Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R061XS012SD
Thin Upland-South
(16-18" PZ)
Last updated: 7/17/2024
Accessed: 08/29/2026
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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): 061X–Black Hills Foot Slopes
The Black Hills Foot Slopes (MLRA 61) is shared between Wyoming (WY) (58 percent) and South Dakota (SD) (42 percent). The MLRA is approximately 1,865 square miles. The towns of Spearfish, Sturgis, and Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Newcastle and Sundance, Wyoming, are all in this MLRA. Rapid City, South Dakota, is on the eastern edge of the MLRA. Wind Cave National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and parts of Thunder Basin National Grassland and the Black Hills National Forest are also in MLRA 61. Devils Tower was the nation’s first National Monument, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
The Black Hills Foot Slopes consists of steeply dipping rocks circling the domed mountains of the Black Hills. As the mountains were uplifted, older sediments were tipped up and dipped away from the core of the mountains. The Lower Cretaceous Fall River and Lakota (Inyan Kara Group) sandstones, which are on the outside edge of the area, are referred to as the Dakota Hogback. The next geologic formation is the Triassic-aged red beds of the Spearfish shale. It forms a low valley. This “red valley” surrounds the Black Hills between the two ridges formed by the Inyan Kara (hogback) and Minnekahta Formations associated with the Black Hills (MLRA 62). The Lakota called the red beds the “Race Track.” The red beds have gypsum and anhydrous layers. Ground water seepage can dissolve these layers, creating sinkholes on the surface.
The average elevation of MLRA 61 ranges from 2,950 to 3,940 feet with extremes to 5,580 feet. Slopes are generally hilly; however, the interior red beds are nearly level to moderately sloping. The exterior hogback is steep, erosion-resistant rock. The Belle Fourche River is the only river flowing through MLRA 61. It passes through Hulett, Wyoming.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Alfisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area predominantly have frigid or mesic soil temperature regimes and aridic or ustic soil moisture regimes. The soils are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy.
Average annual precipitation is 16 to 22 inches. The majority of rainfall occurs early in the growing season. Some high-intensity thunderstorms occur in mid-late summer. This MLRA supports open grassland, open ponderosa forest, and savanna-like vegetation. The grassland is characterized by native grasses, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, prairie dropseed, and green needlegrass. Bur oak grows throughout the northern area and can develop into nearly pure stands.
The major resource concerns are urban expansion, wind erosion, water erosion, and water quality.
MLRA 61 is 54 percent privately owned rangeland and 19 percent forest land. Federal lands make up 7 percent of the rangeland and 5 percent of the forest land. The remaining 15 percent of the MLRA is privately owned cropland and urban development (USDA-NRCS, 2006: Ag Handbook 296).LRU notes
For development of ecological sites, MLRA 61 is divided into three precipitation zones (PZ).
The northern area (18–22” PZ) extends from just south of Rapid City, South Dakota, north to the Wyoming border.
The southern area (16–18” PZ) extends from Newcastle, Wyoming, south to Hot Springs, South Dakota, then north to just south of Rapid City.
The western area (16–20” PZ) is primarily located in Wyoming, extending from Newcastle in the south, to north of the Bear Lodge Mountains, then south through the gap between the Bear Lodge Mountains and the Black Hills.
One additional grouping of ecological sites represents sites that are common for the entire MLRA and do not have a precipitation zone designation.
The forest lands in MLRA 61 are represented by three forest ecological sites, which are currently correlated to MLRA 62 Black Hills.Classification relationships
USDA
Land Resource Region G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 61—Black Hills Foot Slopes
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Black Hills Foothills—17a
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Black Hills Coniferous Forest Province—M334:
Black Hills Foothills Subsection—M334AaEcological site concept
The Thin Upland 16-18" PZ ecological site occurs throughout the southern portion of MLRA 61 The soils correlated to the Thin Upland ecological site are entisols. They exhibit little to no soil development other than the presence of an identifiable “A” horizon. This site is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. The typical slope range is from 5 to 30 percent. Soils are deep to very deep, exceeding 20 inches in depth. The surface textures ranging from loam to silt loam are 4 to 8 inches thick. Subsurface textures range from very fine sandy loam to silt loam. These soils are always calcareous at or within 6 inches of the surface.
In the Reference State (1.0) warm-season grasses are dominant , cool-season grasses are subdominant. The major grasses include little bluestem, needle and thread, sideoats grama, porcupine grass, and western wheatgrass. Forbs are common and diverse. Shrubs, such as leadplant, western snowberry, and rose are most always present in minor amounts. The Thin Upland 16-18” PZ site is susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses and encroachment of conifers from adjacent sites.Associated sites
R061XS044SD Rocky Hills-South (16-18" PZ)
The Rocky Hills 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on rocky slopes adjacent to the Thin Upland 18-22” PZ ecological site.
R061XS010SD Loamy-South (16-18" PZ)
The Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on near level to gently sloping uplands adjacent to the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site.
R061XS024SD Shallow Loamy-South (16-18" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on steep slopes adjacent to the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site.
Similar sites
R061XS024SD Shallow Loamy-South (16-18" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 18-22” PZ ecological site will have less little bluestem and lower vegetative production than the Thin Upland 18-22” PZ ecological site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Schizachyrium scoparium
(2) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comataPhysiographic features
The Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site occurs on moderately steep to steeply sloping uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Hogback
(2) Upland > Hill
(3) Upland > Plain
Runoff class Medium to very high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2900 – 5000 ft Slope 5 – 30 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate in the southern LRU of MLRA 61 is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Average annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 18 inches with most falling during the growing season. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. The wide range is due to the high elevation and dry air, which permit rapidly incoming and outgoing radiation. In winter, cold air outbreaks from Canada move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in the winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter. They most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
The average annual temperature is about 48 °F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 24 °F (Newcastle, WY) to about 27 °F (Hot Springs, SD). July is the warmest month with average temperatures ranging from about 72 °F (Rapid City, SD) to about 74 °F (Newcastle, WY). The range of average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 49 °F. Wind speeds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime winds. Occasionally, storms bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Cool-season plants may green-up in September and October if adequate soil moisture is present.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 110-110 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-140 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 110 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) EDGEMONT [USC00392557], Edgemont, SD
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(2) EDGEMONT 23 NNW [USC00392565], Custer, SD
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(3) HOT SPRINGS [USC00394007], Hot Springs, SD
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(4) NEWCASTLE [USC00486660], Newcastle, WY
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(5) RAPID CITY 4NW [USC00396947], Rapid City, SD
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils correlated to the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site are entisols and exhibit little to no soil development other than the presence of an identifiable “A” horizon. The loam or silt loam surface layer is 4 to 8 inches thick. Subsurface textures are very fine sandy loam to silt loam. Slopes range from 5 to 30 percent. The soils are well drained and formed in residuum and colluvium. The soils have moderately slow to slow infiltration rates. Carbonates will be present at or within 6 inches of the surface. Subsurface soil layers are nonrestrictive to water movement and root penetration.
This site typically should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact.
Major soils correlated to the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site include, Colby, Gypnevee, Pesowyo, and Ziggy.
The Nevee soil is correlated to the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ site, but in some map units it is also correlated to the Loamy 16-18” PZ.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 10 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and production.
More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more details specific to your area of interest or use the internet to access USDA’s Web Soil Survey.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Colluvium
(2) Residuum
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Silt loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderately slow Soil depth 40 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 15 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)5 – 40 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 1 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 30 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 12 % Ecological dynamics
The Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions; light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores; sporadic, natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities); and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, effects of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. Although the following plant community descriptions are typical of the transitions between communities, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation, and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses can cause significant shifts in plant communities and species composition.
Continuous season-long grazing (e.g., every spring and/or every summer at moderate to heavy stocking levels) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1). Blue grama and sedges will increase and eventually develop into a sod. Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Needle and thread, green needlegrass, sideoats grama, big bluestem, and little bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. Excessive defoliation can cause threeawn and annuals to increase and dominate the site. Extended periods of non-use and lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and cheatgrass.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1). It has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagramMore interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textState 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times the primary disturbance mechanisms included frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller cool- and warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The Reference State is susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses and the encroachment of conifers from adjacent sites.
Community 1.1
Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama
Interpretations are based primarily on the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community, which is also considered to be the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. The community is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include little bluestem, needle and thread, sideoats grama, porcupine grass, and big bluestem. Other grasses include western wheatgrass, plains muhly, slender wheatgrass, green needlegrass, prairie dropseed, blue grama, and a variety of other grass and grass-like species. Forbs are common and diverse, leadplant, western snowberry, and rose are common shrubs. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was a sustainable plant community in regard to soil and site stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
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 1210 1690 2165 Shrub/Vine 95 150 205 Forb 95 150 205 Tree 0 10 25 Total 1400 2000 2600 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6104 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-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 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western WheatgrassThis plant community developed under continuous season-long grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. This community can also develop where this site occurs near water sources. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, needle and thread, and western wheatgrass. Grasses and grass-likes species of secondary importance include sideoats grama, porcupine grass, big bluestem, threadleaf sedge, blue grama, and a variety of other grasses. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), goldenrod, white prairie aster, and scurfpea.
When compared to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Community Phase (1.1), blue grama, sedge, and western wheatgrass have increased. Tall warm-season grasses have decreased, and production has also been reduced. Needle and thread will persist in this phase. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through continued overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.Figure 10. 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 1030 1521 2010 Shrub/Vine 85 135 185 Forb 85 135 185 Tree 0 9 20 Total 1200 1800 2400 Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6103 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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 Community 1.3
Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass/SedgeThis plant community developed under continuous season-long grazing; or from over utilization during extended drought periods. This community can also develop where this site occurs near water sources. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. Dominant grass and grass-like species include needle and thread, western wheatgrass, threadleaf sedge, and blue grama. Grasses of secondary importance include little bluestem, hairy grama, sideoats grama, big bluestem, green needlegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and a variety of other grasses. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), goldenrod, white prairie aster, scurfpea, and green sagewort.
When compared to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1), blue grama, sedge, and western wheatgrass have increased. Tall and mid-warm-season grasses have decreased, and production has also been reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. This is due in part to the shallow rooted nature of the shortgrass species which decreases infiltration especially to the deeper rooted tall and mid-grass species. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through continued overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. This plant community phase is reaching a critical point where continued overgrazing will likely shift this community over a threshold leading to a short grass and grass-like dominated state. The shorter, more grazing tolerant species tend to self-perpetuate as the shallow, dense rooting structure takes advantage of rainfall and reduces deeper infiltration to the taller species.Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 870 1183 1495 Shrub/Vine 65 105 145 Forb 65 105 145 Tree 0 7 15 Total 1000 1400 1800 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6102 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-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 23 34 15 6 5 4 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Continuous season-long grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season); or heavy grazing in combination with drought will shift the Reference Plant Community (1.1) to the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing (proper stocking, alternating season of use, and providing adequate recovery periods); periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest; a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will shift the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2) to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3Continuous season-long grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season); or heavy grazing in combination with drought will shift the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2) to the Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass/Sedge Plant Community (1.3).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2Prescribed grazing (proper stocking, alternating season of use, and providing adequate recovery periods); periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest; a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert the Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass/Sedge Plant Community (1.3) to the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Shortgrass Sod StateThis state is a result of overgrazing (individual plants of selected species being repeatedly grazed due to continuous grazing systems which allow for long paddock occupation periods). This type of grazing causes reduced vigor of the selected species (i.e., typically the most desired by grazing ungulates). As the photosynthetic area of these species is repeatedly removed, carbohydrate production needed for root respiration is inadequate and the root systems of these species begin to falter. The shorter, more grazing tolerant species are given the advantage and will dominate the site. In the early stages of this state, mid- and tall grass remnants may be present in sufficient quantities to allow for recovery to the Reference State (1.0). Over time, this recovery will become less likely due to higher runoff and reduced infiltration.
Community 2.1
Sedge/Blue Grama/Fringed SagewortThis plant community evolved under continuous seasonal grazing; continuous season-long grazing; or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 70 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 15 percent shrubs and trees. Dominant grass and grass-like species include threadleaf sedge, blue grama, and threeawn. Grasses of secondary importance include western wheatgrass, needle and thread, little bluestem, sideoats grama, hairy grama, and prairie Junegrass. Cheatgrass may also invade and become quite prevalent. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), goldenrod, spiny phlox, and green sagewort.
When compared to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Community Phase (1.1), short statured species are dominant on this plant community. Tall and mid-grasses have decreased significantly. This state is very resistant to change due to the increase in the root mat near the surface of the soil which further reduces infiltration. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing.
This plant community is less productive than other plant community phases. The thick sod prevents other species from getting established. Lack of litter and reduced plant vigor causes higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and high evapotranspiration which give the short statured species a competitive advantage. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of dominant species in this phase.Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 510 795 1075 Shrub/Vine 45 100 155 Forb 45 100 155 Tree 0 5 15 Total 600 1000 1400 Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6103 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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
Conifer StateThe Conifer State consists of areas where tree canopy increases to a level that impedes the reproductive capability of the major native perennial grass species. The increase in tree canopy is a result of a disruption of the natural historic fire regime that kept the trees at an immature stage. This state is reached when mature tree canopy reaches approximately 25 percent or more. Tree canopy typically is dominated by ponderosa pine, but Rocky Mountain juniper may also be present in varying amounts.
Community 3.1
Little Bluestem-Needlegrass/Ponderosa PineThis plant community develops where trees from adjacent sites encroach or trees naturally occurring on the site increase and begin to shade out the herbaceous component. Ponderosa pine is the most common species to occupy the site, but Rocky Mountain juniper can also occur. These species expand on this site due to suppression of fire. The tree canopy is 25 percent or greater. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 45 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 35 percent trees. Dominant grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, needle and thread, green needlegrass, sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, and threadleaf sedge. As the canopy increases, warm-season grasses tend to decrease as the cool-season grasses initially increase. Forbs commonly found in this community include white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), goldenrod, and western yarrow. Non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome and annual bromes will tend to invade.
Compared to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1), tree canopy increases significantly. The grass component decreases dramatically with increased shading and the buildup of duff. Annual herbaceous production also decreases significantly. While the tree canopy provides excellent protection from the weather for both livestock and wildlife, it is not capable of supporting large numbers of wildlife and livestock due to decreased production.
A significant reduction of tree canopy can be accomplished through fire, mechanical brush management, or prescribed burning. The vegetation in the understory is capable of enduring fire; however, very hot crown fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. The total annual production of the understory can range from nearly non-existent under a closed canopy to about 500 pounds per acre (air-dry weight) under a medium canopy.Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6111 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, heavy conifer canopy. Mature ponderosa pine/juniper overstory.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 3 7 11 24 27 12 5 4 3 2 1 Community 3.2
Ponderosa PineThis plant community developed with long-term fire suppression, and over time the tree canopy will become closed. Once the tree canopy reaches 45 percent or higher, competition will slow the growth rate of trees. A few cool-season species may survive, as well as, shrubs and possibly vines. This plant community may only be altered through brush management or possibly a fire that has enough energy to cause crowning of the trees. This plant community will also be accompanied by a relatively thick layer of acidic duff from the pine needles which will further reduce the establishment of herbaceous species.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2No fire or no brush treatment for an extended period of time will cause the tree canopy to continue to increase and shift the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass/Ponderosa Pine Plant Community (3.1) to the Ponderosa Pine Plant Community (3.2).
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Timber harvest or wildfire (i.e., crown fire) will be required to shift this plant community away from this phase. Reproductive propagules of the herbaceous species will need to be present to result in a shift to the 2.1 Little Bluestem/Needlegrass/Ponderosa Pine Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning State 4
Native/Invaded StateThe Native/Invaded State is dominated by native cool- and warm-season grasses, and subdominant non-native cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that would appear to be properly managed with grazing and possibly prescribed burning. Extended periods of non-use and no fire, or long-term light grazing can result in the invasion and establishment of non-native cool-season grasses onto this site. If the native cool-season grasses decline a corresponding increase of non-native cool-season grasses can occur. The non-native cool-season grasses will include, smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and field brome.
Community 4.1
Wheatgrass-Bluestem-Needlegrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses (<15%)This plant community develops when non-native cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome invade and become established on the site. This may occur due to the site's close proximity to seed sources, expansion from road ditches, improved pastures, other invaded sites, or from contaminated hay. Repeated seasonal grazing (typically during the summer), or long-term light grazing, or extended periods of non-use and no fire, will allow these non-native cool-season grasses to increase in the plant community. Plant litter accumulates in large amounts when this community first develops. Litter buildup reduces mature native plant vigor and density, and seedling recruitment declines. Eventually litter levels become high enough that plant density decreases. Typically, rhizomatous grasses form small colonies because of a lack of tiller stimulation. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses include western wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and smooth brome. Other grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, and needleleaf sedge. This is a sustainable plant community in regard to soil and site stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. However, the presence of smooth bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and other invasive species will begin to alter the soil biotic community and potentially lead to further invasion of non-native species.
Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6102 , Black Hills Foot Slopes, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-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 23 34 15 6 5 4 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Continuous season-long grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season); continuous seasonal grazing (spring or fall); or heavy grazing in combination with drought will result in a transition from the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0). This transition will most likely occur from the Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass/Sedge Plant Community (1.3).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Encroachment or a natural increase in canopy cover of native coniferous tree species, and no fire will lead the Reference State (1.0) over a threshold to the Conifer State (3.0). This threshold will be crossed when tree canopy reaches approximately 25 percent or more of mature trees.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Continuous seasonal grazing (summer); long-term light grazing; or no use and no fire; and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, adequate time for recovery, and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will transition the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be fast or feasible.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed burning or mechanical brush management in conjunction with long-term prescribed grazing may lead this plant community across a threshold back to the Reference State (1.0). This would have to take place before the trees reach maturity and are still susceptible to fire, and reproductive propagules of the perennial grasses are still present. After trees reach maturity, a stand replacing fire or brush management would be needed to move this plant community over the threshold back to the Reference State (1.0). Herbaceous weed control may also be needed for treatment of weedy species.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Herbaceous Weed Control Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Fire, mechanical brush management, or prescribed burning to remove conifers, and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition the Conifer State (3.0) to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Transition T4A
State 4 to 3Encroachment, or an increase in canopy cover of native coniferous tree species, and no fire will lead the Native/Invaded State (5.0) over a threshold to the Conifer State (3.0). This threshold will be crossed when tree canopy reaches about 25 percent or more of mature trees.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 500–800 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 300–800 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 100–300 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 20–160 – 2 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 200–600 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 100–500 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 40–300 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 20–100 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–100 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–100 – 3 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 100–300 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 100–300 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–100 – 4 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 40–200 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 40–160 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–150 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 20–100 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 20–100 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–60 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–20 – 6 Other Native Grasses 20–100 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–80 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 20–60 – Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii 0–40 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–20 – 7 Grass-likes 20–100 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 20–100 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – 8 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb9 Forbs 100–200 upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 20–60 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 20–60 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 20–40 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 20–40 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 20–40 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–40 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 20–40 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 20–40 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 20–40 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 20–40 – nineanther prairie clover DAEN Dalea enneandra 0–40 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 20–40 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 20–40 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 20–40 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–20 – groundplum milkvetch ASCR2 Astragalus crassicarpus 0–20 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–20 – downy Indian paintbrush CAPU11 Castilleja purpurea 0–20 – prairie spiderwort TROC Tradescantia occidentalis 0–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–20 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–20 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 100–200 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 20–80 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 20–60 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 20–40 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 20–40 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 0–20 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–20 – Tree11 Trees 0–20 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–20 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–20 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–20 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 270–540 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 180–540 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 36–180 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–54 – 2 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 180–450 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 180–450 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–144 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–72 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–54 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–18 – 3 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 90–270 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 90–270 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–54 – 4 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 18–90 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–125 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 18–90 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 18–180 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 18–144 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–36 – 6 Other Native Grasses 18–90 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–54 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 18–54 – Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii 0–18 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–18 – 7 Grass-likes 18–144 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 18–144 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–54 – 8 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb9 Forbs 90–180 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 18–54 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 18–54 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 18–54 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 18–54 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–36 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–36 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–36 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 18–36 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–18 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–18 – groundplum milkvetch ASCR2 Astragalus crassicarpus 0–18 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–18 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–18 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–18 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–18 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–18 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–18 – nineanther prairie clover DAEN Dalea enneandra 0–18 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 90–180 western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 18–72 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–54 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–36 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–36 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 18–36 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–18 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 0–18 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–18 – Tree11 Trees 0–18 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–18 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–18 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–18 – Table 11. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 28–140 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 14–140 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 14–98 – 2 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 210–420 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 210–420 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–56 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–42 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–28 – 3 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 140–280 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 140–280 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–140 – 4 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–70 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–70 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–42 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 70–210 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 28–168 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–98 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–42 – 6 Other Native Grasses 14–70 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–56 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 14–56 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–28 – 7 Grass-likes 70–210 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 70–210 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–70 – 8 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb9 Forbs 70–140 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–56 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 14–56 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 14–42 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 14–28 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 14–28 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–28 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 14–28 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–28 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–14 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–14 – groundplum milkvetch ASCR2 Astragalus crassicarpus 0–14 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–14 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–14 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–14 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–14 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–14 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 70–140 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–70 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–42 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 14–42 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–42 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–28 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–14 – Tree11 Trees 0–14 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–14 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–14 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–14 – Table 12. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 0–50 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–40 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–30 – 2 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 0–100 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–100 – 3 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 0–100 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–100 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–40 – 4 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–20 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–20 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 100–300 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 100–300 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–100 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–50 – 6 Other Native Grasses 10–50 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–30 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–30 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–30 – 7 Grass-Likes 100–300 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 100–300 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–80 – 8 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0–100 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–70 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–50 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–20 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–20 – Forb9 Forbs 50–150 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 10–70 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 10–50 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 10–50 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 10–40 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 10–30 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 10–20 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 0–20 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–20 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–10 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–10 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 50–150 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 20–100 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–40 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–40 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–30 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–20 – Tree11 Trees 0–10 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–10 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–10 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–10 – Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
MLRA 61 lies within the drier portion of the northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Prior to European settlement, this area consisted of diverse grass- and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional instream wetlands and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many users. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to predators such as the gray wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The prairie dog was once abundant; however, the species remains a keystone species within its range. The black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, and swift fox were associated with prairie dog complexes.
Historically, the northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbance factors either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, livestock grazing, cropland conversion, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further impacted plant and animal communities. The bison was a historical keystone species but had been extirpated in this area as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison and reduction of prairie dog populations and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and altered wildlife habitats. Human development has reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
Within MLRA 61, the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb component. It was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Clayey, Loamy, Stony Hills, Overflow, Subirrigated, and Terrace ecological sites.
This site provides habitat for species requiring unfragmented grassland. Important habitat features, and components found commonly or exclusively on this site may include sharp-tailed grouse leks; upland nesting habitat for grassland birds, forbs and insects for brood habitat; and a forage source for small and large herbivores. Many grassland and shrub steppe nesting bird populations are declining. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, Rocky Mountain locust, and swift fox.
The majority of the Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site has remained relatively intact and provides increasingly important habitat for grassland and shrub steppe nesting birds, small rodents, coyote, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and annual bromes have impacted the biological integrity of the site for some grassland birds. Changes in historic fire regime and domestic grazing have impacted the forb/shrub/grass percentages.
Grazing Interpretations:
The following list provides annual suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated, using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
The following initial suggested stocking rates are based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal-Unit-Month (AUM), with a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook). An AUM is defined as the equivalent amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Plant Community: Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Sideoats Grama (1.1)
Average Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.55
Plant Community: Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass (1.2)
Average Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,800
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.49
Plant Community: Needle and Thread-Western Wheatgrass/Sedge (1.3)
Average Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,400
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.38
Plant Community: Sedge/Blue Grama/Fringed Sagewort (2.1)
Average Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,000*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.27*
Plant Community: Little Bluestem-Needlegrass/Ponderosa Pine (3.1)
Average Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 500*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): Variable
Plant Community: All other plant communities identified in this document will have variable annual production values and will require on-site sampling to determine suggested initial stocking rates.
* Total annual production and stocking rates are highly variable and will require on-site sampling.
Total annual production on-site may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, annual production and AUM values may need to be reduced to reflect only preferred or desirable forage species.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for livestock. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B. Infiltration and 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. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, or smooth brome will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. Refer to the USDA-NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630, for hydrologic soil groups, runoff quantities, and hydrologic curves.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Harvesting the seeds of native plants can provide additional income on this site
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This provisional ecological site description (ESD) has passed quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) to ensure the it meets the 2014 NESH standards for a “Provisional” ecological site description.
This ecological site description (ESD) is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD that represented a first-generation tier of documentation that met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The requirements for approved status changed with the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH). The previously approved document fully described the reference state and community phase in the state-and-transition model. All other alternative states were at least described in narrative form. The “Previously Approved” ESD has been field-tested for a minimum of five years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD may not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected this ESD will continue refinement toward the current “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan
Future work, as described in an official project plan, is necessary to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description. The plan will include field activities for low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of the data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. Final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews are required to produce the final document.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cynthia Englebert, Range Management Specialist, Forest Service; George Gamblin, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Ryan Murray, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; L. Michael Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jim Westerman, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
Other references
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Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2018.
EPA level III and level IV ecoregions of the conterminous United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- conterminous-united-states (accessed 26 April 2018).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. 2018. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/ (accessed 6 April 2018).
Larson, Gary E. and James R. Johnson. 1999. Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station, Bulletin 732, Brookings, SD.
Toledo, D., M. Sanderson, K. Spaeth, J. Hendrickson, and J. Printz. 2014. Extent of Kentucky bluegrass and its effect on native plant species diversity and ecosystem services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543–522. Weed Science Society of America.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 24 September 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 20 December 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 20 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2014. National ecological site handbook, 1st ed. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 (accessed 27 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. National engineering handbook, part 630. Hydrology chapters from e-Directives. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422 (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (accessed 2 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, rev. 1, 2003. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf (accessed 7 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov (accessed 25 May 2018.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 27 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2007. National engineering handbook, part 654. Rosgen Stream Classification Technique – Supplemental Materials, Technical Supplement 3E. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=17833.wba (accessed 4 March 2019).Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Rick L. PetersonApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 7/17/2024
Acknowledgments
All ecological sites were written to the Provisional Level by Rick L. Peterson, ESS, Rapid City, SSO in FY20. The ESDs were reviewed for quality control by Emily Helms, John Hartung, Mitch Faulkner, and Ryan Murray. All ecological sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS in September 2020. Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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) Stan Boltz Contact for lead author Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 09/30/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills not typically present. If present, very short (usually less than 6 inches long), sporadic, and discontinuous. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams when present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Few pedastalled plants typically on steeper slopes, roots not exposed. Terracettes typically non-existent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 10 percent and patches less than 2 inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Small size litter classes will generally move short distances, some medium size class litter will move very short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically granular, sometimes platy parting to granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of A-horizon about 4 to 5 inches deep. If conditions are other than this, refer to map unit component descriptions for component on which the site occurs. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be evident. -
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, warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses > wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season) >Other:
Tall, warm-season grasses = forbs = shrubs > short, warm-season grasses = grass-like speciesAdditional:
Other grasses occur in other functional groups in minor amounts. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
75 to 85 percent plant litter cover, roughly 0.25 to 0.5 inch depth. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Ranges from 1,400 to 2,600 pounds/acre. Reference value is 2,000 pounds/acre (air-dry weight basis). -
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:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses typically have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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