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Ecological site R025XY023ID
NORTH SLOPE LOAMY 16-22
Last updated: 4/25/2024
Accessed: 09/14/2026
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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): 025X–Owyhee High Plateau
MLRA Notes 25—Owyhee High Plateau
This area is in Nevada (56 percent), Idaho (30 percent), Oregon (12 percent), and Utah (2 percent). It makes up about 27,443 square miles. MLRA 25 is characteristically cooler and wetter than the neighboring MLRAs of the Great Basin. The western boundary is marked by a gradual transition to the lower and warmer basins of MLRA 24. The boundary to the south-southeast, with MLRA 28B, is marked by gradual changes in geology marked by an increased dominance of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper and a reduced presence of Idaho fescue. The boundary to the north, with MLRA 11, is a rapid transition from the lava plateau topography to the lower elevation Snake River Plain.
Physiography:
All of this area lies within the Intermontane Plateaus. The southern half is in the Great Basin section of the Basin and Range province. This part of the MLRA 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 half of the area lies within the Columbia Plateaus province. This part of the MLRA forms the southern boundary of the extensive Columbia Plateau basalt flows. Most of the northern half is in the Payette section, but the northeast corner is in the Snake River Plain section. Deep, narrow canyons draining into the Snake River have been incised into this broad basalt plain. 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 Humboldt River crosses the southern half of this area
Geology:
The dominant rock types in this MLRA are volcanic. They include andesite, basalt, tuff, and rhyolite. In the north and west parts of the area, Cretaceous granitic rocks are exposed among Miocene volcanic rocks in mountains. A Mesozoic igneous and metamorphic rock complex dominates the south and east parts of the area. Upper and Lower Paleozoic calcareous sediments, including oceanic deposits, are exposed with limited extent in the mountains. Alluvial fan and basin fill sediments occur in the valleys.
Climate:
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. Rainfall occurs in spring and sporadically in summer. Precipitation occurs mainly as snow in winter. The precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout fall, winter, and spring. The amount of precipitation is lowest from midsummer to early autumn. The average annual temperature is 33 to 51 degrees F. The freeze-free period averages 130 days and ranges from 65 to 190 days, decreasing in length with elevation. It is typically less than 70 days in the mountains.
Water:
The supply of water from precipitation and streamflow is small and unreliable, except along the Owyhee, Bruneau, and Humboldt Rivers. Streamflow depends largely on accumulated snow in the mountains. Surface water from mountain runoff is generally of excellent quality and suitable for all uses. The basin fill sediments in the narrow alluvial valleys between the mountain ranges provide some ground water for irrigation. The alluvial deposits along the large streams have the most ground water. Based on measurements of water quality in similar deposits in adjacent areas, the basin fill deposits probably contain moderately hard water. The water is suitable for almost all uses. The carbonate rocks in this area are considered aquifers, but they are little used. Springs are common along the edges of the limestone outcrops.
Soils:
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, aridic bordering on xeric, or xeric moisture regime. Soils with aquic moisture regimes are limited to drainage or spring areas, where moisture originates or runs on and through. These soils are of a very limited extent throughout the MLRA. They generally are well drained, clayey or loamy, and shallow or moderately deep. Most of the soils formed in mixed parent material. Volcanic ash and loess mantle the landscape. Surface soil textures are loam and silt loam with ashy texture modifiers in some areas. Argillic horizons occur on the more stable landforms. They are exposed nearer the soil surface on convex landforms, where ash and loess deposits are more likely to erode. Soils that formed in carbonatic parent material in areas that receive less than 12 inches of precipitation are characterized by calcic horizons throughout the profile, while soils in areas that receive more than 12 inches of precipitation do not have calcic horizons in the upper part of the profile. Soils that formed on stable landforms at the lower elevations are dominated by ochric horizons. Soils that formed at the middle and upper elevations are characterized by mollic epipedons. Soils in drainage areas at all elevations that receive moisture running on or through them are characterized by thicker mollic epipedons.
Biological Resources:
This MLRA supports shrub-grass vegetation. Lower elevations are characterized by Wyoming big sagebrush associated with bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and Thurber’s needlegrass. Other important plants include bluegrass, squirreltail, penstemon, phlox, milkvetch, lupine, Indian paintbrush, aster, and rabbitbrush. Black sagebrush occurs but is less extensive. Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper occur in limited areas. With increasing elevation and precipitation, vast areas characterized by mountain big sagebrush or low sagebrush/early sagebrush in association with Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, needlegrasses, and bluegrass become common. Snowberry, curl-leaf mountain mahogany, ceanothus, and juniper also occur. Mountains at the highest elevations support whitebark pine, Douglas-fir, limber pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, aspen, and curl-leaf mountain mahogany.
Major wildlife species include mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, badger, river otter, mink, weasel, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, northern harrier, prairie falcon, kestrel, great horned owl, short-eared owl, long-eared owl, burrowing owl, pheasant, sage grouse, chukar, gray partridge, and California quail. Reptiles and amphibians include western racer, gopher snake, western rattlesnake, side-blotched lizard, western toad, and spotted frog. Fish species include bull, red band, and rainbow trout.Classification relationships
Artemisia vaseyana/ Festuca idahoensis ht. Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush- Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho. Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number 35
Ecological site concept
This site is on mesa and mountain slope landforms. 20 to 60 percent slope is common for this ecological site, on steep northern and eastern exposures. Elevations for this site range from 4,500 to 7,500 feet (1,372 to 2,286 meters).
The soils supporting this site are moderately deep to very deep, well drained, with moderate to moderately rapid permeability above bedrock or a duripan. Runoff is medium to high. The erosion hazard is very severe by water and moderate by wind. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is low to moderate. Rock fragments in the soil profile are between 20 and 50 percent.
This site is dominated by a mountain big sagebrush and Idaho fescue plant community.Associated sites
R025XY022ID LOAMY 16-22
R025XY030ID MOUNTAIN BRUSH 18-22
R025XY037ID CEANOTHUS THICKET 16-24
R025XY042ID MOUNTAIN RIDGE 14-18
R025XY039ID DRY MEADOW
R025XY028ID LOAMY BOTTOM 12-16
R025XY001ID ASPEN THICKET
R025XY002ID STONY LOAM 16-22
R025XY017ID SHALLOW BREAKS 14-18
R025XY018ID MAHOGANY SAVANNA 16-22
Similar sites
R025XY008ID NORTH SLOPE STONY 12-16
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana
Herbaceous (1) Festuca idahoensis
Physiographic features
This site is on mesa and mountain slopes landforms. 20 to 60 percent slope is typical for this ecological site, on steep northern and eastern exposures. Elevations for this site range from 4,500 to 7,500 feet (1,372 to 2,286 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mesa
(2) Mountain slope
Runoff class High to very high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 4500 – 7500 ft Slope 20 – 60 % Water table depth 60 – 0 in Aspect N, NE, E, SE Climatic features
In MLRA 25 summers are hot, especially at lower elevations, and winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is usually lighter at lower elevations throughout the year. At higher elevations precipitation is much greater, and snow accumulates to a considerable depth. The average total precipitation is 14.39 inches (36.55cm) (based on 6 long term climate stations located throughout the MLRA).
The mean annual temperature of MLRA 25 is 45.9 degrees F. The average high is 59.7 and the average low temperature is 32.1 degrees. The prevailing wind is from the west. Average wind speed is greatest, at about 10 miles per hour, in March.
The frost-free period for this ecological site ranges from 50 to 90 days and the freeze free period ranges from 60 to 120 days.
The average mean annual precipitation for this site is 16 inches (41 cm).
*The above data is average from NASIS, and the Western Regional Climate Center (Grace and Malad sites were assessed. The elevations at Frace and Malad stations are within the lower range of the ecological site concept (5500 and 4700 respectively) and provide a good foundation to base estimates).Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 30-80 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 40-90 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 70 days Freeze-free period (average) 80 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands, streams or run on.
Soil features
The soils supporting this site are moderately deep to very deep and are typically 40 to 60 inches (102 to 152cm) deep to bedrock. The soils are well drained, with moderate to moderately rapid permeability above bedrock or a duripan. Runoff is medium to high. The erosion hazard is very severe by water and moderate by wind. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is low to moderate.
The soils have a thick, dark colored surface horizon. The surface texture is typically gravelly loam with greater than 15 percent gravels or fine sandy loam with few or no surface stones. The subsoil is typically moderately well to well developed with clay ranging from approximately 6 to 14 percent. The subsoil texture is typically a loam with 20 to 50 percent coarse fragments.
These soils are characterized by a xeric soil moisture regime and a lack of shallow restrictive layers. Soil temperature regime is either cryic or frigid.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Colluvium
(2) Residuum
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loam
(2) Fine sandy loam
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 40 – 60 in Soil depth 40 – 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 4 – 28 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 2 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)3.6 – 6.8 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)6.1 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 19 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 50 % Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is mountain big sagebrush in association with Idaho fescue. Highly variable shrub species composition is common for this site. The composition by weight is approximately 25-35 percent grass, 15-25 percent forbs and 45-55 percent shrubs.
During the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in an arid climate characterized by dry summers and cold, wet winters. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk and lagomorphs.
Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 20-40 years. The Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC), the Reference State (State 1), moves through many phases depending on the natural and man-made forces that impact the community over time. State 1, described later, indicates some of these phases. The Reference Plant Community Phase is Phase 1.1. This plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush and Idaho fescue. Antelope bitterbrush is a subdominant shrub species and a variety of other shrubs can occur. Subdominant herbaceous species include bluebunch wheatgrass, mountain brome, Columbia needlegrass, arrowleaf balsamroot, tapertip hawksbeard and lupine. The plant species composition of Phase 1.1 is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”.
Total annual production is 1850 pounds per acre (2072 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 2500 pounds per acre (2800 kilograms per hectare). Production in an unfavorable year is 1200 pounds per acre (1334 kilograms per hectare). Structurally, tall shrubs are dominant, followed by cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses being more dominant than perennial forbs while shallow rooted bunchgrasses are subdominant.
FUNCTION:
This site is well suited for deer, elk, raptors and other wildlife in late spring, summer and fall. It is also well suited for livestock use in the late spring, summer and fall. The site has high value for hunting, hiking and other activities. The site has numerous showy flowers in spring and summer.
Due to the relatively high rainfall, elevation and favorable cool-season growing season, it is fairly resistant to disturbances that can potentially degrade the site. The lower elevation portions of the site, those closest to the drainage bottom or draw, are the most vulnerable to degradation due to animal and human access.
Due to the relatively high production and deep soils, infiltration is normally high and runoff moderately low. Runoff, when it does occur is non-erosive except during high intensity convection storms. Snow accumulates on the site due to the higher elevations, northern exposures and presence of tall shrubs.
Impacts on the Plant Community:
Influence of fire:
In the absence of normal fire frequency, shrubs can gradually increase. Juniper can invade the site if a seed source is in the proximity. Grasses and forbs decrease as shrubs increase. With the continued absence of fire, juniper can displace most of the shrubs and other understory species.
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (20-40 years), mountain big sagebrush and bitterbrush are reduced significantly. With continued short fire frequency, mountain big sagebrush and bitterbrush can be completely eliminated along with many of the desirable understory species such as Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. These species may be replaced by cheatgrass (at lower elevations), Sandberg bluegrass and bulbous bluegrass along with a variety of annual and perennial forbs including noxious and invasive plants. Where snowbrush ceanothus is present in the stand, it can become a dominant species after fire.
Influence of improper grazing management:
Season-long grazing and/or excessive utilization can be very detrimental to this site. This type of management leads to reduced vigor of the bunchgrasses and possibly bitterbrush. With reduced vigor, recruitment of these species declines. As these species decline, the plant community becomes susceptible to an invasion of both juniper and other noxious and invasive plants. An increase in mountain big sagebrush will also likely occur. If there is a juniper seed source in the proximity, an increase in tall shrubs generally leads to an increase in juniper by providing bird perches and “nursery” sites for juniper establishment.
Continued improper grazing management influences fire frequency by increasing fine fuels. If cheatgrass increases due to improper grazing management and becomes co-dominant with Sandberg bluegrass and other annuals, fires become more frequent.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration and intensity of grazing can also keep fine fuels from developing, thereby reducing fire frequency. This can lead to gradual increases in mountain big sagebrush and/or western juniper. A planned grazing system can be developed to intentionally accumulate fine fuels in preparation for a prescribed burn. Any brush management should be carefully planned, as a reduction in shrubs or junipers can increase cheatgrass which will lead to more frequent fire intervals.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in April, May and June can dramatically increase total annual production of the plant community. These weather patterns can also increase viable seed production of desirable species to provide for recruitment. Likewise, below normal precipitation during these spring months can significantly reduce total annual production and be detrimental to viable seed production. Overall plant composition is normally not affected when perennials have good vigor.
Below normal temperatures in the spring can have an adverse impact on total production, regardless of the precipitation. An early, hard freeze can occasionally kill some plants.
Prolonged drought adversely affects this plant community in several ways. Vigor, recruitment and production are usually reduced. Mortality can occur. Prolonged drought can lead to reduction in fire frequency.
Influence Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health, particularly antelope bitterbrush from western tent caterpillars (Malacosoma fragilis). Two consecutive years of defoliation by the tent caterpillar can cause mortality in bitterbrush. An outbreak of a particular insect is usually influenced by weather but no specific data for this site is available. Mormon cricket and grasshopper outbreaks occur periodically. Outbreaks seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
Many of these species add to the fine-fuel component and lead to increased fire frequency. Perennial and annual invasive species compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients. The result is reduced production and change in composition of the understory.
Influence of wildlife:
Big game use this site in the spring, summer and fall. Their numbers are seldom high enough to adversely affect the plant community. Herbivory can be detrimental to bitterbrush when livestock grazing and browsing by big game occurs at the same time and season. This will occur when both kinds of animal are using the plant in the late summer or fall. The adverse impact is excessive use of the current year''''''''s leader growth.
The deer mouse is beneficial to this site. It is the principal vector for planting bitterbrush seed.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur with the invasion of juniper. Juniper invasion can be triggered by lack of fire, poor grazing management and prolonged drought. The increased runoff also causes sheet and rill erosion. Abnormally short fire frequency also gives the same results, but to a lesser degree. The long-term effect is a transition to a different state.
Influence of juniper invasion:
In plant communities that are invaded by juniper, the species has a competitive advantage for the following reasons:
• Juniper is very drought tolerant.
• It has the ability to extract soil moisture from a wide range of soil depths.
• Juniper has high evapo-transpiration rates.
• The species intercepts rain and snow before it reaches the soil surface.
• It has the ability to grow as long as there is soil moisture and the temperature is above freezing.
• Juniper has a relatively rapid growth rate and is long-lived. It can readily over-top shade intolerant species which leads to mortality.
• Nutrient cycling is reduced.
• As the canopy closes, juniper gains control of energy capture.
As juniper extracts water, other plants are unable to acquire sufficient water and nutrients to sustain growth and reproduction, thus reducing cover and biomass in the interspaces. After the canopy closes, there is sufficient soil moisture available for shallow-rooted, shade tolerant species to persist directly under the tree.
The following hydrological impacts occur on sites invaded by juniper:
• Infiltration in the interspaces is reduced.
• Run-off increases resulting in increased sheet and rill erosion with elevated sediment loads.
• Soil temperatures increase in the interspaces which results in accelerated drying of the soil surface.
• Increased bare ground in the interspaces.
• Soil moisture storage is reduced.
As bare ground and interconnectiveness of patches of bare ground increases, flow rates are accelerated (reduction of flow sinuosity) and run-off out of the area increases.
Degradation of these systems can result in the formation of a feedback cycle in which greater juniper cover and density results in greater plant and soil disturbance between the canopies.
In summary, a closed juniper community takes control of the following ecological processes: hydrology, energy capture and nutrient cycling. The changes are primarily driven by the hydrological processes. The development of a closed juniper canopy always results in a transition across the threshold to a different state. Generally, when juniper canopy cover nears 20%, the plant community is approaching the threshold.
Plant Community and Sequence:
Transition pathways between common vegetation states and phases:
State 1.
Phase 1.1 to 1.2. Develops in the absence of fire or some degree of improper grazing management. A juniper seed source is present.
Phase 1.1 to 1.3. Develops with fire. No juniper seed source is present.
Phase 1.1 to 1.4. Develops in the absence of fire and with improper grazing management. No juniper seed source is present.
Phase 1.2 to 1.1. Results from prescribed burning and prescribed grazing.
Phase 1.3 to 1.1. Results from absence of fire and with prescribed grazing.
Phase 1.4 to 1.1. Results from prescribed grazing.
Phase 1.3 to 1.4. Results from prescribed grazing and no fire.
Phase 1.4 to 1.3. Results from fire.
State 1 to State 2. Develops through improper grazing management. Frequent fire is a factor in the development of Phase 2.2 but not in Phase 2.1. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices.
State 1 Phase 1.2 to State 3. Develops with no fire and improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices
State 2. Phase 2.1 to 2.2. Results from prescribed burning or wildfire and improper grazing
management.
State 2. Phase 2.2 to 2.1. Develops with no fire.
State 2 to unknown site. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices
State 3 to unknown site. Continued lack of fire and improper grazing management cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential due to significant soil loss and changes in hydrology. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices
Practice Limitations:
Severe limitations exist for brush control and seeding on this site with ground moving
equipment due to steep slopes.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 3. 25x-23
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 textState 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateCommunity 1.1
Reference Plant CommunityThis plant community has mountain big sagebrush in the overstory with Idaho fescue in the understory. Bluebunch wheatgrass and antelope bitterbrush can occur in significant amounts. A variety of other bunchgrasses and shrubs occur in minor amounts. Other significant species in the plant community are mountain brome, Columbia needlegrass, arrowleaf balsamroot, tapertip hawksbeard, snowberry and serviceberry. Natural fire frequency is 20 to 40 years.
Figure 4. 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)Shrub/Vine 600 925 1250 Grass/Grasslike 360 555 750 Forb 240 370 500 Total 1200 1850 2500 Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0902 , D25 ARTRV Early Seral.
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 10 30 40 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0903 , D25 JUOC/POSE/ANNUALS.
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 5 15 30 20 10 5 5 5 5 0 Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0904 , ARTRW8/PSSPS/ACTH7 HIGH PRECIP.
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 10 20 30 30 5 0 0 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Low Vigor Bunchgrasses - Juniper PresentThis plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush with some invaded western juniper in the form of seedlings and saplings. There is a reduced amount of Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass and an increase in Sandberg bluegrass and forbs. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue are typically in low vigor. This state has developed due to improper grazing management and lack of fire.
Community 1.3
Post Fire - Grass DominatedThis plant community is co-dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue or bluebunch wheatgrass dominated with some remnant Idaho fescue. Sandberg bluegrass and other perennial grasses and forbs are subdominant. Mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush have been significantly reduced due to wildfire. Some root sprouting shrubs are present and snowbrush ceanothus may have increased.
Community 1.4
Low Vigor Bunchgrasses - No JuniperThis plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush in the overstory. There is a reduced amount of Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass and an increase in Sandberg bluegrass and forbs. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue are typically in low vigor. This state has developed due to improper grazing management and lack of fire. No western juniper seed source is in the proximity.
Pathway P1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Develops in the absence of fire or some degree of improper grazing management. A juniper seed source is present.
Pathway P1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3Develops with fire. No juniper seed source is present.
Pathway P1.1c
Community 1.1 to 1.4Develops in the absence of fire and with improper grazing management. No juniper seed source is present.
Pathway P1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Results from prescribed burning and prescribed grazing.
Pathway P1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1Results from absence of fire and with prescribed grazing.
Pathway P1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.4Results from prescribed grazing and no fire.
Pathway P1.4a
Community 1.4 to 1.1Results from prescribed grazing.
Pathway P1.4b
Community 1.4 to 1.3Results from fire.
State 2
Annual InvadedCommunity 2.1
No Fire - Mountain Big Sagebrush - AnnualsThis plant community is dominated by mountain big sagebrush with annuals and some Sandberg bluegrass in the interspaces. This state has developed due to improper grazing management and the absence of fire. Some soil loss has occurred. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices.
Community 2.2
Frequent Fire - AnnualsThis plant community is dominated by Sandberg bluegrass, annual grasses and forbs. Root sprouting shrubs such as gray rabbitbrush can be present, dependent upon how frequent fire has occurred. This state has developed due to frequent fires and improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
State 3
WoodlandCommunity 3.1
Western Juniper- Sandberg BluegrassThis plant community is dominated by western juniper. Remnants of bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue can be found in the understory. Shallow-rooted grasses, such as Sandberg bluegrass, and annuals can be found in the interspaces. Few shrubs are present. This state has developed in the absence of fire and continued improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economically practical to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices. Some soil loss has occurred.
State 4
Unknown new siteCommunity 4.1
Unknown new siteThis plant community has gone over the threshold to a new site. Site potential has been reduced. Significant soil loss has occurred. Infiltration has been reduced and run-off has become more rapid. This state has developed due to continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fires or the continued absence of fire where a juniper seed source is present.
Transition T1.A
State 1 to 2Develops in the absence of fire or some degree of improper grazing management. A juniper seed source is present.
Transition T1.C
State 1 to 3Develops with fire. No juniper seed source is present.
Transition T2.A
State 2 to 4Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices
Transition T3.A
State 3 to 4Continued lack of fire and improper grazing management cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential due to significant soil loss and changes in hydrology. It is not economically feasible to return this plant community to State 1 through accelerated practices
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 360–750 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 180–375 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 90–190 – mountain brome BRMA4 Bromus marginatus 50–100 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 40–80 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 1–25 – oniongrass MEBU Melica bulbosa 1–25 – sedge CAREX Carex 1–25 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 1–25 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 1–25 – basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 0–20 – Forb2 240–500 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 90–190 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 35–75 – DEOC Delphinium ×occidentale 25–50 – geranium GERAN Geranium 25–50 – Ross' avens GERO2 Geum rossii 25–50 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 25–50 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 25–50 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 25–50 – western stoneseed LIRU4 Lithospermum ruderale 0–35 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 1–25 – nettleleaf giant hyssop AGUR Agastache urticifolia 1–25 – western columbine AQFO Aquilegia formosa 1–25 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 1–25 – blue eyed Mary COLLI Collinsia 0–20 – Idaho blue-eyed grass SIID Sisyrinchium idahoense 0–20 – oblongleaf bluebells MEOB Mertensia oblongifolia 0–20 – woolly groundsel PACA15 Packera cana 0–20 – Shrub/Vine3 600–1250 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 120–250 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 90–190 – bitter cherry PREM Prunus emarginata 35–75 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 35–75 – snowbrush ceanothus CEVE Ceanothus velutinus 35–75 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 35–75 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 35–75 – currant RIBES Ribes 1–40 – Woods' rose ROWO Rosa woodsii 0–25 – parsnipflower buckwheat ERHE2 Eriogonum heracleoides 1–25 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–20 – 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 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.2 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 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
The rangeland ecological site provides diverse habitat for many native wildlife species. The plant community exhibits a diverse mixture of forbs throughout the growing season offering excellent habitat for invertebrates. Mule deer and elk may utilize the site at different times of the year. The rangeland habitat provides seasonal habitat for resident and migratory animals including western toad, shrews, bats, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, Ferruginous hawk and prairie falcon. Area sensitive bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher, sage sparrow and greater sage-grouse. Water features are sparse provided by seasonal runoff, artificial water catchments and springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Idaho Fescue/ Antelope Bitterbrush/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Reference Plant Community (RPC): This plant community provides a diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs, used by native insect communities that assist in pollination. An extensive array of forbs is represented throughout the growing season leading to a diverse insect community. Many bird and mammal species utilize this habitat based on the availability of invertebrate prey species. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, western toad and northern leopard frog. Amphibians are associated with springs and isolated water bodies adjacent to this plant community. Development of spring sites that collect all available water would exclude amphibian use on these sites. Native shrub-steppe obligate bird species utilizing the habitat include the Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher. Sage-grouse habitats (leks, nesting, brood-rearing and winter) are provided by this plant community. The plant community provides seasonal (spring, summer and fall) food and cover for mule deer and elk. Antelope bitterbrush is present in this plant community, along with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass are desirable forage species for large herbivores. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.
State 1 Phase 1.2- Mountain Big Sagebrush/ Western Juniper/ Sandberg Bluegrass/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Idaho Fescue/ Plant Community: This state has developed due to improper grazing management with no fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush and junipers contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. A reduced herbaceous understory results in less diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake, and western toad. Amphibians are associated with adjacent spring sites. As juniper increases, habitat quality for Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher and sage sparrow may decrease. Remaining sagebrush provides brood-rearing, winter cover and winter food for sage-grouse but as juniper encroaches the quality of this habitat is severely reduced or eliminated. The plant community supports limited seasonal (spring and fall) habitat for mule deer and elk. As juniper encroaches the site will provide additional thermal cover for large mammals. A small mammal population including golden-mantled ground squirrels, Merriam’s shrew, Columbia Plateau ground squirrel, bushy-tailed woodrat, jackrabbit and yellow-bellied marmots utilize this plant community.
State 1 Phase 1.3 – Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Idaho Fescue/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: The plant community is a result of recent wildfire, prescribed burning or brush management. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation with little or no sagebrush would provide less vertical structure for animals. Insect diversity would be reduced but a native forbs plant community similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 would still support select pollinators. Habitat for common sagebrush lizard and western rattlesnake would be limited due to the loss of sagebrush. The dominance of herbaceous vegetation with little sagebrush canopy would limit use of these areas as nesting habitat by Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher. Brood-rearing habitat for sage-grouse would be provided if site is adjacent to sagebrush cover. The dominant herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland bird species (horned lark, savannah sparrow, vesper sparrow and western meadowlark). Mule deer and elk use would be seasonal (spring and fall) and site would offer little thermal cover and young of year cover due to the loss of shrub cover. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species. Large blocks of this plant community would fragment historic plant community and reduce the quality of habitat for shrub-steppe obligate animal species.
State 1 Phase 1.4 – Mountain Big Sagebrush / Sandberg Bluegrass/ Bluebunch Wheatgrass/ Idaho Fescue Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management and no fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. The reduced herbaceous understory results in less diversity of insects. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by common sagebrush lizard, western rattlesnake and western toad. Amphibians are associated with springs adjacent to the site. Reduced herbaceous understory is a factor in limiting the use of this plant community by ground nesting bird species. Shrub-steppe obligate bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage-grouse. Habitat (brood-rearing and nesting cover) quality for sage-grouse is reduced due to a less diverse herbaceous plant community. Winter habitat (cover and food) for sage-grouse is provided. The reduced vigor of understory vegetation provides for a shorter foraging season for mule deer and elk. Young of year cover would be provided for mule deer. Small mammal diversity and populations would be similar to State 1 Phase 1.1 small mammal community.
State 2 Phase 2.1 – Mountain Big Sagebrush / Annuals/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management and no fire. An increase in canopy of sagebrush and improper grazing management contributes to an increase in cheatgrass. The reduced diversity of herbaceous understory and increase in invasive plants results in less diversity of insects. The reptile and amphibian community is similar to State 1,Phase 1.4. Reduced herbaceous understory will lower quality of habitat for ground nesting bird species. Shrub-steppe obligate bird species include Brewer’s sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher and sage-grouse. Quality of habitat (brood-rearing and nesting cover) for sage-grouse is reduced due to poor vigor and less diversity in the herbaceous plant community. Winter habitat (cover and food) for sage-grouse is provided. Limited forage for large mammals is available in the spring when annuals are more palatable. Young of year cover would be provided for mule deer. Small mammal diversity and populations would be similar to State 1,Phase 1.1 small mammal community.
State 2 Phase 2.2– Sandberg/ Annuals/ Forbs/ Green Rabbitbrush Plant Community: The community has developed due to continued improper grazing management and frequent fire. The plant community does not support a diverse insect community. The reduced forbs and shrubs in the plant community would support a very limited population of pollinators. Quality of food and cover habitat for reptilian species is reduced. This plant community does not support the life requisites for sage thrasher, Brewer’s sparrow, sage-grouse or sage sparrow. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Large herbivores may utilize the herbaceous vegetation in spring and early summer when the vegetation is more palatable. The diversity and populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species. Large blocks of this plant community would fragment historic plant community and reduce the quality of habitat for shrub-steppe obligate animal species.
State 3 – Western Juniper/ Sandberg Bluegrass/ Annuals Plant Community: This site has developed due to improper grazing management and no fire. The loss of native forbs and understory vegetation will reduce insect diversity on the site. This plant community does not support life requisites for sage-grouse. Birds using this site as resident or migratory habitat include Juniper titmouse, western bluebird and Virginia’s warbler. The Juniper titmouse relies heavily on juniper seeds for winter food. Hunting success on the site by raptors may decrease due to heavy overstory of juniper. Hunting success by raptors on adjacent ecological sites may increase due to an increase in roosting sites. As juniper increases, the site will provide additional thermal cover for large mammals. This site can provide food and cover for mule deer in spring, fall and winter.
Grazing Interpretations.
This site is suitable for grazing in summer and fall. Slopes and rough terrain generally limit grazing by livestock.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species, composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use and seasonal preference.Hydrological functions
The soils in this site are in hydrologic group B. They have moderately low runoff potential.
Recreational uses
This site has high value for hunting, hiking and other recreational activities. This site has numerous showy flowers in spring and summer.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
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, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho (retired) Joe May, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Leah Juarros, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Assistant State Conservationist, NRCS, Idaho (retired)
Type locality
Location 1: Owyhee County, ID Latitude 42° 35′ 24″ Longitude 116° 36′ 81″ Location 2: Owyhee County, ID Township/Range/Section T7 S R1 W S15 General legal description SW ¼, SE ¼, SEC.15 Location 3: Owyhee County, ID Township/Range/Section T7 S R1 W S1 General legal description NE ¼, NE ¼, SEC. 1 Location 4: Twin Falls County, ID Township/Range/Section T8 S R1 E S2 General legal description NW ¼, SE ¼, SEC. 2 (early seral) Other references
Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush- Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho. Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number 35
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-136-vols. 1-3.
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
USDA, Forest Service, Fire Effects Information Database. 2004. www.fs.fed.us/database.
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; 4-2005.
Contributors
Dave Franzen And Jacy Gibbs
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 4/25/2024
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 USDA/NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C Boise, ID 83709 208/378-5722 Date 06/26/2007 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills rarely occur on this site. If rills are present, they are likely to occur on slopes greater than 30 percent and immediately following wildfire. Rills are most likely to occur on soils with surface textures of silt loam and clay loam. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water-flow patterns occur on the site. They occur as short and disrupted flows. They are disrupted by cool season grasses and tall shrubs and are not extensive. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals and/or terracettes are rare on this site. Where flow patterns and/or rills are present, few pedestals may be expected. Terracettes can occur as deposits behind large bunchgrasses and shrubs. They are not extensive. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
On sites in mid-seral status, bare ground may range from 15-25 percent. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Wind-scoured, blowouts, and/or deposition areas are usually not present. Immediately following wildfire, some soil movement may occur on lighter textured soils. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter in the interspaces may move up to 3 feet following a significant run-off event. Coarse litter generally does not move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Values should range from 4-6. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface horizon is typically 3 to 10 inches thick. Structure typically includes weak fine granular. Soil organic matter (SOM) ranges from 2 to 4 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Bunchgrasses, especially deep-rooted perennials, slow run-off and increase infiltration. Tall shrubs intercept raindrops and increase infiltration. Tall shrubs accumulate snow in the interspaces. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Compaction layer 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:
Tall shrubs> cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses >perennial forbs>shallow rooted bunchgrassesSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Mountain big sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush will become decadent in the absence of fire and ungulate grazing. Grass and forb mortality will occur as tall shrubs increase. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Additional litter cover data is needed but is expected to be 25-35 percent to a depth of 0.2 inches. Under mature shrubs, litter is >0.5 inches deep and is 90-100 percent ground cover. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual production is 1850 pounds per acre (2072 kilograms per hectare) in a year with normal temperatures and precipitation. Perennial grasses produce 25-35 percent of the total production, forbs 15-25 percent and shrubs 45-55 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:
Invasive Plants include cheatgrass, bulbous bluegrass, whitetop, rush skeletonweed, leafy spurge, musk, Canadian and scotch thistle and diffuse and spotted knapweed. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years.
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