Fine Frigid Floodplain ARCA13/CACU7/LETR5

Description

The Reference State represents the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The Reference State has three general community phases; a grass dominant phase and a grass dominated phase with an increase in forbs and shrubs. 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 periodic drought or ponding and/or insect or disease attack.

Characteristics and indicators

Hydro-logically controlled vegetation with abundance and type varying with depth to ground water.

Dominant plant species

1. silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub

2. sedge (Carex), grass

3. beardless wildrye (Leymus triticoides), grass

4. Cusick's Indian paintbrush (Castilleja cusickii), grass

Submodel