Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Clayey Foothill Palmer Divide
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
-
Restoration pathway R 2A
Prescribed Grazing. Prescribed Fire. Range Planting.
More details - Transition T2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State of the Clayey Foothill Palmer Divide ecological site is a dynamic state that contains three vegetative communities. These communities fluctuate within the parameters that define the state. Precipitation patterns and management strategies regarding herbivory and the presence or absence of fire are the primary drivers that determine the distribution of these communities throughout this state (Anderson, et al, 1982).
Characteristics and indicators
Characteristics and indicators. This state has not been sodbusted or overly eroded and has only slight to moderate vegetative deviation from the historical mixed- grass prairie community.
Resilience management
The Reference state can be maintained by managing herbivory with appropriate stocking rates, and timing and duration of grazing periods. Maintaining a natural fire regime with appropriately timed prescribed burning also contributes to the resilience of this state.
Dominant plant species
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass Dominated State consists of one plant community. An ecological threshold has been crossed relative to the Reference State resulting in loss of ecological resilience.
Characteristics and indicators
The dominant plant community in this state has been significantly altered when compared to the dominant plant communities in the Reference state. Blue grama is the primary species, and the majority of the other native grasses and desirable forbs and shrubs are absent or greatly diminished. Erosion is not a major issue in this state.
Resilience management
Moderate herbivory maintains this state.
Dominant plant species
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Submodel
Description
The Plains Pricklypear, Prairie Sagewort, Sleepygrass, and Fendler's Threeawn community characterizes this state. An ecological threshold has been crossed resulting in complete loss of resilience and resistance to disturbance.
Characteristics and indicators
Increase in the amount of bare ground is readily distinguishable. Plant community structure appears as patch areas of sleepygrass, Fendler's threeawn, and annuals with scattered shrubs such as prairie sagewort and plains pricklypear. Remnant patches of blue grama may be present.
Resilience management
Light to moderate grazing maintains this state.
Dominant plant species
plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), shrub
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
sleepygrass (Achnatherum robustum), grass
sixweeks fescue (Vulpia octoflora), grass
Fendler's threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana), grass
Submodel
Description
An ecological threshold has been crossed as shown by a complete loss of biologic integrity and impaired hydrologic function. Invasive plants have largely replaced the desirable native species.
Characteristics and indicators
Distinguishing characteristics are the dominance of invasive species such as spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), cheatgrass Bromus tectorum), and Russian thistle (Salsola). Native grasses, forbs, and shrubs can be present in varying amounts depending on the severity of invasion.
Resilience management
This state is not stable and desertification is well advanced. The community is lacking ecological resilience and resistance. Wind and water erosion are concerns.
Dominant plant species
plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), shrub
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
sleepygrass (Achnatherum robustum), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), grass
spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), grass
bastard toadflax (Comandra), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous vegetative defoliation without adequate recovery periods. Interruption of the natural fire regime.
Constraints to recovery
Lack of adequate growing season precipitation accelerates this transition.
Context dependence
Fluctuations in local growing season precipitation patterns can significantly affect the response of the local vegetative community.
Mechanism
Long term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods coupled with appropriate stocking enables restoration to the Reference state. Appropriately timed prescribed fire supports this restoration.
Context dependence
The local growing season precipitation patterns greatly influence the success of the recovery effort. If restoration from remnant native vegetation isn't feasible, re- introduction of the desired species may be required.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Range Planting |
Mechanism
Continuous defoliation without adequate recovery periods and interruption of the natural fire regime.
Constraints to recovery
Lack of adequate growing season precipitation. Lack of seed source.
Context dependence
Fluctuations in local growing season precipitation patterns significantly affect the response of the local vegetative community.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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The 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.
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