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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): 025X–Owyhee High Plateau
The Owyhee High Plateau, MLRA 25, lies within the Intermontane Plateaus physiographic province. The southern half is found in the Great Basin while the northern half is located in the Columbia Plateaus. The southern section of the Owyhee High Plateau is characterized by isolated, uplifted fault-block mountain ranges separated by narrow, aggraded desert plains. This geologically older terrain has been dissected by numerous streams draining to the Humboldt River. The northern section forms the southern boundary of the extensive Columbia Plateau basalt flows. Deep, narrow canyons drain to the Snake River across the broad volcanic plain.
This MLRA is characteristically cooler and wetter than the neighboring MLRAs of the Great Basin. Elevation ranges from 3,000 to 7,550 feet on rolling plateaus and in gently sloping basins. It is more than 9,840 feet on some steep mountains. The average annual precipitation in most of this area is typically 11 to 22 inches. It increases to as much as 49 inches at the higher elevations. Precipitation occurs mainly as snow in winter. The supply of water from precipitation and streamflow is small and unreliable, except along major rivers. Streamflow depends largely on accumulated snow in the mountains.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic or frigid temperature regime and an aridic, arid bordering on xeric, or xeric moisture regime. Most of the soils formed in mixed parent material. Volcanic ash and loess mantle the landscape. Surface soil textures are loam and silt loam, and have ashy texture modifiers in some cases. Argillic horizons occur on the more stable landforms.Ecological site concept
This ecological site is associated with mountain and plateau landscapes. It is commonly found on tablelands with slope ranges from 2-12 percent and elevations of 4,500 to 6,500 feet (1,372 to 1,981meters). The soils associated with this site are moderately deep to hard bedrock with a horizon of clay accumulation (argillic horizon) below 7 inches (18cm). The soil profile has a dark surface horizon (mollic epipedon) and vitrandic subgroup (greater than 5 percent volcanic glass in coarse silt through fine sand fraction). Important abiotic factors contributing to the presence of this ecological site include a mollic epipedon, greater than 35 percent clay in the particle size control section, and a horizon of clay accumulation. The reference plant community is dominated by a mix of mountain big sagebrush and basin big sagebrush with Idaho fescue and bluebunch grass in the understory.
Associated sites
R025XY008OR SILTY SWALE 13-16 PZ
Swale 13-16 PZ
R025XY018OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 13-16 PZ
Shallow Claypan 13-16 PZ
R025XY026OR CLAYPAN SOUTH SLOPES 13-16 PZ
Claypan South Slopes 13-16 PZ
Similar sites
R025XY065OR SHRUBBY LOAM 13-16 PZ
Soils, total annual production and landscape position are similar. Species composition of Shrubby Loam 13-16 PZ could be post-fire disturbance response.
R025XY028NV SNOWPOCKET
Soils, total annual production and landscape position are similar. Species composition of Shrubby South slopes 13-16 PZ could be post-fire disturbance response.
R025XY034OR SHRUBBY NORTH SLOPES 13-16 PZ
Soils, total annual production and landscape position are similar. Species composition of Shrubby North slopes 13-16 PZ could be post-fire disturbance response.
R025XY011ID LOAMY 13-16
R025XY028OR SHRUBBY SOUTH SLOPES 13-16 PZ
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana
(2) Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentataHerbaceous (1) Festuca idahoensis
(2) Pseudoroegneria spicata subsp. spicataPhysiographic features
This ecological site is associated low sloping summits of plateaus and tablelands or concave foot slopes and backslopes on mountains. Slopes are less than 12 percent with elevations of 4,500 to 6,500 feet (1,372 to 1,981meters). This site has high to very high surface runoff.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Tableland > Plateau
(2) Plateau > Mountain
(3) Mountains > Plateau
(4)
Runoff class High to very high Elevation 4500 – 6500 ft Slope 2 – 12 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is defined by hot dry summers and cold snowy winters. There are 34 frost free-days and 71 day freeze-free period. Mean annual precipitation is 16 inches (41cm), with the highest rainfall occurring in April 2.3 in (6cm) and the lowest in August 0.4 in (1cm). Effective precipitation is between 13-16 inches. Averages snowfall is around 35 inches per year. Air temperatures average 27 Degrees F in December (coldest) and 66 Degrees F in July (warmest).
* The average data is averaged the Mountain City, Murphy, and Bruneau climate stations, NASIS, and Western Regional Climate Center.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 50-90 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 50-90 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 30-90 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 40-110 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 60 days Freeze-free period (average) 70 days 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) MTN CITY RS [USC00265392], Mountain City, NV
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(2) SILVER CITY 5 W [USC00108412], Murphy, ID
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(3) MURPHY DESERT HOT SPRG [USC00106250], Bruneau, ID
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands, streams or run-on. No water table is present.
Wetland description
N/A
Soil features
Soils associated with this site formed in residuum and colluvium derived from volcanic rocks and volcanic ash. These soils are moderately deep, well drained, and have greater than 35 percent rock fragments by volume throughout the soil profile. Soil texture ranges from cobbly ashy loam in the surface horizons over a cobbly ashy clay loam in the subsoil. The soil profile is characterized by a mollic epipedon, a layer of clay accumulation (argillic horizon) and greater than 35 percent clay in the particle size control section. Volcanic glass content can be 5 to 30 percent in sand and coarse silt soil fraction.
Representative soil components associated with this ecological site include the Erakatak and Arcia soil series.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – volcanic rock
(2) Colluvium – volcanic rock
(3) Volcanic ash
Surface texture (1) Cobbly loam
(2) Gravelly loam
(3) Very cobbly loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderately slow Depth to restrictive layer 20 – 40 in Soil depth 20 – 40 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 10 – 21 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 3 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.6 – 3.3 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)6.6 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)10 – 25 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)10 – 20 % Ecological dynamics
The Reference Plant Community is dominated by Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass and mountain big sagebrush. Subdominant species include basin big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush and Sandberg bluegrass. Total annual production is 1400 lbs/acre in a normal year, 1600 lbs/acre in a favorable year, and 1200 lbs/acre in a unfavorable year. Structurally, shallow rooted bunchgrasses are dominant, followed by shrubs, and perennial forbs. The dominant visual aspect of this site is sagebrush with mixed grasses. Composition by weight is approximately 80 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs and 15 percent shrubs.
Herbivory has historically occurred on the site at low levels of utilization. Native herbivores include pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, sage grouse, lagomorphs and rodents. Livestock grazing has become prevalent across this site. Overutilization of resources due to grazing (from livestock, wildlife, and feral horses) can degrade the site and decrease forage availability and quality. This will lead to a decrease in perennial bunch grasses and an increase of invasive species (Williamson, 2020). Annual and perennial invasive species compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients.
Wildfire frequency across this site has historically been low. Sagebrush evolved with low intensity wildfire that left a mosaic of burned and unburned patches (Baker, 2006). Annual species such as cheatgrass and medusahead can be troublesome invaders on this site after wildfire, preventing perennial grass and shrub re-establishment. Invasive, annual plant communities increase wildfire frequency and intensity (Haubensak, 2009). This could cause the dominate shrub population to shift away from scabland sagebrush to a shrub population with quicker establishment.
High annual precipitation will increase the total plant production. Higher wildfire frequency following annual plant production can be expected due to a larger fuel load (Pilliod, 2017). Extended periods of drought significantly impact this site because of the grasses and shrubs that depend on annual moisture and the shallow soil. Extended drought reduces the vigor of perennial grasses and shrubs, while extreme drought may cause plant mortality. Extreme drought could also cause a state change that will favor bunch grasses over shrubs. Runoff potential following large precipitation events is high. Decreased infiltration, increased runoff, and increased erosion often occur when sagebrush is removed by frequent wildfires (Williams, 2018).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
T1 - Introduction of annual non-native species. T3 - Repeated, widespread and severe fire. R2 - Seeding with native species/prescribed grazing State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. 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.
Dominant plant species
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mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Community 1.1
This community phase is characteristic of a mid-seral plant community and is dominated by sagebrush and native perennial grasses.
Potential vegetative composition by weight is about 80 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs and 15 percent shrubs. Total vegetative cover averages 60 to 70 percent.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 960 1120 1280 Shrub/Vine 180 210 240 Forb 60 70 80 Total 1200 1400 1600 Community 1.2
This community phase is characterized by a post-disturbance, early seral, plant community. Sagebrush and other shrubs are reduced, or patchy. Perennial bunchgrasses and forbs dominate the visual aspect of the plant community.
Disturbance tolerant shrubs will sprout from the root-crown following low and medium intensity wildfire and may begin to dominate the plant community 2 to 5 years post-disturbance.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Community 1.3
Absence of disturbance allows sagebrush to mature and dominate the plant community. Perennial bunchgrasses and forbs are reduced in both vigor and productivity due to competition for light, moisture and nutrient resources.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Wildfire. Low severity wildfire creates a sagebrush/grass mosaic; higher intensity wildfires significantly reduce sagebrush cover and lead to early seral community dominated by grasses and forbs. Frequency and intensity of wildfire is primarily driven by cover and amount of herbaceous vegetation. Under the reference state conditions, wildfire return intervals are estimated to be between 20 and 50 years.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3Time, absence of disturbance, and natural regeneration over time allows sagebrush to dominate site resources. This community phase pathway may be coupled with drought and/or herbivory further reducing herbaceous understory.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time, absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time allows sagebrush to recover. Recovery of sagebrush depends on the availability of a local seed source (patches of mature shrubs) as well as precipitation patterns favorable for germination and seedling recruitment. Sagebrush seedlings are susceptible to less than favorable conditions for several years. Completion of this community phase pathways may take decades.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1Low intensity, patchy wildfire or insect infestation would reduce sagebrush overstory creating a mosaic on the landscape. Perennial bunchgrasses and forbs dominate disturbed patches due to an increase in light, moisture and nutrient resources.
Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2Widespread wildfire removes sagebrush and allows perennial bunchgrasses and forbs to dominate.
State 2
Current PotentialThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. This state has the same three general community phases. 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 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, ability to cross pollinate and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Management would be to maintain high diversity of desired species to promote organic matter inputs and prevent the dispersal and seed production of the non-native invasive species.Dominant plant species
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mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), shrub
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Community 2.1
This community phase is similar to the Reference State Community Phase 1.1, with the presence of non-native species in trace amounts.
Resilience management. The presence of non-native annuals has reduced site resilience. Management actions should focus on maintaining the presence of all functional and structural groups and minimizing wildfire and soil disturbing practices.
Community 2.2
This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community where annual non-native species are present. Perennial bunchgrasses and forbs recover rapidly following wildfire. Annual non-native species are stable or increasing within the community. Disturbance tolerant shrubs typically recover 2 to 5 years post wildfire and may dominate the sites for many years.
Community 2.3
This community phase is characterized by decadent sagebrush, reduced perennial bunchgrass and increasing bare ground. Annual non-natives species are stable or increasing due to lack of competition from perennial bunchgrasses. Shallow-rooted bunchgrasses may increase and become co-dominate with remaining deep-rooted bunchgrasses.
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2Wildfire reduces the shrub overstory and allows for perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Wildfire may be patchy, resulting in a mosaic pattern with patches of mature sagebrush remaining. Annual non-native species are likely to increase after wildfire.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3Time and lack of disturbance allows for sagebrush to increase and become decadent. Mature sagebrush is controlling the spatial and temporal distribution of moisture, nutrient and light resources. Native perennial bunchgrasses are reduced due to competition for these resources. Non-native annuals are stable to increasing.
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Time, lack of disturbance and natural regeneration of sagebrush. The establishment of sagebrush depends on presence of seed source and favorable weather patterns. It may take decades for sagebrush to recover to pre-disturbance levels.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1Low intensity wildfire, insect infestation, or brush management with minimal soil disturbance reduces sagebrush overstory and releases herbaceous understory.
Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2Wildfire reduces or eliminates the overstory of sagebrush and allows for the understory perennial grasses and forbs to increase. Annual non-native species respond well to wildfire and may increase post-burn.
State 3
Annual StateAnnual non-natives dominated site productivity and site resources. The dominance of non-native annuals control the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture, soil nutrients and energy resources. Remaining patches of sagebrush and/or perennial bunchgrass suffer from increased competition and narrowed fire return intervals.
Characteristics and indicators. This state experiences frequent fire due to increased cover and continuity of fine fuels. Fire is frequent enough to prevent the recovery of long-lived native perennials like sagebrush. Disturbance tolerant shrubs may be present or increasing depending on time since disturbance.
Dominant plant species
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
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tansymustard (Descurainia), grass
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medusahead (Taeniatherum), grass
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fescue (Vulpia), grass
Community 3.1
This community phase in dominated by annual non-native grasses and shallow-rooted perennial grasses. Sprouting shrubs may also be common. Patches of mature sagebrush may or may not be present.
Community 3.2
This community phase is characteristic of a post-wildfire community where annual non-natives are controlling site resources. Depending on season and/or intensity of fire the visually aspect of the site in dominated annual non-natives and bare ground. Site may be experiencing soil loss.
Resilience management. This community phases is high susceptible to frequent and repeated wildfire. Best management practices prevent sites from reaching this community phase. Management options are extremely limited.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2Fire reduces or eliminates the overstory shrubs and shallow-rooted perennials and allows for annual non-natives to increase
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1Time and lack of fire allows for sagebrush and other shrubs to establish. Probability of sagebrush establishment is very unlikely and dependent on a near-by seed source from unburned patches of sagebrush.
Transition T1
State 1 to 2Trigger: Introduction of annual non-native species Slow variable: Over time the annual non-native plants increase within the community. Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
Transition T3
State 2 to 3Trigger: Repeated, widespread, and severe wildfire. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species over time. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs truncates, spatially and temporally, nutrient capture and cycling within the community.
Restoration pathway R2
State 3 to 2Seeding with native species followed by prescribed grazing Minimize soil disturbance and maximize non-native annual plant biomass removal during early spring. Combine prescribed grazing with seeding of native species. Continue to protect site from wildfire.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 960–1280 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 480–896 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 192–384 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 19–64 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 3–6 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 3–6 – Forb2 60–80 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 9–12 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 9–12 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 9–12 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 6–9 – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus 6–9 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 6–9 – onion ALLIU Allium 6–9 – stoneseed LITHO3 Lithospermum 6–9 – balsamroot BALSA Balsamorhiza 6–9 – tansyaster MACHA Machaeranthera 6–9 – camas CAMAS Camassia 6–9 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 6–9 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 6–9 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 6–9 – Shrub/Vine3 180–240 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 70–120 – basin big sagebrush ARTRT Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata 28–32 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 14–32 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 14–28 – currant RIBES Ribes 14–28 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 14–28 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 14–28 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 – Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis – – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata – – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda – – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides – – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha – – Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii – – Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum – – basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus – – Forb2 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus – – phlox PHLOX Phlox – – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata – – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus – – onion ALLIU Allium – – stoneseed LITHO3 Lithospermum – – balsamroot BALSA Balsamorhiza – – tansyaster MACHA Machaeranthera – – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron – – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium – – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium – – camas CAMAS Camassia – – Shrub/Vine3 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata – – mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana – – basin big sagebrush ARTRT Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata – – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus – – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus – – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa – – currant RIBES Ribes – – bitter cherry PREM Prunus emarginata – – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia – – 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 (%) Interpretations
Animal community
This site offers food and cover for antelope, mule deer, rodents and a variety of birds. It is important summering area for antelope and mule deer.
Hydrological functions
The soils are in hydrologic group C. The soils of this site have moderately high runoff potential.
Other products
This site is sutied 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 prevent trampling damage and soil compaction.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Old SS Manuscripts, Range Site Descriptions, etc.
References
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Haubensak K. and D'Antonio C. 2009. Effects of fire and environmental variable on plant structure and composition in grazed salt desert shrublands of the Great Basin (USA). Journal of Arid Environment. Elsevier. 643–650.
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Michael J. Falkowski and Jeffrey S. Evans. January 2017. Mapping Tree Canopy Cover in Support of Proactive Prairie Grouse Conservation in Western North America. Rangeland Ecology and Management 70:15–24.
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Pilliod, D.S. and J.L. Welty. 2017. Refining the cheatgrass–fire cycle in the Great Basin: Precipitation timing and fine fuel composition predict wildfire trends. Ecology and Evolution. Wiley.
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Williams, C.J. and F.B. Pierson. 2018. Effectiveness of prescribed fire to re-establish sagebrush steppe vegetation and ecohydrologic function on woodland-encroached sagebrush rangelands, Great Basin, USA: Part I: Vegetation, hydrology, and erosion responses.
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Williamson, M.A. and E. Fleishman. 2019. Fire, livestock grazing, topography, and precipitation affect occurrence and prevalence of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) in the central Great Basin, USA.
Contributors
A.V. Bahn, R.H. Barrett
E. Ersch
Trevor Crandall/ Erin HourihanApproval
Kendra Moseley, 4/24/2024
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 06/07/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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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:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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