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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.
Associated sites
R034AY222WY Loamy Foothills and Basins West (Ly)
Loamy
R034AY228WY Lowland Foothills and Basins West (LL)
Lowland
R034AY274WY Subirrigated Foothills and Basins West (Sb)
Subirrigated
Similar sites
R034AY206WY Clayey Overflow Foothills and Basins West (CyO)
Clayey Overflow (CyO) 10-14W has heavier soil textures and more rhizomatous wheatgrasses.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently sloping to moderately sloping flood plains, canyons, and small valley bottoms along intermittent streams. This site is found on all exposures and at elevations mostly above 7000 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Alluvial fan
(2) Stream terrace
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Flooding frequency Frequent Ponding frequency None Elevation 1981 – 2286 m Slope 0 – 10 % Ponding depth 0 cm Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 10-14 inches per year. 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. This is predominantly due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph.
Growth of native cool season plants begins about April 15 and continues to about August 15. Some green up of cool season plants usually occurs in September depending upon fall moisture occurrences.
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/state.pl?state=wy website. Other climate stations representative of this precipitation zone include ”Border 3 N ” and Kemmerer Wtr Trtmt” in Lincoln County; “Evanston 1 E” in Uinta County; and “Merna” in Sublette County.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 70 days Freeze-free period (average) 100 days Precipitation total (average) 360 mm BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with this site.<br />
Soil features
The soils of this site are deep and strata range in texture from sandy loam to silty clay. These soils occur in playa areas or along stream courses which receive periodic overflow from adjacent slopes. Landscape position is very important to this site. Parent material is from mixed sources. May have the soil texture modifiers of gravelly and cobbly.
Major Soils correlated to this site include: Battlement and Cowestellen.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Sandy loam
(2) Loam
(3) Silty clay
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Moderately well drained to well drained Permeability class Slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 51 – 152 cm Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 25 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 15 % Available water capacity
(0-101.6cm)7.62 – 11.43 cm Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-101.6cm)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-101.6cm)0 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-101.6cm)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-101.6cm)7.2 – 8.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 25 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates from improper grazing management, species such rabbitbrush and basin big sagebrush will increase. Cool season bunchgrasses such as basin wildrye and needleandthread will decrease in frequency and production.
These plant communities narratives may not represent every possibility, but they probably are the most prevalent and repeatable plant communities. The plant composition tables shown above have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. 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 “Desired Plant Communities”. According to the USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, Desired Plant Communities (DPC’s) 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.
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 1
Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye (HCPC)Community 1.1
Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye (HCPC)The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is estimated at 65% grasses or grass-like plants, 15% forbs and 20% woody plants.
The major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, basin wildrye, Canby bluegrass, needleandthread, and Letterman needlegrass. Other grasses may include mutton and Sandberg bluegrass, bluebunch and slender wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, Indian ricegrass, needleleaf sedge, and prairie junegrass. Basin big sagebrush is the dominant woody species. Other woody plants may include chokecherry, snowberry, serviceberry, silver and low sagebrush, and green and rubber rabbitbrush.
A typical plant community consists of rhizomatous wheatgrass 15-25%, basin wildrye 10-20%, Canby bluegrass 10-20%, needleandthread 5-15%, Letterman needlegrass 5-15%, other perennial grasses 5-10%, perennial forbs 10-20%, basin big sagebrush 1-10%, and 5-15% other woody plants. Ground cover, by ocular estimate, varies from 60-75%.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1800 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 2200 lbs./acre in above average years.
This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Cool Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species and additional moisture 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:
• Continuous Season-Long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Basin Big Sagebrush/Wheatgrass State.
Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(kg/hectare)Representative value
(kg/hectare)High
(kg/hectare)Grass/Grasslike 874 1311 1603 Shrub/Vine 269 404 493 Forb 202 303 370 Total 1345 2018 2466 Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0302 , 10-14W, Extra Water Sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. LL. OV, CYO, SL Extra Water Sites.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 15 35 35 10 State 2
Basin Big Sagebrush/WheatgrassCommunity 2.1
Basin Big Sagebrush/WheatgrassThis plant community evolved under continuous grazing by domestic livestock. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. Grasses/grasslikes of secondary importance include prairie junegrass and needleleaf sedge. Basin big sagebrush has increased, with annual production often exceeding 40%. Silver sagebrush and rabbitbrush are of secondary importance.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 400 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 1400 lbs./acre in above average years.
The state is moderately stable and somewhat vulnerable to excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. However, it can be at risk depending on how far a shift has occurred in plant composition toward basin big sagebrush. The watershed is usually functioning. However, it can become at risk when canopy cover of big sagebrush and/or bare ground increases.
Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will eventually result in a plant community very similar to the Historic Climax Plant Community (Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges.
• Wildfire followed by Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing will result in the Silver Sagebrush/Rabbitbrush State.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0302 , 10-14W, Extra Water Sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. LL. OV, CYO, SL Extra Water Sites.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 15 35 35 10 State 3
Silver Sage/RabbitbrushCommunity 3.1
Silver Sage/RabbitbrushThis plant community is the result of long-term improper grazing use after wildfire. Sprouting woody species such as silver sagebrush and rabbitbrush dominate this state. Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle and cheatgrass may invade. Basin wildrye and basin big sage have been lost.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 600 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 1000 lbs./acre in above average years.
The biotic integrity is threatened by the invasion of noxious weeds. The soil of this state is not protected. The watershed may produce excessive runoff.
Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Chemical Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan over the long-term will return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community (Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges.
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0302 , 10-14W, Extra Water Sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. LL. OV, CYO, SL Extra Water Sites.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 15 35 35 10 Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 303–504 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 303–504 – 2 202–404 basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 202–404 – 3 202–404 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 202–404 – 4 101–303 needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 101–303 – 5 101–303 Letterman's needlegrass ACLE9 Achnatherum lettermanii 101–303 – 6 101–202 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–101 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 0–101 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 0–101 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–101 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–101 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–101 – muttongrass POFE Poa fendleriana 0–101 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–101 – Forb7 202–404 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–101 – agoseris AGOSE Agoseris 0–101 – rosy pussytoes ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 0–101 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–101 – water-starwort CALLI6 Callitriche 0–101 – castilla CASTI Castilla 0–101 – larkspur DELPH Delphinium 0–101 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–101 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–101 – aster EUCEP2 Eucephalus 0–101 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–101 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–101 – bluebells MERTE Mertensia 0–101 – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus 0–101 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–101 – clover TRIFO Trifolium 0–101 – violet VIOLA Viola 0–101 – Shrub/Vine8 20–202 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 20–202 – 9 101–303 Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 0–101 – little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 0–101 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–101 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–101 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–101 – chokecherry PRVIV Prunus virginiana var. virginiana 0–101 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–101 – Table 7. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye Plant Community (HCPC): The high degree of plant species and structural diversity, additional moisture, and woody plants in this community favors a large variety of wildlife. Basin big sage provides suitable thermal and escape cover for mule deer, elk, and antelope. This plant community provides brood rearing/foraging areas as well as important wintering habitat for sage grouse. This community provides habitat for a wide array of small mammals such as jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, mice, and voles so diverse prey populations are available for badgers, fox, coyotes, and raptors such as red-tail and Swainson’s hawks. Birds such as sage sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, and the sage thrasher will utilize this community for nesting and foraging.
Basin Big Sagebrush/Wheatgrass Plant Community: This plant community may be useful for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals.
Silver Sagebrush/Rabbitbrush Plant Community: The plant community composition is much less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of many wildlife dependent on big sagebrush.
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.
Plant Community Production (lb./ac) and Carrying Capacity* (AUM/ac)
Basin Big Sagebrush/Basin Wildrye (HCPC) 1200-2200 lb./ac and .6 AUM/ac
Basin Big Sagebrush/Wheatgrass 400-1400 lb./ac and .3 AUM/ac
Silver Sagebrush/Rabbitbrush 200-1000 lb./ac and .15 AUM/ac
* - 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. Infiltration ranges from moderate to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high 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. 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. Cryptogrammic 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 esthetic values that appeal to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Bill Christensen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Karen Clause, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist, NRCS. Other sources used as references include USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Contributors
Karen Clause
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) K. Clause, J. Haverkamp, E. Bainter Contact for lead author karen.clause@wy.usda.gov or 307-367-2257 Date 03/16/2007 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns sometimes evident in ephemeral floodplain zone where this site occurs. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground can range from 5-20%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Minimal to nonexistent. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Herbaceous litter expected to move in water flow patterns. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Stability Index ratings range from 2 (interspaces) to 6 (under plant canopy), but average values should be 2.5 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil data is limited for this site. Described A-horizons vary from 1 to 9 inches (3-23 cm). Organic matter is typically 2 to 3%. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community consists of 55-70% grasses, 20% forbs, and 10-25% shrubs. Moderate plant canopy (50-70%) and litter plus moderate to moderately rapid infiltration rates result in minimal runoff. Basal cover is typically around 2-3% for this site and does not effectively reduce runoff on this site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer exists. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
mid-size, cool season bunchgrasses> perennial shrubs=cool season rhizomatous grasses>tall, cool season bunchgrasses=perennial forbs>short, cool season bunchgrasses -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Minimal decadence, typically associated with shrub component. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter ranges from 20-40% of total canopy measurement with total litter (including beneath the plant canopy) from 75-90% expected. Herbaceous litter depth typically ranges from 10-25 mm. Woody litter can be up to several inches (>8 cm). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
English: 1200-2200 lb/ac (1800 lb/ac average); Metric: 1344-3136 kg/ha (2016 kg/ha average). -
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:
Bare ground greater than 40% or noxious weed invasion are the most common indicators of a threshold being crossed. Rabbitbrush and basin big sagebrush are common increasers. Annual weeds such as pepperweed and blue mustard are common invasive species on disturbed sites. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing, except in drought years.
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