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Ecological site F028AY084NV

PIEN WSG:3R0907

Accessed: 08/31/2026

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General information

Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville

MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82%), Nevada (16%), and Idaho (2%). It makes up about 36,775 square miles (95,300 square kilometers). About three-fifths of this area is federally owned land, large tracts of which are used for military training and testing purposes by the. A large area west and southwest of Great Salt Lake is a salty playa. This area is the farthest eastern extent of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level basins between widely separated mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep side slopes. They are not well dissected because of low rainfall in the MLRA. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,205 to 2,000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (2,000 to 3,400 meters) in the mountains.
Most of this area has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface. Great Salt Lake is all that remains of glacial Lake Bonneville, which covered this area during the most recent ice age. A level line on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The uplifted mountains have exposed some Precambrian rocks at their margins. Most of the mountains in the interior of this area consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age. Scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks are throughout the area.
The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (125 to 305 millimeters) in the valleys and is as much as 49 inches (1,245 millimeters) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season. The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 degrees F (4 to 12 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, an aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. They generally are well drained or somewhat excessively drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.

Ecological site concept

This forestland site occurs on high mountain sideslopes. Slopes range from 2 to 75 percent, but slope gradient of 30 to 75 are most typical. Elevations are 8000 to 11,500 feet

Average annual precipitation is 25 to 35 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 40 to 43 degrees F. The average growing season is 50 to 70 days.

The soils associated with this site are very deep. The soils are formed in colluvium derived from granite, quartzite or limestone and calcareons shale. These soils are modified by large volumes of gravel, cobbles and stones throughout the profile.

The reference plant community is dominated by Engelmann''s spruce (Picea engelmannii) with Rocky Mountain white fir (Abies concolor var. concolor) and quaking aspen occurring sporadically in the tree canopy. Quaking aspen is recognized as an important seral species in the development of this forestland site. An overstory canopy cover of 40 to 50 percent is assumed to be representative of tree dominance on this site in the pristine environment. Although Engelmann''s spruce will be the only overstory tree in many areas of this site''s occurrence, overstory tree canopy composition averages about 80 to 90 percent Engelmann''s spruce, and 5 to 10 percent quaking aspen, limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and white fir. Mountain gooseberry is the principal understory shrub. Mountain snowberry is also an important shrub in the understory community. Cusick’s bluegrass, alpine fescue, spike trisetum and Ross'' sedge are the most prevalent understory grasses and grass-like plants. Starwort, western yarrow and clover are common understory forbs. Mosses are common on the forest floor.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Picea engelmannii
Shrub	(1) Ribes montigenum
Herbaceous	(1) Poa cusickii ssp. epilis (2) Carex rossii

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Physiographic features

This forestland site occurs on high mountain sideslopes. Slopes range from 2 to 75 percent, but slope gradient of 30 to 75 are most typical. Elevations are 8000 to 11,500 feet

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Mountain (2) Mountain slope
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	8000 – 11500 ft
Slope	2 – 75 %
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

Nevada’s climate is predominantly arid, with large daily ranges of temperature, infrequent severe storms, heavy snowfall in the higher mountains, and great location variations with elevation. Three basic geographical factors largely influence Nevada’s climate: continentality, latitude, and elevation. Continentality is the most important factor. The strong continental effect is expressed in the form of both dryness and large temperature variations. Nevada lies on the eastern, lee side of the Sierra Nevada Range, a massive mountain barrier that markedly influences the climate of the State. The prevailing winds are from the west, and as the warm moist air from the Pacific Ocean ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Range, the air cools, condensation occurs and most of the moisture falls as precipitation. As the air descends the eastern slope, it is warmed by compression, and very little precipitation occurs. The effects of this mountain barrier are felt not only in the West but throughout the state, with the result that the lowlands of Nevada are largely desert or steppes. The temperature regime is also affected by the blocking of the inland-moving maritime air. Nevada sheltered from maritime winds, has a continental climate with well-developed seasons and the terrain responds quickly to changes in solar heating.
Nevada lies within the mid-latitude belt of prevailing westerly winds which occur most of the year. These winds bring frequent changes in weather during the late fall, winter and spring months, when most of the precipitation occurs. To the south of the mid-latitude westerlies, lies a zone of high pressure in subtropical latitudes, with a center over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, this high-pressure belt shifts northward over the latitudes of Nevada, blocking storms from the ocean. The resulting weather is mostly clear and dry during the summer and early fall, with scattered thundershowers. The eastern portion of the state receives significant summer thunderstorms generated from monsoonal moisture pushed up from the Gulf of California, known as the North American monsoon. The monsoon system peaks in August and by October the monsoon high over the Western U.S. begins to weaken and the precipitation retreats southward towards the tropics (NOAA 2004).

Average annual precipitation is 25 to 35 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 40 to 43 degrees F. The average growing season is 50 to 70 days.

Table 3 Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (average)	60 days
Freeze-free period (average)	0 days
Precipitation total (average)	30 in

Bar

Line

Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 3. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 4 Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) GREAT BASIN NP [USC00263340], Baker, NV

Soil features

The soils associated with this site are very deep. The soils are formed in colluvium derived from granite, quartzite or limestone and calcareons shale. These soils are modified by large volumes of gravel, cobbles and stones throughout the profile. Snow accumulation persists into early summer. Extra moisture is available for deep rooted plant growth in the lower part of the soil profile due to lateral water movement from higher landscapes. There is normally a 1 to 3 inch thick layer of decomposing organic matter present on the soil surface that reduces moisture loss due to evaporation. The soil series associated with this site include: Ceebee, Keyole, Linpeak, and Loray.

The representative soil series is Ceebee, a Sandy-skeletal, mixed Lamellic Haplocryalfs. Diagnostic horizons include an Organic soil material from the soil surface to 5 cm, Ochric epipedon from the soil surface to 61 cm, Albic horizon from 13 to 61 cm (5 to 24 inches), and a Argillic horizon and lamellae from 61 to 157 cm. Clay content in the particle control section averages 4 to 12 percent. Rock fragments range from 50 to 80 percent with 2 to 5 mm diameter pebbles dominating the less than 3 inch fraction. Reaction is very strongly acid to moderately acid. Effervescence is none. Lithology consists of granitic rocks.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Colluvium – granite (2) Alluvium – quartzite
Surface texture	(1) Gravelly loam (2) Very gravelly loam (3) Extremely gravelly loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained
Permeability class	Moderate to moderately rapid
Soil depth	50 – 60 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	20 – 50 %
Surface fragment cover >3"	5 – 25 %
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.9 – 3.7 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	0 – 10 %
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	0 – 4 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	0 – 12
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	5 – 8.8
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	45 – 75 %
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 10 %

Ecological dynamics

Major Successional Stages of Forestland Development:

HERBACEOUS: Vegetation is dominated by grasses and forbs under full sunlight. This stage is experienced after a major disturbance such as crown fire or tree harvest. Skeleton forest (dead trees) remaining after fire or residual trees left following harvest have little affect on the composition and production of the herbaceous vegetation.

SHRUB-HERBACEOUS: Herbaceous vegetation and woody shrubs dominate the site. Various amounts of tree seedlings (less than 20 inches in height) may be present up to the point where they are obviously a major component of the vegetal structure.

SAPLING: In the absence of disturbance, the tree seedlings develop into saplings (20 inches to 4.5 feet in height) with a range in canopy cover of about 5 to 10 percent. Vegetation consists of grasses, forbs and shrubs in association with Engelmann's spruce, white fir and aspen saplings.

IMMATURE FORESTLAND: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by quaking aspen greater than 4½ feet in height. Seedlings and saplings of Engelmann's spruce, white fir and suckers of quaking aspen are present in the understory. Quaking aspen are the tallest trees on the site due to the slow growth habit of Engelmann's spruce and white fir. As Engelmann's spruce and white fir continue to develop, they will eventually dominate the site. At this stage, the Engelmann's spruce and white fir are in the pole stage of development, and the stand can be quite dense.

MATURE FORESTLAND: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by Engelmann's spruce that have reached or are near maximal heights for the site. Dominant trees average ten inches or greater in diameter at breast height. Tree canopy cover ranges from 35 to about 50 percent. Understory vegetation is strongly influenced by tree competition, overstory shading, duff accumulation, etc.

OVER-MATURE FORESTLAND: In the absence of wildfire or other naturally occurring disturbances, the tree canopy on this site can become very dense. This stage is dominated by Engelmann's spruce that have reached maximal heights for the site. Dominant and codominant trees average greater than ten inches in diameter at breast height. Understory vegetation is sparse to absent due to tree competition, overstory shading, duff accumulation, etc. Tree canopy cover is commonly greater than 60 percent.

Fire Ecology:
Engelmann spruce is very fire sensitive and is generally killed even by low-intensity fires. Postfire reestablishment is via wind-dispersed seeds which readily germinate on fire-prepared seedbeds. The occasional mature tree which survives fire, those escaping fire in small, unburned pockets, and trees adjacent to burned areas provide seeds to colonize burned sites. Large trees occasionally survive light fires. Fire kills gooseberry, however, regeneration is favored by fire because scarification of soil-stored seed generally enhances germination in gooseberry. Bluegrass is generally unharmed by fire. It produces little litter, and its small bunch size and sparse litter reduces the amount of heat transferred to perennating buds in the soil. Its rapid maturation in the spring also reduces fire damage, since it is dormant when most fires occur. Sedge is top-killed by fire, with rhizomes protected by insulating soil. The rhizomes of sedge species may be killed by high-severity fires that remove most of the soil organic layer. Reestablishment after fire occurs by seed establishment and/or rhizomatous spread.

State and transition model

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Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Plant Community

State 1
Reference State

Community 1.1
Plant Community

The plant community is dominated by Engelmann's spruce (Picea engelmannii) with Rocky Mountain white fir (Abies concolor var. concolor) and quaking aspen occurring sporadically in the tree canopy. Quaking aspen is recognized as an important seral species in the development of this forestland site. An overstory canopy cover of 40 to 50 percent is assumed to be representative of tree dominance on this site in the pristine environment. Although Engelmann's spruce will be the only overstory tree in many areas of this site's occurrence, overstory tree canopy composition averages about 80 to 90 percent Engelmann's spruce, and 5 to 10 percent quaking aspen, limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and white fir. Mountain gooseberry is the principal understory shrub. Mountain snowberry is also an important shrub in the understory community. Cusick’s bluegrass, alpine fescue, spike trisetum and Ross' sedge are the most prevalent understory grasses and grass-like plants. Starwort, western yarrow and clover are common understory forbs. Mosses are common on the forest floor.

Forest overstory.MATURE FORESTLAND: The visual aspect and vegetal structure are dominated by Engelmann's spruce that have reached or are near maximal heights for the site. Dominant trees average ten inches or greater in diameter at breast height. Tree canopy cover ranges from 35 to about 50 percent. Understory vegetation is strongly influenced by tree competition, overstory shading, duff accumulation, etc.

Forest understory. Understory vegetative composition is about 35 percent grasses, 15 percent forbs and 50 percent shrubs and young trees when the average overstory canopy is medium (40 to 50 percent). Average understory production ranges from 100 to 400 pounds per acre with a medium canopy cover. Understory production includes the total annual production of all species within 4½ feet of the ground surface.

Figure 5. 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	35	88	140
Shrub/Vine	35	88	140
Forb	15	37	60
Tree	15	37	60
Total	100	250	400

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Primary Perennial Grasses			26–46
	Ross' sedge	CARO5	Carex rossii	13–23	–
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCUE2	Poa cusickii ssp. epilis	13–23	–
2	Secondary Perennial Grasses			13–54
	Letterman's needlegrass	ACLE9	Achnatherum lettermanii	3–13	–
	western needlegrass	ACOCO	Achnatherum occidentale ssp. occidentale	3–13	–
	mountain brome	BRMA4	Bromus marginatus	3–13	–
	spike trisetum	TRSP2	Trisetum spicatum	3–13	–
	alpine fescue	FEBR	Festuca brachyphylla	1–2	–
Forb
3	Perennial Forbs			19–49
	starwort	STELL	Stellaria	13–23	–
	clover	TRIFO	Trifolium	3–13	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Primary Shrubs			51–106
	gooseberry currant	RIMO2	Ribes montigenum	25–60	–
	American red raspberry	RUID	Rubus idaeus	13–23	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	13–23	–
Tree
5	Trees			22–62
	Engelmann spruce	PIEN	Picea engelmannii	13–23	–
	limber pine	PIFL2	Pinus flexilis	3–13	–

Table 7. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height ft	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter in	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
Engelmann spruce	PIEN	Picea engelmannii	Native	–	80-90	–	0
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	–	3-4	–	0
limber pine	PIFL2	Pinus flexilis	Native	–	2-3	–	0

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock Interpretations:
Livestock may concentrate on this site in order to take advantage of the shade and shelter offered by the tree overstory. Many areas may not be used because of steep slopes or lack of adequate water. Attentive grazing management is required where this site is used during the earlier stages of forest succession such as the shrub-herbaceous and sapling stages. During these early stages the young trees are most susceptible to damage from livestock and grazing should be monitored closely. Harvesting trees on this site would have to be considered very carefully since this site provides important shelter for livestock, wildlife and reforestation, and helps hold the fragile soil in place.

Stocking rates vary with such factors as kind and class of grazing animal, season of use and fluctuations in climate. Actual use records for individual sites, and a determination of the degree to which the sites have been grazed offer the most reliable basis for developing initial stocking rates.

The forage value rating is not an ecological evaluation of the understory as is the ecological condition rating for rangeland. The forage value rating is a utilitarian rating of the existing understory plants for use by specific kinds of grazing animals.

Wildlife Interpretations:
Open to sparse tree canopies provide forage and browse, and medium to dense tree canopies provide shelter and protection for mule deer and elk. It also may be used be by a variety of upland game species including rabbits and blue and ruffed grouse. This site is used by various songbirds, rodents, reptiles and associated predators natural to the area. This site's main value is for providing cover when it occurs adjacent to open areas. In areas where this site is found to any extent, earlier successional stages (i.e., "herbaceous" and "shrub-herbaceous") may also provide important habitat elements.

Hydrological functions

Permeability is moderate to moderately rapid. Runoff is medium to high. Hydrologic soil groups are A and B.

Recreational uses

This site has high aesthetic value and provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping and deer and upland game bird hunting. Steep slopes and the fragile soil-vegetation complex, however, inhibit many other forms of recreation such as the use of off-road vehicles.

Wood products

Engelmann's spruce has been and is an important lumber source. Saw timber from this species sometimes has numerous knots because trees shed their lower limbs rather slowly. The wood has good strength qualities because of long wood fibers. Since it is found most abundantly at high elevations, it is rather difficult to harvest.

PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY

This site has a low site quality for tree production. Site index (SI) ranges from about 45 to 60 (Alexander and Edminster, 1980).

Productivity Class: 2 to 4
CMAI*: 33 to 50 cu ft/ac/yr;
2.3 to 3.5 cu m/ha/yr
Culmination is 150 years for SI of 40
Culmination is 120 years for SI of 80
*CMAI: is the culmination of mean annual increment (MAI) or highest average growth rate of the stand in the units specified.
Saw Timber Production: 12,200 to 18,000 board feet/acre (International Rule) for stands at culmination of MAI.

Fuelwood Production: About 20 to 45 cords per acre for stands averaging 15 inches in diameter at breast height. There are about 188,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat energy per cubic foot of Englemann's spruce wood. Firewood is commonly measured in cords, or a stacked unit equivalent to 128 cubic feet. Solid wood volume in a cord varies but straight material of even taper will give a solid volume of 80 to 90 cubic feet. Assuming an average of 85 cubic feet of solid wood per cord, there are about 17 million BTUs of heat value in a cord of Englemann's spruce.

MANAGEMENT GUIDES AND INTERPRETATIONS

1. LIMITATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
a. Potential for sheet and rill erosion is moderate to severe.
b. Severe equipment limitations on steeper slopes because of traction loss on wet soils; unsafe operating conditions due to slope and on sites having extreme surface stoniness.
c. Potential for wind throw is moderate to severe depending on wind conditions and soil depth.

2. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Adequately protect from uncontrolled burning to protect woodland resources and reduce potential erosion hazards.
b. Protect soils from accelerated erosion. Use water bars at designed spacing on roads. Follow designed in-sloping, out-sloping or crowning of roads (with necessary ditching and reliable culverts).

3. SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES
a. Harvest cut selectively or in small patches (size dependent upon site conditions) to enhance the vigor of the stand, maintain site reproduction and minimize windthrow hazard.
1) Harvest Cutting - Selectively harvest surplus trees to achieve desired spacing, (D+4 in stands greater than 8 inch diameter at breast height). Rotation time for cutting should be adjusted to the desired product(s) and extent of the previous harvest. Save large, healthy, full-crowned trees for a seed source and cover for wildlife and livestock. Do not select only "high grade" trees during harvest, or harvest to such an extent as to create a windthrow hazard.
2) Thinning and Improvement Cutting - Removal of poorly formed, diseased and low vigor trees for fuelwood. D+4 is the optimum spacing. As the spacing approaches D+1, thinning should be done to maintain the vigor of the stand. Thinning and improvement cutting would be of particular importance during the immature woodland stage. Proper spacing will improve the health and development of the trees as well as the overall health of the stand.
b. Windthrow hazard - Windthrow can be a problem in the "mature" and "over-mature" successional stages. The shallow rooted nature of Engelmann spruce and white fir make them prone to windfall. Such things as harvesting trees in patterns that tend to concentrate or tunnel the wind, or thinning to such an extent that the wind strikes individual trees directly should be avoided. Other precautions should be taken, where possible, to reduce the windthrow hazard
c. Pest control - Control pests (such as spruce bud worm) as the need arises to maintain the vigor of the stand. Using pesticides or harvesting of over-mature trees can be used as a pest control.
d. Fire hazard - Fire can be a problem in the mature forest community. Precautions should be taken, where possible, to reduce the fire hazard (i.e., firebreaks, slash treatment and controlled burning). As a silvicultural tool, prescribed fire is can be used to reduce available food supply for the spruce beetle, which may occupy cull logs or windthrown trees, and expose mineral soil which is the best seedbed for Engelmann's spruce establishment as soil moisture is more stable. Hot fires are not desirable because they sterilize the mineral soil and leave it unprotected.
e. Seedling mortality - Seedling mortality is slight to moderate. It is important for land owners and managers to be aware of climatic and soil features that contribute to this problem. It may be necessary to use special planting stock or to do special site preparation, such as bedding or furrowing.
f. Plant competition - Plant competition is slight to moderate. Unwanted plants may delay desirable natural or planted trees and may hamper stand development, but will not prevent the eventual development of fully stocked stands. Land owners and managers should be aware of possible site preparation needs following fire, or harvest release treatments, to ensure development of the new crop.

Other products

In addition to saw timber, Engelmann's spruce is used for poles, railroad ties, and mine props. It can also be used for fuelwood and pulp. Native Americans used Engelmann spruce for numerous purposes. The bark was often peeled into sheets and used for making canoes, baskets, and roofing. The fibrous roots were used to make rope, and the boughs and needles to make incense, body scents, and cleansing agents. Various teas and poultices were made from Engelmann spruce for medicinal purposes. Native Americans occasionally ate the inner bark. Currants (Ribes spp.) can be used for making jam, jelly, or pie. Some western Indian tribes used currants for making pemmican.

Other information

Engelmann spruce is sometimes used as an ornamental landscape plant. It has been used for screenings, windbreaks, and as a specimen tree.

Table 8. Representative site productivity

Common name	Symbol	Site index low	Site index high	CMAI low	CMAI high	Age of CMAI	Site index curve code	Site index curve basis	Citation
Engelmann spruce	PIEN	45	60	33	50	150	412	100BH	Alexander, Robert R. 1967. Site indexes for Engelmann spruce. USDA, Forest Service. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Research Paper RM-32.
Engelmann spruce	PIEN	45	60	33	50	–	–	–

Supporting information

Type locality

Location 1: White Pine County, NV
Township/Range/Section	T12N R68E S24
Latitude	38° 53′ 20″
Longitude	114° 17′ 27″
General legal description	Approximately 0.7 miles northeast of Lincoln Peak, Great Basin National Park, White Pine County, Nevada.

Other references

Alexander, Robert R.; Edminster, Carleton B. 1980. Management of Spruce-Fir in Even-Aged Stands in the Central Rocky Mountains. Research Paper RM-217, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Eyre, F.H., editor. 1980. Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada. Society of American Foresters, Washington, D.C.
USDA-NRCS. 1980. National Forestry Manual - Part 537. Washington, D.C.

Fire Effects Information System (Online; http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/).

Houghton, J.G., C.M. Sakamoto, and R.O. Gifford. 1975. Nevada’s Weather and Climate, Special Publication 2. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno, NV.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2004. The North American Monsoon. Reports to the Nation. National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center. Available online: http://www.weather.gov/

USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).

Wright, Henry A.; Bailey, Arthur W. 1982. Fire Ecology, United States and Southern Canada.

Contributors

DBP/GKB

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
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:

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