Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site DX032X01A175
Skeletal (Sk)
Big Horn Basin Core
Last updated: 9/05/2019
Accessed: 05/21/2026
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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): 032X–Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins
Major land resource area (MLRA):
032X – Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins – This MLRA is comprised of two major Basins, the Big Horn and Wind River. These two basins are distinctly different and are split by LRU’s to allow individual ESD descriptions. These warm basins are surrounded by uplifts and rimmed by mountains, creating a unique set of plant responses and communities. Unique characteristics of the geology and geomorphology single these two basins out.
Further information regarding MLRAs, refer to: United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. Available electronically at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624#handbook.LRU notes
Land Resource Unit (LRU):
32X01A (WY): This LRU is the Big Horn Basin within MLRA 32. This LRU is lower in elevation, slightly warmer and receives slightly less overall precipitation than the Wind River Basin (LRU 02). This LRU was originally divided into two LRU's - LRU A which was the core and LRU B which was the rim. With the most current standards, this LRU is divided into two Subsets. This subset is Subset A, referred to as the Core, which is warm, dry eroded basin floor. As the LRU shifts outer edges, aspect and relation to the major bodies of water and taller landforms create minor shifts in soil chemistry influencing the variety of ecological sites and plant interactions. The extent of soils currently correlated to this ecological site does not fit within the digitized boundary. Many of the noted soils are provisional and will be reviewed and corrected in mapping update projects. Other map units are correlated as small inclusions within other MLRA’s/LRU’s based on elevation, landform, and biological references. Older ESD's will refer to LRU A. LRU A and LRU 01 in MLRA 32X are synonymous.
Moisture Regime: Typic Aridic, prior to 2012, there are map units that cross over to ustic aridic or ustic aridic was correlated into this core area. As progressive mapping continues and when the ability to do update projects, these overlapping map units will be corrected.
Temperature Regime: Mesic
Dominant Cover: Rangeland, with Saltbush flats the dominant vegetative cover for this LRU/ESD.
Representative Value (RV) Effective Precipitation: 5-9 inches (127 – 229 mm)
RV Frost-Free Days: 110-150 daysClassification relationships
Relationship to Other Established Classification Systems:
National Vegetation Classification System (NVC):
3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class
3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass
3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation
3.B.1.NE Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division
M169 Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup
G302 Artemisia Tridentata - Artemisia tripartita - Purshia tridentata Big Sagebrush Steppe Group
CEGL001535 - Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation or
CEGL001009 - Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland
Ecoregions (EPA):
Level I: 10 North American Deserts
Level II: 10.1 Cold Deserts
Level III: 10.1.18 Wyoming Basin
Level IV: 10.1.18.g Big Horn Salt Desert Shrub BasinEcological site concept
• Site receives no additional water.
• Slope is <30%
• Soils are:
o Textures range from fine sandy loam to clay loam in top 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
o Clay content is >32% in top 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
o All subsurface horizons in the particle size control section have a weighted average of >18% but ≤35% clay. (The particle size control section is the segment of the profile from either the start of an argillic horizon for 50 cm’s or from 25-100 cm’s).
o Moderately deep to very deep (20-80+ in. (50-200+ cm)
o <3% stone and boulder cover and >35% cobble and gravel cover (generally around 60%)
o Skeletal (≥35% rock fragments) within 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surface
o Non-saline, sodic, or saline-sodicAssociated sites
R032XY158WY Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
R032XY166WY Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
R032XY112WY Gravelly (Gr) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
R032XY128WY Lowland (LL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
R032XY150WY Sandy (Sy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone,
Similar sites
R032XY308WY Coarse Upland (CU) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone
Coarse Upland 10-14” Foothills and Basins East P.Z., 032XY308WY has higher production.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
(2) Achnatherum hymenoidesLegacy ID
R032XA175WY
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently undulating rolling land.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Intermontane basin > Hill
(2) Intermontane basin > Alluvial fan
(3) Intermontane basin > Ridge
Runoff class Negligible to high Elevation 3700 – 6000 ft Slope 0 – 30 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
Annual precipitation and modeled relative effective annual precipitation ranges from 5 to 9 inches (127 – 229 mm). The normal precipitation pattern shows peaks in May and June and a secondary peak in September. The noted peaks account for approximately 50% of the mean annual precipitation. Much of the moisture that falls in the latter part of the summer is lost by evaporation and much of the moisture that falls during the winter is lost by sublimation.
Average snowfall is about 20 inches annually. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring. High winds are generally blocked from the basin by high mountains but can occur in conjunction with an occasional thunderstorm.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins approximately on April 1st and continues through to July 1st. Cool weather and moisture in September may produce some green up of cool season plants that will continue to late October. For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. “Basin”, "Emblem", "Greybull", “Lovell”, "Worland FAA AP" and “Worland” are the representative weather stations for LRU A. The following graphs and charts are a collective sample representing the averaged normals and 30-year annual rainfall data for the selected weather stations from 1981 to 2010.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-140 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-150 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 110 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) LOVELL [USC00485770], Lovell, WY
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(2) BASIN [USC00480540], Basin, WY
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(3) EMBLEM [USC00483031], Burlington, WY
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(4) GREYBULL [USC00484080], Greybull, WY
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(5) WORLAND [USC00489770], Worland, WY
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(6) WORLAND [USW00024062], Worland, WY
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(7) GREYBULL S BIG HORN AP [USW00024048], Greybull, WY
">Influencing water features
The characteristics of these upland soils have no influence from ground water (water table below 60 inches (150 cm)) and have minimal influence from surface water/overland flow. There may be isolated features that are affected by snow pack that persists longer than surrounding areas due to position on the landform (shaded/protected pockets); but overflow is not a suitable fit. No streams are classified within this ecological site.
Soil features
The soils of this site are deep to moderately deep (greater than 20" to bedrock), moderately well to somewhat excessively well-drained & moderately slow to moderately rapid permeable. This site consists of bouldery to cobbly coarse fragment soils. The soil surface can be covered extensively with these coarse fragments and as such, plant density can be reduced. The soil characteristics having the most influence to the plant community are volume of coarse fragments in the profile that reduces the available moisture and the extensive cover of these coarse fragments, which can reduce the plant density.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock
(2) Residuum – sandstone and shale
Surface texture (1) Cobbly loam
(2) Very gravelly sandy loam
(3) Very fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy-skeletal
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 20 – 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 5 – 25 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.8 – 6 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 25 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)35 – 70 % Ecological dynamics
Potential vegetation on this site is dominated by mid cool-season perennial grasses. The expected potential composition for this site is about 70% grasses, 15% forbs and 15% woody plants. The composition and production will vary naturally due to historical use, fluctuating precipitation and fire frequency.
As this site deteriorates species such as threadleaf sedge, Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama, and big sagebrush will increase. Plains pricklypear and weedy annuals will invade. Cool-season grasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and needleandthread will decrease in frequency and production.
Big sagebrush may become dominant on some areas with an absence of fire. Wildfires are actively controlled in recent times so chemical control using herbicides has replaced the historic role of fire on this site. Recently, prescribed burning has regained some popularity.
Due to the amount and pattern of the precipitation, the big sagebrush component typically is not resilient once it has been removed if a healthy and vigorous stand of grass exists and is maintained. The exception to this is where the herbaceous component is severely degraded at the time of treatment, growing conditions are unfavorable after treatment, and/or recovery periods are inadequate.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses/Needleandthread Plant CommunityCommunity 1.1
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses/Needleandthread Plant CommunityThis plant community is the interpretive plant community for this site and is considered to be the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC). This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and periodic fires. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The potential vegetation is about 70% grasses or grass-like plants, 15% forbs, and 15% woody plants. This state is dominated by cool season mid-grasses.
The major grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and needleandthread. Other grasses occurring in this state include Indian ricegrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Varieties of forbs occur on this site, as shown in the preceding table. Big sagebrush, black sagebrush and yucca are conspicuous species in this plant community. These shrubs occur in a mosaic pattern, and make up to 15% of the annual production. Plant diversity is high(see Plant Composition Table).
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 350 lbs./acre, but it can range from about 200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 500 lbs./acre in above average years.
This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity).
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Moderate, continuous season-long grazing will convert the plant community to the Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community. Prolonged Drought will exacerbate this transition.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 2
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityCommunity 2.1
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityHistorically, this plant community evolved under grazing by large ungulates and a low fire frequency. Currently, it is found under moderate, season-long grazing by livestock, and will be exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. In addition the fire regime for this site has been modified and extended periods without fire is now common. Sagebrushes are significant components of this plant community. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short warm-season grasses, annual cool-season grasses, and miscellaneous forbs.
Dominant grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, needleandthread, and western wheatgrass. Grasses of secondary importance include threadleaf sedge, blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass, and red threeawn. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include scarlet globemallow, Hood’s phlox, sulfur flower buckwheat, and penstemon spp. Sagebrush can make up to 25% of the total annual production. Plains pricklypear can also occur.
When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community, sagebrushes, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge have increased. Production of cool-season grasses, particularly bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass, has been reduced. Some weedy species may have invaded the site but are in small patches. The overstory of sagebrush and understory of grass and forbs provide a diverse plant community that will support domestic livestock and wildlife such as mule deer and antelope.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 250 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 150 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 350 lbs./acre in above average years.
This plant community is resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. The herbaceous component is mostly intact and plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient. Water flow patterns and litter movement may be occurring but only on steeper slopes. Incidence of pedestalling is minimal. Soils are mostly stable and the surface shows minimum soil loss. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is intact.
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Prescribed grazing or possibly long-term prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the HCPC. The probability of this occurring is high especially if rotational grazing along with short deferred grazing is implemented as part of prescribed method of use. In addition, the removal of fire suppression will allow a somewhat natural fire regime to reoccur to more easily transition between this plant community and the HCPC. A prescribed fire treatment can be useful to hasten this transition if desired.
• Frequent and severe grazing plus no fires will convert the plant community to the Mixed Shrub Bare Ground Vegetation State. The probability of this occurring is high. This is especially evident on areas where drought or heavy browsing does not adversely impact the shrub stand.
• Frequent and severe grazing (yearlong) plus wildfire or brush management, will convert the plant community to a Threadleaf Sedge and Blue Grama Sod/ Bare Ground Vegetation State. The probability for this is high especially on areas were the shrubs have been heavily browsed or removed by natural or human causes. Drought can also exacerbate this transition.Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 3
Mixed Shrub/Bare Ground Plant CommunityCommunity 3.1
Mixed Shrub/Bare Ground Plant CommunityThis plant community is the result of frequent and severe grazing and protection from fire. Sagebrushes dominate this plant community as the annual production of shrubs is in excess of 25%. Shrubs comprise the significant component of the plant community and the preferred cool season grasses have been eliminated or greatly reduced.
The dominant grasses are Sandberg bluegrass, threadleaf sedge, and blue grama. Weedy annual species such as cheatgrass, kochia, Russian thistle, halogeton and a variety of mustards may occupy the site. Cactus has increased. Noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed, leafy spurge, or Canada thistle may invade the site if a seed source is available. Plant diversity is moderate to poor. The interspaces between plants have expanded leaving the amount of bare ground more prevalent. When compared with the HCPC or the Mixed Shrub/ Perennial Grass Plant Communities, the annual production is similar, as the shrub production compensates for the decline in the herbaceous production.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 200 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 100 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 300 lbs./acre in above average years.
This plant community is resistant to change as the stand becomes more decadent. These areas may actually be more resistant to fire as less fine fuels are available and the bare ground between the shrubs is increased. The herbaceous component is not as diverse and plant vigor and species regeneration capabilities of cool-season perennials are deficient. The removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community.
Soil erosion is accelerated because of increased bare ground. Water flow patterns and pedestalling are obvious. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. Rill channels may be noticeable in the interspaces and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated down slope.
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Brush management, followed by prescribed grazing and seeding, will return this plant community to at or near the HCPC. If prescribed fire is used as a means to reduce or remove the shrubs, sufficient fine fuels will need to be present. This may require deferment from grazing prior to treatment. Post management is critical to ensure success. This can range from two or more years of rest to partial growing season deferment, depending on the condition of the understory at the time of treatment and the growing conditions following treatment. In the case of an intense wildfire that occurs when desirable plants are not completely dormant, the length of time required to reach the HCPC may be increased and seeding of natives is often recommended.
• Brush management, followed by frequent and severe grazing, will convert the plant community to a threadleaf Sedge and Blue Grama Sod/ Bare Ground Vegetation State. The probability of this occurring is high, because of the amount of bare ground exposed to weedy annuals and sod formers as the competition for space, has been removed.Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 4
Threadleaf Sedge and Blue Grama Sod/Bare Ground Plant CommunityCommunity 4.1
Threadleaf Sedge and Blue Grama Sod/Bare Ground Plant CommunityThis plant community is created when the Mixed Shrub/Perennial Grass Plant Community is subjected to severe heavy yearlong grazing and the shrub component has been removed by heavy browsing, wildfire or human means. Additionally, this plant community can occur as a result of the Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community being subjected to fire or brush management and not followed by prescribed grazing. Weedy annuals, threadleaf sedge, and/or blue grama are the most dominant plants. Weedy annuals occupy any open bare ground areas, while threadleaf sedge and/or blue grama form patches of sod in between the exposed boulders or cobbles.
Compared to the HCPC, weedy annual species are widespread and may include cheatgrass, kochia, Russian thistle, halogeton and a variety of mustards. Cactus has increased significantly. Noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed, leafy spurge, or Canada thistle may invade the site if a seed source is available. Virtually all other cool-season mid-grasses are absent or severely decreased. Blue grama and threadleaf sedge have significantly increased from what is found in the HCPC. Plant diversity is low.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 100 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 50 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 125 lbs./acre in above average years.
This plant community is relatively stable and resistant to overgrazing. Annuals and sod forming grasses are effectively competing against the establishment of perennial cool-season grasses. Plant diversity is greatly altered and the herbaceous component is not intact. Recruitment of perennial grasses is not occurring and the replacement potential is absent. The biotic integrity is missing.
On areas with a well established sod plant community, water infiltration will be significantly affected. While this sod protects the area itself, adjacent on-site and off-site areas are impacted by excessive runoff that can cause rill channels and gully erosion. Water flow patterns and pedestalling are obvious. The watershed may or may not be functional.
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Grazing land mechanical treatment (chiseling, etc.) and pricklypear cactus control (if needed), followed by prescribed grazing, will return this plant community to near Historic Climax Plant Community condition. Reseeding native plant species may also be needed. The sod areas are extremely resistant to change and will require grazing land mechanical treatments, such as chiseling to revert to a more preferred state. This may not be possible given the presence of cobbles or boulders on the soil surface, which can also exclude reseeding the area. This should be followed by proper grazing management to accelerate recovery where few desirable plants remain.Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 123–175 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 123–175 – 2 35–70 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 35–70 – 3 35–70 needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 35–70 – 4 18–35 Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 18–35 – 5 18–53 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–18 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–18 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–18 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–18 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–18 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–18 – Forb6 0–53 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–18 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–18 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 0–18 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–18 – Shrub/Vine7 0–18 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–18 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–18 – 8 0–18 black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 0–18 – 9 0–18 yucca YUCCA Yucca 0–18 – 10 0–18 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–18 – Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses/Needleandthread Plant Community (HCPC): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community: The combination of an overstory of sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provide a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows nest in big sagebrush plants, and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range.
Mixed Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15% protein and 40-60% digestibility during that time. This community provides excellent escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.
Threadleaf Sedge and Blue Grama Sod/Bare Ground Plant Community: These communities provide limited foraging for antelope and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover and if the Historic Climax Plant Community or the Western Wheatgrass/Cheatgrass Plant Community is limiting. Generally, these are not target plant communities for wildlife habitat management.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(lb./ac) (AUM/ac)
Bluebunch WG/Rhizomatous WG/Needleandthread 200-500 .1
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub 150-350 .08
Mixed Shrub/Bare Ground 100-300 .05
Threadleaf Sedge & Blue Grama Sod/B. Ground 50-125 .03
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderately slow to moderate. Runoff potential for this site varies from low to moderate depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented in the original site description was derived from NRCS inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing the original site include: Chris Krassin, Range Management Specialist, NRCS and Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist. Other sources used as references include USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, USDI and USDA Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health Version 3, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties. Information presented here has been derived from NRCS inventory data, Field observations from range trained personnel, and the existing range site descriptions. Those involved in developing the Loamy range site include: Chris Krassin, Range Management Specialist, NRCS and Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist. Those involved in the development of the new concept for Loamy and Loamy Calcareous Ecological site include: Ray Gullion, Area Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jim Wolf, Resource Manager, USDI-BLM; Jack Mononi, Range Management Specialist, USDI-BLM; Daniel Wood, MLRA Soil Survey Leader, NRCS; Jane Karinen, Soil Data Quality Specialist, NRCS; and Marji Patz, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS. Inventory Data References: Ocular field estimations observed by trained personnel were completed at each site. Then sites were selected where a 100 foot tape was stretched and the following sample procedures were completed by inventory staff. For full sampling protocol and guidelines with forms please refer to the Wyoming ESI Operating Procedures, compiled in 2012 for the Powell and Rock Springs Soil Survey Office, USDA-NRCS. • Double Sampling Production Data (9.6 hoop used to estimate 10 points, clipped a minimum of 3 of these estimated points, with two 21 foot X 21 foot square extended shrub plots). • Line Point Intercept (over story and understory captured with soil cover). Height of herbaceous and woody cover is collected every three feet along established transect.) • Continuous Line Intercept (Woody Canopy Cover, with minimum gap of 0.2 of a foot for all woody species and succulents. Intercept height collected at each measurement.), • Gap Intercept (Basal Gap measured with a minimum gap requirement of 0.7 foot.), • Sample Point (10 – 1 meter square point photographs taken at set distances on transect. Red using the sample point computer program established by the High Plains Agricultural Research Center, WY). • Soil Stability (Slake Test – surface and subsurface samples collected and processed according to the soil stability guidelines provided by the Jornada Research Center, NM.)
Other references
Baker, William L. 2006. Fire and Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34(1): 177-185.
Bestelmeyer, B., and J. R. Brown. 2005. State-and-transition models 101: a fresh look at vegetation change. The Quivira Coalition Newsletter, Vol. 7, No. 3.
Bestelmeyer, B., J. R. Brown, K. M. Havstad, B. Alexander, G. Chavez, J. E. Herrick. 2003. Development and use of state and transition models for rangelands. Journal of Range Management 56(2):114-126.
Bestelmeyer, B., J. E. Herrick, J. R. Brown, D. A. Trujillo, and K. M. Havstad. 2004. Land management in the American Southwest: a state-and-transition approach to ecosystem complexity. Environmental Management 34(1):38-51.
Herrick, J. E., J. W. Van Zee, K. M. Havstad, L. M. Burkett, and W. G. Whitford. 2005. Monitoring manual for grassland, shrubland and savanna Ecosystems. Volume I Quick Start. USDA - ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Herrick, J. E., J. W. Van Zee, K. M. Havstad, L. M. Burkett, and W. G. Whitford. 2005. Monitoring manual for grassland, shrubland and savanna Ecosystems. Volume II: Design, supplementary methods and interpretation. USDA - ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
NRCS. 2014. (electronic) National Water and Climate Center. Available online at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/
NRCS. 2014. (electronic) Field Office Technical Guide. Available online at http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov/efotg_locator.aspx?map=WY NRCS. 2009. Plant Guide: Cheatgrass. Prepared by Skinner et al., National Plant Data Center.
Pellant, M., P. Shaver, D. A. Pyke, and J. E. Herrick. 2005. Interpreting indicators of rangeland health. Version 4. Technical Reference 1734-6. USDI-BLM. Ricketts, M. J., R. S. Noggles, and B. Landgraf-Gibbons. 2004. Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range Survey and Assessment. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Schoeneberger, P. J., D. A. Wysocki, E. C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/fieldbook/)
Stringham, T. K. and W. C. Krueger. 2001. States, transitions, and thresholds: Further refinement for rangeland applications. Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University. Special Report 1024.
Stringham, T. K., W. C. Kreuger, and P. L Shaver. 2003. State and transition modeling: an ecological process approach. Journal of Range Management 56(2):106-113.
United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual, United States Department of Agriculture Handbook No. 18, Chapter 3: Examination and Description of Soils. Pg.192-196.
USDA, NRCS. 1997. National Range and Pasture Handbook. (http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html)
Trlica, M. J. 1999. Grass growth and response to grazing. Colorado State University. Cooperative Extension. Range. Natural Resource Series. No. 6.108.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS). 2007. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS), Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Eleventh Edition, 2010.
USDA/NRCS Soil survey manuals for appropriate counties within MLRA 32X.
Western Regional Climate Center. (2014) (electronic) Station Metadata. Available online at: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmwy.html.Contributors
Ray Gullion
Approval
Scott Woodall, 9/05/2019
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) Ray Gullion Contact for lead author ray.gullion@wy.usda.gov Date 02/19/2008 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, the number and extent of rills will vary from none on slope < 9% to common on slopes > 25%. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, water flow patterns vary from barely observable on slopes of < 9% and from broken and irregular in appearance to continuous on slopes > 25% -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Not evident on slopes < 9% present on slopes > 9% -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 25-30% occurring in small areas throughout site. Up to 35% of soil surface is coarse fragments. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should be restricted to areas of concentrated water flow patterns on steeper slopes. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter movement is little to none based on topography and water flow patterns -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 55% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 4 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Infiltration is moderate. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Mid stature Cool Season Grasses >Sub-dominant:
Shrubs >Other:
Forbs = Short stature grasses/grasslikesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
300 lbs/ac. -
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:
Threadleaf sedge, Sandberg bluegrass, Blue grama, Big Sagebrush, Plains pricklypear, Annuals, Exotics, and Species found on Noxious Weed List. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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