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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
Classification relationships
Artemisia vaseyana “Spiciformis”/ Bromus carinatus HT in “Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number “35”.
Associated sites
R043CY002ID Shallow Stony 22+ PZ FEID-forbs
R043CY003ID Loamy Slopes 22+ PZ ARTRS2/grass-forbs
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently sloping to moderately steep mountain tops and mountain slopes. Slopes range from 2 to 60 percent. Elevations range from 7000 to 8500 feet (2100-2600 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
Elevation 7000 – 8500 ft Slope 2 – 60 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Blue and Seven Devils Mountains range in elevation from 1300 to 8000 feet above sea level. The annual average precipitation is 20.84 inches based upon long term climate data from 2 climate stations located in the MLRA. The minimum annual average is 18 inches and the maximum annual average precipitation is 23.43 inches. The annual average temperature is 47.65 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual low is 33.7 and the average annual high is 61.6 degrees F. The frost free period ranges from 108 to 130 days and the freeze free period ranges from 147 to 168 days.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 130 days Freeze-free period (average) 170 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by adjacent wetlands, streams, or run on.
Soil features
These soils are shallow to moderately deep gravelly loams. They formed in a mixture of alluvium and colluvium from a variety of rock types. Available water capacity is moderate to high.
Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site
No data.
Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect is grassland with a mixture of forbs in the understory. Composition by weight is approximately 70-80 percent grasses, 20-30 percent forbs, and a minor amount of shrubs.
During the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in a montane climate characterized by dry summers and cold, wet winters. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and lagomorphs.
Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 100-200 years.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC), the Reference State (State 1), moves through many phases depending on the natural and man-made forces that impact the community over time. State 1, described later, indicates some of these phases. The Reference Plant Community is Phase 1.1. This plant community is dominated by elk sedge, Idaho fescue, and a wide variety of forbs. Subdominant species include pinegrass, Letterman’s needlegrass, pussytoes, western knotweed, and woolyweed. A wide variety of other grasses and forbs occur in small amounts. The plant species composition of Phase 1.1 is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Plant Species Composition”.
Total annual production is 1200 pounds per acre (1333 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 1500 pounds per acre (1666 kilograms per hectare). Production in an unfavorable year is 900 pounds per acre (1000 kilograms per hectare. Structurally, cool season deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses and grass-likes are very dominant, followed by perennial forbs being more dominant than shrubs.
FUNCTION:
This site is well suited for deer, elk, raptors, and other wildlife in summer and early fall. It is also well suited for livestock use in the summer. The site has high value of hunting, hiking, and horse back riding. The site has numerous showy flowers in spring and summer.
Due to the relatively high rainfall, elevation, and favorable cool-season growing conditions, the site is fairly resistant to disturbances that can potentially degrade it.
Due to the relatively high production and moderately deep soils, infiltration is normally high and runoff is moderate. Runoff, when it does occur is non-erosive except during high intensity convection storms. Snow accumulates on the site due to high elevation.
Impacts on the Plant Community.
Influence of fire:
In the absence of normal fire frequency, shrubs can gradually increase. Grasses and forbs decrease as shrubs increase.
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (100-200 years), Idaho fescue and Letterman’s needlegrass are reduced significantly with a corresponding increase in pinegrass. With continued short fire frequency, these species can be completely eliminated along with many of the desirable understory species. These species may be replaced by Kentucky bluegrass along with a variety of annual and perennial forbs including noxious and invasive weeds. Western knotweed can be a significant increaser on the site.
Influence of improper grazing management:
Season-long grazing and/or excessive utilization can be very detrimental to this site. This type of management leads to reduced vigor of the bunchgrasses and sedges. With reduced vigor, recruitment of these species declines. As these species decline, the plant community becomes susceptible to an increase in pinegrass, western knotweed, and noxious and invasive plants.
Continued improper grazing management influences fire frequency by increasing fine fuels.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing can also keep fine fuels from developing, thereby reducing fire frequency. This can lead to gradual increases in subalpine big sagebrush. A planned grazing system can be developed to intentionally accumulate fine fuels in preparation for a prescribed burn. Any brush management needs careful planning due to species involved and the elevation of the site.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in April, May, and June can increase total annual production of the plant community. These weather patterns can also increase viable seed production of desirable species to provide for recruitment. Likewise, below normal precipitation during these spring months can reduce total annual production and be detrimental to viable seed production. Overall plant composition is normally not affected when perennials have good vigor.
Prolonged drought adversely affects this plant community in several ways. Vigor, recruitment, and production are usually reduced. Mortality can occur. Prolonged drought can lead to a reduction in fire frequency.
Influence of Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health. An outbreak of a particular insect is usually influenced by weather but no specific data for this site is available. Mormon cricket and grasshopper outbreaks occur periodically. Outbreaks seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
There are few noxious and invasive species adapted to this high elevation site. These species can add to the fine-fuel component and lead to increased fire frequency. Annual and perennial invasive species compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients. The result is reduced production and change in composition of the understory.
Influence of wildlife:
Big game animal’s use this site in the summer and early falls. Their numbers are seldom high enough to adversely affect the plant community.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur when forbs become dominant. Desired understory species can be reduced. This composition change can affect nutrient and water cycles. Increased runoff also causes sheet and rill erosion. Abnormally short fire frequency also gives the same results, but to a lesser degree. The long -term effect is a transition to a different state.
Plant Community and Sequence:
Transition pathways between common vegetation states and phases:
State 1.
1.1A. Develops with improper grazing management and no fire.
1.1B. Develops with fire.
1.2A. Develops with prescribed grazing.
1.3A. Develops with prescribed grazing and no fire.
1.2B. Develops with fire.
T1A & T1B. Develops through frequent fire and continued improper grazing management. The site crosses the threshold.
T2A. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross a threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is not economically feasible to move this state back to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Practice Limitations:
Seeding on this site is somewhat restricted by a short growing season, steep slopes and gravelly surface textures. Brush management should be generally be limited to prescribed burning, beating or chemical due to short growing season.
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
State 1 Phase 1.1Community 1.1
State 1 Phase 1.1Reference plant community. This plant community is dominated by elk sedge, Idaho fescue, and a wide variety of forbs. Subdominant species include pinegrass, Letterman’s needlegrass, pussytoes, western knotweed, and woolyweed. A wide variety of other grasses and forbs occur in small amounts. Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 100-200 years.
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1205 , FEID-PSSPS. State 1.
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 5 25 30 25 5 5 0 5 0 0 State 2
State 1 Phase 1.2Community 2.1
State 1 Phase 1.2This plant community is dominated by pinegrass with reduced amounts of elk sedge. The elk sedge sod has been broken up due to hoof traffic or a weakening of the root system. Forbs, especially western knotweed, are increasing. All deep-rooted bunchgrasses are typically in low vigor. This phase has developed due to improper grazing management and no fire (1.1A).
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1205 , FEID-PSSPS. State 1.
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 5 25 30 25 5 5 0 5 0 0 State 3
State 1 Phase 1.3Community 3.1
State 1 Phase 1.3This plant community is dominated by pinegrass, however, elk sedge is recovering. Forbs remain about in the same proportion as Phase 1.1. This plant community is the result of wildfire (1.1B or 1.2B).
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1205 , FEID-PSSPS. State 1.
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 5 25 30 25 5 5 0 5 0 0 State 4
State 2Community 4.1
State 2This plant community is dominated by annual and perennial forbs. Some soil loss has occurred. This state has developed due to frequent fires and improper grazing management (T1A or T1B). The site has crossed the threshold. It is not economically feasible to move this state back to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1202 , ANNUALS. State 2.
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 5 30 40 15 5 0 0 5 0 0 State 5
Unknown New SiteCommunity 5.1
Unknown New SiteThis plant community has gone over the threshold to a new site. Site potential has been reduced. Significant soil loss has occurred. Infiltration has been reduced and run-off has become more rapid. This state has developed due to continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fires (T2A). It is not economically feasible to move this state back to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Additional community tables
Table 4. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 5. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
This ecological site provides diverse habitat for upland wildlife species. The site is adjacent to forestry sites, offering diversity of habitat for animal species who may utilize both forest and rangeland ecological sites. Habitat is provided for resident and migratory animals including western toad, shrews, bats, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, Ferruginous hawk, grasshopper sparrow, horned lark, and western meadowlark. Large herbivore use of the ecological site includes mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. Area sensitive species include western toad, northern Idaho pocket gopher, Merriam’s shrew, and Swainson’s hawk. Open water is seasonal, being provided by seasonal runoff, ponding, and natural springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Elk Sedge/ Idaho Fescue Reference Plant Community (RPC): The RPC provides a diversity of grasses and forbs used by native insect communities who assist in pollination of the plant community. Flowering forbs and shrubs including yarrow, rose, pussytoes, lupine, Indian paintbrush, cinquefoil, spirea, and mountain snowberry provide spring through fall habitat for pollinators. The extensive forb production supports insects that are food for the many predator species utilizing the site. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by rubber boa, western rattlesnake, terrestrial gartersnake, western toad, and northern leopard frog. Amphibians are associated with springs adjacent to this plant community. Development of spring sites that collect all available water would exclude amphibian use on these sites. Bird species using the site include mountain bluebird, vesper sparrow, fox sparrow, black rosy-finch, lesser goldfinch, and Swainson’s hawk. The plant community supports spring, summer, and fall forage for elk and spring and fall forage for mule deer. A diverse small mammal population including deer mouse, northern Idaho ground squirrel, northern pocket gopher, Merriam’s shrew, and yellow-bellied marmot may utilize the site. Pika may be present at higher elevations when adjacent to talus slopes.
State 1 Phase 1.2 – Pinegrass/ Elk Sedge Plant Community: This phase has developed due to improper grazing management and a lack of fire. Insect diversity and populations would be similar to the State 1 Phase 1.1 insect community. The reptile and amphibian community would be similar to that in State 1 Phase 1.1. The bird community would be similar to the State 1 Phase 1.1 bird community. The reduced vigor and production of Idaho fescue reduces available forage habitat for large herbivores. A small mammal population including deer mouse, northern Idaho ground squirrel, northern pocket gopher, Merriam’s shrew, and yellow-bellied marmot may utilize the site. Pika may be present at higher elevations when adjacent to talus slopes.
State 1 Phase 1.3 – Pinegrass/ Elk Sedge Plant Community: This plant community is the result of wildfire. Under proper grazing management the plant community would develop to be similar to the State 1 Phase 1.1 plant community. Under proper grazing management the animal community would develop over time to be similar to the State 1 Phase 1.1 animal community.
State 2 –Annual Grasses/ Annual Forbs/ Invasives/ Noxious Weeds Plant Community: This state has developed due to frequent fires and/or improper grazing management. Pollinator habitat may not be sustained throughout all seasons due to the change of the perennial plant community to an annual plant community. Nesting habitat for grassland birds would be limited due to poor cover provided by annual grasses and forbs. Birds of prey may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Mule deer and elk grazing seasons would be shortened due to poor vigor and low production of native herbaceous and woody vegetation. Small mammal populations and diversity would decline due to reduced cover habitat in the plant community and increased hunting success by predators.
Grazing Interpretations.
This site suitable for summer and fall grazing by domestic livestock.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species, composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use, and seasonal preference. Calculations used to determine estimated initial stocking rate will be based on forage preference ratings.
Hydrological functions
No data.
Recreational uses
The site has numerous showy flowers in spring and summer. The site has high value of hunting, hiking, and horse back riding.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
Field Offices
Lewiston, ID
Cascade, ID
Moscow, ID
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Jim Cornwell, Range Management Specialist, IASCD Bruce Knapp, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
Type locality
Location 1: Adams County, ID Location 2: Adams County, ID Other references
Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number “35”.
Petersen, S.L., 2004. A Landscape-Scale Assessment of Plant Communities, Hydrologic Processes, and State-and-Transition Theory in a Western Juniper Dominated Ecosystem. PhD Dissertation. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-136-vols. 1-3.
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA, Forest Service, Fire Effects Information Database. 2004. www.fs.fed.us/database/feis
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Service; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; Version 4-2005.
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) Dave Franzen and Jacy Gibbs Intermountain Range Consultants 17700 Fargo Rd. Wilder, ID 83676 Contact for lead author Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709 Date 06/16/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
rills do not occur. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns do not occur. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
neither occurs. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
data not available. On sites in mid-seral status, bare groundmay range from 10-20 percent. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
gullies do not occur on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
usually does not occur. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
fine litter in the interspaces may move up to 2 feet following a significant run-off event. Coarse litter generally does not move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
values should range from 3-5 but needs to be tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
No data. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
bunchgrasses, especially deep-rooted perennials, slow run-off and increase infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
not 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:
cool season deep-rooted perennial grassesSub-dominant:
perennial forbsOther:
shrubsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
little mortality and decadence is expected on this site. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
annual litter cover in the interspaces will be 5-10 percent to a depth of <0.2. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 1200 lbs. per acre in a year with normal precipitation and temperatures. Perennial grasses produce70-80 percent of the total, forbs 20-30 percent, and shrubs T-1 percent. -
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:
includes Kentucky bluegrass, Canada thistle, knapweed, and leafy spurge. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years.
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