore Marsh site is copied from a similar site in MLRA 28A R028AY025UT, Lakeshore Marsh.
Associated sites
R024XY043NV WET MEADOW 6-8 P.Z.
Site is found near seeps and springs on basin floors, as well as flood plains and lava plains associated with perennial streams. Soils are very deep, very poorly drained and formed in alluvium derived from mixed rocks. These soils are continuously saturated within 59 inches (150cm) of the surface. Year-long water table within 59 inches (150cm), proximity to perennial stream or water source and a landscape position that concentrates run-in moisture.
R024XY009NV SALINE MEADOW
This ecological site includes high sodicity, moderately high salinity and a water near the surface at during some part of the year. The soil profile is characterized by a fine sand surface texture, an ochric epipedon, a pH of 8.2 at the surface increasing with depth, an SAR of >13 and a water table between 2 to 35 inches (4 to 90cm).
Similar sites
R024XY007NV SALINE BOTTOM
A strong to moderate salinity throughout and a high-water table between 70-100cm at some time during the year. Dominant species greasewood (SAVE4) and basin wildrye (LECI4)
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Typha latifolia
(2) Schoenoplectus acutusPhysiographic features
The Lakeshore Marsh site is found on silty lacustrine sediments on concave areas adjacent to open water areas.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Lakeshore
(2) Alluvial flat
Runoff class Low to negligible Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency None to rare Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) to very long (more than 30 days) Ponding frequency Frequent Elevation 1300 – 0 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Ponding depth 0 – 40 in Water table depth 0 – 40 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class Not specified Flooding duration Not specified Flooding frequency Not specified Ponding duration Not specified Ponding frequency Not specified Elevation 1200 – 1500 ft Slope 0 % Ponding depth 0 in Water table depth 0 in Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, moist winters and warm, somewhat dry summers. Average annual precipitation is 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm).
Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 90-100 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-140 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-100 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-140 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 90 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 10 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
-
(1) ADEL [USC00350036], Adel, OR
-
(2) SUMMER LAKE 1 S [USC00358173], Paisley, OR
">Influencing water features
The Lakeshore Marsh site frequently ponds for very long periods during the months of March through September.
Soil features
Soils formed in decomposed organic material over silty lacustrine sediments in concave areas adjacent to open water areas in lake basins. Soils are very deep and very poorly drained. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The mean annual temperature is about 47 degrees F. and the mean annual precipitation is about 9 inches. Soils associated with the site are Crump and Tulana.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Organic material
(2) Lacustrine deposits
(3) Pumice
(4) Ash flow
Surface texture (1) Muck
(2)
Family particle size (1) Fine-silty
Drainage class Poorly drained to very poorly drained Permeability class Moderate Soil depth 78 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)5 – 10 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-78in)6 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-78in)0 – 5 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-78in)0 – 5 % Ecological dynamics
Vegetation is composed primarily of common cattail and various bulrush species, with hardstem and 3-square bulrushes found most often. The native sub-species of common reed is commonly found on the drier end of the site. On average years, plant growth begins after April 1st and continues throughout much of the summer and fall. The Lakeshore Marsh site typically has standing water up to 9 inches deep from March through September and on some sites, year round.
The Lakeshore Marsh site is of limited extent. The Lakeshore Marsh site typically ends with open water then the water depth becomes to great for plants to survive.
During periods of low standing water, total site production often decreases, but will return to normal amounts during years with average or above average site ponding.
Common reed (Phragmites australis) is an invasive grass that has colonized many areas in this ecological site. Phragmites can form dense mono-cultures that reduce plant diversity (Chambers et al. 1999). Dominance of Phragmites can also reduce waterfowl and shorebird use, decrease diversity of macroinvertebrates, alter hydrology, and increase fire hazards (see citations in Cranney 2016). Management of invasive Phragmites stands may include chemical, burning, and/or grazing/mowing treatments. Each of those treatments has varying success and stands of Phragmites may need a combination of treatments to control the spread (Cranney 2016).
As vegetative communities respond to changes in management or natural influences that move them from one state to another, a return to previous states may not be possible. The amount of energy needed to affect these vegetative shifts depends on present biotic and abiotic features and the desired results.
The following state and transition model diagram depicts some of the most commonly occurring plant communities found on this ecological site. These communities may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable. As more data are collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added.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
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State describes the natural biotic communities that may become established on the Lakeshore Marsh - cattail bulrush ecological site when all successional sequences are completed under the natural disturbance regime. The Reference State is self sustaining and resistant to change due to its high resistance to natural disturbances and high resilience following natural disturbances. When natural disturbances occur, the rate of recovery is variable due to disturbance intensity. Prolonged flooding could cause a large plant die-off at any community phase. This community could become at risk where increased disturbance and/or the introduction of the invasive species of common reed occurs. Once this invasive species becomes established, return to the reference state may not be possible.
Reference State: Community phases influenced by fluctuating water levels, natural disturbances, and weather.
Indicators: A dense stand of common cattail, various bulrush species and the native sub-species of common reed dominant visual aspect.
Feedbacks: Extended drought, lower standing water levels and/or other disturbances that reduce plant vigor which may allow invasive species to become established in the community. Properly managed water levels where possible help maintain the native perennial plant community.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities in this state are at risk when native plants are stressed and/or nutrients become available for invasive plants to establish.
Trigger: Introduction and establishment of non-native invasive plants such as the invasive sub-species of common reed.Dominant plant species
-
broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass
-
chairmaker's bulrush (Schoenoplectus americanus), grass
Community 1.1
Common Cattail Community PhaseThe community is characterized by a perennial forb community dominated by common cattail, other species including hardstem and 3-square bulrush are present in small amounts. The Common Cattail Community normally has standing water 6 to 12 inches deep during all of the growing season. When the water depth exceeds 12 inches, open water results. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 60 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Forb 3000 4000 5000 Grass/Grasslike 100 200 300 Total 3100 4200 5300 Table 7. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-10% Forb foliar cover 30-50% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 30-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 20-60% Bare ground 0% Community 1.2
Mixed Bulrush Community PhaseThe community is characterized by a perennial sedge community dominated by hardstem and 3-square bulrush. Other species including fluted bulrush and common cattail are present in small amounts. The Mixed Bulrush Community Phase normally has standing water 3 to 6 inches deep during all of the growing season. When the water depth exceeds 6 inches, common cattail often dominates. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 50 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 2200 3400 4200 Forb 100 150 250 Total 2300 3550 4450 Table 9. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 30-40% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 20-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 30-50% Bare ground 0% Community 1.3
Mixed Bulrush Community Phase with other Perennial SpeciesThe Mixed Bulrush Community Phase is characterized by a perennial sedge community dominated by hardstem and 3-square bulrush. Other species including fluted bulrush and common cattail are present in small amounts. This site normally has standing water 1 to 3 inches deep during much of the growing season. Baltic rush, inland saltgrass, and the native sub-species of common reed are present and when conditions are right, may dominate the community. When the water depth exceeds 3 inches, these species are greatly reduced. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 50 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Figure 9. 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 2200 2600 3000 Forb 120 150 200 Total 2320 2750 3200 Table 11. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 30-40% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 20-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 20-20% Bare ground 0% Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 6 to 12 inches to 3 to 6 inches. This allows bulrushes and other species to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as common cattail. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 6 to 12 inches to 1 to 4 inches. This allows bulrushes and other species including rushes, grasses and forbs to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as common cattail. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 6 to 12 inches from 3 to 6 inches. This allows common cattail to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as bulrushes. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 1.2b
Community 1.2 to 1.3This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 3 to 6 inches to 1 to 4 inches. This allows species such as Baltic rush, inland saltgrass and forbs to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as bulrushes. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 6 to 12 inches from 1 to 4 inches. This allows common cattail to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as bulrushes, baltic rush and inland saltgrass. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 3 to 6 inches from 1 to 4 inches. This allows bulrush species to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as baltic rush and inland saltgrass. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
State 2
Current Potential StateThis state is similar to the Reference State with the addition of non-native species.
Community 2.1
Common cattail/non-nativesThe Common cattail/non-natives community is characterized by a perennial forb community dominated by common cattail, other species including hardstem and 3-square bulrush are present in small amounts. This site normally has standing water 6 to 12 inches deep during all of the growing season. When the water depth exceeds 12 inches, open water results. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 60 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Community 2.2
Mixed bulrush/non-nativesThe Mixed bulrush/non-natives community is characterized by a perennial sedge community dominated by hardstem and 3-square bulrush. Other species including fluted bulrush and common cattail are present in small amounts. This site normally has standing water 3 to 6 inches deep during all of the growing season. When the water depth exceeds 6 inches, common cattail often dominates. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 50 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Community 2.3
Mixed bulrush/other perennial species/non-nativesThe Mixed bulrush/other perennial species/non-natives community is characterized by a perennial sedge community dominated by hardstem and 3-square bulrush. Other species including fluted bulrush and common cattail are present in small amounts. This site normally has standing water 1 to 3 inches deep during much of the growing season. Baltic rush, inland saltgrass and the native sub-species of common reed are present and when conditions are right, may dominate the community. When the water depth exceeds 3 inches, these species are greatly reduced. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 50 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 60 percent. Ponded water is also variable (20 to 60 percent).
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 6 to 12 inches to 3 to 6 inches. This allows bulrushes and other species to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as common cattail. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 6 to 12 inches to 1 to 4 inches. This allows bulrushes and other species including rushes, grasses and forbs to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as common cattail. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 6 to 12 inches from 3 to 6 inches. This allows common cattail to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as bulrushes. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.3This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level decreases from 3 to 6 inches to 1 to 4 inches. This allows species such as Baltic rush, inland saltgrass and forbs to more effectively compete with deeper water species such as bulrushes. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 6 to 12 inches from 1 to 4 inches. This allows common cattail to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as bulrushes, baltic rush and inland saltgrass. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2This community pathway occurs when the stable standing water level increases to 3 to 6 inches from 1 to 4 inches. This allows bulrush species to more effectively compete with shallower water species such as baltic rush and inland saltgrass. This change may be caused by natural lake fluctuations or by water management such as diking and water level manipulation.
State 3
Invaded StateThe Invaded State is similar to the reference state, except that non-native and/or invasive species are present in all community phases. This state is generally dominated by the invasive sub-species of common reed; however, depending on disturbance history, species native to this site may be lacking resulting in pure stands of common reed. Primary disturbance mechanisms include climate fluctuations, water level changes, and surface disturbances such as road and pipeline development and off road vehicle (OHV) use. Timing of these disturbances dictates the ecological dynamics that can occur. The invaded state is losing resistance to change and lower resilience following disturbances.
Indicators: A site dominated by common cattail and several bulrush species including hardstem and 3-square. Both the native and introduced subspecies of common reed are now present in the stand.
Feedbacks: Extended drought resulting in a reduction of native perennial plant vigor. Normal fluctuations in weather allowing for the maintenance of both perennial sedges and grasses.
At-risk Community Phase: This state is at risk when perennial plant cover is reduced and nutrients become available for invasive plants to flourish.
Trigger: Spread of invasive plants to fill available niches.Community 3.1
Invasive species of Common Reed Community PhaseThe Invasive species of Common Reed Community Phase is characterized by a significant invasion of the non-native sub-species of common reed replacing perennial grass/sedge communities normally dominating this site. Hardstem and 3-square bulrush and other species including fluted bulrush and common cattail may still be present in small amounts. This site normally has standing water 1 to 6 inches deep during much or all of the growing season. Baltic rush, inland saltgrass and the native sub-species of common reed are present when conditions are right. All of these species are in danger of being eliminated and replaced by the non-native reed species. Ground cover is highly variable with perennial vegetative cover ranging from 30 to 60 percent and litter ranging from 25 to 50 percent. Ponded water is also variable (15 to 20 percent).
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 12. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 2200 2600 3000 Forb 120 150 200 Total 2320 2750 3200 Table 13. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 40-60% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 20-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 20-20% Bare ground 0% Transition T1A
State 1 to 2This transition occurs when non-native species are introduced.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3This transition is from the native perennial plant communities in the reference state to a state that now contains invasive species. Events that allow for the establishment of invasive plant species include, prolonged drought, standing water level fluctuation, surface disturbances, etc. However, the invasive sub-species of common reed has been known to invade intact perennial plant communities with little to no disturbance. Once invasive species are found in the plant community a threshold has been crossed.
Additional community tables
Table 14. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Forb1 Dominant Forbs 3000–5500 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 3000–5000 – southern cattail TYDO Typha domingensis 200–400 – Grass/Grasslike2 Dominant Grasslikes 150–300 chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 100–200 – hardstem bulrush SCACA Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus 75–150 – Table 15. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant Grasslikes 2000–4000 chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 1000–1500 – hardstem bulrush SCACA Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus 500–1000 – Forb2 Dominant Forbs 150–250 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 100–200 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 100–200 – southern cattail TYDO Typha domingensis 20–40 – Table 16. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant Grasses/Grasslikes 2000–3000 hardstem bulrush SCACA Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus 300–500 – chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 300–500 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 100–300 – common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris 100–200 – 3 Sub-dominant Grasses/Grasslikes 100–200 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 0–40 – common reed PHAU7 Phragmites australis 20–40 – annual rabbitsfoot grass POMO5 Polypogon monspeliensis 0–20 – weeping alkaligrass PUDI Puccinellia distans 0–20 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–20 – meadow barley HOBRB2 Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. brachyantherum 0–20 – Forb2 Dominant Forbs 150–250 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 50–74 – southern cattail TYDO Typha domingensis 20–40 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–20 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 0–20 – seaside arrowgrass TRMA20 Triglochin maritima 0–20 – Table 17. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 19. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 20. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant Grasses/Grasslikes 2000–3300 common reed PHAU7 Phragmites australis 1000–2000 – hardstem bulrush SCACA Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus 200–400 – chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 200–400 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 100–200 – common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris 100–200 – 2 Sub-dominant Grasses/Grasslikes 50–150 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 0–40 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–20 – annual rabbitsfoot grass POMO5 Polypogon monspeliensis 0–20 – weeping alkaligrass PUDI Puccinellia distans 0–20 – meadow barley HOBRB2 Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. brachyantherum 0–20 – Forb3 Forbs 150–250 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 50–75 – southern cattail TYDO Typha domingensis 20–40 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–20 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 0–20 – seaside arrowgrass TRMA20 Triglochin maritima 0–20 – Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NASIS data for Crump (OR636: 194A, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A, 55A, 56A) and Tulana (OR636: 253A) soils.
Other references
Chambers RM, LA Meyerson, K Saltonstall. 1999. Expansion of Phragmites australis into tidal wetlands of North America. Aquatic Botany 64: 261-273.
Cranney, CR. 2016. Control of large stands of Phragmites australis in Great Salt Lake, Utah wetlands. All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 4988. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4988Contributors
Sarah Quistberg
Meghan KruegerApproval
Kendra Moseley, 3/06/2025
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 05/20/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
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 plant reproductive capability:
Print Options
Sections
Font
AAAAOther
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.
Accessibility statement
