Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R241XY118AK
Arctic Tall Scrub Loamy Slopes
Last updated: 5/29/2025
Accessed: 10/28/2026
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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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 241X–Seward Peninsula Highlands
The Seward Peninsula Highlands (MLRA 241X) occurs in Western Alaska, along the southernmost reaches of Land Resource Region Y, which has an arctic climate and occurs in the zone of continuous permafrost. This MLRA is approximately 13,700 square miles across the central Seward Peninsula. The terrain is defined by broad and extensive rolling hills and plains and solitary groups of rugged mountains expanding from sea level to a high point of 4,714 feet on Mount Osborn. Flood plains systems are common but generally narrow. The MLRA 241X watershed drains into Kotzebue Sound and the Chukchi Sea to the north and the Bering Sea to the West. Major rivers include the Buckland, Kiwalik, Serpentine, Agiapuk-American, Kougarok, and Kuzitrin Rivers. The area is mostly undeveloped wild land that is sparsely populated. Residents use this remote area primarily for subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering. The largest communities in this predominantly inland MLRA are along the coast and include Teller and Brevig Mission. Reindeer herding is a profitable enterprise and many areas of this MRLA are used for reindeer graze and subsistence activities. Parts of this MLRA were mined for gold during the Nome gold rush. Several mines still operate within this boundary (USDA, 2022). Federally managed lands in this MLRA include parts of the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge and parts of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.
Geology and Soils
MLRA 241X was mostly unglaciated during the late Pleistocene. Glaciers were present during the middle and early Pleistocene in scattered areas such as the York Mountains in the west, the Kiglauik Mountains to the south, and the Upper Kiwalik River drainage. The present-day landscape is mantled with loess, colluvium, and slope alluvium (USDA, 2022). Modified glacial moraines are evident in areas of past glacial activity. Bedrock material is a mix of rock types, with areas of sedimentary, volcanic and igneous throughout the MLRA. Bedrock is at or near the surface in most upland areas of this MLRA, which is reflected in soil development and vegetative patterns.
This MLRA is in the zone of continuous permafrost. Frozen soils are common across the landscape, though may be absent from high energy systems on floodplains, around lakes and on gravelly, well drained soils. Permafrost is generally shallow to moderately deep (10 to 40 inches) that results in a restrictive layer that perches water and creates poorly to very poorly drained soils. Alongside these permafrost soils (Gelisols), other common soil orders include soils with little to no development in the Entisol and Inceptisol orders. Periglacial features are common and include solifluction lobes, polygonal ground, and thermokarst pits (USDA, 2022). Non-soil areas (rock outcrop, riverwash, and surface water) make up approximated five percent of the MLRA surface.
Climate
Climate is predominantly continental arctic, with brief, cool summers and long, cold winters. Maritime conditions, where summer temperatures are moderated by the proximity to open water, persist through the summer along the Bering Sea coast. Mean annual precipitation is 10 to 15 inches in the north and west, increasing to 20 to 40 inches in the mountainous areas in the south and east (USDA, 2022). Mean annual temperatures ranges from 20 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit (PRISM, 2018; SNAP, 2014).
Vegetation
Vegetation is mainly influenced by climate, site, and soil characteristics such as temperature-degree days, elevation, exposure to wind, soil depth, and soil hydrology. Dwarf scrublands are present across most of the upland, with vegetation further restricted on shallow soils. Lower elevations generally support more developed soils, and host willow-sedge scrublands, mixed ericaceous shrub scrublands, and herbaceous graminoid meadows. Tussock tundra is ubiquitous across much of the poorly drained, low-sloped landforms across the MRLA. Wetland communities dominate in closed depressions and drainages (USDA, 2022).LRU notes
There are currently no Land Resource Areas (LRUs) delineated or described in MLRA 241X. There is potential for two or more LRUs along a climatic break between the lowlands and low-elevation hills of the north and west, and the higher, mountainous regions more prevalent in the south and east. However, vegetation and land management may not differ between these areas, as soils and vegetation are already restricted by cold annual temperatures even at low elevations.
Classification relationships
Alaska Vegetation Classification:
Open tall scrub (II.B.2 - level III) / Open alder (II.B.2.d – level IV)
(Viereck et al., 1992)
BioPhysical Settings: 6816380 – Alaska Arctic Mesic Alder
(LANDFIRE, 2009)
Seward Rangesites
22 – Tall Shrub (hillside)
(SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985)Ecological site concept
Ecological Site characteristics:
• Associated with tall scrublands on arctic mountain and hill slopes
• The reference plant community is a mixed alder and willow scrubland with forbs and graminoids in the understory
• There is no recorded unique post-disturbance community
• Soils are weakly developed with a high volume of subsurface rock fragmentsAssociated sites
R241XY111AK Alpine Sedge-Scrub Frozen Loamy Slopes
R241XY111AK describes sedge communities on frozen soils of upper mountain slopes. These areas are cooler and do not support tall shrubs.
R241XY117AK Alpine Dwarf Scrub Gravelly Summits
R241XY117AK describes alpine upper mountain slopes and summits. Exposure and a shortened growing season support a dwarf scrub ecological site.
R241XY119AK Alpine Scrub-Tussock Frozen Silty Slopes
R241XY119AK describes the sedge-scrub community on wet, permafrost soils. This community can be upslope in mountain saddles, and downslope on footslopes and toeslopes.
Similar sites
R241XY160AK Arctic Scrub Riparian Complex
Both support a mixed alder and willow scrubland in the reference state. This ecological site is on river valley flood plains and undergoes flooding.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Alnus viridis ssp. crispa
(2) Salix pulchraHerbaceous (1) Calamagrostis canadensis
Physiographic features
This ecological site occurs on arctic mountain slopes. Elevation typically ranges from 100 to 1,000 feet above sea level but can extend higher on south-facing slopes. Slope gradients are moderate to very steep (12 to 55 percent) and this ecological site occurs on all aspects. Flooding and ponding do not occur. A moderately deep to very deep water table is present throughout the year.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Slope shape across (1) Linear
(2) Convex
Slope shape up-down (1) Linear
(2) Convex
Landforms (1) Mountains > Mountain
Runoff class Medium to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 100 – 1000 ft Slope 12 – 55 % Water table depth 39 – 60 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class Not specified Flooding frequency Not specified Ponding frequency Not specified Elevation 0 ft Slope 0 % Water table depth 0 – 60 in Climatic features
The Arctic climate of this ecological site includes short, cool growing seasons and long, cold winters. Mean annual temperature at sea level is about 22 degrees Fahrenheit in the coastal village of Wales. Approximately 35 percent of total precipitation occurs during the growing season months of June through August. Across the MLRA, snowfall ranges from 40 to 100 inches (USDA-NRCS, 2022).
Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 60-90 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 50-80 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 50-90 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 40-80 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 80 days Freeze-free period (average) 70 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not associated with or influenced by discrete water features. Precipitation and throughflow are the main water sources. Evidence of ground discharge may be present. Surface runoff and throughflow contribute water to downslope ecological sites.
Wetland description
This ecological site may be classified as a slope wetland under the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system (Smith et al. 1995; USDA-NRCS 2008). Vegetation may appear more hydrophytic on slopes where ground water discharge occurs. A water table is present throughout the year.
Soil features
Soils are poorly developed Inceptisols formed in gravelly colluvium. Rock fragments are uncommon on the surface but make up one-third to two-third of subsurface soil volume. These are primarily mineral soils with a thin, six-inch organic cap. Soils are very deep. Soil pH is extremely to moderately acidic. Soils are well drained.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Colluvium
Surface texture (1) Gravelly very fine sandy loam
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate Depth to restrictive layer 60 – 0 in Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.3 – 3.9 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)4.4 – 6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)38 – 56 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)0 – 11 % Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Poorly drained to well drained Permeability class Not specified Depth to restrictive layer 3 – 60 in Soil depth 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)0 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)0 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)0 % Ecological dynamics
The Seward Peninsula Highlands (MLRA 241X) is in the arctic where the harsh climate limits the composition and structure of plant communities. This area has cool, short summers and long, cold winters. Limited warmth during the short growing season inhibits trees from occurring. Both lowland and upland landscapes are a mix of shrubs, graminoids, forbs, mosses, and lichens. Cold temperatures limit the vertical structure of shrubs and other functional groups (Raynolds et al., 2006). The exception is microclimates where accumulated snow protects vegetation from harsh winds and insulates soils.
This ecological site describes tall shrub mountain slopes. Site and soil conditions result in one community that is relatively stable, changing little over time. Air and soil temperatures are warm enough during the growing season to support tall alder and willow.
There is no alternate state in this ecological site. Of note, increased annual temperatures during the growing season facilitate the spread of alder into other ecological sites that have not historically supported alder (Lara et al., 2018; Salmon et al., 2019). The causes and effects of this “greening” are still being studied and are not represented by any ecological site descriptions in MLRA 241X.
The information in this Ecological Dynamics section, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on professional experience and a review of available scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.State and transition model
More 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 1
Reference StateThis reference state is developed and characterized using available vegetation models, most notably United States Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service range surveys (SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985).
The reference state describes one distinct vegetative community on loamy-skeletal footslopes. Fire studies do not exist for this community type. However, alder is known to resprout directly after fire disturbance, and the fire-return interval is hypothesized to be very long (Landfire, 2009). This ecological site is found primarily at lower elevations at warmer southerly and westerly aspects.
There is no indication of an alternate grazing state on this site. Targeted data collection may be able to address whether grazing or browsing in the reference state result in an alternate state.Dominant plant species
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mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), shrub
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tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
Community 1.1
Alnus viridis ssp. crispa - Salix pulchra / Calamagrostis canadensisThis community is a closed, tall scrubland (Viereck et al., 1992). The major plant groups are tall shrubs, medium shrubs, and tall graminoids (Swanson et al., 1985). This community is found at lower elevations on southern to western aspects. Plant height is not restricted by exposure or low temperatures. Non-vascular ground cover is primarily herbaceous litter, with a mix of mosses, lichens and surface rock fragments.
Tabular data for this community is from the 1984 Seward range site publication (SCS, 1984), with supplemental information from Swanson et al. (1985).
Forest understory. Live lichen and moss annual production cannot be measured accurately due to a lack of information on growth rates and/or slow annual growth rates. Lichen and moss biomass data below refers to total biomass, while vascular plants biomass refers to annual production.
Dominant plant species
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mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), shrub
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tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub
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grayleaf willow (Salix glauca), shrub
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beauverd spirea (Spiraea stevenii), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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woodfern (Dryopteris), other herbaceous
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field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
Figure 7. 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)Shrub/Vine 2530 3025 3520 Moss 450 900 1420 Grass/Grasslike 140 170 195 Forb 140 170 195 Lichen 10 30 50 Total 3270 4295 5380 Table 8. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 30-50% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-10% Forb foliar cover 10-30% Non-vascular plants 10-30% Biological crusts 0% Litter 50-80% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0% Water 0-10% Bare ground 0-10% Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Undefined1 Vascular Plants 2810–3910 Shrub/Vine2 Shrub 2530–3520 mountain alder ALVIC Alnus viridis ssp. crispa 1985–2765 – tealeaf willow SAPU15 Salix pulchra 275–380 – grayleaf willow SAGL Salix glauca 90–125 – feltleaf willow SAAL Salix alaxensis 50–70 – bog blueberry VAUL Vaccinium uliginosum 50–70 – beauverd spirea SPST3 Spiraea stevenii 50–65 – black crowberry EMNI Empetrum nigrum 25–35 – dwarf birch BENA Betula nana 15–25 – littletree willow SAAR3 Salix arbusculoides 10–15 – netleaf willow SARE2 Salix reticulata 10–15 – Kamchatka rhododendron RHCA5 Rhododendron camtschaticum 6–8 – prickly rose ROAC Rosa acicularis 3–4 – marsh Labrador tea LEPAD Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens 3–4 – Richardson's willow SARI4 Salix richardsonii 3–4 – eightpetal mountain-avens DROC Dryas octopetala 3–4 – lingonberry VAVI Vaccinium vitis-idaea 3–4 – alpine bearberry ARAL2 Arctostaphylos alpina 3–4 – white arctic mountain heather CATE11 Cassiope tetragona 0–1 – bog rosemary ANPO Andromeda polifolia 0–1 – shrubby cinquefoil DAFR6 Dasiphora fruticosa 0–1 – Grass/Grasslike3 Grass/Grasslike 140–195 bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 5–145 – Bigelow's sedge CABI5 Carex bigelowii 1–20 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–4 – Altai fescue FEAL Festuca altaica 0–4 – wideleaf polargrass ARLA2 Arctagrostis latifolia 0–4 – alpine sweetgrass ANMOA3 Anthoxanthum monticola ssp. alpinum 0–1 – glaucous bluegrass POGL Poa glauca 0–1 – Ramensk's sedge CARA4 Carex ramenskii 0–1 – oatgrass DANTH Danthonia 0–1 – Forb4 Forb 140–195 spreading woodfern DREX2 Dryopteris expansa 20–25 – field horsetail EQAR Equisetum arvense 15–25 – arctic raspberry RUAR Rubus arcticus 8–12 – tall bluebells MEPA Mertensia paniculata 8–12 – arctic sweet coltsfoot PEFR5 Petasites frigidus 8–12 – roseroot stonecrop RHRO3 Rhodiola rosea 6–8 – cloudberry RUCH Rubus chamaemorus 6–8 – tall Jacob's-ladder POAC Polemonium acutiflorum 3–4 – largeflowered wintergreen PYGR Pyrola grandiflora 3–4 – fireweed CHAN9 Chamerion angustifolium 3–4 – threepetal bedstraw GATR2 Galium trifidum 3–4 – western oakfern GYDR Gymnocarpium dryopteris 3–4 – boreal sagebrush ARAR9 Artemisia arctica 3–4 – Tilesius' wormwood ARTI Artemisia tilesii 0–1 – Texas grama BORI Bouteloua rigidiseta 0–1 – western arctic shootingstar DOFR Dodecatheon frigidum 0–1 – Colorado larkspur DEAL Delphinium alpestre 0–1 – Scottish licorice-root LISC3 Ligusticum scoticum 0–1 – twinflower LIBO3 Linnaea borealis 0–1 – dwarf fireweed CHLA13 Chamerion latifolium 0–1 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–1 – snowline wintergreen PYMI Pyrola minor 0–1 – Rocky Mountain goldenrod SOMU Solidago multiradiata 0–1 – starwort STELL Stellaria 0–1 – arctic starflower TREU Trientalis europaea 0–1 – captiate valerian VACA3 Valeriana capitata 0–1 – arctic dock RUAR6 Rumex arcticus 0–1 – Lichen5 Live lichen biomass 10–50 Lichen 2LICHN Lichen 6–31 – reindeer lichen CLAR60 Cladina arbuscula 1–7 – greygreen reindeer lichen CLRA60 Cladina rangiferina 1–7 – cup lichen CLGR13 Cladonia gracilis 1–5 – Moss6 Moss / Clubmoss biomass 450–1420 Interpretations
Animal community
This site tends to consist of alders that are too tall to be within reach of mammals and too dense to permit growth of a productive herbaceous or shrubby understory. As a result, this site provides little, other than alder, as food (small amounts of willow may contribute forage also); and the most desirable portions of the alders, namely buds, seeds, and leaves, are beyond the reach of most mammals. Moose, however, may use this site for cover when feeding in adjacent shrublands or tundra, and also for food if alders are within reach or willows are available. In winter, packed snow may permit moose, caribou, snowshoe hare, and other browsers to reach branches otherwise out of their reach; and at this time, food and cover provided by this site may become important. But, for the most part, few wildlife species will spend much time in this relatively "barren" habitat because more suitable habitats are provided in other ecosites. The exceptions to this general rule are varied thrushes, which appear to select this site because of their dense cover, and redpolls, which feed extensively on alder seeds. In addition, some birds common in other nearby shrublands may use this site occasionally, particularly for song posts or perches.
Recreational uses
This site has potential for wildlife observation and hunting because it is very valuable as moose habitat. Trapping for lynx and wolverine is good on this site. Fishing in nearby streams, photography and to a limited extent, berry picking are potential activities on this site.
Wood products
No wood products available from this site.
Other products
Grazing
This site is a poor spring range, good summer range, and good fall range. Low production of desirable forage species does not make this a high value grazing site. The dense alder thicket makes herding impossible and provides cover for predators.Other information
These interpretive narratives were developed for USDA reports of range sites on the Seward Peninsula and appear here as written when originally published (SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985).
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Vegetative communities and transitions are described using existing models and expert knowledge. There are no vegetation inventory data points in NASIS associated with this ecological site. External data sources: The Alaska Vegetation Classification (Viereck et al., 1992) LANDFIRE Biophysical Settings Models (LANDFIRE, 2009) Ecological site descriptions of the Seward Peninsula (SCS, 1984). Range survey of the Seward Peninsula reindeer ranges (Swanson et al., 1985)
References
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Viereck, L.A., C. T. Dyrness, A. R. Batten, and K. J. Wenzlick. 1992. The Alaska vegetation classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station General Technical Report PNW-GTR-286..
Other references
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Wetlands Research Program, US Army Corp of Engineers. Technical Report WRP-DE-4.
Kautz, D.R., P. Taber, and S. Nield, editors. 2012. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of Alaska. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA–NRCS).
LANDFIRE. 2009. Biophysical Setting 6816380 – Alaska Arctic Mesic Alder. In: LANDFIRE Biophysical Setting Model: Map zone 68, [Online]. In: Vegetation Dynamics Models. In: LANDFIRE. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory; U.S. Geological Survey; Arlington, VA: The Nature Conservancy (Producers). Available: https://www.landfire.gov/national_veg_models_op2.php. Accessed Sept 24, 2024
Lara, M.J, I. Nitze, G. Grosse, P. Marting, and A. David McGuire. 2018. Reduced arctic tundra productivity linked with landform and climate change interactions. Scientific Reports. 8, 1-10. doi: 10.1038/S41598-018-20692-8
PRISM Climate Group. 2018. “Alaska – average monthly and annual precipitation and minimum, maximum, and mean temperature for the period 1981-2010.” Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. https://prism.oregonstate.edu/projects/alaska.php. Accessed Sept 17, 2024.
Raynolds, M.K., D.A. Walker and H.A Maier. 2006. Alaska Arctic Tundra Vegetation Map. Scale 1:4,000,000. Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Map No. 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska.
Salmon, V.G, A.L. Breen, J. Kumar, M.J. Lara, P.E. Thornton, S.D. Wullschleger, and C.M. Iversen. 2019. Alder Distribution and Expansion Across a Tundra Hillslope: Implications for Local N Cycling. Frontiers in Plant Science. 10:1099. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01099
Scenarios network for Alaska and arctic planning (SNAP). 2014. “Historical Monthly Temperature – 1km, 1901-2009”. http://ckan.snap.uaf.edu/dataset/. Accessed Sept 17, 2024.
Scenarios network for Alaska and arctic planning (SNAP). 2014. “Historical monthly and derived precipitation products downscaled from CRU TS data via the delta methods – 2km, 1901-2009”. http://ckan.snap.uaf.edu/dataset/. Accessed Sept 17, 2024.
SCS (Soil Conservation Service). 1984. Ecological site descriptions, Seward Peninsula. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Alaska Field Office, Anchorage.
Swanson, J.D., M. Schuman, and P.C. Scorup. 1985. Range survey of the Seward Peninsula reindeer ranges, Alaska. US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2008. Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classification System: an overview and modification to better meet the needs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Technical Note No 190-8-76.
Western Regional Climate Center. 2021. Climate of Alaska. Retrieved from https://wrcc.dri.edu/Climate/narrative_ak.php. Accessed November 15, 2024.Contributors
Phil Barber
Blaine Spellman
Marji Patz
Stephanie Schmit
Karin SonnenApproval
Blaine Spellman, 5/29/2025
Acknowledgments
The described soil – ecological site correlations described in this document were reviewed during a February 2024 Provisional Ecological Site workshop in Wasilla, AK. Many thanks are given to the NRCS staff who have provided feedback regarding the MLRA 241X ecological site key and ESDs delivered under the PES national initiative. This ecological site description (ESD) fulfills the requirements of the Provisional Ecological Site (PES) national initiative. This ESD is published to fit current site-soil correlations as they are currently mapped and understood. Further data collection may provide the information to update this ESD from the provisional level to the approved level.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 10/28/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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