Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R058BY258WY
Shallow Clayey (SwCy)
15-17” PZ
Last updated: 12/10/2024
Accessed: 09/02/2026
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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
The Shallow Clayey 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological 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. There is also lesser component of forbs and shrubs, with occasional trees. Soils are shallow to a restrictive layer, usually of bedrock. Soil textures are clay loam, clay, silty clay, or sandy clay with greater than 35% clay in the profile.
Associated sites
R058BY222WY Loamy (Ly) 15-17” PZ
Loamy soils are lower on the landform, similar to Clayey sites, with more interbedded sedimentary parent material.
R058BY204WY Clayey (Cy) 15-17” PZ
Clayey sites are mod deep to very deep soils with higher species diversity and production. Clayey occurs lower in the landform or on lower sloping sites.
R058BY262WY Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 15-17” PZ
Shallow Loamy sites are similar in production with a slight variation in species due to lighter textured soils. They occur on similar positions on interbedded sedimentary rock.
Similar sites
R058BY158WY Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 10-14” PZ
Shallow Clayey 10-14” P.Z. has lower productivity.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
(2) Nassella viridulaPhysiographic 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 Medium to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 3500 – 4800 ft Slope 0 – 60 % Water table depth 80 in 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 (PZs). 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 15 to 17 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) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-110 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 100 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 20 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) DOUGLAS 1 SE [USC00482685], Douglas, WY
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(2) BIDDLE 8 SW [USC00240743], Biddle, MT
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(3) DILLINGER [USC00482580], Gillette, WY
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(4) GILLETTE 4SE [USC00483855], Gillette, WY
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(5) LEITER 9N [USC00485506], Clearmont, WY
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(6) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, 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 in the upper 20 inches 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, shallow to bedrock and formed in residuum and slope alluvium weathered from shale. They typically have a very slow to slow permeability class. The available water capacity is typically very low to low. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically clay loam, but may include silty clay, clay, or silty clay loam. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 1 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is typically clay, but may include silty clay, clay loam, or silty clay loam. Soils in this site typically have carbonates at the surface; but some soils may be leached up to 6 inches or do not contain carbonates as they formed in residuum weathered from non-calcareous shale. 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 aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is mesic or frigid.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Lismas and Samsil.
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 – shale
(2) Slope alluvium – shale
Surface texture (1) Clay loam
(2) Silty clay loam
(3) Silty clay
(4) Clay
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Very slow to slow Soil depth 10 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0in)2 – 5.6 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0in)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(0in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0in)6.1 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 15 % 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 such as multiple fires in close succession. The Reference state is characterized by cool-season rhizomatous midgrass , cool-season bunch midgrasses and warm-season shortgrass. 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 bunchgrasses such as needle and thread decreasing in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and sixweeks fescue will increase. Forbs and shrubs such as hairy false goldenaster, tansyaster, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort, will also increase. If continued, the plant community will become sod-bound, and all midgrasses can eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, will result in bare ground developing, and shrubs such as pricklypear, broom snakeweed; and annual forbs such as wooly plantain, field cottonrose, and pepperweed increasing or invading. Other invasives include field brome (also known as Japanese brome) and cheatgrass. 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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More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - Excessive grazing without adequate recovery 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 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or lack of fire 1.1B - Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire 1.2A - Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates 1.3A - Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe Reference state is characterized by three 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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Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 1.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, and Western 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 were patchy and 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 75 percent grasses and grass-likes, 10 to 15 percent forbs, and 10 to 15 percent woody plants.
The plant community is predominately cool-season midgrasses, with a smaller component of warm-season shortgrasses. The major grasses and grass-likes include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Secondary grasses include thickspike wheatgrass, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, threadleaf sedge, Cusick’s bluegrass, needle and thread, and blue- and hairy grama, squirreltail, and plains muhly. A variety of forbs include American vetch, white- and purple prairieclover, breadroot scurfpea, and prairie coneflower. Primary shrubs are big sagebrush, winterfat, or birdfoot sagebrush (see the Species Composition List for additional information.) Plant diversity is high.
In the Shallow Clayey 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone (PZ) ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,300 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1,000 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,600 pounds per acre in above-average years. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives.
Nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow are functioning properly. Infiltration rates are moderate, and soil erosion is low. Litter is properly distributed where vegetative cover is continuous. Decadence and natural plant mortality are low. This community is resistant to many disturbances except excessive grazing, or development into urban or other uses.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1050 1365 1680 Shrub/Vine 325 422 515 Forb 150 195 240 Tree 25 33 45 Total 1550 2015 2480 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1501 , 15-17NP Upland sites.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 0 10 25 40 10 5 5 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Wyoming Big Sagebrush and Western WheatgrassThis plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, large Indian breadroot, scarlet globemallow, broom snakeweed and fringed sagewort, have increased. Big sagebrush canopy has also increased. Natural disturbances such as lack of fire can contribute to this shift.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,200 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 900 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,500 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired.
Nearly all plant species typically found in the community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1501 , 15-17NP Upland sites.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 0 10 25 40 10 5 5 5 0 0 Community 1.3
Decreased Midgrasses, Decreased Western Wheatgrass, Decreased Green Needlegrass and Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Increased Blue Grama and Threadleaf SedgeThis plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery during the growing season. Grazing-tolerant species such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge have noticeably increased. Midgrasses such as green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, scarlet globemallow, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed have increased. Big sagebrush canopy may be reduced by fire. Natural disturbances such as fire and drought can contribute to this shift.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 900 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 700 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,100 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired.
Nearly all plant species typically found in the Reference Plant Community are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.Figure 11. 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, drought, or lack of fire, can shift this plant community toward community 1.2. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. Excessive seasonal-use grazing, from year-to-year (i.e. spring grazing only) will result in a loss of cool-season species. Conversely, summer use only will result in a reduction of warm-season species. Big sagebrush canopy may also increase with lack of fire. Biotic integrity and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire can shift this plant community toward the community 1.3. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. Excessive grazing from year-to-year will result in a reduction or loss of cool-season species. Biotic integrity and 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 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 and/or fire will contribute to this shift.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates, will shift community 1.3 back toward community 1.1. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation patterns and/or no fire will contribute to this shift.
State 2
Sod BoundThis state is characterized by the Sod Bound state. 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 the nutrient and hydrologic cycles.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and/or buffalograss to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.Dominant plant species
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
Community 2.1
Blue Grama and Threadleaf SedgeThis plant community develops under long-term frequent and severe defoliation. This typically occurs when the community has been excessively grazed with heavy stocking rates, throughout the growing season over a period of many years. The midgrasses and palatable forbs have been eliminated. The dominant species are blue grama and threadleaf sedge. These species have developed into a sod-bound condition occurring in localized colonies exhibiting a mosaic appearance. Perennial threeawn species such as purple threeawn have increased. Forbs such as scarlet globemallow, wild onion, death camas, and slimflower scurfpea remain. Forbs and shrubs that continue to increase are Cuman ragweed (western ragweed), hairy false goldenaster, fringed sagewort, and pricklypear. Plant diversity is low.
Energy flow, water cycle and mineral cycle have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed.
In the 15 to 17“ PZ, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 500 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 650 pounds per acre in above-average years.
This plant community is extremely resistant to change. Many plant species are missing a seed source is not readily available.Figure 12. 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 State 3
ErodedThe Eroded state develops with long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation, without adequate recovery between grazing events.
An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter or carbon reserves are concerns.Dominant plant species
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plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
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Fendler's threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana), grass
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field brome (Bromus arvensis), grass
Community 3.1
Plains Pricklypear, Purple Threeawn, and Field BromeThis 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. Grasses include purple threeawn. Annuals such as sixweeks fescue, Russian thistle, and kochia have increased or invaded. The dominant forbs include hairy false goldenaster, curlycup gumweed, field cottonrose, and woolly plantain. Green sagewort, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear are increasing. Annual bromes such as field brome (also known as Japanese brome), and cheatgrass invade.
In the 15 to 17“ PZ, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 450 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 300 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 600 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground. Runoff typically is high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired. Desertification is advanced.Figure 13. 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 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. Non-native annual bromes begin to invade in this transition.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Rhizomatous 250–400 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 250–400 10–25 thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 250–400 10–25 2 Cool-Season Bunch Midgrasses 450–720 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 250–400 10–25 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 100–160 5–10 Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii 100–160 1–10 3 Warm-Season Shortgrass 100–160 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 100–160 5–10 4 Miscellaneous 250–400 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 250–400 5–25 hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 250–400 5–25 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 50–80 1–5 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 50–80 1–5 needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 50–80 1–5 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 50–80 1–5 needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 50–80 1–5 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 50–80 1–5 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 50–80 1–5 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 50–80 1–5 plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 50–80 1–5 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 50–80 1–5 plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 50–80 1–5 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 50–80 1–5 Forb5 Forbs 150–240 American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 50–80 1–5 aster ASTER Aster 50–80 1–5 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 50–80 1–5 large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 50–80 1–5 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 50–80 1–5 rosy pussytoes ANRO2 Antennaria rosea 50–80 1–5 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 50–80 1–5 stemless mock goldenweed STAC Stenotus acaulis 50–80 1–5 sulphur-flower buckwheat ERUM Eriogonum umbellatum 50–80 1–5 scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 50–80 1–5 purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 50–80 1–5 white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 50–80 1–5 textile onion ALTE Allium textile 50–80 1–5 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 50–80 1–5 prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 50–80 1–5 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 50–80 1–5 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 50–80 1–5 Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 325–515 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 65–130 – Wyoming big sagebrush ARTRW8 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis 65–130 – birdfoot sagebrush ARPE6 Artemisia pedatifida 13–65 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 13–65 – Woods' rose ROWO Rosa woodsii 13–65 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 13–65 – Tree7 Trees 25–45 Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–65 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–65 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 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
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations (from 2001 ESD, will be revised in future updates)
Rhizomatous wheatgrass/ Green Needlegrass (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/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.
Heavy Sagebrush: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. This community provides excellent escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass: The combination of an overstory of sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provide a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range.
Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. Grazing during spring to fall may be restricted due to low grass production. This community provides nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations Grazing Interpretations (updated in 2019 Provisional revision)
The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Shallow Clayey 15 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/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:
1,300 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 325 lbs. forage demand for one month. 325 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM = 0.36
Reference Plant Community 1000-1600 .35
Heavy Sagebrush 800-1200 .3
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass 600-1200 .3
Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass 300-600 .1
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 dominated by soils in hydrologic group C and D. Infiltration ranges from very slow to slow. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group 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 short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
None expected on slopes less than 15%. On slopes greater than 15%, if rills are present, they will be discontinuous. Gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals and/or terracettes are not expected to occur on this site. Occasionally, bunch grasses may be pedestalled on steeper slopes (>15% slopes) with no exposed roots. Drought and fire 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. 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 needed 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 information has been derived from data collection 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: 8 Sample Period: 2005-2016 Counties: Campbell, Crook, Johnson Additional reconnaissance data collection includes ocular estimates and other inventory data; vegetative clipping data 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.
Cleland, D., P. Avers, W.H. McNab, M. Jensen, R. Bailey, T. King, and W. Russell. 1997. National hierarchical framework of ecological units. In: Ecosystem Management: Applications for Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Resources, Yale University Press.
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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.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Handbook 18.
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.
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed 15 February, 2018.
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.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Glossary of landform and geologic terms. National Soil Survey Handbook, Title 430-VI, Part 629.02c. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242 (Accessed 16 January, 2018).
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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.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 sites with slopes of < 9% to common on slopes > 25%. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, water flow patterns will vary from barely observable on sites with 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%. Erosional pedestals will be present with terracettes present at debris dams 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 20 to 35%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies restricted to concentrated water flow patterns. -
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 occurs on slopes < 9%. Litter movement does occur on slopes > 25%. -
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 65% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Stability class anticipated to be 5 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:
Plant canopy, very slow to slow infiltration rates, the amount of bare ground, and steepness of slopes results in a naturally high runoff rate on slopes > 25%, even in HCPC. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer would be expected except for the naturally occurring rooting restriction (bedrock or decomposing shale) at 10 to 20 inches. -
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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Mid-stature bunch grasses > mid-stature rhizomatous grasses short stature grasses/grasslikes shrubs forbs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very low. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
1300 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:
Blue grama, buffalograss, greasewood, rabbitbrush, broom snakeweed, Plains prickly pear and species found on noxious weed list. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
No limitations.
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