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Conservation Service
Ecological site R058BY176WY
Very Shallow (VS) 10-17" PZ
Last updated: 12/10/2024
Accessed: 09/01/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 058B–Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part
MLRA 58B is located in northeastern Wyoming (95 percent) and extreme southeastern Montana (5 percent). It is comprised of sedimentary plains, scoria hills, and river valleys. The major rivers include the Powder, Tongue, Belle Fourche, Cheyenne, and North Platte. Tributaries include the Little Powder River, Little Missouri River, Clear Creek, Crazy Woman Creek, and others. This MLRA is traversed by Interstates 25 and 90, and U.S. Highways 14 and 16. The extent of MLRA 58B covers approximately 12.3 million acres. Major land uses include rangeland (approximately 93 percent), cropland, pasture, and hayland (approximately 2 percent), and forest, urban, and miscellaneous uses (approximately 5 percent). Cities include Buffalo, Casper, Sheridan, and Gillette, WY. Land ownership is mostly private. Federal lands include the Thunder Basin National Grassland (U.S. Forest Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Areas of interest in MLRA 58B in Wyoming include Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, and Lake DeSmet. The elevations in MLRA 58B increase gradually from north to south and range from approximately 2,900 to 5,900 feet. A few buttes are higher than 6,800 feet. The average annual precipitation in this area ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season, often during rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may drop to below zero. Snowfall averages 45 inches per year, but varies from 25 to over 70 inches in some locales.
Classification relationships
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Land Resource Region─G Western Great Plains Range and Irrigation; Major Land Resource Area (MLRA)─58B Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part (USDA, 2006)
Relationship to Other Classifications:
USDA Forest Service (FS) Classification Hierarchy:
Province─331 Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe; Section─331G-Powder River Basin; Subsections─331Gb Montana Shale Plains, 331Ge Powder River Basin, 331Gf South Powder River Basin-Scoria Hills (Cleland et al, 1997)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Classification Hierarchy:
Level III Ecoregion─43 Northwestern Great Plains; Level IV Ecoregion─43p Scoria Hills, 43q Mesic-Dissected Plains, 43w Powder River Basin (EPA, 2013)
https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecoregionsEcological site concept
This site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands. Primary production is from cool-season midgrasses (bunch and rhizomatous), and secondary warm-season mid- and shortgrasses (bunch and rhizomatous). There is a lesser component of shrubs, trees, forbs. Soils are very shallow (less than 10 inches) to a restrictive layer.
Associated sites
R058BY158WY Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 10-14” PZ
Shallow Clayey occurs below or just above the shale rock outcrop or badlands where the very shallow is associated, is more productive and vegetated.
R058BY162WY Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 10-14” PZ
Shallow loamy occurs below or just above the interbedded rock outcrop where the very shallow is associated, is more productive and vegetated.
R058BY166WY Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 10-14” PZ
Shallow Sandy occurs below or just above the sandstone rock outcrop where the very shallow is associated, is more productive and vegetated.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
(2) Rhus trilobataHerbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
(2) Hesperostipa comataPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Ridge
Runoff class Negligible to very high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 3500 – 5800 ft Slope 0 – 60 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The average annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year across MLRA 58B. There are two precipitation zones (PZ). The 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone is predominant across the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Johnson, and Natrona Counties; portions of Campbell and Converse Counties; and smaller portions of Weston and Niobrara Counties. The 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone occurs in northern and eastern portions of the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Campbell, and western Crook Counties. Wide fluctuations in precipitation may occur from year to year, and occasional periods of extended drought (longer than one year in duration) can be expected. Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from May through September. Mean Annual Air Temperature (MAAT) is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may also occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranching operations during late winter and spring. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may occur during the summer. Annual wind speeds average about 5 mph. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime winds. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts of more than 75 mph. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 125 days and generally occurs from May 16 to September 19. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 101 days and generally occurs from June 1 to September 9.
The growth of native cool-season plants begins in late April to early May with peak growth occurring in mid to late June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in late May to early June and continue into August. Regrowth of cool-season plants occurs in September in most years, depending upon moisture.
Note: The climate described here is based on historic climate station data and is averaged to provide an overview of the annual precipitation, temperatures, and growing season. Future climate is beyond the scope of this document. However, research to determine the effects of elevated CO2 and heating on mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, and how it may relate to future plant communities, is ongoing.
For detailed information, or to find a specific climate station, visit the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) website: Western Regional Climate Center, Historical Data, Western U.S. Climate summaries, NOAA Coop Stations, Wyoming (Note: Montana climate stations are also listed under the Wyoming link).
https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmwy.html
Wind speed averages can be found at the WRCC home page, under the Specialty Climate tab: https://wrcc.dri.edu/
The following tables represent area-wide climate data for the 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone:Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 90-110 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-110 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 100 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BUFFALO [USC00481165], Buffalo, WY
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(2) WRIGHT 12W [USC00489805], Gillette, WY
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(3) DULL CTR 1SE [USC00482725], Douglas, WY
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(4) MIDWEST [USC00486195], Midwest, WY
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(5) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, WY
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(6) GLENROCK 5 ESE [USC00483950], Glenrock, WY
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(7) LEITER 9N [USC00485506], Clearmont, WY
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(8) DOUGLAS 1 SE [USC00482685], Douglas, WY
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(9) GILLETTE 4SE [USC00483855], Gillette, WY
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(10) DILLINGER [USC00482580], Gillette, WY
">Influencing water features
This upland ecological site is not influenced by a water table or run in from adjacent sites. Due to the semi-arid climate in which it occurs, the water budget is normally contained within the soil pedon. Soil moisture is recharged by spring rains, but it rarely exceeds field capacity before being depleted by evapotranspiration. During intense precipitation events, precipitation rates frequently exceed infiltration rates and the site delivers moisture to downslope sites through surface runoff. Moisture loss through evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation for a majority of the growing season. Soil moisture is the primary limiting factor for vegetative production on this ecological site.
Wetland description
N/A
Soil features
The soils on this site are well drained, very shallow to bedrock and formed in residuum, colluvium, and slope alluvium weathered from sedimentary rock and/or porcelanite. They typically have a moderate to moderately rapid permeability class but range from slow to very rapid. The available water capacity is typically very low. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically clay loam or loam but may include fine sandy loam or very fine sandy loam. Texture modifiers may include very cobbly, channery, or very channery. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 1 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is typically loam but may include fine sandy loam or clay. Surface texture modifiers may include very cobbly, channery, very channery, or extremely channery. Soils in this site typically have carbonates at the surface; but some soils may be leached as deep as 4 to 6 inches. Soils formed in material derived from porcelanite (scoria) are inconsistently calcareous. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind. The potential for water erosion accelerates with increasing slope. The soil moisture regime is typically ustic aridic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Taluce, Wibaux, Ironbutte, and thin solum.
The attributes listed below represent 0-40 inches in depth or to the first restrictive layer.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum
(2) Slope alluvium
(3) Colluvium
Surface texture (1) Clay loam
(2) Loam
(3) Fine sandy loam
(4) Very fine sandy loam
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 1 – 10 in Soil depth 1 – 10 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 20 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 20 % Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)0.4 – 2.8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(Depth not specified)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 75 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 25 % Table 5. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Not specified Permeability class Slow to very rapid Depth to restrictive layer 0 in Soil depth 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 % Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)0 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(Depth not specified)0 % Electrical conductivity
(Depth not specified)0 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(Depth not specified)0 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)0 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 % Ecological dynamics
The Reference state is the plant community in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site. The Reference state evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. Changes may occur to the Reference State due to management actions such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, increased stocking rates, climatic conditions such as drought, and natural events. The Reference state is characterized by cool and warm season bunchgrasses. Secondary grasses include cool-season rhizomatous midgrasses, and cool-season grasses and grass-likes, and warm-season shortgrasses. Forbs and shrubs are also present. Trees such as Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine occur in minor amounts. The Reference state is not necessarily the management goal, as other vegetative states may be considered desired plant communities as long as critical resource concerns are met.
In addition to the Reference state, other plant communities can occur on this site and are usually the result of historic management practices. Grazing practices such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors on this ecological site results in grasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, and needle and thread decreasing in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge will increase. Under continued frequent and severe defoliation, with no rest periods, western wheatgrass will also begin to decrease. Forbs and shrubs such as prairie sagewort (also known as fringed sagewort), hairy false goldenaster, and broom snakeweed will increase. If continued, the plant community will become sod-bound, and all mid- to tallgrasses can eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use, in combination with high stock densities, will result in broken sod, increased bare ground, and species such as broom snakeweed and cheatgrass increasing or invading. Rocky Mountain juniper is usually present in small amounts and may increase with continuous grazing disturbance and lack of fire. There are various transitional stages which may occur on this ecological site. The information presented is representative of a dynamic set of plant communities that illustrate the complex interaction of several ecological processes.State and transition model
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation T2A - Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe Reference state is characterized by two distinct plant communities. The plant communities, and various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.
Dominant plant species
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ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
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Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), tree
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 1.1
Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, and Bluebunch WheatgrassThis is the interpretive plant community for this site. It is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climate. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely occurred infrequently, and were randomly distributed. This plant community can be found on areas where grazed plants receive adequate periods of recovery during the growing season. The potential vegetation is about 70 to 75 percent grasses and grass-likes, 10 to 15 percent forbs, and 10 to 15 percent woody plants.
The major grasses and grass-likes include bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and Indian ricegrass. Secondary grasses include prairie Junegrass, Cusick’s and Sandberg bluegrasses, plains muhly, and blue grama. Big bluestem may be present in minor amounts in the 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone. Forbs include prairie clover species, scarlet globemallow, buckwheat species, hairy false goldenaster, pussytoes, phlox and sandworts. Shrubs include Wyoming big sagebrush, prairie sagewort (also known as fringed sagewort), soapweed yucca, and pricklypear. Skunkbush sumac is found in outcrop areas. Trees such as Rocky Mountain juniper, and ponderosa pine may occasionally occur. See Species Composition list for other grasses, forbs and shrubs.
In the Very Shallow 10 to 17 Inch Precipitation Zone (PZ) ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 600 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 800 pounds per acre in above average years. In areas receiving higher precipitation (15 to 17 inch precipitation zone), the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 700 pounds per acre during an average year. NOTE: Due to the variability of this site in slope and terrain, an on-site inventory to determine production is recommended. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives.
Community dynamics (nutrient and water cycles, as well as energy flow) are functioning properly. Infiltration rates are moderate, and soil erosion is low. Litter is properly distributed where vegetative cover is continuous. Some litter movement may occur on steeper, wind-swept slopes. Plant decadence and natural plant mortality are low. This community is resistant to many disturbances except excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation or heavy recreational use. Areas having lost all vegetation, such as livestock and vehicle trails, are subject to wind and water erosion.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 403 722 1040 Shrub/Vine 69 125 180 Forb 25 58 90 Tree 13 30 45 Total 510 935 1355 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5805 , Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/cool-season. 10-17" PZ.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 10 30 35 10 5 5 5 Community 1.2
Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, and Blue GramaThis plant community developed with frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Grazing-tolerant species such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge have noticeably increased. Bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem and sideoats grama are usually present as secondary grasses, especially on steeper slopes. Prairie clover species and other palatable forbs are present in reduced amounts. Needle and thread may initially increase or decrease depending upon the season of grazing use. Recurrent seasonal-use grazing in the spring, or excessive grazing, will eventually reduce the cool-season grasses such as needle and thread and bluebunch and western wheatgrasses. Likewise, recurrent seasonal-use or excessive grazing in the summer will reduce the warm-season bunchgrasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama. Prairie clover species and other palatable forbs are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster and prairie (fringed) sagewort have increased. Soapweed yucca may also increase, if not grazed earlier in the growing season.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 500 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 300 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 700 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Nearly all the plant species typically found in community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management. This plant community can become somewhat resistant to change, depending upon how sod-bound the plant community has become.Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5803 , Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events and/or drought, can shift this plant community toward community 1.2. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent or severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. Biotic integrity, and the water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Grazing that allows for adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates, will shift community 1.2 back toward community 1.1. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation will contribute to this shift.
State 2
Sod BoundThis state is characterized by the sod-bound characteristics of the plant community. An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference State. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient and hydrologic cycles.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and threadleaf sedge to grazing, the development of a shallow root system, and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of functional/structural groups such as cool- and warm-season midgrasses, reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.Dominant plant species
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ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
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Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), tree
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
Community 2.1
Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Blue Grama, and Threadleaf SedgeThis plant community developed with frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Grazing-tolerant species such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge have noticeably increased. Bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem and sideoats grama are usually present as secondary grasses, especially on steeper slopes. Prairie clover species, and other palatable forbs are present in reduced amounts. Needle and thread may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Recurrent seasonal-use grazing in the spring or excessive grazing, will eventually reduce the cool-season grasses such as needle and thread and bluebunch- and western wheatgrass. Likewise, recurrent seasonal-use or excessive grazing in the summer will reduce the warm-season bunchgrasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama. Prairie clover species and other palatable forbs are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster and prairie (fringed) sagewort have increased. Soapweed yucca may also increase, if not grazed earlier in the growing season.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 400 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 200 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 600 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Nearly all the plant species typically found in community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management. This plant community can become somewhat resistant to change, depending upon how sod-bound the plant community has become.Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804 , Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 20 35 30 8 2 State 3
ErodedThe Eroded state develops with long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation, without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy excessive grazing with overstocking.
An ecological threshold has been crossed. Soil erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.Dominant plant species
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ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
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Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), tree
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
Community 3.1
Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Blue Grama, and CheatgrassThis plant community occurs where the rangeland is grazed year-round, at high stock densities. Physical impact such as trampling, soil compaction, and trailing typically contribute to this transition. The plant composition is made of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. The dominant grasses include blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and purple threeawn. Annuals such as sixweeks fescue, Russian thistle, kochia, cheatgrass and/or field brome (also known as Japanese brome) have increased or invaded. The dominant forbs include Cuman ragweed (also known as western ragweed), phlox, sandwort, and hairy false goldenaster. Prairie sagewort (also known as fringed sagewort), pricklypear, broom snakeweed, and/or soapweed yucca have increased.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 300 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 100 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 500 pounds per acre in above average years.
Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground and may be severe on steeper slopes, contributing to off-site gully erosion. Typically, runoff is high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired. Desertification is obvious.Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804 , Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 20 35 30 8 2 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod Bound state. Biotic Integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired because of this transition.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Eroded state. Annual invasive species such as cheatgrass and field brome (also known as Japanese brome) are likely to increase or invade, because of this transition.
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Rhizomatous 25–90 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 25–90 1–10 thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 25–90 1–10 2 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 238–545 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 125–225 10–50 needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 25–90 1–10 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 13–90 1–10 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 50–90 1–10 Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii 25–50 1–10 3 Warm-Season Bunchgrass 76–225 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 13–90 1–10 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 50–90 1–10 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 13–45 1–5 4 Warm-Season Shortgrasses 26–90 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 13–45 1–5 hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 13–45 1–5 5 Miscellaneous 38–90 needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 13–45 1–5 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 13–45 1–5 Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 13–45 1–5 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 13–45 1–5 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 13–45 1–5 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 13–45 1–5 sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 13–45 1–5 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 13–45 1–5 plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 13–45 1–5 Fendler's threeawn ARPUF Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana 13–45 1–5 Forb6 Forbs 60–90 hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 13–45 1–5 prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 13–45 1–5 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 13–45 1–5 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 13–45 1–5 aster ASTER Aster 13–45 1–5 textile onion ALTE Allium textile 13–45 1–5 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 13–45 1–5 beardtongue PENST Penstemon 13–45 1–5 rosy pussytoes ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 13–45 1–5 American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 13–45 1–5 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 13–45 1–5 ragwort SENEC Senecio 13–45 1–5 stemless four-nerve daisy TEAC Tetraneuris acaulis 13–45 1–5 scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 13–45 1–5 sandwort ARENA Arenaria 13–45 1–5 stemless mock goldenweed STAC Stenotus acaulis 13–45 1–5 sulphur-flower buckwheat ERUM Eriogonum umbellatum 13–45 1–5 scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 13–45 1–5 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 13–45 1–5 purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 13–45 1–5 white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 13–45 1–5 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 13–45 1–5 Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 30–65 skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 30–65 1–5 8 Miscellaneous Shrubs 26–70 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 13–45 1–5 Wyoming big sagebrush ARTRW8 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis 13–45 1–5 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 13–45 1–5 Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 13–45 1–5 Tree9 Trees 13–45 Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 13–45 1–5 ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 13–45 1–5 Table 8. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations (from 2001 ESD, will be revised in future updates)
Blubunch wheatgrass/ Rhizomatous wheatgrass/ Little bluestem (Reference): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush-dominated states, this plant community may provide brood-rearing and foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland-obligate small mammals would occur here.
Juniper/rhizomatous wheatgrass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to sagebrush states. The juniper provides good thermal cover and bird nesting habitat.
Juniper/Cheatgrass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and production is low and less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to sagebrush states. The juniper provides good thermal cover and bird-nesting habitat.
Grazing Interpretations (updated in 2019 Provisional revision)
The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Very Shallow 10 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological site. These are conservative estimates for initial planning. On-site conditions will vary, and stocking rates should be adjusted based on range inventories, animal kind and class, forage availability (adjusted for slope and distance to water), and the type of grazing system (number of pastures, planned moves, etc.), all of which is determined in the conservation planning process.
The following stocking rates are based on the total annual forage production in a normal year multiplied by 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species, divided by 912 pounds of ingested air-dry vegetation for an animal unit per month (Natl. Range and Pasture Handbook, 1997). An animal unit month is defined as the amount of forage required by one livestock animal, with or without one calf, for one month, and is shortened to AUM.
Plant Community (PC) Production (total lbs./acre in a normal year) and Stocking Rate (AUM/acre) are listed below:
Example:
600 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 150 lbs. forage demand for one month. 150 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =0.16
Reference Plant Community 250-500 .15
Juniper/rhizomatous wheatgrass 250-400 .12
Juniper/Cheatgrass 250-300 .05
Increased Bare Ground PC (*) (*)
* Highly variable stocking rates need to be determined on site.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangelands in this area provide year-long forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses, and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based on reliable forage analysis.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is highly variable and is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from slow to very rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information.)
Rills are not expected on slopes less than 15%. On slopes greater than 15%, if rills are present, they will be discontinuous. Gullies should not be present. Water flow patterns typically, none. Water flow patterns may be present on slopes of 15% or greater. When present, they will barely be visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams. Pedestals and/or terracettes are not expected to occur on this site. Occasionally, bunch grasses may be pedestalled on steeper slopes (greater than 15%) with no exposed roots. Drought should not increase the incidence of pedestals except on the steepest slopes. ): Fine litter will generally move short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present on slopes <9%. Litter movement does occur on slopes >15%. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1 to 2 percent of the soil surface.Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Other information
Site Development & Testing Plan
General Data (MLRA and Revision Notes, Hierarchical Classification, Ecological Site Concept, Physiographic, Climate, and Water Features, and Soils Data):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Community Phase Data (Ecological Dynamics, STM, Transition & Recovery Pathways, Reference Plant Community, Species Composition List, Annual Production Table):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Annual Production Table is from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2001).
The Annual Production Table and Species Composition List will be reviewed for future updates at the Approved level.
Each Alternative State/Community:
Complete to Provisional level.
Supporting Information (Site Interpretations, Assoc. & Similar Sites, Inventory Data References, Agency/State Correlation, References):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Wildlife Interpretations: Narrative is from “Previously Approved” ESD (2001). Wildlife species will need to be updated at the next Approved level.
Livestock Interpretations: Plant community names and stocking rates updated.
Hydrology, Recreational Uses, Wood Products, and Other Products carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2001).
Existing NRI Inventory Data References updated. More field data collection is necessary to support this site concept.
Reference Sheet
Rangeland Health Reference Sheet carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2005).
It will be updated at the next “Approved” level.
“Future work, as described in a project plan, to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description is needed. This will include field activities to collect low and medium intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.” (NI 430_306 ESI and ESD, April 2015)Supporting information
Inventory data references
Inventory data has been collected on private and federal lands by the following methods: • Double Sampling (Determining Vegetation Production and Stocking Rates, WY-ECS-1) • Rangeland Health (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005) • Soil Stability (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005) • Line Point Intercept (Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems, Volume II, 2005) • Soil Pedon Descriptions (Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils, Version 3, 2012) • SCS-RANGE-417 (Production & Composition Record for Native Grazing Lands) National Resources Inventory (NRI) Number of Records: 7 Sample Period: 2007-2017 Counties: Campbell, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, Weston Additional data collection includes ESI data collection in conjunction with Soil Surveys conducted within MLRA 58B; ocular estimates; rangeland vegetative clipping for NRCS program support; field observations from experienced rangeland personnel Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within MLRA 58B Northern Rolling High Plains (Southern Part) Note: Revisions to soil surveys are on-going. For the most recent updates, visit the Web Soil Survey, the official site for soils information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
Other references
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Branson, D.H. and G.A. Sword. 2010. An experimental analysis of grasshopper community responses to fire and livestock grazing in a northern mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Entomology 39:1441–1446.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Technical Report WRP–DE–4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
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Lauenroth, W.K., O.E. Sala, D.P. Coffin, and T.B. Kirchner. 1994. The importance of soil water in recruitment of Bouteloua gracilis in the shortgrass steppe. Ecological Applications 4:741–749.
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Malloch, D.W., K.A. Pirozynski, and P.H. Raven. 1980. Ecological and evolutionary significance of mycorrhizal symbioses in vascular plants (a review). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 77:2113–2118.
Ogle, S.M., W.A. Reiners, and K.G. Gerow. 2003. Impacts of exotic annual brome grasses (Bromus spp.) on ecosystem properties of the northern mixed grass prairie. American Midland Naturalist 149:46–58.
Roath, L.R. 1988. Implications of land conversions and management for the future. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.) Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program in the Great Plains—symposium proceedings, September 16–18, 1987. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-158.
Smoliak, S. and J.F. Dormaar. 1985. Productivity of Russian wildrye and crested wheatgrass and their effect on prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 38:403–405.
Smoliak, S., J.F. Dormaar, and A. Johnston. 1972. Long-term grazing effects on Stipa-Bouteloua prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 25:246–250.
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Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587. Accessed 15 November, 2017.
Soil Survey Staff. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 12th edition. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Soller, D.R. 2001. Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series I-1970-E, scale 1:3,500,000.
Stewart, Omer C. 2002. Forgotten Fires. Univ. of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK.
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010a. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States, version 7.0.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013a. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center.Available online. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate.(Accessed 13 October, 2017.
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Stahl, David W., E.R. Cook, M.K. Cleaveland, M.D. Therrell, D.M. Meko, H.D. Grissino-Mayer, E. Watson, and B.H. Luckman. Tree-ring data document 16th century megadrought over North America. 2000. In: Eos, 81(12), pages 121-125.
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1972-2012. National Engineering Handbook Hydrology Chapters. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/?&cid=stelprdb1043063. Accessed August, 2015.
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Soil Survey Handbook title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. Available online. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed 15 November, 2017.
United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Cooperative climatological data summaries. NOAA Western Regional Climate Center, Reno, NV. Available online. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climatedata/climsum. Accessed 16 November, 2017.Contributors
Everett Bainter
Glenn MitchellApproval
Kirt Walstad, 12/10/2024
Acknowledgments
Project Staff: Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO Mike Leno, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY Partners/Contributors: Joe Dyer, Soil Scientist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY Arnie Irwin, Soil Scientist, BLM, Buffalo, WY Blaine Horn, Rangeland Extension Educator, UW Extension, Buffalo, WY Isabelle Giuliani, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Douglas, WY Mary Jo Kimble, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Miles City, MT Ryan Murray, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Buffalo, WY Lauren Porensky, Ph.D., Ecologist, ARS, Fort Collins, CO Chadley Prosser, Rangeland Program Manager, USFS, Bismarck, ND Bryan Christensen, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Pinedale, WY Marji Patz, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Powell, WY Rick Peterson, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Rapid City, SD Program Support: John Hartung, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist-QC, NRCS, Casper, WY David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Inventory Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS-SSR5, Denver, CO Chad Remley, Regional Director, Northern Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS
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) Contact for lead author Date 04/01/2005 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, the number and extent of rills will vary from none on slope < 9% to common on slopes > 25% -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, water flow patterns vary from barely observable on slopes of < 9% from broken and irregular in appearance to continuous on slopes > 25% -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Not evident on slopes < 9% present on slopes > 9% -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 40-50% -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active restricted to concentrated water flow patterns on steeper slopes -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement on slopes < 9%. Litter movement does occur on slopes > 9% -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 50% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 4 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Infiltration varies with soil texture from slow to very rapid. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be 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:
Mid stature Cool Season Grasses >> Mid stature Warm Season Grasses > Short stature Grasses/Grasslikes Shrubs/Trees ForbsSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Some plant mortality and decadence is expected -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Average litter cover is 10-15% with depths of 0.10 to 0.25 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
350 lbs./acre -
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:
Broom Snakeweed, Threadleaf sedge, Threeawns, and Species found on Noxious Weed List. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
May be limited due to effective moisture and seed to soil contact
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