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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on ridgetops, rolling to steep mountain slopes and breaks. Slopes range from 5 to 70 percent on southerly exposures. Elevations range from 5000-8500 feet (1515-2575 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain
Elevation 5000 – 8500 ft Slope 5 – 70 % Aspect S, SW, W 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
The soils on this site are shallow, well drained, and very cobbly to stony loams. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is low to very low. Water supplying capacity is 5 to 8 inches. Depth to bedrock varies from 9 to 20 inches.
Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site
No data.
Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is Idaho fescue and a variety of forbs. Composition by weight is approximately 65 to 75 percent grass, 25 to 35 percent forbs, and minor amounts 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, lagomorphs, and small rodents.
Fire has historically occurred on the site at intervals of 20 to 50 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 Phase is Phase 1.1. The plant species composition of 1.1 is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”. This plant community is dominated by Idaho fescue and a variety of forbs. Bluegrass, prairie smoke, and lupine are the dominant subspecies. Some mountain snowberry occurs on the site. There are a variety of other grasses and forbs that occur in minor amounts. Total annual production is 500 pounds per acre (560 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production is about 700 pounds per acre (784 kilograms per hectare) in a favorable year and 300 pounds per acre (336 kilograms per hectare) in unfavorable years.
Cool season deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses are dominant, followed by forbs being more dominant than perennial shrubs and shallow rooted perennial bunchgrasses are subdominant.
FUNCTION:
This site is suited for livestock grazing in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Big game animals use the site in the spring, summer, and fall. The site has high value for hunting, hiking, and horseback riding.
This site is easily degraded by livestock.
Impacts on the Plant Community:
Influence of fire:
When fires become more frequent than historic levels (20-50 years), Idaho fescue can be reduced in the plant community. Bluegrasses and forbs will increase in the plant community. With continued short fire frequency, Idaho fescue can be completely eliminated along with some forbs. These species may be replaced by Kentucky bluegrass along with a variety of annual and perennial forbs including noxious and invasive weeds. Mountain snowberry may increase in the plant community.
Influence of improper grazing management:
Improper grazing management can damage this site. Due to the stony surfaces of the site, livestock generally do not prefer to use it. Forage production is low. When this site is being impacted by improper grazing management, adjacent sites that are more productive and less stony are usually being much more severely degraded.
Season-long grazing and/or excessive utilization can be detrimental to this site. This type of management leads to reduced vigor of the bunchgrasses and palatable shrubs. With reduced vigor, recruitment of these species declines.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing can also keep fine fuels from developing, thereby reducing fire frequency.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in the spring increases forage production slightly. Below normal precipitation in the spring can reduce production and ultimately cause plant mortality under continued drought conditions.
Prolonged drought adversely affects this plant community in several ways. Vigor, recruitment, and production are usually reduced. Mortality can occur. An early, hard freeze can occasionally kill some plants. Prolonged drought can lead to a reduction in fire frequency.
Influence of Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health. Outbreaks insects seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
Many of these species add to the fine-fuel component and lead to increased fire frequency. Many of the annual and perennial invasive species with deep root systems 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 animals use this site in the spring, summer, and fall. Their numbers are seldom high enough to adversely affect the plant community.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur with a decrease of Idaho fescue and an increase of forbs. This can be triggered by improper grazing management or prolonged drought. This change in composition can increase runoff causing sheet and rill erosion. 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.
1.1 Idaho fescue/bluegrasses/forbs.
1.1A. Develops with improper grazing management and no fire.
1.1B. Develops after wildfire.
1.2A. Moves toward 1.1 with prescribed grazing and no fire.
1.3A. Moves toward 1.1 with prescribed grazing and no fire.
1.3B Develops with improper grazing management
T1A , T1B and T2.1B . Develops through continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire.
Practice limitations:
There are slight to moderate limitations for vegetative management practices on this site due to stony surfaces. Severe limitations exist for facilitating and accelerated practices due to stony surfaces.
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 1.1This plant community is dominated by Idaho fescue, bluegrasses, and a variety of forbs. There are a variety of other grasses and forbs in minor amounts. The historic natural fire frequency is approximately 20 to 50 years.
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1602 , B8 BRTE-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 10 30 40 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 State 2
State 1 Phase 1.2Community 2.1
State 1 Phase 1.2This phase has developed through improper grazing management and no fire (1.1A). Idaho fescue has been significantly reduced and is in low vigor. Bluegrasses and forbs have increased. Mountain snowberry has increased. Some annuals may have invaded the site.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1602 , B8 BRTE-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 10 30 40 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 State 3
State 1 Phase 1.3Community 3.1
State 1 Phase 1.3This phase has developed through fire (1.1B). Idaho fescue has been slightly reduced. Bluegrasses have increased slightly and forbs remain about the same as Phase 1.1. Mountain snowberry is resprouting. Some annuals may have invaded the site.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID1602 , B8 BRTE-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 10 30 40 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 State 4
State 2Community 4.1
State 2This plant community is dominated by annual and perennial forbs including invasive and noxious plants. Some soil loss has occurred. Kentucky bluegrass may have increased to the point that it vegetatively controls the site potential. This state has developed due to continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fires from plant community phase 1.2 (T1A) or plant community phase 1.3 (T1B). This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
State 5
Unknown New SiteCommunity 5.1
Unknown New SiteUnknown new site. This 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 (T2.1B). It is economically impractical to return this plant community 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, catchments, ponding, and natural springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Idaho Fescue/ Sandberg Bluegrass Reference Plant Community (RPC): The RPC provides a diversity of grasses, forbs, and a minor amount of shrubs, used by native insect communities who assist in pollination of the plant community. Flowering forbs and shrubs including yarrow, prairie smoke, biscuitroot, lupine, aster, cinquefoil, buckwheat, 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 –Sandberg Bluegrass 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. An increase in mountain snowberry and forbs would increase food availability for pollinators. The reptile and amphibian community would be similar to the State 1 Phase 1.1 reptile and amphibian community. 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 – Sandberg Bluegrass/ Idaho Fescue 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 –Annuals/ Invasive Noxious 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. Due to improper grazing management and the loss of vigor and production of native herbaceous vegetation, the grazing season for mule deer and elk would be shortened. Some areas may be dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, which is a desirable forage plant for elk and mule deer. Small mammal populations and diversity would be reduced due to reduced cover habitat provided by theplant community and increased hunting success by predators.
Grazing Interpretations.
This site is suited for late spring, summer, and early fall grazing by sheep, cattle, and horses.
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
This site appeals to some people with regard to aesthetics and natural beauty. It is has some value for hunting, hiking, and horseback riding.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
Field Offices
Cascade, ID
Lewiston, ID
Weiser, 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: Idaho County, ID General legal description West of Riggins. Other references
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.
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; 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
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Number and extent of rills:
rills are rare on this site due to the stony surface fragments. If they are present they are likely to occur on slopes greater than 15% and immediately following a wildfire. They are not extensive. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns are rare on this site. They are most likely to occur on slopes greater than 15 %. When they occur they are short and disrupted by cool season grasses, tall shrubs and surface stones. They are not extensive. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
both are rare on this site. In areas where slopes approach 15 percent and where flow patterns and/or rills are present, a few pedestals may be expected. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
ranges from 15-30% but more data is needed. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
gullies do not occur on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
these do not occur on this site. -
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 4-6 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, along with surface stones, 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 bunchgrassesSub-dominant:
shallow rooted bunchgrassesOther:
shrubsAdditional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
mortality of grasses and forbs is rare. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
litter ranges from 10-20% but additional data is needed. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 500 pounds per acre (560 kg/ha) in a year with normal precipitation and temperatures. -
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 musk and Canada thistle and diffuse and spotted knapweed. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce most years.
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