Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R241XY130AK
Arctic Scrub Loamy Warm Hillslopes
Last updated: 5/29/2025
Accessed: 10/09/2026
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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 low scrub (II.C.2 - level III) / Shrub birch thicket (II.C.2.a – level IV)
(Viereck et al., 1992)
BioPhysical Settings: 6816822 – Alaska Arctic Scrub Birch – Ericaceous Shrub
(LANDFIRE, 2009)
Seward Rangesites
35A – Shrub birch (Hillside)
(SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985)Ecological site concept
Ecological Site characteristics:
• Associated with a productive closed shrubland on valley plains and hill slopes.
• Soils are poorly developed Inceptisols evidenced by a shallow cambic horizon
• Permafrost is absent but a shallow strongly contrasting textural stratification is present
• Fire is the major disturbance on site and is responsible for one post-disturbance community
• The reference plant community is a birch-ericaceous shrubland with graminoids and sparse forbs throughoutAssociated sites
R241XY134AK Arctic Scrub Loamy Hillslopes
R241XY134AK describes open, low scrublands mountains, hills, and plains. Annual temperatures are cooler, average shrub height is lower, and community production is expected to be less than that of R241XY130AK.
R241XY131AK Arctic Tussock Loamy Frozen Slopes
R241XY131AK describes the tussock tundra on plains and hills with wet, permafrost soils.
Similar sites
R241XY134AK Arctic Scrub Loamy Hillslopes
R241XY134AK describes open, low scrublands on colder hill and plain slopes. Shrub height is on average lower, and community production is expected to be less than that of R241XY130AK.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Betula glandulosa
(2) Betula nanaHerbaceous (1) Carex bigelowii
(2) Calamagrostis canadensisPhysiographic features
This ecological site occurs on hill slopes and plains in broad valley landscapes in the arctic climatic zone. Elevation typically ranges from 100 to 1,000 feet above sea level, though may extend higher on warmer aspects. Slope gradients are strongly sloped (4 to 20 percent) and this site occurs at all aspects. A deep-water table is present throughout the year.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Slope shape across (1) Convex
Slope shape up-down (1) Linear
Geomorphic position, hills (1) Base Slope
(2) Side Slope
Landforms (1) Valley > Plain
(2) Valley > Hill
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 100 – 1000 ft Slope 4 – 20 % 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 100 – 2000 ft Slope 0 % Water table depth 0 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 site is not associated with or influenced by streams or wetlands. Precipitation and throughflow are the main source of water for this ecological site. Surface runoff and throughflow contribute water to downslope ecological sites.
Wetland description
This ecological site is not associated with wetlands.
Soil features
Soils are dry Inceptisols formed in eolian over gravelly till (Soil Survey Staff, 2013). Rock fragments on the soil surface are rare. Soils have a thin three-inch organic cap above the mineral soil. Soils are very deep, but a shallow contrasting textural stratification is present. Subsurface rock fragment volume is moderate (35 to 45 percent). Soil pH varies in the soil profile from extremely to slightly acidic. Soils are well drained, but water is available due to a deep water table (39 to 60 inches) during the growing season.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Till
(2) Eolian deposits
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 2 – 6 in Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 1 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.8 – 2.6 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)4.3 – 7 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)35 – 39 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)2 – 5 % 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. Ordinarily, cold temperatures limit the vertical structure of shrubs and other functional groups (Raynolds et al., 2006). However, warmer slopes do support taller shrubs.
This ecological site describes a closed shrubland on valley plains and hillslopes. Slope convexity and poorly developed soils support birch and ericaceous shrubs in the reference plant community. This ecological site is often downslope of a similar ecological site in the alpine. Temperatures are warmer and is recognized by taller shrub height, suspected higher plant annual production rates, and the inclusion of resin birch (Betula glandulosa), which is not present in the alpine.
Fire is the major disturbance on this ecological site. It is responsible for a unique post-disturbance community. Post-fire community composition depends on fire factors such as frequency and severity. Moderate fires may only burn surface vegetation, leaving extant species to resprout immediately from seed source and surviving root stock. A severe fire burns the organic layer and destroys part or all of the root stock. Post-fire vegetation consists of fast-growing herbaceous species.
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
1.1A - Fire 1.2A - Fire recovery 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 two distinct vegetative communities supported by a fire cycle regime. This ecological site is primarily found on warmer, southern aspects. Vegetation grows to taller heights than similar communities at colder aspects and higher elevations.
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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resin birch (Betula glandulosa), shrub
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dwarf birch (Betula nana), shrub
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bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), shrub
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black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), shrub
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marsh Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens), shrub
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lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), shrub
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Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), grass
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
Community 1.1
Betula glandulosum - Betula nana / Carex bigelowii - Calamagrostis canadensisThis community is a closed low scrubland (Viereck et al., 1992). Major plant groups are medium shrubs, low shrubs, and medium graminoids (Swanson et al., 1985). This community is comprised of birch and ericaceous shrubs. Average annual temperature is warmer than alpine sites. This, along with the absence of root-restricting permafrost, allow for taller vertical shrub growth forms. Ground cover is primarily mosses.
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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resin birch (Betula glandulosa), shrub
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dwarf birch (Betula nana), shrub
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bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), shrub
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black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), shrub
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lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), shrub
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marsh Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens), shrub
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Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), grass
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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(Flavocetraria cucullata), other herbaceous
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island cetraria lichen (Cetraria islandica), other herbaceous
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greygreen reindeer lichen (Cladina rangiferina), other herbaceous
Figure 7. 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)Moss 280 2890 7410 Shrub/Vine 610 730 850 Grass/Grasslike 70 85 100 Forb 35 45 50 Lichen 10 20 30 Total 1005 3770 8440 Table 7. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 50-80% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-10% Forb foliar cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 30-60% Biological crusts 0% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Community 1.2
Calamagrostis canadensis - Festuca altaica / Chamerion angustifoliumThis community has generally been burned within the last 5 years (Landfire, 2009). It is comprised of extant species present pre-burn, as well as fast-growing colonizing herbaceous species. Major plant groups are tall and medium graminoids, and medium and low forbs (Landfire, 2009). Ground cover varies based on burn severity and time since burn, but usually supports mosses, lichens, herbaceous litter, and water.
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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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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Altai fescue (Festuca altaica), grass
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fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), other herbaceous
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Fire is the major disturbance on this site, though poorly understood. Without fire, this site appears to be stable over time (Viereck et al., 1992). Even though susceptible to fire, the mean fire return intervals may range up to once per six hundred to one thousand years (Landfire, 2009). Fire effects on this site are dependent on fire severity and frequency. One effect is the creation of open areas where fast growing, herbaceous species colonize.
Key drivers
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Fire
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Fire recovery occurs regularly quickly, generally within five years (Landfire, 2009). Shrubs recolonize and spread from surviving rootstock or via seed.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Undefined1 Vascular Plants 720–1000 Shrub/Vine2 Shrub 610–850 resin birch BEGL Betula glandulosa 155–215 – dwarf birch BENA Betula nana 140–190 – bog blueberry VAUL Vaccinium uliginosum 135–190 – tealeaf willow SAPU15 Salix pulchra 60–85 – black crowberry EMNI Empetrum nigrum 20–30 – grayleaf willow SAGL Salix glauca 15–25 – Alaska bog willow SAFU Salix fuscescens 15–20 – lingonberry VAVI Vaccinium vitis-idaea 15–20 – beauverd spirea SPST3 Spiraea stevenii 10–15 – marsh Labrador tea LEPAD Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens 9–13 – shrubby cinquefoil DAFR6 Dasiphora fruticosa 6–9 – mountain alder ALVIC Alnus viridis ssp. crispa 4–5 – white arctic mountain heather CATE11 Cassiope tetragona 4–5 – entireleaf mountain-avens DRIN4 Dryas integrifolia 1–2 – bog rosemary ANPO Andromeda polifolia 1–2 – red fruit bearberry ARRU Arctostaphylos rubra 1 – netleaf willow SARE2 Salix reticulata 1 – Grass/Grasslike3 Grass/Grasslike 70–100 Bigelow's sedge CABI5 Carex bigelowii 55–80 – bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 20–25 – water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis 1–2 – tussock cottongrass ERVA4 Eriophorum vaginatum 1–2 – Altai fescue FEAL Festuca altaica 1–2 – arctic bluegrass POAR2 Poa arctica 1–2 – glaucous bluegrass POGL Poa glauca 1–2 – Forb4 Forb 35–50 boreal sagebrush ARAR9 Artemisia arctica 15–20 – field horsetail EQAR Equisetum arvense 5–7 – tall bluebells MEPA Mertensia paniculata 4–6 – arctic raspberry RUAR Rubus arcticus 4–5 – tall Jacob's-ladder POAC Polemonium acutiflorum 3–4 – cloudberry RUCH Rubus chamaemorus 2–3 – narrowleaf saw-wort SAAN3 Saussurea angustifolia 2–3 – roseroot stonecrop RHRO3 Rhodiola rosea 2–3 – wintergreen PYROL Pyrola 1–2 – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus 1–2 – licorice-root LIGUS Ligusticum 1–2 – arctic sweet coltsfoot PEFR5 Petasites frigidus 1–2 – lousewort PEDIC Pedicularis 1 – variegated scouringrush EQVA Equisetum variegatum 0–1 – sweetvetch HEDYS Hedysarum 1 – Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 2FORB Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 1 – dwarf fireweed CHLA13 Chamerion latifolium 0–1 – alpine bistort POVI3 Polygonum viviparum 0–1 – purple marshlocks COPA28 Comarum palustre 0–1 – arctic starflower TREU Trientalis europaea 1 – arctic dock RUAR6 Rumex arcticus 0–1 – Lichen5 Live lichen biomass 10–30 island cetraria lichen CEIS60 Cetraria islandica 3–8 – FLCU Flavocetraria cucullata 2–6 – reindeer lichen CLAR60 Cladina arbuscula 2–5 – greygreen reindeer lichen CLRA60 Cladina rangiferina 2–5 – cup lichen CLGR13 Cladonia gracilis 1–2 – Lichen 2LICHN Lichen 1–2 – arctic dactylina lichen DAAR60 Dactylina arctica 0–1 – Moss6 Moss/Clubmoss biomass 280–7410 Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
A variety of birds and mammals find food and cover in this site, particularly where the dense shrub-birch canopy opens enough to permit a well-developed understory of grasses, forbs, and low-growing shrubs. Shrub birch are a preferred moose browse; hence this site provides high-quality feeding areas for moose year-round, and may be particularly important in winter when herbaceous moose forage is buried by snow. Another shrub-associated species commonly found here is the willow ptarmigan, which feeds on leaves, twigs, buds, catkins, and berries, of the birch, willow, and blueberry species abundant in this site. Other shrub-dwelling birds are the arctic warbler and the common redpoll and where grass seed can be found, white crowned and gold crowned sparrows may appear. If the herbaceous understory in this site is relatively well developed, small rodents increase in number and diversity, including voles and lemmings. These feed primarily on herbaceous species while finding cover among the shrubs. Near mountain streams, this site may also support muskrat, beaver, mink, and least weasel. On drier sites, red fox and rough-legged hawk will be among the most common predators.
Recreational uses
This site provides excellent observation for wildlife. Hunting for moose and caribou and trapping for red fox have high value on this site. Blueberries, scattered with other berry-producing plants in the understory, can be found on this site for the berry picker. In nearby streams, fishing for grayling and panning for gold might also be potential activities.
Wood products
No wood products available from this site.
Other products
Grazing
This site is a poor spring, a good summer and a fair fall range. Dwarf arctic birch (Betula nana) and Alaska bog willow (Salix fuscescens) can provide high value forage during these seasons.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
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 Biophysical Settings. 2009. Biophysical Setting 6816822 – Alaska Arctic Scrub Birch – Ericaceous Shrub. 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
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.
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.
Soil Survey Staff. 2013. Simplified Guide to Soil Taxonomy. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
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
Steph Schmit
Karin Sonnen
Claire BentonApproval
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 10/09/2026 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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