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Ecological site R028AY338UT
Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper)
Last updated: 5/02/2025
Accessed: 07/12/2026
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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.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville
MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 36,775 square miles (95,246 square kilometers). 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. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,204 to 2000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (1996 to 3398 meters) in the mountains. Much of the MLRA has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface from pluvial Lake Bonneville, which dominated this MLRA 13,000 years ago. A level line of remnant lake terraces on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The Great Salt Lake is what remains of the pluvial lake.
Mountains in the interior of this MLRA consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age with scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks. The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in the valleys and ranges up to 49 inches (124 cm) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall in the southern LRU occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season (April through September). The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn in the northern LRU. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 °F (4 to 12 °C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with increasing elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. Soils are dominantly in the mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. The soils are generally well drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.LRU notes
The Basin and Range North LRU exhibits dry summer with stronger xeric patterns than the Basin and Range South LRU. Ranges in the north LRU are about 50 percent Paleozoic sedimentary/metasedimentary (limestone/quartzite dominant) and about 10 percent Tertiary volcanics. The basin floors are between 4,200 and 5,100 feet (1280 to 1554 meters) in elevation. Pinyon and juniper sites have a greater percentage of Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in the plant community than pinyon pine (Pinus edulis or monophylla). The Basin and Range North have few semidesert ecological sites with Utah juniper. Cool season grasses, such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), are dominant in the plant community, while warm season grasses are largely absent or a small component of the plant community.
Ecological site concept
The Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) site is located on mountain slopes and upper fan remnants on gentle slopes to steep slopes (5 to 70 percent) between 4,350 and 7,000 feet (1,325 to 2,133 meters). The soil is loamy-skeletal and moderately deep to lithic bedrock to deep. The soil was formed in colluvium and residuum and/or alluvium derived from limestone, sandstone and quartzite. The precipitation ranges from 11 to 22 inches (279 to 558 mm). The dominant vegetation is pinyon pine and Utah juniper with an understory of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides). Total canopy cover in the reference state is about 15 percent trees, 15 percent shrubs, 15 percent grasses, and 5 percent forbs.
Associated sites
R028AY325UT Upland Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush)
This site is shallow and dominated by black sagebrush and may occur in shallow areas with the juniper site.
R028AY334UT Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush)
This is a sagebrush dominated site and may occur with the juniper site. The soils in the sagebrush site also have more rock fragments.
R028AY310UT Upland Loam (Bonneville Big Sagebrush) North
This site occurs lower on the landscape. This site also has fewer rock fragments in the soil.
R028AY312UT Upland Sand (Indian Ricegrass)
This site will occur where there are fewer rock fragments in the soil.
R028AY322UT Upland Shallow Hardpan (Mountain Big Sagebrush)
This site will occur where the soil is shallow to moderately deep. and has fewer rocks in the soil.
R028AY324UT Upland Shallow Loam (Utah Juniper - Singleleaf Pinyon)
This site occurs on shallow soil.
Similar sites
R028AY325UT Upland Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush)
This site will occur where the soil is shallow. This site may have some pinyon and juniper in the community, but it should be much less than 10 percent. It is at risk for tree invasion.
R028AB338UT Upland Stony Loam (pinyon-Utah juniper) South
This is the similar site located in the Basin and Range South LRU. It will have more influence from summer thunderstorms that will increase warm season species in the plant community.
R028AY324UT Upland Shallow Loam (Utah Juniper - Singleleaf Pinyon)
This site is shallow and not moderately deep.
R028AY320UT Upland Shallow Hardpan (Pinyon-Utah Juniper)
This site is shallow to a hardpan, not bedrock.
F028AY099NV PIMO-JUOS/ARTRV/PSSPS-POFE
This site is similar in species composition and productions, but has a shallow soil, steeper slope and is found higher in elevation.
R028AY334UT Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush)
This site is dominated by Wyoming sagebrush and not pinyon and juniper.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Pinus monophylla
(2) Juniperus osteospermaShrub (1) Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana
(2) Purshia tridentataHerbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
(2) Achnatherum hymenoidesPhysiographic features
The Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) site occurs on mountain slopes and upper fan remnants. This site is found on all aspects at elevations between 4,350 and 7,000 feet (1,325 to 2,133 meters). Slopes are gentle to steep (5 to 70 percent). Runoff is low to medium and flooding is very rare on this site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain slope
(2) Fan remnant
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 4350 – 7000 ft Slope 5 – 70 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate is characterized by warm, dry summers, cold, snowy winters and moist springs. The average annual precipitation is between 11 and 24 inches. October through May is the wettest part of the year and June through August are the driest. The effective moisture for plant growth is the 40 to 50 percent that falls during the plant dormant period, which wets the soil deeply in the spring.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) Freeze-free period (characteristic range) Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 140 days Freeze-free period (average) 160 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, the Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) site is not typically influenced by streams or wetlands. It can sometimes be influenced by overland flow during heavy thunder storms and/or during wetter spring runoff periods.
Soil features
The soils are moderately deep to deep and well drained. They typically have contact with lithic bedrock within 40 inches of the soil surface. They formed in colluvium, residuum and/or alluvium derived from a mixture of parent materials including limestone, sandstone, and quartzite. The surface layer is silt loam to loam with 19 to 55 percent rock fragments gravel to cobble sized. The subsoil is moderately coarse to moderately fine textured with 18 to 80 percent rock fragments. Available water capacity ranges from 3 to 5 inches in the upper 40 inches of soil. A layer of carbonate accumulation is usually within 30 inches of the surface. The soil moisture regime is xeric and the soil temperature regime is frigid or mesic.
Soil Map Units that may contain this site:
Soil Survey Area: Soil Components (Map units in parentheses)
Box Elder County, Utah, Western Part (UT601): Clavicon (14); Fontreen (31, 33); Phage (33)
Box Elder County, Utah Eastern Part (UT602): Promo (SGG); Roxlee (RWG, SJG); Sandall (SEE, SEG, SFG, SGG, SHE, SJG)
Fairfield-Nephi Area (UT608): Frontreen (FeD, FeF, FfD); Sandall (BkE, SbF)
Tooele Area, Utah-Tooele County and Parts of Box Elder, Davis, and Juab Counties (UT611): Abela (2, 38); Kapod (35)
West Millard-Juab Area, Utah, parts of Millard and Juab Counties (UT617): Red Butte (60, 62)
Sanpete Valley Area, Utah-Parts of Utah and Sanpete Counties (UT627): Bagard (BSE2); Collard (CRD); Fontreen (FOD, FRE2, FRG2, FSD2, LSG)
Beaver County Area (UT628): Bodacious (166); Fontreen (131); Red Butte (110, 112, 114, 157, 177, 189); Sheeprock (194)Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – limestone, sandstone, and shale
(2) Colluvium – quartzite
(3) Residuum – chert
Surface texture (1) Very cobbly loam
(2) Very gravelly loam
(3) Cobbly silt loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Soil depth 20 – 40 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 14 – 32 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 23 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.6 – 4.7 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 40 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)15 – 54 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 27 % Ecological dynamics
The Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) site is found in the Great Salt Lake Area of the Basin and Range Ecological Provence. It developed under the natural ecological conditions found there, including the normal influences of native wildlife herbivory, fire and climate. Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) and singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) are the dominant tree species. Mountain big sagebrush dominates the shrub layer. A mix of other shrubs including antelope bitterbrush, black sagebrush, and Utah serviceberry are commonly found. Perennial herbaceous species occurrence and production is directly related to overstory canopy density with bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass found most often.
This site is vulnerable to an increase in both pinyon and juniper trees without disturbances that keep the tree densities lower (i.e. fire). Singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may dominate the site if there is time without disturbances and eventually out-compete mountain big sagebrush for water and sunlight, severely reducing both the shrub and herbaceous understory (Miller et al. 2000, Lett and Knapp 2005). Bluegrasses may remain underneath trees on north-facing slopes. The potential for soil erosion increases as the Utah juniper woodland matures and the understory plant community cover declines (Pierson et al. 2010).
Because of the sites stony, somewhat shallow soils and steep slopes, it is rarely chained and/or seeded to introduced forage species. Cheatgrass and annual forbs are most likely to invade this site.
As vegetative communities respond to changes that cause them to cross ecological thresholds, a return to previous states may not be possible. The amount of effort needed to affect desired vegetative shifts depends on the present biotic and abiotic features and the desired results.
Fire Ecology:
Infilling by younger trees increases canopy cover causing a decrease in understory perennial vegetation and an increase in bare ground. As pinyon and juniper trees increase in density so has their litter. Phenolic compounds of juniper scales can have an inhibitory effect on grass growth (Jameson 1970). Furthermore, infilling shifts stand level biomass from ground fuels to canopy fuels which has the potential to significantly impact fire behavior. The more tree dominated pinyon and juniper woodlands become, the less likely they are to burn under moderate conditions, resulting in infrequent high intensity fires (Gruell 1999, Miller et al. 2008). Additionally, as the understory vegetation declines in vigor and density with increased canopy the seed and propagules of the understory plant community also decrease significantly. The increase in bare ground allows for the invasion of non-native annual species such as cheatgrass and with intensive wildfire the potential for conversion to annual exotics is a serious threat (Tausch 1999, Miller et al. 2008). The introduction of annual weedy species, like cheatgrass, may cause an increase in fire frequency and eventually lead to an annual dominated community (Miller et al. 2013). Infilling by singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may also occur with an extended fire return interval. Without fire or changes in management, pinyon and juniper will dominate the site and Bonneville big sagebrush will be severely reduced. The herbaceous understory will typically be reduced. The potential for soil erosion increases as the juniper woodland matures and the understory plant community cover declines. Catastrophic wildfire in juniper controlled sites may lead to an annual weed dominated site.
Livestock/Wildlife Grazing Interpretations:
Overgrazing leads to an increase in sagebrush and a decline in understory plants like bluebunch wheatgrass. Squirreltail will increase temporarily with further degradation. Invasion of annual weedy forbs and cheatgrass could occur with further grazing degradation, leading to a decline in squirreltail and an increase in bare ground. Wetter sites are more resistant to degradation and may end up having sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass dominate the site. A combination of overgrazing and prolonged drought may lead to soil redistribution, increased bare ground and a loss in plant production. Bluebunch wheatgrass is moderately grazing tolerant but is very sensitive to defoliation during the active growth period (Blaisdell and Pechanec 1949, Laycock 1967, Anderson and Scherzinger 1975). Sandberg bluegrass may slow reestablishment of deeper rooted bunchgrass, increase under grazing pressure (Tisdale and Hironaka 1981) and is capable of co-existing with cheatgrass. Reduced bunchgrass vigor or density provides an opportunity for Sandberg bluegrass expansion and/or cheatgrass and other invasive species to occupy interspaces, leading to increased fire frequency and potentially an annual plant community. Depending on the season of use, the grazer and site conditions, either Sandberg bluegrass or cheatgrass may become the dominant understory with inappropriate grazing management. For example, Daubenmire (1970) found that heavy sheep grazing favors Sandberg bluegrass, while heavy cattle grazing favors cheatgrass.
These plant communities may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable plant communities. As more data is collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed and new ones may be added. None of these plant communities should necessarily be thought of as the “desired plant community”. According to the USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, the desired plant community will be determined by the decision makers and will meet minimum quality criteria established by the NRCS. The main purpose for including any description of a plant community here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
Three possible alternative stable states have been hypothesized for this ecological site. This site is similar to 028AY099NV developed in Nevada. The Reference State contains two community phases, tree/shrub/grass dominated and a tree/shrub dominated phase. The primary drivers in this state are fire, drought, and/or insect of disease. The Current Potential State is like the Reference State; however, non-native species have been introduced in the system which alters the resilience and resistance of the state. The Disturbance State occurs after large fires or multiple fires that promote annual invasive species dominance over native shrubs and grasses. Specific community phases and transitions will be described in the narratives below.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State describes the various biotic communities that are expected to be found on this ecological site under natural conditions. The Reference State has an overstory canopy of singleleaf and/or two-needle pinyon, with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. The shrub layer is typically dominated by mountain big sagebrush. A mixture of other shrubs including black sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and Utah serviceberry are commonly found. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the dominant herbaceous species with Nevada bluegrass and Indian ricegrass commonly occurring. Other native grasses, forbs, and shrubs will often produce a significant portion of vegetative composition in the plant community.
The Reference State is self-sustaining and resistant to change due to a good natural resilience to its natural disturbances. The primary natural disturbance mechanisms are wildlife population densities which can affect the shrub layer composition, weather fluctuations, and fire period.
Reference State: Natural plant communities as influenced by tree and shrub canopy densities, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire.
Indicators: These communities are dominated by pinyon/juniper, mountain big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the tree and shrub canopies determines the amount and composition of the other native species present in the community.
Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self-sustaining tree, shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, an increase in fire frequency, or other disturbances may allow for the establishment of invasive species.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and conditions are created that may allow invasive plants to establish.
Trigger: The establishment of invasive plant species.Community 1.1
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Figure 4. Community Phase 1.1
This community phase is characterized by an open overstory canopy of either singleleaf or two-needle pinyon along with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Antelope bitterbrush, black sagebrush, and Utah serviceberry are common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, Geyer sedge, and Indian ricegrass. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs are also often present. This community phase is fairly early in its natural fire cycle and, over time, the canopy of trees and shrubs will slowly close, reducing the sites herbaceous vegetation as described in community phase 1.2. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 55 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, 25 percent shrubs, and 15 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (2 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
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)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 6. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Community 1.2
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sage/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Figure 7. Community Phase 1.2
This community phase is characterized by a closed overstory canopy of either singleleaf or two-needle pinyon along with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Antelope bitterbrush, black sagebrush, and Utah serviceberry are common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Geyer sedge. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs are also often present. This community phase typically occurs late in the sites natural fire cycle. Over time, the canopy of trees and shrubs will continue to slowly close, further reducing the sites herbaceous vegetation as described in community phase 1.1. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 20 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs, 40 percent shrubs, and 35 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (2 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 9. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 10. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sage/Bluebunch WheatgrassThis community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of Utah juniper and two-needle or singleleaf pinyon to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sage/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch WheatgrassThis community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and some level of fire reduces Utah juniper and two-needle or singleleaf pinyon, significantly opening the sites canopy. Insect damage on singleleaf pinyon can also cause its canopy to be reduced on this site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to recover and increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
State 2
Current Potential StateThe Current Potential State is similar to the Reference Sate except that non-native species are now present. This state describes the plant communities that may or have become established on this ecological site under various successional sequences and disturbance conditions. This state typically has a well developed overstory canopy composed of either two-needle or singleleaf pinyon with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush often dominates the shrub layer. Black sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and Utah serviceberry are common shrub species. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the dominant herbaceous species with Indian ricegrass, Nevada bluegrass, and other perennial grasses and forbs also commonly found in abundance. Cheatgrass, alyssum, various mustard species, and other non-native species are present on the site and, under certain circumstances, may visually dominate the sites aspect.
The primary disturbance mechanisms are the tree and shrub layer densities; the amount and kinds of invasive species present; weather fluctuations; and fire. The current potential state is still self-sustaining but may be losing its resistance to change due to the impact of disturbances with less resilience following those disturbances.
Current Potential State: Plant communities influenced by tree and shrub canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Invasive species are present in various amounts.
Indicators: A community dominated by pinyon/ juniper, mountain big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the tree and shrub canopies determines the amount and composition of the other native and introduced grasses and forbs that may be present.
Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self sustaining shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, more frequent fires, and/or other disturbances that may allow for the increase of invasive species.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase.
Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.Community 2.1
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass Invasive Weeds
Figure 10. Community Phase 2.1
This community phase is characterized by an open overstory canopy of either singleleaf or two-needle pinyon along with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Antelope bitterbrush, black sagebrush,, and Utah serviceberry are common understory shrubs. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, Geyer sedge and Indian ricegrass. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs are also often present. Non-native species including cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and various annual mustard species are now present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. This community phase is fairly early in its natural fire cycle and, over time, the canopy of trees and shrubs will slowly close, reducing the sites herbaceous vegetation as described in community phase 2.2. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 40 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 20 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (2 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 11. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 12. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 13. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Community 2.2
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush
Figure 13. Community Phase 2.2
This community phase is characterized by a closed overstory canopy of either singleleaf or two-needle pinyon along with lesser amounts of Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush is the dominant shrub. Antelope bitterbrush, black sagebrussh, and Utah serviceberry are common understory shrubs. Herbaceous species including bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, andNevada bluegrass are typically much reduced. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may or may not be present. Non-native species including cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and various annual mustard species are now present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. This community phase typically occurs late in the sites natural fire cycle. Over time, the canopy of trees and shrubs will continue to slowly close, further reducing the sites herbaceous vegetation. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 25 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 30 percent shrubs, and 45 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (2 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 14. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 15. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 16. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass Invasive Weeds
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big SagebrushThis community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies of Utah juniper and two-needle or singleleaf pinyon to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Closed Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush
Open Canopy - Pinyon/Juniper/Mountain Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass Invasive WeedsThis community pathway occurs when weather patterns return to within normal ranges and some level of fire reduces Utah juniper and two-needle or singleleaf pinyon, significantly opening the sites canopy. Insect damage on singleleaf pinyon can also cause its canopy to be reduced on this site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to recover and increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
State 3
Disturbance StateThe Disturbance State describes the plant communities that may or have become established on this ecological site under various successional sequences and disturbance conditions. Two distinct community phases have been observed to date. The first describes the effects of recent crown fire, and the other describes communities where dense canopies of pinyon and juniper have been removed either by chaining, pushing, or chainsaw cutting. Non-native species are normally present in all community phases. Vegetative communities are quite variable depending the disturbance mechanism and pre-disturbance conditions. Fire will normally also remove mountain big sage and other fire sensitive species while mechanical removal usually leaves these species. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Nevada bluegrass and other native perennial grass species are often abundant following fire but may also be reduced or missing following either disturbance. Western wheatgrass is usually still present on the site and along with invasive weedy species, including cheatgrass, alyssum, various mustard species and other non-native species, may visually dominate the sites herbaceous layer.
The primary disturbance mechanisms include recent crown fire or the mechanical removal of the overstory of pinyon/juniper; a shrub layer comprised of various amounts of mountain big sagebrush; significant amounts of invasive herbaceous species present; weather fluctuations, and pre-disturbance conditions. This state may be losing its resistance to change due to the impact of these disturbances and may have less resilience following those disturbances.
Disturbance State: Plant communities impacted by the removal of overstory of pinyon/juniper; a shrub canopy that may or may not contain mountain big sagebrush; long term weather fluctuations; and periodic fire.
Indicators: The density of the remaining tree and shrub canopies following disturbance determines the amount and composition of the other native and introduced grasses and forbs that may be present.
Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns following the removal of pinyon/juniper that may impact the remaining native shrub and grass communities. Prolonged drought, improper livestock grazing and/or other disturbances that allow for the increase of invasive species.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase.
Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.Community 3.1
Recent Crown Fire
Figure 16. Community Phase 3.1
This community phase is at the beginning of the sites natural fire cycle. It is created after a fire has recently (typically 1 to 5 years) removed most of the singleleaf or two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper from the site. Mountain big sagebrush, black sagebrush and antelope bitterbrush have also been reduced but those species that are sprouters may be recovering. Commonly occurring grasses and grasslikes include cheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and Indian ricegrass. Non-native species are present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part and potentially dominate these communities. Air dry composition of this site is approximately 65 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 20 percent shrubs, and 5 percent trees. Bare ground is variable (2 to 50 percent) depending on biological crust cover, which is also variable (1 to 25 percent) and surface rock fragments (10 to 70 percent). Biological crusts can vary from sites dominated by light cyanobacteria in the plant interspaces, with occasional moss and lichen pinnacles under shrub canopies, to those dominated by lichen and moss pinnacles as well as cyanobacteria in the site interspaces.
Figure 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 17. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 18. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 19. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Community 3.2
Recent Chaining/Pushing
Figure 19. Community Phase 3.2
The site has been chain-sawed, mechanically chained or pushed to remove the overstory singleleaf or two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper. Mountain big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, and other shrubs may or may not be present. Native perennial grasses are typically much reduced or missing from the herbaceous layer. The site is occasionally seeded to smooth brome or intermediate wheatgrass. Various amounts of native grasses and forbs may still be present but often at reduced levels. Non-native species are present on the site and will be present in the seeded community. Some pinyon and juniper seedlings are also typically present in the community. The sites vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 65 percent grasses and introduced weedy species, 10 percent forbs, 20 percent shrubs, and 5 percent trees.
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 20. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 140 275 400 Grass/Grasslike 130 250 360 Tree 50 75 110 Forb 30 50 80 Total 350 650 950 Table 21. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 22. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – – 20-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 25-35% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT3381 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
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 0 10 30 45 5 5 5 0 0 0 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2This transitional pathway occurs when any combination of improper livestock grazing, prolonged drought or other disturbance causes the perennial herbaceous community to become significantly reduced allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle and other invasive weeds to become established. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Once invasive species occupy the site, a threshold has been crossed. Cheatgrass, however, has been known to become established in healthy communities on this site.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3This transitional pathway occurs when a major fire or mechanical treatment removes nearly all the Utah juniper and any pinyon present from the site. A combination of improper livestock grazing, prolonged drought, or other disturbance can slow the expected recovery of the perennial herbaceous community, allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle, and other invasive weeds to flourish. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Fire tolerant shrubs will often recover quickly during these periods.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2This restoration pathway occurs when the site is well managed and fire is excluded for long periods of time. The natural fire cycle will be expected to occur but not for many years. The site will normally have a mix of native and introduced species including perennial grasses and annual and perennial grasses. Mountain big sagebrush will normally increase until it again dominates the shrub layer. Pinyon and Utah juniper will also return to normal, pre-disturbance levels during this time.
Additional community tables
Table 23. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 200–350 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 125–175 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 60–90 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – Forb2 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 250–375 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 150–200 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 120–160 twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 80–100 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 80–100 – Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 20–40 – Table 24. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 100–200 muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 30–60 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 30–60 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – Forb2 Secondary Forbs 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – elephant grass PEPU2 Pennisetum purpureum 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – naked mariposa lily CANU2 Calochortus nudus 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 350–450 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 200–300 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 220–260 twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 120–160 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 120–160 – Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 80–120 – Table 25. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 200–350 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 125–175 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 60–90 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–60 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 10–20 – bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – red brome BRRU2 Bromus rubens 10–20 – Forb2 Secondary Forbs 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 10–20 – herb sophia DESO2 Descurainia sophia 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – saltlover HAGL Halogeton glomeratus 10–20 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – elephant grass PEPU2 Pennisetum purpureum 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – Russian thistle SAKA Salsola kali 10–20 – tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 10–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – naked mariposa lily CANU2 Calochortus nudus 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album 10–20 – crossflower CHTE2 Chorispora tenella 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 250–375 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 150–200 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 120–160 twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 80–100 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 80–100 – Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 20–40 – Table 26. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 100–200 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 60–90 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 30–60 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 20–30 – James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 20–30 – red brome BRRU2 Bromus rubens 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – Forb2 Secondary Forbs 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 20–30 – herb sophia DESO2 Descurainia sophia 20–30 – desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 20–30 – lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album 20–30 – crossflower CHTE2 Chorispora tenella 20–30 – prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 20–30 – saltlover HAGL Halogeton glomeratus 20–30 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 20–30 – Russian thistle SAKA Salsola kali 20–30 – tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 20–30 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – elephant grass PEPU2 Pennisetum purpureum 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – naked mariposa lily CANU2 Calochortus nudus 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 350–450 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 200–300 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 220–260 twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 120–160 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 120–160 – Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 80–120 – Table 27. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 200–350 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 125–175 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 60–90 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–60 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 10–20 – bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – red brome BRRU2 Bromus rubens 10–20 – Forb2 Secondary Forbs 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 10–20 – herb sophia DESO2 Descurainia sophia 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – saltlover HAGL Halogeton glomeratus 10–20 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – elephant grass PEPU2 Pennisetum purpureum 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – Russian thistle SAKA Salsola kali 10–20 – tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 10–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – naked mariposa lily CANU2 Calochortus nudus 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album 10–20 – crossflower CHTE2 Chorispora tenella 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 100–150 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 30–60 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 60–90 Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 20–40 – twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 20–40 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 20–40 – Table 28. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Grasses 200–350 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 125–175 – intermediate wheatgrass THIN6 Thinopyrum intermedium 60–90 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 60–90 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 60–90 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–60 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 30–60 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 30–60 – 4 Secondary Grasses 60–90 James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 20–30 – Geyer's sedge CAGE2 Carex geyeri 20–30 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 10–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 10–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – saline wildrye LESAS Leymus salinus ssp. salinus 10–20 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–20 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–20 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 10–20 – bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 10–20 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 10–20 – Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 10–20 – Columbia needlegrass ACNE9 Achnatherum nelsonii 10–20 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 10–20 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–20 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 10–20 – red brome BRRU2 Bromus rubens 10–20 – Forb2 Secondary Forbs 30–60 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 20–40 – fiddleleaf hawksbeard CRRU3 Crepis runcinata 10–20 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 10–20 – herb sophia DESO2 Descurainia sophia 10–20 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 10–20 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 10–20 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 10–20 – saltlover HAGL Halogeton glomeratus 10–20 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 10–20 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 10–20 – prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 10–20 – blue flax LIPE2 Linum perenne 10–20 – tailcup lupine LUCA Lupinus caudatus 10–20 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 10–20 – lobeleaf groundsel PAMU11 Packera multilobata 10–20 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 10–20 – elephant grass PEPU2 Pennisetum purpureum 10–20 – Chambers' twinpod PHCH2 Physaria chambersii 10–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 10–20 – Russian thistle SAKA Salsola kali 10–20 – tall tumblemustard SIAL2 Sisymbrium altissimum 10–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–20 – Pacific aster SYCHC Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense 10–20 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 10–20 – salsify TRPO Tragopogon porrifolius 10–20 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–20 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 10–20 – desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 10–20 – low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 10–20 – Utah milkvetch ASUT Astragalus utahensis 10–20 – Wyoming Indian paintbrush CALI4 Castilleja linariifolia 10–20 – naked mariposa lily CANU2 Calochortus nudus 10–20 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 10–20 – lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album 10–20 – crossflower CHTE2 Chorispora tenella 10–20 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 10–20 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 10–20 – Shrub/Vine3 Primary Shrubs 250–375 mountain big sagebrush ARTRV Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana 150–200 – antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 70–100 – black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 30–60 – Utah serviceberry AMUT Amelanchier utahensis 20–40 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 20–40 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 40–80 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 10–20 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 10–20 – alderleaf mountain mahogany CEMO2 Cercocarpus montanus 10–20 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 10–20 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 10–20 – slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 10–20 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 10–20 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 10–20 – creeping barberry MARE11 Mahonia repens 10–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 10–20 – rock goldenrod PEPU7 Petradoria pumila 10–20 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 10–20 – Gambel oak QUGA Quercus gambelii 10–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 10–20 – mountain snowberry SYOR2 Symphoricarpos oreophilus 10–20 – spineless horsebrush TECA2 Tetradymia canescens 10–20 – Tree6 Trees 60–80 Utah juniper JUOS Juniperus osteosperma 20–40 – twoneedle pinyon PIED Pinus edulis 20–40 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 20–40 – Interpretations
Animal community
--Wildlife Interpretation--
The Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) ecological site, in its Reference State, produces significant amounts of nutritious forage that was utilized by native herbivores including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope who lived here along with their associated predators. Although a portion of this site is presently different from the Reference State, it is still very important as wildlife habitat. Other wildlife commonly observed using this site include mountain lions, rabbits, coyotes, badgers, and red fox's.
The Upland Stony Loam (Pinyon-Utah Juniper) site also provides habitat to raptors and other bird species including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, and several species of owls. Ringneck pheasant, sage grouse, chukars, and California quail are also commonly found.
--Grazing Interpretations--
This site provides good spring, fall, and winter grazing conditions for domestic livestock due to its accessibility and its supply of nutritious forage. The herbaceous plant community is primarily grasses, with the majority of forage production being attributed to bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and Nevada bluegrass. Improper livestock grazing can cause these species to decrease while annual forbs, black sagebrush and rabbitbrush species increase.
When this site is stressed, cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle, and Halogeton are likely to invade.Hydrological functions
The soils are generally in Hydrologic Soil Groups B and C (NRCS National Engineering Handbook) with runoff curves ranging from 61 to 79 and 74 to 86 respectively, depending on hydrologic condition. These soils are saturated quickly due to high infiltration rates and somewhat shallow soils; once soils are saturated, run off potential varies but typically ranges from moderate to high. Hydrological groups are used in equations that estimate runoff from rainfall. These estimates are needed for solving hydrologic problems that arise in planning watershed-protection and flood-prevention projects and for designing structures for the use, control and disposal of water. Heavy grazing can alter the hydrology by decreasing plant cover and increasing bare ground. Fire can also affect hydrology, but its affect is variable. Fire intensity, fuel type, soil, climate, and topography can each have different influences. Fires can increase areas of bare ground and hydrophobic layers that reduce infiltration and increase runoff (National Range and Pasture Handbook, 2003).
Recreational uses
Recreation activities include aesthetic value and good opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and off-road vehicle use. Due to the high erosion potential after a surface disturbance, care should be taken when planning recreational activities. Camp sites are usually limited due to lack of sheltering trees or rock outcrop.
Wood products
Utah juniper and singleleaf and/or two-needle pinyon can provide firewood and fence post where growth is sufficient and regulations allow for such use. The pinyon trees are a good source of pine-nuts and make nice Christmas trees.
Other products
None.
Other information
--Poisonous and Toxic Plant Communities--
Toxic plants associated with this site include woolly locoweed, broom snakeweed, and Russian thistle.
Woolly locoweed is toxic to all classes of livestock and wildlife. Locoweed is palatable and has similar nutrient value to alfalfa, which may cause animals to consume it even when other forage is available. Locoweed contains swainsonine (indolizdine alkaloid) and is poisonous at all stages of growth. Poisoning will become evident after 2-3 weeks of continuous grazing and is associated with 4 major symptoms: 1) neurological damage, 2) emaciation, 3) reproductive failure and abortion, and 4) congestive heart failure linked with “high mountain disease”.
Broom snakeweed contains steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and flavones that can cause abortions or reproductive failure in sheep and cattle, however, cattle are most susceptible. These toxins are most abundant during active growth and leafing stage. Cattle and sheep generally will only graze broom snakeweed when other forage is unavailable, typically in winter when toxicity levels are at their lowest (Knight and Walter, 2001).
Russian thistle is an invasive toxic plant, causing nitrate and to a lesser extent oxalate poisoning, which affects all classes of livestock. The buildup of nitrates in these plants is highly dependent upon environmental factors such as after a rain storm, during a drought, during periods with cool/cloudy days, and when growing on soils high in nitrogen and low in sulfur and phosphorus. Nitrate collects in the stems and can persist throughout the growing season. Clinical signs of nitrate poisoning include drowsiness, weakness, muscular tremors, increased heart and respiratory rates, staggering gait, and death. Conversely, oxalate poisoning causes kidney failure; clinical signs include muscle tremors, tetany, weakness, and depression. Poisoning generally occurs when livestock consume and are not accustomed to grazing oxalate-containing plants. Animals with prior exposure to oxalates have increased numbers of oxalate-degrading rumen microflora, and thus, are able to degrade the toxin before clinical poisoning can occur.
--Invasive Plant Communities--
Generally, as ecological conditions deteriorate and perennial vegetation decreases due to disturbance (fire, drought, off road vehicle overuse, erosion, etc.) annual forbs and grasses may invade the site. Of particular concern in semi-arid environments are annual invaders including cheatgrass, Russian thistle, alyssum and annual mustards. The presence of these species will depend on soil properties and moisture availability; however, these invaders are highly adaptive and can flourish in many locations. Once established, complete removal is difficult, but suppression may be possible.
On well developed Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon communities, soils are often completely occupied by lateral roots which can inhibit the herbaceous understory as well as limit annual invasive species. Once these sites are disturbed and pinyon-juniper communities begin to decline, their increase or invasion is possible.
--Fire Ecology--
The ability for an ecological site to carry fire depends primarily on its' present fuel load and plant moisture content. Sites with small fuel loads will burn more slowly and less intensely than sites with large fuel loads. The Utah juniper and singleleaf and/or two-needle pinyon communities growing on shallow soils are quite unique. These trees can support stand-replacing fires, though historically, fires were likely a mixture of surface and crown fires with intensities and frequencies dependent on site productivity. Most research agrees that historic fire return intervals are at a minimum 100 years, indicating that fire may have not played an important role in short term community dynamics. Fires are more common when trees are stressed or dead due to drought and/or beetle infestations. Pinyon-juniper stands reestablish either by seeds dispersed from adjacent unburned patches or by unburned seeds found at the burn site. Continuous (every 20-40 years) burning of these ecological sites can result in shrub dominated communities, due to the relatively fast recovery of shrubs when compared to trees. If invasive annual grasses are allowed to establish, fires may become more frequent, inhibiting the site’s ability to recover.Supporting information
Type locality
Location 1: Box Elder County, UT General legal description Cedar Hills West of Yost, Box Elder County, Utah, Other references
Anderson, E. W. and R. J. Scherzinger. 1975. Improving quality of winter forage for elk by cattle grazing. Journal of Range Management:120-125.
Baily, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United Sates. Available http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html. Accessed February 27, 2008.
Belnap, J. and S.L. Phillips. 2001. Soil biota in an ungrazed grassland: response to annual grass (Bromus tectorum) invasion. Ecological Applications. 11:1261-1275
Blaisdell, J.P. and J.F. Pechanec. 1949. Effects of herbage removal at various dates on vigor of bluebunch wheatgrass and arrowleaf balsamroot. Ecology 30(3):298-305.
Chapin, S.F., B.H. Walker, R.J. Hobbs, D.U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, O.E. Sala, and D. Tilman. 1997. Biotic control over the functioning of ecosystems. Science. 277:500-504
Cox R.D. and V.J. Anderson. 2004. Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management. 57:203-210,
Daubenmire, R. 1970. Steppe Vegetation of Washington. 131 pp.
Gruell, G.E. 1999. Historical and modern roles of fire in pinyon-juniper. In: S. B. Monsen, R. Stevens [comps.] Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon–juniper communities within the Interior West. RMRS-P-9. Ogden, UT, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 24-28.
Howard, Janet L. 2003. Atriplex canescens. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Jameson, D.A. 1970. Degradation and accumulation on inhibitory substances from Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little. Plant Soil 33: 213-224.
Knight, A.P. and R.G. Walter. 2001. A guide to plant poisoning of animals in North America. Teton NewMedia. Jackson, WY.
Laycock, W. A. 1967. How heavy grazing and protection affect sagebrush-grass ranges. Journal of Range Management:206-213.
Lett, M. S., and A. K. Knapp. 2005. Woody plant encroachment and removal in mesic grassland: Production and composition responses of herbaceous vegetation. American Midland Naturalist 153:217-231.
Miller, R.F., J.C. Chambers, D.A. Pyke, F.B. Pierson, and C.J. Williams. 2013. A review of fire effects on vegetation and soils in the Great Basin Region: response and ecological site characteristics. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-308. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 126 p.
Miller, R. F., T. J. Svejcar, and J. A. Rose. 2000. Impacts of western juniper on plant community composition and structure. Journal of Range Management:574-585.
Miller, R.F. R.J. Tasuch, E.D. McArthur, D.D. Johnson and S.C. Sanderson. 2008. Age Structure and Expansion of Pinon-Juniper Woodlands: A Regional Perspective in the Intermountain West. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-69. Fort Collins CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 15
National Engineering Handbook. US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available: http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/Default.cfm#National%20Engineering%20Handbook. Accessed February 25, 2008.
NRCS Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Fort Worth, TX, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 190-VI-NRPH.
Pierson, F. B., C. J. Williams, P. R. Kormos, S. P. Hardegree, P. E. Clark, and B. M. Rau. 2010. Hydrologic vulnerability of sagebrush steppe following pinyon and juniper encroachment. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63:614-629.
Tausch, R. J. 1999. Historic pinyon and juniper woodland development. In: S. B. Monsen, R. Stevens [comps.] Proceedings ecology and management of pinyon-juniper communities within the Interior West; 1997 September 15-18. RMRS-P-9. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Proceedings. p. 12-19.
Tilley, D.J. 2007. Reintroducing native plants to the American West. Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID, USA: US Department of Agriculture. Available: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html. Accessed February 22, 2008.
Tisdale, E. W. and M. Hironaka. 1981. The sagebrush-grass region: A review of the ecological literature. University of Idaho, Forest, Wildlife and Range Experiment Station.
Utah Climate Summaries. 2008. Available: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmut.html. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 2007.
Woods, A.J., D.A. Lammers, S.A. Bryce, J.M. Omernik, R.L. Denton, M. Domeier, and J.A. Comstock. 2001. Ecoregions of Utah (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,175,000).Contributors
David J. Somorville
DJS
V. Keith WadmanApproval
Jamin Johanson, 5/02/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Jack Alexander, Range Specialist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Julia Kluck, Soil Scientist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Shane Green, State Range Specialist, Utah NRCS. Revised to reflect new concepts and terminology by V. Keith Wadman (NRCS, Retired). Contact for lead author Shane Green, Shane.Green@ut.usda.gov Date 04/03/2013 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills common. This site is subject to some rilling even in reference condition due to slope, erodible soils, and percent bare ground. Rill development may increase following large storm events, but should begin to heal during the following growing season. Frost heaving will accelerate recovery. Rill development may increase when run inflow enters site from other sites that produce large amounts of runoff (i.e. steeper sites, slickrock, rock outcrop). -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are common. Some are long (15-20’). They are generally very widely spaced (about 20-30’ apart). Flow patterns occur in low places associated with microtopography commonly occurring on this site. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may have small pedestals (1-3”) where they are adjacent to water flow patterns, but without exposed roots. Terracettes should be few and stable. Terracettes should be small (1-3”) and show little sign of active erosion. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. Well-developed biological crusts may appear pedestalled, but are actually a characteristic of the crust formation. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
15-25% bare ground (soil with no protection from raindrop impact). Herbaceous communities are most likely to have lower values. As species composition by shrubs increases, bare ground is likely to increase. Poorly developed biological soil crust that is susceptible to raindrop splash erosion should be recorded as bare ground. Very few if any bare spaces of greater than 1 square foot. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
No gullies present on site. A very few gullies may be present in landscape settings where they transport runoff from areas of greater water flow such as exposed bedrock. These gullies will be limited to slopes exceeding 10% and adjacent to sites where this runoff accumulation occurs. Any gullies present should show little sign of accelerated erosion and should be stabilized with perennial vegetation. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Very minor evidence of active wind-generated soil movement. Wind scoured (blowouts) and depositional areas are rarely present. If present they have muted features and are mostly stabilized with vegetation and/or biological crust. Gravel or desert pavement protects the site from wind scour. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Most litter resides in place with some redistribution caused by water and wind movement. Very minor litter removal may occur in flow patterns and rills with deposition occurring at points of obstruction. The majority of litter accumulates at the base of plants. Some leaves, stems, and small twigs may accumulate in soil depressions adjacent to plants. Woody stems are not likely to move. On steep slopes (>30%), litter will move downhill to next obstruction. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site should have an erosion rating of 4 or 5 under plant canopies and a rating of 3 to 4 in the interspaces with an average rating of 4 using the soil stability kit test. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
This description is based on the modal soil (Abela GRV-L, soil survey area: 611, Tooele). This site has 4 correlated soils, resulting in variation of each of these attributes. Unless working on a location with the modal soil, it is critical to supplement this description with the soil-specific information from the published soil survey. Soil surface horizon is typically 14 inches deep. Structure is typically weak fine and medium granular. Color is typically grayish brown (10YR 5/2), dark brown (10YR 3/3) moist. Mollic epipedon is common. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Vascular plants and any well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) will break raindrop impact and splash erosion. Spatial distribution of vascular plants and interspaces between well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) provide detention storage and surface roughness that slows runoff allowing time for infiltration. Crowns of trees and accumulating litter at base of trees appear to create a micro-topography that may enhance development of water flow patterns below the drip line of the canopy. Significant increases in pinyon-juniper canopy reduces understory vegetation and increases runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Naturally occurring soil horizons may be harder than the surface because of an accumulation of calcium carbonate and should not be considered as compaction layers. -
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:
Trees (Pinyon, Utah Juniper) > Perennial cool season bunchgrasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass) > Nonsprouting shrubs (mountain big sagebrush) > Sprouting Shrubs (bitterbrush, black sagebrush).Sub-dominant:
Sprouting shrubs, (green rabbitbrush) > Perennial Grasses, (prairie junegrass, muttongrass) > Perennial Forbs (gooseberryleaf globemallow).Other:
Biological soil crust is variable in its expression where present on this site and is measured as a component of ground cover. Forbs can be expected to vary widely in their expression in the plant community based upon departures from average growing conditions.Additional:
In the northern portion of the MLRA cool-season perennial grasses (Indian ricegrass, needle and thread) dominate. In the southernmost portion of the MLRA warm-season perennial grasses (galleta, sand dropseed) dominate. The two groups share dominance in the middle portion of the MLRA. Functional/structural groups may appropriately contain non-native species if their ecological function is the same as the native species in the reference state. Biological soil crust is variable in its expression on this site and is measured as a component of ground cover. Forbs can be expected to vary widely in their expression in the plant community based upon departures from average growing conditions. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
During years with average to above average precipitation, there should be very little recent mortality or decadence apparent in either the shrubs or grasses. Some bunchgrass and shrub mortality may occur during severe droughts, particularly on the shallower and coarser soils associated with this site. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover includes litter under plants. Most litter will be fine litter. Depth should be 1-2 leaf thickness in the interspaces and up to 1/2” under canopies. Litter cover may increase to 15-20% following years with favorable growing conditions. Excess litter may accumulate in absence of disturbance. Vegetative production may be reduced if litter cover exceeds 40%. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual production in air-dry herbage should be approximately 650#/acre on an average year, but could range from 350 to 950#/acre during periods of prolonged drought or above average precipitation. Even the most stable communities exhibit a range of production values. Production will vary between communities and across the MRLA. Refer to the community descriptions in the ESD. Production will differ across the MLRA due to the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The biological processes on this site are complex; therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. -
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:
Cheatgrass, Russian thistle and annual forbs. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plants should have the ability to reproduce sexually or asexually, except in drought years. Density of plants indicates that plants reproduce at level sufficient to fill available resource. Within capability of site there are no restrictions on seed or vegetative reproductive capacity.
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