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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 referred to the red valley as the “Big Racecourse or the Red Racetrack.” 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 water quality, wind erosion, water erosion, and urban expansion.
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 Very Shallow site occurs throughout MLRA 61. It is located on level to steep, hills and terrace remnants. Slopes typically range from 0 to 50 percent but can exceed 70 percent. Soil surface textures are gravelly loam to gravelly silt loam. The soil formed in 4 to 10 inches of gravelly alluvium. Soils on this site can be deep but the abrupt change in texture and structure often responds like a restrictive layer even though roots can penetrate into the gravel layers. The high amount of gravels in the subsurface soil profiles (up to 70 percent), limits the available water holding capacity of the soil and plant productivity. This site is considered a run-off site and does not receive additional moisture from run-in or overflow.
Vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists primarily of a mix of cool-season needlegrasses, warm-season mid-grasses, shortgrasses, and upland sedges. Perennial forbs are common and diverse. Yucca and rose are most always present. Scattered juniper and ponderosa pine may also occur. The Very Shallow ecological site is susceptible to invasion by non-native cool-season grasses.Associated sites
R061XN012SD Thin Upland-North (18-22" PZ)
The Thin Upland 18-22” PZ ecological site is found on steep slopes adjacent to the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XN024SD Shallow Loamy-North (18-22" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 18-22” PZ ecological site is found on similar landscapes adjacent to the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XS012SD Thin Upland-South (16-18" PZ)
The Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on steep slopes adjacent to the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XS024SD Shallow Loamy-South (16-18" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on similar landscapes adjacent to the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XW162WY Shallow Loamy-West (16-20" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 16-20” PZ ecological site is found on similar landscapes adjacent to the Very Shallow ecological site.
Similar sites
R061XS024SD Shallow Loamy-South (16-18" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site has more little bluestem and big bluestem and higher vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XN012SD Thin Upland-North (18-22" PZ)
The Thin Upland 18-22” PZ ecological site has more little bluestem and big bluestem and higher vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XS012SD Thin Upland-South (16-18" PZ)
The Thin Upland 16-18” PZ ecological site has more little bluestem and big bluestem and higher vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XN024SD Shallow Loamy-North (18-22" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 18-22” PZ ecological site has more little bluestem and big bluestem and higher vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
R061XW162WY Shallow Loamy-West (16-20" PZ)
The Shallow Loamy 16-20” PZ ecological site has more little bluestem and big bluestem and higher vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
The Very Shallow ecological site occurs on moderately to steeply sloping upland hills and late Pleistocene terraces and terrace remnants.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Paleoterrace
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2900 – 4000 ft Slope 0 – 50 % Water table depth 80 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate in 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 22 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 47 °F. January and December are the coldest months with average temperatures ranging from about 23 °F (NNW of Edgemont, SD) to about 26 °F (Fort Meade, SD). July is the warmest month with average temperatures ranging from about 69 °F (Fort Meade, WY) to about 73 °F (Hot Springs, SD). The range of average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 47 °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) 100-120 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-140 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 120-160 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) BEAR RIDGE [USC00390554], Spearfish, SD
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(2) EDGEMONT [USC00392557], Edgemont, SD
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(3) EDGEMONT 23 NNW [USC00392565], Custer, SD
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(4) FT MEADE [USC00393069], Fort Meade, SD
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(5) HOT SPRINGS [USC00394007], Hot Springs, SD
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(6) RAPID CITY WFO [USC00396948], Rapid City, SD
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(7) RAPID CITY 4NW [USC00396947], Rapid City, SD
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(8) SPEARFISH [USC00397882], Spearfish, SD
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(9) DEVILS TWR #2 [USC00482466], Devils Tower, WY
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(10) HULETT [USC00484760], Hulett, WY
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(11) NEWCASTLE [USC00486660], Newcastle, WY
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(12) SUNDANCE [USC00488705], Sundance, WY
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(13) UPTON 14ENE [USC00489208], Newcastle, WY
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with the Very Shallow ecological site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
Soils common to this site are formed in gravelly alluvium over residuum. The gravelly loam to gravelly or channery silt loam surface layer is about 4 to 10 inches thick, will be strongly calcareous, and have very fine to fine granular structure. Exposed rock will range between 5 and 25 percent. Subsurface soils are very gravelly or channery with 35 to 70 percent gravel and rock fragments. The soils have a moderate to moderately rapid infiltration rate, and well- to somewhat excessively well-drained. These soils are moderately deep to deep and do not have a true root restrictive layer but because of the abrupt change in texture and structure often responds like a restrictive layer even though roots can penetrate into the gravel layers. The amount of rock and gravel in the soil profile result in a low available water-holding capacity, and strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship and plant productivity.
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 Very Shallow ecological site include, Colhill, Nihill, and Rockerville with a local phase of very shallow.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 20 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 regarding the soil is available in soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for details specific to your area of interest, or go online to access USDA’s Web Soil Survey.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
(2) Residuum
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loam
(2) Gravelly silt loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Soil depth 4 – 10 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 20 – 30 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 15 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 8 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 1 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)39 – 55 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)2 – 35 % Ecological dynamics
The Very Shallow 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.
Because the soils in the Very Shallow ecological site do not have a true root restricting layer, the vegetative production may vary between wet and dry years.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-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 Very Shallow ecological site is naturally resilient, and quite resistant to change. Also, due to the relatively steep slopes and naturally low fertility of the soils, this site generally avoids more intensive disturbances such as farming. However, continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence can cause this site to depart from the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community Phase (1.1). Sedges and grama grasses can increase and eventually develop into a sod, while many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will decrease (e.g., needle and thread, little bluestem, green needlegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass). Even with these disturbances, many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will remain in the community at reduced levels, allowing recovery after removal of disturbances.
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 textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the Very Shallow ecological site prior to European settlement. This state is a mix of cool- and warm season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included occasional 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 potential encroachment of conifers from adjacent sites.
Community 1.1
Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama
Interpretations are based primarily on the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community. This plant community is also considered to be the Reference Plant Community (1.1). This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and occasional prairie fire and can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use, and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event.
The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. An even mix of both cool- and warm-season grasses or grass-likes dominates this plant community. The major grasses or grass-likes include needle and thread, bluebunch wheatgrass, threadleaf sedge, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama. Other grasses occurring on the site include plains muhly, porcupine grass, hairy grama, and prairie Junegrass. The significant forbs include dotted gayfeather, hairy goldaster, purple coneflower, prairie clover, and stemless hymenoxys. Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort, rose, and yucca.
This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. This plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion.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 690 978 1265 Forb 55 120 185 Shrub/Vine 55 90 125 Tree 0 12 25 Total 800 1200 1600 Figure 9. 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 1.2
Sedge/Blue Grama-NeedlegrassThis plant community can develop from continuous season-long grazing, or annual, spring seasonal grazing, or heavy grazing in combination with drought.
The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. An even mix of both cool- and warm-season grasses or grass-likes dominates this plant community. Shortgrasses and sedges increase to dominate the site and annual production decreases dramatically. Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and high evaporation, which gives blue grama a competitive advantage over cool-season mid-grasses. Blue grama and threadleaf sedge are the dominant grass and grass-like species. Other grasses include, needle and thread, bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, and threeawn. Significant forbs include green sagewort, cutleaf ironplant, false hairy goldenaster, pussytoes, and spiny phlox. The significant shrubs include broom snakeweed, yucca, and fringed sagewort.
This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase appreciably.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 420 734 1045 Forb 40 90 140 Shrub/Vine 40 68 95 Tree 0 8 20 Total 500 900 1300 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 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 lead the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1) to the Sedge/Blue Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing that includes proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery following grazing and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert this plant community (1.2) to the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
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 are properly managed with grazing and on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. 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 cheatgrass, field brome, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Community 2.1
Needlegrass/Sedge/Annual BromeThis plant community can develop from the adverse effects of heavy, continuous grazing in conjunction with extended periods of below-average precipitation.
The potential vegetation is about 70 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 15 percent shrubs. This plant community phase is further impacted by the invasion of non-native species such as cheatgrass, field brome, and Kentucky bluegrass. Needlegrasses will be present but will be reduced in vigor and production. Annual bromes and sedge will make up a bulk of the composition on this plant community phase. The dominant grass and grass-like species will include threadleaf sedge, needle and thread, blue grama, and cheatgrass or field brome. Other grasses present include little bluestem, threeawn, Kentucky bluegrass, hairy grama, and prairie Junegrass. Significant forbs include cudweed sagewort, green sagewort, milkvetch, white prairie aster, and spiny phlox. Common shrubs include cactus, yucca, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort.
Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives sedges and annual bromes a competitive advantage over cool and warm-season mid-grasses. This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase substantially.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 350 474 695 Forb 25 60 95 Shrub/Vine 25 60 95 Tree 0 6 15 Total 400 600 900 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 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses and extended periods of drought will cause a transition from the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (2.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) coupled with a return to more normal precipitation cycles may lead the Native/Invaded State (2.0) over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This will likely take a long period of time, possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Bunchgrass 120–300 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 120–240 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–240 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–120 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–60 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 60–240 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 60–300 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 24–120 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–36 – 3 Short Warm-Season Grasses 60–180 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 24–120 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 12–60 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 12–36 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 0–60 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–60 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–60 – 5 Other Native Grasses 24–60 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 12–36 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–24 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–24 – onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–24 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–24 – 6 Grass-Likes 24–120 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 24–96 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb8 Forbs 60–180 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 12–36 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 12–36 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 12–36 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 12–24 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 12–24 – rayless tansyaster MAGR2 Machaeranthera grindelioides 12–24 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 12–24 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 12–24 – field locoweed OXCAS3 Oxytropis campestris var. spicata 12–24 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 12–24 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEACA2 Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis 12–24 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 12–24 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 12–24 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 12–24 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 12–24 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 12–24 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 12–24 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–12 – white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 0–12 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–12 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 0–12 – little larkspur DEBI Delphinium bicolor 0–12 – silky milkvetch ASSE5 Astragalus sericoleucus 0–12 – plains milkvetch ASGI5 Astragalus gilviflorus 0–12 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 60–120 creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–36 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 12–36 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 12–24 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 12–24 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–24 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 12–24 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–24 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–12 – Tree10 Trees 0–24 ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–24 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–24 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 45–90 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 45–90 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–45 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–27 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–18 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 45–90 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 5–25 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 2–10 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–3 – 3 Short Warm-season Grasses 90–225 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 90–180 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 45–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 18–72 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses 0–45 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–45 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–18 – 5 Other Native Grasses 9–45 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 9–27 – onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 9–27 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–18 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–18 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–18 – 6 Grass-Likes 135–270 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 90–225 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–90 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb8 Forbs 45–135 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 9–45 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 9–36 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 9–27 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 9–27 – silky milkvetch ASSE5 Astragalus sericoleucus 0–18 – plains milkvetch ASGI5 Astragalus gilviflorus 0–18 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 9–18 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–18 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 9–18 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEACA2 Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis 0–9 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–9 – little larkspur DEBI Delphinium bicolor 0–9 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–9 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–9 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–9 – rayless tansyaster MAGR2 Machaeranthera grindelioides 0–9 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 0–9 – field locoweed OXCAS3 Oxytropis campestris var. spicata 0–9 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–9 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–9 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–9 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 45–90 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 9–45 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 9–27 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–27 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–18 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 9–18 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 9–18 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–9 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–9 – Tree10 Trees 0–18 ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–18 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–18 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 30–120 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 12–120 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–18 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–18 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–12 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 12–60 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 12–60 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–12 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–6 – 3 Short Warm-Season Grasses 30–90 threeawn ARIST Aristida 12–72 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 12–60 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–42 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 0–12 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–12 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–12 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–24 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–18 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–12 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–12 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–12 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–6 – 6 Grass-Likes 90–180 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 60–150 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 60–150 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–120 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 12–60 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–18 – Forb8 Forbs 30–90 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 6–42 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 6–36 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 6–36 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 6–18 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–12 – silky milkvetch ASSE5 Astragalus sericoleucus 0–12 – plains milkvetch ASGI5 Astragalus gilviflorus 0–12 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 6–12 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 6–12 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–6 – rayless tansyaster MAGR2 Machaeranthera grindelioides 0–6 – field locoweed OXCAS3 Oxytropis campestris var. spicata 0–6 – little larkspur DEBI Delphinium bicolor 0–6 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–6 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–6 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 30–90 broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 12–48 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 6–30 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 6–30 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 6–24 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–18 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–18 – Tree10 Trees 0–12 ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–12 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–12 – Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations:
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 Very Shallow ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb, shrub, and tree component. It was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Clayey, Loamy, Sandy, Overflow, Subirrigated, and Terrace ecological sites. This site provided 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 Very Shallow ecological site remains 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 cheatgrass and field brome 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.
Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama (1.1): The predominance of grasses in this community favors herbivores. Insects, such as pollinators, play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds and other species. The plant structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds. Grasshopper sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur, Sprague’s pipit, horned lark, lark bunting, and sharp-tailed grouse are common and benefit from the structure and composition this plant community provides. Diverse prey populations are available for grassland raptors such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.
The diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, spotted ground squirrel, white- and black-tailed jackrabbit, and deer. The higher stature of this plant community provides thermal, protective, and escape cover for herbivores and grassland birds. Predators utilizing this plant community include coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel. This plant community provides habitat for herptiles such as the short-horned lizard, gopher snake, milk snake, and prairie rattlesnake.
Sedge/Blue Grama-Needlegrass (1.2): Resulting from continuous season-long grazing the warm-season grass component has been substantially reduced and a shift to a short statured plant community occurs. Both forb and shrub diversity and abundance are substantially increased.
The predominance of short grass and bare spots makes this site ideal for shortgrass-nesting bird species. The increase of grass-like species, forbs, and shrubs causes an increase in insect populations such as pollinators. Grasshopper sparrow, horned lark, lark bunting, and sharp-tailed grouse are common and benefit from the structure and composition this plant community provides. Diverse prey populations are available for grassland raptors such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.
The diversity of grasses provides adequate nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, spotted ground squirrel, and white- and black-tailed jackrabbit. Predators utilizing this plant community include coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel. This plant community provides habitat for herptiles such as the gopher snake, milk snake, short-horned lizard, and prairie rattlesnake.
Grazing Interpretations:
The following list suggests annual, initial stocking rates for average growing conditions. These estimates are conservative and should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Commonly, 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 estimates of carrying capacity 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. In consultation with the land manager, a more intensive grazing management program that results in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity may be developed.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lb/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: Needlegrass-Little Bluestem-Grama (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,200
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.33
Plant Community: Sedge/Blue Grama-Needlegrass (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.25
Plant Community: Needlegrass/Sedge/Annual Brome (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 600*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.16*
Plant Community: All other plant communities identified in this document have variable annual production values and require onsite sampling to determine initial stocking rates.
* Total annual production and stocking rates are highly variable and require onsite sampling.
Total onsite annual production may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, 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 likely has insufficient protein to meet livestock requirements. Added protein allows 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 group 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, and 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 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.
Shallow to Gravel would be a better ecological site concept for the Cohill and Nihill soils than the current Very Shallow ecological site. Future updates should consider this change.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
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, and W.H McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections of the conterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76D. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/misc/73326-wo-gtr-76d-cleland2007.pdf (accessed 31 January 2019).
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:
None usually present. -
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. Terracettes not present. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is roughly 5 to 15 percent, and patches are 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 typically 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of surface horizon about 3 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:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
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 and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses > short, warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Wheatgrass (mid, cool-season rhizomatous) = forbs > mid, warm-season grasses = grass-like species = shrubs >Other:
Short, cool-season bunchgrassesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
65 to 75 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 800 to 1,600 pounds/acre. Reference value is 1,200 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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