GRAVELLY STREAMBANK A

Description

The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under naturally stable, pre- European settlement conditions. The reference state has six community phases: herbaceous, shrub-herbaceous, sapling, immature forest (pole stage), mature forest and over mature forest. Community phases or seral stages are ecological responses to disturbance or absence from disturbance and are within the amplitude of natural variability of the reference state. The community phases of this state are dynamic in response to changes in weather patterns and disturbance regimes. Natural disturbances affecting this ecological site include flooding, drought, disease, insect attack and infrequent wildfire. Wildfire and flooding disturbances are important for stand maintenance. These disturbances prevent over-mature cottonwood stand and encourage seedling establishment and clonal reproduction. Sustaining an adequate level of ground water is important for maintaining the reference state. This ecological site is dependent on the availability of ground water, not annual precipitation for perpetuation of the stand.

Submodel