Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site EX044B01Y080
Riparian Meadow (RM) LRU 01 Subset Y
Last updated: 2/12/2025
Accessed: 05/02/2026
-
Search
Major Land Resource Area or ecological site by name and/or ID.
PreviousSectionsNextGeneral information
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 044B–Central Rocky Mountain Valleys
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 44B, Central Rocky Mountain Valleys, is nearly 3.7 million acres of southwest Montana. This MLRA borders two other MLRAs: 43B, Central Rocky Mountains and Foothills, and 46, Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Foothills.
The major watersheds of this MLRA are the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and their associated headwaters, such as the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, Ruby, Madison, Gallatin, and Shields Rivers. Limited portions of the MLRA are west of the Continental Divide along the Clark Fork River. These waters allow for extensive irrigation for crop production in an area that is generally only compatible with rangeland and grazing. The Missouri River and its headwaters are behind several reservoirs used for irrigation water, hydroelectric power, and municipal water.
The primary land use of this MLRA is production agriculture (grazing, small grain production, and hay) with limited mining. Urban development is high, with large expanses of rangeland being converted to subdivisions for a rapidly growing population.
MLRA 44B consists of one Land Resource Unit (LRU) and seven climate-based LRU subsets. Annual precipitation ranges from a low of 9 inches to a high of near 24 inches. The driest areas tend to be in the valley bottoms of southwest Montana, in the rain shadow of the mountains. The wettest portions tend to be near the edges of the MLRA, where it borders MLRA 43B. Frost-free periods also vary greatly, with less than 30 days in the Big Hole Valley to approximately 110 days in the warm valleys along the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers.
MLRA 44B’s plant communities are highly variable but are dominated by a cool-season grass and shrub-steppe community on the rangeland and a mixed coniferous forest in the mountains. Warm-season grasses occupy an extremely limited extent and number of species in this MLRA. Most subspecies of big sagebrush are present, to some extent, across the MLRA.LRU notes
The LRU 01 Subset Y central concept is being used as an ubiquitous system where sites have access to additional moisture, reducing their reliance on precipitation. Sites that receive reduced precipitation have the ability to produce similar plant communities as those that receive more precipitation.
Classification relationships
EPA Ecoregions of Montana, Second Edition:
Level I: Northwestern Forested Mountains
Level II: Western Cordillera
Level III: Middle Rockies & Northern Great Plains
Level IV: Paradise Valley
Townsend Basin
Dry Intermontane Sagebrush Valleys
Shield-Smith Valleys
National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units:
Domain: Dry
Division: M330 – Temperate Steppe Division – Mountain Provinces
Province: M332 –Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow
Section: M332D – Belt Mountains Section
M332E – Beaverhead Mountains Section
Subsection: M332Ej – Southwest Montana Intermontane Basins and Valleys
M332Dk – Central Montana Broad Valleys
Montana Natural Heritage Program:
- Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow
Grassland and Shrubland habitat types of Western Montana
- Deschampsia caespitosaa/Carex spp. Habitat TypeEcological site concept
• Site receives additional effective moisture
• Site is located within the floodplain/riparian zone
• Soil not saline (EC less than 4 within the surface 4 inches mineral soil)
• Soil not considered organic (less than 8 inches thick organic layer above mineral soil)
• Site not in closed depression
• Seasonal high water table 12 to 24 inches from ground surface.Associated sites
EX044B01Y081 Riparian Subirrigated (RSb) LRU 01 Subset Y
The Riparian Subirrigated ecological site occupies neighboring floodplain positions and shares similar plant communities. The water table of this site is 24 to 40 inches below the ground surface.
Similar sites
EX044B01Y081 Riparian Subirrigated (RSb) LRU 01 Subset Y
The Riparian Subirrigated ecolgocial site shares similar plant communities and state and transition models. This site is drier than the Riparian Meadow site due to its location on the floodplain and depth to seasonal water table. Natural, long term hydrological shifts in riparian zone may cause the Riparian Meadow site to transition to the Riparian Subirrigated site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Salix
(2) Dasiphora fruticosaHerbaceous (1) Deschampsia cespitosa
(2) Carex nebrascensisLegacy ID
R044BY080MT
Physiographic features
This site occurs within the floodplain adjacent to perennial streams and natural seeps. Slopes are nearly level to less than two percent.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Intermontane basin > Flood plain
(2) Intermontane basin > Stream terrace
Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Occasional to very rare Elevation 4800 – 6500 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 12 – 24 in Climatic features
The Central Rocky Mountain Valleys MLRA has a continental climate. Fifty to sixty percent of the annual long-term average total precipitation falls between May and August. Most of the precipitation in the winter is snow on frozen ground. Average precipitation for this MLRA is slightly more than 14 inches, and the frost-free period averages 52 days. Precipitation is highest in May and June, with winter and spring snowstorms contributing to the total. Some of Montana’s driest areas are located in sheltered mountain valleys due to the rain-shadow effect of being on the leeside of some mountain ranges.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 20-80 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 60-120 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 0-100 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 40-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 50 days Freeze-free period (average) 90 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) HEBGEN DAM [USC00244038], West Yellowstone, MT
-
(2) LAKEVIEW [USC00244820], Lima, MT
-
(3) BOZEMAN GALLATIN FLD [USW00024132], Belgrade, MT
-
(4) DEER LODGE 3 W [USC00242275], Deer Lodge, MT
-
(5) DILLION U OF MONTANA WESTERN [USC00242409], Dillon, MT
-
(6) GLEN 2 E [USC00243570], Dillon, MT
-
(7) ENNIS [USC00242793], Ennis, MT
-
(8) BOULDER [USC00241008], Boulder, MT
-
(9) GARDINER [USC00243378], Gardiner, MT
-
(10) TOWNSEND [USC00248324], Townsend, MT
-
(11) TRIDENT [USC00248363], Three Forks, MT
-
(12) TWIN BRIDGES [USC00248430], Sheridan, MT
-
(13) WHITE SULPHUR SPRNGS 2 [USC00248930], White Sulphur Springs, MT
-
(14) DILLON AP [USW00024138], Dillon, MT
-
(15) HELENA RGNL AP [USW00024144], Helena, MT
-
(16) DIVIDE [USC00242421], Wise River, MT
-
(17) WISDOM [USC00249067], Wisdom, MT
-
(18) JACKSON [USC00244447], Jackson, MT
-
(19) LIVINGSTON MISSION FLD [USW00024150], Livingston, MT
-
(20) LIVINGSTON 12 S [USC00245080], Livingston, MT
-
(21) VIRGINIA CITY [USC00248597], Virginia City, MT
-
(22) WEST YELLOWSTONE [USC00248857], West Yellowstone, MT
-
(23) BIG SKY 2WNW [USC00240775], Gallatin Gateway, MT
-
(24) WILSALL 8 ENE [USC00249023], Wilsall, MT
-
(25) BUTTE BERT MOONEY AP [USW00024135], Butte, MT
">Influencing water features
The Riparian Meadow (RM) ecological site is associated with perennial streams, rivers, and flowing springs. This site has a permanent water table between 12 and 24 inches below the soil surface. Seasonally significant subsurface water movement exists due to the site's location adjacent to active streams, creeks, and rivers. It is rarely to occasionally flooded from streambank overflow. Periods of inundation are very brief. Typically, flooding is associated with spring snowmelt from March to early June.
Wetland description
The Riparian Meadow ecological site is directly associated with multiple Rosgen Classified Streams. The primary Rosgen classification stream types include E3, E4, E5, and E6.<br />
<br />
E-classified streams are low-gradient, meandering riffle-pool streams with a low width-to-depth ratio and little deposition. These systems are very efficient at moving sediment, stable, and well vegetated. They have a high meander-to-width ratio. These occur in broad valleys and meadows.<br />
<br />
These wetlands typically support wet emergent vegetation but are not capable of supporting species such as cattails.Soil features
The soils of this ecological site are alluvium of mixed origin with highly variable surface textures. These soils are hydric due to the permanent water table and flooding events. The water table is 12 to 24 inches below the soil surface. However, the coarse texture of the subsurface soil may not directly express traditional redoximorphic features associated with such sites. Soils tend to be deep or very deep. Surface textures tend to be loam, silt loam, very fine sandy loam, and fine sandy loam. As previously stated, subsurface horizons will often be coarse-grained, allowing for moderate to rapid permeability. These sites tend to be classified as poorly to very poorly drained due to the presence of a permanent water table, but water transmission will be moderate.
Common soil series in this ecological site include (but are not limited to) Beavrock, Dutchhollow, and Mooseflat.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Very fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Fine-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal
Drainage class Poorly drained to very poorly drained Permeability class Moderate to rapid Soil depth 40 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)4.4 – 7 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)4.5 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)0 – 24 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
The Riparian Meadow (RM) ecological site is characterized by the production and composition of the Reference Plant Community, which is defined primarily by its location near actively flowing streams and rivers and depth to the seasonal water table between 12 and 24 inches of soil surface. The Riparian Meadow site tends to be a stable community when in its reference state, but can vary drastically if stream morphology changes.
The reference plant community is dominated by multiple obligate and facultative wetland grasses, sedges, and forbs. As defined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, obligate wetland species almost always exist in wetland conditions, while facultative wetland species exist primarily in wetlands but may also exist in non-wetland sites. The primary species include Nebraska sedge (Carex nebraskensis), Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utriculata), water sedge (Carex aquaillis), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Baltic rush (Juncus articus), field mint (Mentha arvensis), and leafy aster (Symphyotrichum foliaceum).
The Riparian Meadow ecological site occurs across a relatively large landscape. Slight variations within the plant community occur due to elevation, stream size, seasonal water table depth, and frost-free days. Structurally, these systems function very similarly: deep-rooted herbaceous plants create stable riparian systems able to dissipate stream energy, trap sediment, and store water.
Natural disturbances such as flooding and fire are common. The Reference Plant Community is typically resistant to these impacts, but repeated grazing events may reduce its resilience, which can trigger changes within the community and cause it to transition to other states.
The Riparian Meadow ecological site is considered resistant to invasion; however, non-native species will invade if not managed, especially during extended droughts. Non-native grass species are often the most common invaders. The list includes such species as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), creeping meadow foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), timothy (Phleum pratense), reed canarygrass (Phlarais arudinacea), common reedgrass (Phragmites communis), quackgrass (Elymus repens), and redtop bentgrass (Agrostis gigantea). Noxious weeds that may invade include Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), whitetop (Cardaria draba), gypsyflower (Cynoglossum officinale), locally known as houndstongue, and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). This is not a comprehensive list of species, and others may occur.
Plant Communities and Transitional Pathways
A state and transition model for this ecological site is depicted below. Thorough descriptions of each state, transition, plant community, and pathway follow the model. This model is based on available experimental research, field data, field observations, and interpretations by experts. It is likely to change as knowledge increases.
The plant communities within the same ecological site will differ across the MLRA due to the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The biological processes on this site are complex; therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are intended to cover the core species and the known range of conditions and responses.
Both percent species composition by weight and percent canopy cover are referenced in this document. Canopy cover drives the transitions between communities and states because of the influence of shade, the interception of rainfall, and the competition for available water. Species composition by dry weight remains an important descriptor of the herbaceous community and of the community as a whole. Woody species are included in the species composition for the site. Calculating the similarity index requires species composition by dry weight.
Although there is considerable qualitative experience supporting the pathways and transitions within the State and Transition Model (STM), no quantitative information exists that specifically identifies threshold parameters between grassland types and invaded types in this ecological site. For information on STMs, see the following citations: Bestelmeyer et al. (2003), Bestelmeyer et al. (2004), Bestelmeyer and Brown (2005), and Stringham et al. (2003).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 textLand uses
Land use 1 submodel, ecosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
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
Land use 2 submodel, ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
Land use 1
Rangeland
The site is in native condition, meaning it has not been altered by farming or other practices in an attempt to produce non-native crops such as livestock pasture forage or hay.
State 1.1
Reference State
This state contains two communities that are dominated by tall, deep-rooted sedges and grasses with various forbs. Shrubs are limited to a small percentage of the community and are often absent. The Deep-Rooted Herbaceous Community (1.1) is a diverse community of tall sedges and grasses, while the Northwest Territory Sedge Community (1.2) is a near monoculture of Northwest Territory sedge with small components of other grasses and sedges.
State 1.2
Increaser StateThis state consists of 1 community (Increaser Sedges and Grasses). The site is a result of repeated overgrazing. This state may also be associated with a lowering of the water table due to a short-term drought. Small-wing sedge, Baltic rush, creeping spikerush, and foxtail barley.
State 1.3
Baltic Rush StateThe Baltic Rush State is a result of overgrazing combined with a systematic wetting and drying of the site. Grazing animals have removed deep-rooted species nearly completely. Species not suited for grazing often dominate the community.
State 1.4
Invaded StateThe Invaded State (4) includes many non-native species that have come to dominate riparian areas. Some species may include: orchard grass, timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, non-native thistles, Russian olive, leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, houndstongue, foxtail barley, and/or whitetop mustard. Often, sites are a combination of pasture grasses and invading weeds. The site is considered to be in a terminal state, meaning these sites are likely to never return to Reference, regardless of management.
State 1.5
Dry Riparian StateThe Dry Riparian State (5) is characterized by a general loss of hydrology associated with the downcutting of a stream or stream meandering. This results in a grass-dominated community with drier shrubs. No trees exist in this community either as a result of a lack of seed sources or a lack of potential (many smaller riparian systems are not capable of supporting tree growth).
Basin wildrye, tufted hairgrass, slender wheatgrass, and reedgrass will be dominant; remnants of wetland species such as Baltic rush, meadow barley, and Northwest Territory sedge will also be present in limited amounts. This state is at risk of being invaded by non-native species, especially pasture species associated with neighboring pasture and hayland.
This state can return to the Reference State (1) if hydrology is restored. This typically requires a stream to meander back to its previous path. In the situation where the stream has downcut, the transition is irreversible, and the trend is toward the creation of a new ecological site once it has cut far enough. At the point that a stream has been downcut beyond the point of return, this site will transition to the Stream Terrace ecological site.
If the site was altered with the intent of producing hay and pasture species, see the Forage Crop System Land Use Communities.Transition T1A
State 1.1 to 1.2The Reference State (1) transitions to the Increaser State (2) if beaked sedge, by dry weight, decreases to below 10 percent. The driver for this transition is the loss of taller sedges, which creates spaces between bunches that are then occupied by rhizomatous sedges and grasses. Soil erosion typically does not occur, but there is a slight decrease in soil fertility, driving transitions to the Increaser State. There are several other key factors signaling the approach of transition T1A: increases in soil physical crusting, an increase in rhizomatous sedges, decreases in litter cover, decreases in soil surface aggregate stability, and/or evidence of erosion, including water flow patterns and litter movement. The trigger for this transition is inappropriate grazing management and/or long-term drought, leading to a decrease in Northwest Territory sedge composition to less than 10 percent and a reduction in total plant canopy cover. Inappropriate grazing for the Riparian Meadow ecological site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Key drivers
-
Precipitation (monthly scale)
-
Precipitation (decadal scale)
-
Wildlife grazing or browsing
-
Temperature (monthly scale)
-
Fire
-
Temperature (decadal scale)
-
Livestock grazing or browsing
-
Climate
Transition T1B
State 1.1 to 1.3Repeated overgrazing changes the plant community to a shorter grass and grasslike community. This affects site stability and hydrology (reduced infiltration and increased runoff). Soil compaction may also be present if alluvium is of fine particle size. Improper grazing for this site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Constraints to recovery.The Baltic Rush State has had many of the deep-rooted bunchgrasses and sedges removed from the plant community, making restoration to the Reference State nearly impossible. Soil compaction as a result of livestock, which often results in hummocking, also poses a barrier to restoration, especially if equipment is needed to modify the site to improve hydrologic function.
Conservation practices
Channel Bank Vegetation Prescribed Burning Fence Riparian Herbaceous Cover Prescribed Grazing Key drivers
-
Precipitation (monthly scale)
-
Precipitation (decadal scale)
-
Wildlife grazing or browsing
-
Livestock grazing or browsing
-
Climate
Key ecosystem services affected
-
Erosion control
-
Aesthetic values
-
Nutrient cycling
-
Recreation
-
Food and fiber: livestock forage
-
Climate regulation: carbon cycling and storage
-
Fresh water
-
Wildlife habitat
-
Soil formation
-
Animal biodiversity
-
Plant biodiversity
Transition T1C
State 1.1 to 1.4Sites are invaded by noxious weeds or introduced pasture grasses. Pasture grasses are a result of invasion from neighboring sites. Improper grazing may be a trigger for invasion, but flooding may transport seeds to freshly deposited alluvium. Often, no one mechanism will drive this transition. Improper grazing for the Riparian Meadow ecological site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Constraints to recovery.Introduced grasses and noxious weed control are exceedingly challenging near water resources. Removal of these species will be necessary to return the site to its Reference State. The level of invasion will dictate the amount and type of conservation practices necessary for recovery.
Key drivers
-
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Transition T1D
State 1.1 to 1.5The site has lost connectivity to the nearby stream as a result of stream meandering or downcutting.
Restoration pathway R1A
State 1.2 to 1.1The Increaser State (2) has lost soil or vegetation attributes to the point that recovery to the Reference State (1) will require reclamation efforts such as soil rebuilding, intensive mechanical and cultural treatments, and/or revegetation. Examples of mechanical treatment may be brush control, while cultural treatments may include prescribed grazing or targeted brush browsing. The drivers for this restoration pathway are reclamation efforts along with proper grazing management. Proper grazing management regimes may vary, but typically include rest rotation with light to moderate grazing, reduced "hot" season grazing in July and August to prevent grazing use during the critical growth period of shrubs, as well as grazing events being reduced to shorter than 30 days to prevent regrazing of forage species.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Fence Riparian Herbaceous Cover Stream Habitat Improvement and Management Prescribed Grazing Range Planting Transition T2A
State 1.2 to 1.3Improper grazing changes the plant community to a shorter grass and grasslike community. This affects site stability and hydrology (reduced infiltration and increased runoff). Soil compaction may also be present if alluvium is of fine particle size. Improper grazing for the Riparian Meadow ecological site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Transition T2B
State 1.2 to 1.4Sites are invaded by noxious weeds or introduced pasture grasses. Pasture grasses may be a result of invasion from neighboring sites. Improper grazing may be a trigger for invasion, but flooding may transport seeds to freshly deposited alluvium. Improper grazing for the Riparian Meadow ecological site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Transition T2C
State 1.2 to 1.5The site has lost connectivity to the nearby stream as a result of stream meandering or downcutting.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 1.3 to 1.1Improved grazing practices (change of season of use, conservative stocking rates), range planting, and water impoundments (beaver dams, log jams, or dam analogs) to help with increasing the water table on the nearby stream.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Fence Riparian Herbaceous Cover Prescribed Grazing Range Planting Wetland Restoration Restoration pathway R3B
State 1.3 to 1.2Improved grazing practices (change of season of use, conservative stocking rates), range planting, and water impoundments (beaver dams, log jams, or dam analogs) to help with increasing the water table on the nearby stream.
Transition T3A
State 1.3 to 1.4Sites are invaded by noxious weeds or introduced pasture grasses. Pasture grasses may be a result of invasion from neighboring sites. Improper grazing may be a trigger for invasion, but flooding may transport seeds to freshly deposited alluvium. Improper grazing for the Riparian Meadow ecological site can be variable, but is generally defined as the utilization of herbaceous growth beyond 65 percent and/or browse utilization beyond 50 to 60 percent of riparian shrub species during the growing season.
Transition T3B
State 1.3 to 1.5The site has lost connectivity to the nearby stream as a result of stream meandering or downcutting.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 1.4 to 1.1Removal of non-native species is a challenge with the water table so near the surface. If invasion is minor, simple grazing techniques such as spot grazing with livestock trained to eat weeds may reduce the vigor of invasive species. Often, this requires the application of a physical removal method, such as pulling, or chemical removal. As invasion increases, control and restoration methods change and will require greater inputs of energy and finances to achieve results. A non-native grass invasion may result in a permanently invaded state. Species such as Kentucky bluegrass, quackgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, or reed canarygrass have few methods of control and are often rapid spreaders. Prevention is key for these species, though few sites across the MLRA do not have at least one of them.
Restoration pathway R4B
State 1.4 to 1.2Removal of non-native species is a challenge with the water table so near the surface. If invasion is minor, simple grazing techniques such as spot grazing with livestock trained to eat weeds may reduce the vigor of invasive species. Often, this requires the application of a physical removal method, such as pulling, or chemical removal. As invasion increases, control and restoration methods change and will require greater inputs of energy and finances to achieve results. A non-native grass invasion may result in a permanently invaded state. Species such as Kentucky bluegrass, quackgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, or reed canarygrass have few methods of control and are often rapid spreaders. Prevention is key for these species, though few sites across the MLRA do not have at least one of them.
Restoration pathway R4C
State 1.4 to 1.3Removal of non-native species is a challenge with the water table so near the surface. If invasion is minor, simple grazing techniques such as spot grazing with livestock trained to eat weeds may reduce the vigor of invasive species. Often, this requires the application of a physical removal method, such as pulling, or chemical removal. As invasion increases, control and restoration methods change and will require greater inputs of energy and finances to achieve results. A non-native grass invasion may result in a permanently invaded state. Species such as Kentucky bluegrass, quackgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, or reed canarygrass have few methods of control and are often rapid spreaders. Prevention is key for these species, though few sites across the MLRA do not have at least one of them.
Transition T4A
State 1.4 to 1.5The site has lost hydrologic connectivity to the nearby stream as a result of stream meandering or downcutting.
Key drivers
-
Precipitation (monthly scale)
-
Precipitation (decadal scale)
-
Temperature (monthly scale)
-
Temperature (decadal scale)
-
Livestock grazing or browsing
-
Climate
-
Precipitation event
Restoration pathway R5A
State 1.5 to 1.1Grazing management (timing and amount to improve native grass and grasslike species establishment), range planting, brush management to remove unwanted drier species, and water control structures such as a natural beaver dam, an analog beaver dam (manmade), or other control structures if hydrologic connectivity is not naturally restored. As stream dynamics return, the increase in soil moisture will allow wetland species to return over time.
Restoration pathway R5B
State 1.5 to 1.2Grazing management (timing and amount to improve native grass and grasslike species establishment), range planting, brush management to remove unwanted drier species, and water control structures such as a natural beaver dam, an analog beaver dam (manmade), or other control structures if hydrologic connectivity is not naturally restored. As stream dynamics return, the increase in soil moisture will allow wetland species to return over time.
Land use 2
PasturelandThe site has been manipulated by machinery for the production of forage crop systems. The site may have also been leveled to increase irrigation efficiency. The hydrology of the site is severely altered, with both drainage and irrigation ditches cut to facilitate water movement suited to forage production. This site will not return to its native condition due to the introduced pasture grasses' resilience and the modified hydrology.
State 2.1
Forage Crop StateState consists of a single community that has been modified for the production of Forage Crop Resources.
Conversion C1
Land use 1 to 2Rangeland is altered for the production of forage crops (hay and pasture). This often includes 1 or more of the following: plowing or discing, leveling, and cutting of ditches to irrigate and/or drain the site.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Deeprooted Grasses and Grasslikes 3460–3890 Northwest Territory sedge CAUT Carex utriculata 1080–1730 25–35 Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis 400–850 45–60 water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis 225–650 10–15 tufted hairgrass DECE Deschampsia cespitosa 425–600 5–15 northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 100–250 0–3 slender wheatgrass ELTRS Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus 150–225 3–5 bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 0–160 0–5 2 Increaser Grasses and Grasslikes 430–640 sedge CAREX Carex 200–600 5–15 arctic rush JUAR2 Juncus arcticus 100–250 5–10 meadow barley HOBR2 Hordeum brachyantherum 100–175 3–5 bulrush SCIRP Scirpus 0–150 0–3 Forb3 Forbs 220–245 slender cinquefoil POGR9 Potentilla gracilis 20–80 0–2 wild mint MEAR4 Mentha arvensis 20–80 0–2 elephanthead lousewort PEGR2 Pedicularis groenlandica 10–60 0–1 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–50 0–1 silverweed cinquefoil ARAN7 Argentina anserina 10–50 0–1 willowherb EPILO Epilobium 0–50 0–1 geranium GERAN Geranium 0–20 0–1 Rocky Mountain iris IRMI Iris missouriensis 0–20 0–1 Shrub/Vine4 Shrubs 90–115 redosier dogwood COSE16 Cornus sericea 0–50 0–3 Booth's willow SABO2 Salix boothii 0–20 0–3 Drummond's willow SADR Salix drummondiana 0–20 0–3 Bebb willow SABE2 Salix bebbiana 0–20 0–3 narrowleaf willow SAEX Salix exigua 0–20 0–3 shrubby cinquefoil DAFR6 Dasiphora fruticosa 0–20 0–2 willow SALIX Salix 0–20 0–1 water birch BEOC2 Betula occidentalis 0–20 0–1 Table 7. Community 2.2 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 (%) Table 9. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock grazing is suitable on this site. This site has the potential to produce a large amount of high-quality forage but is sensitive to improper grazing management. Livestock will seek out this site throughout the year, especially in the summer, so careful management is necessary to maintain species composition and production. Management objectives should include maintenance or improvement of the vegetation community. Shorter grazing periods and adequate re-growth after grazing are recommended for plant recovery and to protect stream banks against high-flow events.
Management considerations could include: rotation grazing, rest, prescribed utilization levels, off-site water development, varying the season of use, developing riparian pastures, providing alternative forage sources (i.e., new seedings or special use pastures, brush management, prescribed burning, and using supplements as ways to attract livestock to other areas of a pasture), stocking rates, stock density, armored water gaps, using a different breed or class of livestock, culling animals that spend too much time in the riparian area, alternating pasture entry locations, and herding. Season-long use of this site can be detrimental and will alter the plant community over time. Because of the wet soils often associated with this ecological site, soil compaction, and streambank shearing can result from improper grazing.
The herbaceous component can be increased by providing rest on a regular basis, followed by late-season use the next year. This treatment helps restore the plant’s vigor and aids seed dispersal. Avoiding or limiting use during the hotter part of the year is also recommended. Recommended grazing periods for the hot season (generally July 1 through September 15) should be no more than 14 days without rest between grazing events. During other times of the grazing season, the recommended grazing period is up to 28 days.
Management strategies discussed above apply best to plant communities that are near or similar to their potential composition. When the dominant community is comprised of non-native grasses, additional rest often helps with the re-establishment of the native species. Often, extra rest will help restore some of the stability and natural hydrology of the site. Extra rest is intended to maintain more above ground production. This growth then helps trap sediment during flood or overflow events. Over time, the trapped sediment restores the stream banks and begins to restore or enlarge the riparian area. The stream’s cross section often becomes narrower and deeper as riparian areas are expanded. This often results in raising the water column or water table in the system. Restoring hydrology (i.e., making the site wet again) will cause a shift back to the native herbaceous component of the site.
In situations where the stream has been incised and there is minimal potential for restoring original hydrology, yet there is still a significant component of willows and other woody species that are desirable to maintain, rest needs to be included in the management plan to aid with the maintenance of the woody species and to establish several age classes. Without frequent flooding to provide habitat for new seedling establishment, these plants will depend on vegetative means for reproduction. Rest and deferment allow that to happen. The rest period needs to be long enough to allow the new sprouts to grow out of reach of the grazing or browsing animal. These areas can often be safely utilized at a time of year when the herbaceous component is lush. The stream’s cross section often changes as riparian areas are expanded. Consider techniques that help draw the animals out of these areas.
A site in communities in States 3, 4, or 5 will need rest annually until the site has stabilized and the plant community begins to move toward the Reference State. The rest treatment maintains more above-ground production, which in turn traps more sediment during overflow events. The additional sediment rebuilds banks and helps restore the riparian area to its potential extent. Often, a change in the stream’s width/depth ratio results in raising the water table. As the water table level rises, the plants will shift to primarily obligate species. The Reference State and Increaser State species on this ecological site are predominantly obligate or facultative-wet.
Drought management and monitoring plans should be included as part of a comprehensive plan provided to the land owner or decision-maker. Control of noxious and other undesirable weeds should also be a part of the plan. Management of this ecological site needs to be included as part of a plan for all grazing lands.
This ecological site provides important habitat for many wildlife species. It is an important source of forage for grazing animals (i.e., herbivores). The seeds produced by the sedges and other plants are an important source of food for waterfowl and other birds.
The type of wildlife is somewhat dependent on site factors such as the size of the stream and the surrounding area. It is critical habitat for ducks, geese, and other migratory waterfowl. The site will be used for resting during migration and for nesting and rearing if there is open water available for a long enough time period.
These sites often provide a critical source of protein during migration. If the stream this site is associated with is large enough, animals such as muskrats may also use the site.
There have been no species identified with special emphasis specific to this site. However, bald eagles and peregrine falcons will use the habitats provided by this ecological site, adjacent sites, and the associated stream for portions of their life cycle.Hydrological functions
Soils have been classified into hydrologic soil groups and are defined by NRCS soil scientists. The soils associated with this ecological site are generally in Hydrologic Soil Group B. The infiltration rates for these soils are moderate when thoroughly wet with a moderate rate of water transmission. The runoff potential for this site is low.
This ecological site receives and generates runoff. The site is typically wet, receiving the majority of its moisture from its hydrologic connection with streamflow and water table fluctuations.
Runoff is characterized by surface flooding from overbank flows. On-site precipitation is generally considered a minor source of runoff at this site. As the streamflow subsides, runoff typically becomes subsurface return flows.
Any condition that would cause an increased instantaneous runoff peak (e.g., poorly designed clearcutting in the watershed) could degrade the channel, causing headcutting. An incised stream (Rosgen G or F type) is often the result.
Downcutting (incisement) would be a catastrophic event for this ecosystem. Channel downcutting will increase subsurface drainage, lower the seasonal water table, reduce the frequency of overbank flow, and reduce the duration of near-surface saturation. Bank erosion will increase.
The stream, in time, will adjust to a lower base elevation. However, the result of downcutting will be a new floodplain at a lower elevation, a lower water table elevation, a less floodprone width, and a smaller adjacent riparian and wetland area. The dominant vegetation in the previous riparian/wetland area will change (i.e., from obligative and facultative-wet to facultative, etc.). Given enough time, these conditions will eventually result in this site becoming either a Stream Terrace, or an upland site, depending on the resulting depth of the water table.
The vegetative community can also be changed for other reasons, such as if the water table drops during the growing season due to a lowering of the base elevation of adjacent streams or several years of drought conditions.
Plant cover affects overbank flow and runoff in several ways. The foliage and litter maintain the soil's infiltration potential by preventing the impact of raindrops from sealing the soil surface. Some of the precipitation will be intercepted by the plants and withheld from the initial runoff. Vegetation, including litter, forms numerous barriers to water flow, lengthening the time of concentration, dissipating energy, and reducing the peak discharge.
The hydrologic condition of this site has a significant effect on overbank flow. The hydrologic condition considers the effects of cover, including litter, and management on infiltration. Good hydrologic conditions indicate that the site usually has a lower runoff potential. A good hydrologic condition for this site also indicates that the site should remain stable and functional after high-flow events.
Erosion is minor for sites with high similarity. Sites with high similarity generally have enough cover and litter to optimize infiltration, minimize runoff and erosion, minimize streambank erosion, and have a good hydrologic condition. The deep root systems of the willows, sedges, and grasses in the Reference Plant Community will help maintain or improve site stability and function, as well as reduce erosion.
Sites in states 3, 4, or 5 are generally considered to be in less than good hydrologic condition. However, sites may still exhibit a high percentage of cover. The cover is often from shallow-rooted species (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, redtop) that cannot hold the banks together during high-flow events, etc.
On-site precipitation will seldom be necessary to keep the root zone at field capacity during the growing season. The root zone should have free water available from stream overflow in the early part of the growing season and from the water table within two feet of the surface the remainder of the year. Plant cover and litter help retain soil moisture for use by the plants.Recreational uses
This site provides multiple recreational opportunities for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, big game hunting, and bird hunting. Some plants have flowers that appeal to photographers. This site provides valuable open space.
Wood products
None
Other products
none
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented was derived from the site’s Range Site Description (Riparian Meadow, Northern Rocky Mountain Valleys, South, East of Continental Divide), NRCS clipping data, literature, field observations, and personal contacts with range-trained personnel (i.e., used professional opinion of agency specialists, observations of land managers, and outside scientists).
References
-
Pokorny, M.L., R. Sheley, C.A. Zabinski, R. Engel, T.J. Svejcar, and J.J. Borkowski. 2005. Plant Functional Group Diversity as a Mechanism for Invasion Resistance.
-
1980. Fire Effects Information System. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/.
-
. 2021 (Date accessed). USDA PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov.
-
Arno, S.F. and G.E. Gruell. 1982. Fire History at the Forest-Grassland Ecotone in Southwestern Montana. Journal of Range Management 36:332–336.
-
Bestelmeyer, B., J.R. Brown, J.E. Herrick, D.A. Trujillo, and K.M. Havstad. 2004. Land Management in the American Southwest: a state-and-transition approach to ecosystem
complexity. Environmental Management 34:38–51. -
Bestelmeyer, B. and J. Brown. 2005. State-and-Transition Models 101: A Fresh look at vegetation change.
-
Blaisdell, J.P. 1958. Seasonal development and yield of native plants on the Upper Snake River Plains and their relation to certain climate factors.
-
Blaisdell, J.P. and R.C. Holmgren. 1984. Managing Intermountain Rangelands--Salt-Desert Shrub Ranges. General Tech Report INT-163. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 52.
-
DiTomaso, J.M. 2000. Invasive weeds in Rangelands: Species, Impacts, and Management. Weed Science 48:255–265.
-
Dormaar, J.F., B.W. Adams, and W.D. Willms. 1997. Impacts of rotational grazing on mixed prairie soils and vegetation. Journal of Range Management 50:647–651.
-
Gerhard, L.M. 2019. IMPACTS OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS AND PATCH-BURN GRAZING MANAGEMENT ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS.
-
Hobbs, J.R. and S.E. Humphries. 1995. An integrated approach to the ecology and management of plant invasions. Conservation Biology 9:761–770.
-
Kuchler, A.W. 1964. Potential natural vegetation of the conterminous United States.
-
Lacey, J.R., C.B. Marlow, and J.R. Lane. 1989. Influence of Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) on surface runoff and sediment yield.. Weed Technology 3:627–630.
-
Lesica, P. and S.V. Cooper. 1997. Presettlement vegetation of Southern Beaverhead County, MT.
-
Manske, L.L. 1980. Habitat, phenology, and growth of selected sandhills range plants.
-
Masters, R. and R. Sheley. 2001. Principles and practices for managing rangeland invasive plants. Journal of Range Management 38:21–26.
-
Matt A. Bahm, Thomas G. Barnes, and Kent C. Jensen. 2011. Herbicide and Fire Effects on Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis) and Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) in Invaded Prairie Remnants. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4:189–197.
-
McCalla, G.R., W.H. Blackburn, and L.B. Merrill. 1984. Effects of Livestock Grazing on Infiltration Rates of the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Journal of Range Management 37:265–269.
-
Moulton, G.E. and T.W. Dunlay. 1988. The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Pages in University of Nebraska Press.
-
Mueggler, W.F. and W.L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of Western Montana.
-
Pelant, M., P. Shaver, D.A. Pyke, and J.E. Herrick. 2005. Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health.
-
Pitt, M.D. and B.M. Wikeem. 1990. Phenological patterns and adaptations in an Artemisia/Agropyron plant community. Journal of Range Management 43:350–357.
-
Ross, R.L., E.P. Murray, and J.G. Haigh. July 1973. Soil and Vegetation of Near-pristine sites in Montana.
-
Schoeneberger, P.J. and D.A. Wysocki. 2017. Geomorphic Description
System, Version 5.0.. -
Smoliak, S., R.L. Ditterlin, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke. 2006. Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook.
-
Stavi, I. 2012. The potential use of biochar in reclaiming degraded rangelands. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 55:1–9.
-
Stringham, T.K., W.C. Kreuger, and P.L. Shaver. 2003. State and Transition Modeling: an ecological process approach. Journal of Range Management 56:106–113.
-
Stringham, T.K. and W.C. Krueger. 2001. States, Transitions, and Thresholds: Further refinement fro rangeland applications.
-
Sturm, J.J. 1954. A study of a relict area in Northern Montana. University of Wyoming, Laramie 37.
-
Thurow, T.L., Blackburn W. H., and L.B. Merrill. 1986. Impacts of Livestock Grazing Systems on Watershed. Page in Rangelands: A Resource Under Siege: Proceedings of the Second International Rangeland Congress.
-
Various NRCS Staff. 2013. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
-
Walker, L.R. and S.D. Smith. 1997. Impacts of invasive plants on community and ecosystem properties. Pages 69–86 in Assessment and management of plant invasions. Springer, New York, NY.
-
Whitford, W.G., E.F. Aldon, D.W. Freckman, Y. Steinberger, and L.W. Parker. 1989. Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Biota on a Degraded Rangeland. Journal of Range Management 41:56–60.
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 2/12/2025
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) Grant Petersen Contact for lead author grant.petersen@usda.gov Date 03/01/2020 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills will not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns as a result of flooding may be present and are part of the natural dynamics of the system. These flow patterns tend to stabilize quickly as a result of healthy deep root plants present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are not evident in the reference condition -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 0 due to high amounts of plant production and litter amounts. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies are not present in the reference condition however historic, healed gullies may be present in response to old flooding events. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Wind scoured, or depositional areas are not evident in the reference condition. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter movement is not associated with this site; however, under exceptional flooding conditions, all size classes of litter may move hundreds of feet to areas of small debris dams. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Surface Stable with Stability Ratings of 5-6 (both under canopy and interspaces). Root mats may be present. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A horizon is 8-11 inches thick and sometimes under an organic root mat (Oe horizon). Colors can be variable due to mixed origins of alluvium however are considered dark with Munsell Color Values typically 3 or less with Chromas of 2 or less. This suggests high organic matter content. Several soils common on this site will have thin organic layers up to 3 inches above mineral A horizon. Structure of the A horizon is medium granular however in areas that receive more frequent water inundation the granular structure may part to a weak platy structure as a result of eluviation. Official Series Description (OSD) for characteristic range. <a class="narrative-citation-link" href="https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.aspx" target="_blank">https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.aspx</a> -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
The high amounts of fine to coarse fibrous roots from the grasses and sedges combined with the deep coarse roots of the shrubs creates areas of moderate to rapid infiltration. Runoff is naturally very low and considered poorly drained. Site often absorbs runoff from neighboring sites. Organic horizons offer buffering capacity. Evenly distributed across the site, shrubs, bunchgrasses, and deep-rooted sedges improve infiltration while rhizomatous grass and shrubs protect the surface from runoff forces. An even distribution of shrubs (5-10 percent), tall sedges and bunchgrasses (55-65 percent), cool season increases sedges & grasses (20-25 percent), forbs (1-10 percent), and trees (0-1 percent) create efficient infiltration and reduce runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Site will not have a compaction layer. Areas that receive frequent inundation may express a platy E horizon or have weak platy structure in the A horizon. These characteristics may be mistaken for compaction. Compaction layers on this site are often associated with site hummocking and often exhibit massive (sometimes known called structureless) subsoil. -
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:
Tall, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses & sedgesSub-dominant:
Shrubs = perennial, increaser bunchgrasses/grasslikes > forbs >> treesOther:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Mortality in herbaceous species is not evident. Species with bunch growth forms may have some natural mortality in centers. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Total litter cover ranges from 65 to 75 percent. Most litter is irregularly distributed on the soil surface, which may be up to 1 inch thick. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Average annual production is 4700 pounds per acres (lbs/ac) or 5268 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) Low: 4500 lbs/ac or 5044 kg/ha High 5150 lbs/ac or 5772 kg/ha Production varies based on effective precipitation and natural variability of soil properties for this ecological site. -
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:
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). Non-native species common on this site include (but not limited to): Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, smooth brome, creeping meadow foxtail, houndstongue, leafy spurge, Canada thistle, whitetop, sulphur cinquefoil, purple loosestrife, Russian olive, salt cedar (Tamarisk), and paleyellow iris -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
In the reference condition, all plants are vigorous enough for reproduction either by seed or rhizomes in order to balance natural mortality with species recruitment. Density of plants indicates that plants reproduce at level sufficient to fill available resource.
Print Options
Sections
Font
AAAAOther
PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Accessibility statement
