Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R241XY160AK
Arctic Scrub Riparian Complex
Last updated: 5/29/2025
Accessed: 10/07/2026
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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:
Closed tall scrub (II.B.1 - level III) / Willow (II.B.1.a – level IV)
(Viereck et al., 1992)
BioPhysical Settings: 6817150 – Alaska Arctic Floodplain
(LANDFIRE biophysical settings, 2009)
Seward Rangesites
20 – Tall Shrub flood plain
(SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985)Ecological site concept
Ecological Site characteristics:
• Describes the riparian complex of vegetative communities along the flood plain gradient
• Flooding is the major disturbance associated with this ecological site
• Rarely flooded areas like high floodplains have siltier soil profiles that are wet and frozen. Frequently flooded areas like point bars and low floodplains have comparatively much more sandy and gravelly soils that are dry and unfrozen.
• The reference plant community is a mixed willow and alder scrubland with forbs and graminoids in the understory. Flood regime results in two plant communities within the reference state.Associated sites
R241XY163AK Arctic Scrub-Tussock Silty Stream Terrace
R241XY163AK describes scrub-tussock tundra terraces. Soils are very poorly drained and are susceptible to ponding during the growing season.
Similar sites
R241XY163AK Arctic Scrub-Tussock Silty Stream Terrace
Community 1.2 in this ecological site is similar to R241XY163AK. Both are in river valleys. Terrace sites do not undergo flooding and generally support wetter, permafrost-rich soils which is reflected in the vegetation.
R241XY118AK Arctic Tall Scrub Loamy Slopes
Ecological site R241XY118AK describes willow scrubland on mesic to wet mountain backslopes. The vegetation is similar, but the underlying soils and prospective management for each site are different.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Alnus
(2) Salix pulchraHerbaceous (1) Calamagrostis canadensis
(2) Equisetum arvensePhysiographic features
This ecological site occurs on river valley flood plains. Elevation ranges from 10 to 700 feet above sea level. Slope gradients are nearly level (0 to 2 percent), and this site occurs on all aspects. Areas proximal to the river flood more frequently and with greater energy than distal locations. Ponding does not occur. A shallow to moderately deep water table is present during the growing season along a gradient from areas proximal to distal from the flood source.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Slope shape across (1) Linear
Slope shape up-down (1) Linear
Landforms (1) River valley > Flood plain
(2) River valley > Flood plain
(3) River valley > Flood plain
(4) River valley > Flood plain
Runoff class Negligible to very low Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Occasional to frequent Ponding frequency None Elevation 10 – 700 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 0 – 20 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class Not specified Flooding duration Not specified Flooding frequency None to frequent Ponding frequency Not specified Elevation 0 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 ecological site is influenced by riparian water features. Precipitation and seasonal snow melt are the main sources of water. This site is usually unbraided but may braid in high energy locations.
Wetland description
This ecological site is classified as a riverine wetland under the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system (Brinson, 1993; USDA-NRCS 2008). In the associated flood plains, overbank flow from the channel and subsurface hydraulic connections between the stream and adjacent wetlands are the main sources of water (Brinson, 1993). <br />
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Depth to the water table may decrease during peak snow melt and following summer storm events and increase during extended dry periods.Soil features
Soils formed in stratified sandy, silty and gravelly alluvium. Rock fragments on the soil surface are common though often in low amounts. These are mineral soils without an organic cap. The surface mineral horizon typically has minimal rock fragments. Soils are very deep. High floodplains and similar areas with less frequent flooding have permafrost at shallow to moderate depth. Point bars and low floodplains with more frequent flooding lack permafrost in the soil profile. Soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral. Soil wetness varies by time of year and location, and drainage likewise ranges from moderately well drained to poorly drained, often depending on the presence of permafrost.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
(2) Organic material
(3) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Mucky fine sandy loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Sandy loam
Drainage class Poorly drained to moderately well drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 9 – 33 in Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 5 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)5.9 – 7.1 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 7.2 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)0 – 5 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)0 – 5 % Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Not specified Permeability class Not specified Depth to restrictive layer 1 – 35 in Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 5 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)0 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)0 – 53 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)0 – 29 % 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. These microclimates allow for shrubs to grow much taller and occur on landforms such as flood plains.
This ecological site describes the floodplain riparian complex. Local site factors such as relative site elevation, soil characteristics, and flood energy support two communities. The reference plant community is a willow scrubland. Areas that undergo high energy flooding are typically proximal to the flood source. These areas typically support community 1.1. Community 1.2 typically develops in areas away from the flood source, where permafrost is nearer the surface.
Spatial and temporal patterns in soil and site hydrology create two flood plain communities. Depth to permafrost greatly influences vegetation. The presence of water close to a flood source supports unfrozen talik. Additionally, a high volume of subsurface rock fragments, which transfer and store heat in the soil, is also prohibitive towards permafrost. Both conditions are common in community 1.1.
River channel migration across this site is a major disturbance (Landfire, 2009). This action affects site hydrology and can shift one community to the another. This change is generally slow. Channel movement cuts and erodes existing banks while simultaneously depositing sediments on new bars.
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 - Increase in flood energy 1.2A - Decrease in flooding energy, decrease in depth to permafrost 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 across the flood plain complex. Flooding energy and depth to permafrost appear to be the major factors influencing vegetation, though other factors may be of concern.Dominant plant species
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tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub
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feltleaf willow (Salix alaxensis), shrub
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grayleaf willow (Salix glauca), shrub
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mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
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tall bluebells (Mertensia paniculata), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Salix pulchra - Salix alaxensis - Alnus spp. / Calamagrostis canadensisThis community is a tall shrub scrubland (Viereck et al., 1992). The major plant groups are tall shrubs, medium shrubs, tall graminoids, and medium forbs (Swanson et al., 1985). This community supports a mix of alder and willow species in the canopy. The shaded understory is comprised of bluejoint, horsetails, mosses, and lichens. Ground cover is predominantly herbaceous litter but also contains mosses and lichens.
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. 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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tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub
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feltleaf willow (Salix alaxensis), shrub
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grayleaf willow (Salix glauca), shrub
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mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), shrub
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
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tall bluebells (Mertensia paniculata), 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 2060 2500 2930 Moss 1400 1490 1665 Grass/Grasslike 115 140 160 Forb 115 140 160 Lichen 0 5 10 Total 3690 4275 4925 Table 8. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 30-50% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-10% Forb basal cover 10-30% Non-vascular plants 10-20% Biological crusts 0% Litter 50-80% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Community 1.2
Salix pulchra - Betula spp. / Carex bigelowiiThis community is a low shrub scrubland (Viereck et al., 1992). The major plant groups are low shrubs, medium shrubs, tall graminoids, and medium forbs (Swanson et al., 1985). This community supports a mix of willow and ericaceous species in the canopy. Open areas and the understory include bluejoint, horsetails, mosses, and lichens. Ground cover is predominantly herbaceous litter but also contains mosses and lichens.
Dominant plant species
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tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub
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willow (Salix), shrub
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Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), grass
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sedge (Carex), grass
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bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass
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water sedge (Carex aquatilis), grass
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field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), other herbaceous
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tall bluebells (Mertensia paniculata), other herbaceous
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northern bedstraw (Galium boreale), other herbaceous
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 10-30% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-30% Forb basal cover 10-10% Non-vascular plants 10-30% Biological crusts 0% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0-10% Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Flooding is the major disturbance in this ecological site. It is a frequent occurrence in community 1.1. A talik of unfrozen soil is supported by the continual presence of unfrozen water that occurs near rivers. When flooding energy decreases due to decreased flow or a shift in the river channel, the organic mat thickens. This causes permafrost to form or rise in the soil profile. Soil becomes more poorly drained and permafrost becomes a root-restrictive layer (SCS, 1984).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Flooding is the major disturbance in this ecological site. Flooding is responsible for determining the depth to permafrost, which influences the vegetative community. Deeper rooting willows are able to colonize. Additionally, scouring creates opportunities for seed dispersal and colonization. Fast growing herbaceous species flourish.
Additional community tables
Table 10. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Undefined1 Vascular Plants 2290–3260 Shrub/Vine2 Shrub 2060–2930 tealeaf willow SAPU15 Salix pulchra 540–770 – feltleaf willow SAAL Salix alaxensis 535–765 – mountain alder ALVIC Alnus viridis ssp. crispa 290–415 – Richardson's willow SARI4 Salix richardsonii 260–370 – grayleaf willow SAGL Salix glauca 215–305 – bog blueberry VAUL Vaccinium uliginosum 55–80 – shrubby cinquefoil DAFR6 Dasiphora fruticosa 35–50 – red fruit bearberry ARRU Arctostaphylos rubra 15–25 – dwarf birch BENA Betula nana 7–10 – littletree willow SAAR3 Salix arbusculoides 5–7 – blueberry willow SAMY Salix myrtillifolia 5–7 – halberd willow SAHA Salix hastata 2–3 – Alaska bog willow SAFU Salix fuscescens 2–3 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 2–3 – beauverd spirea SPST3 Spiraea stevenii 2–3 – prickly rose ROAC Rosa acicularis 0–1 – black crowberry EMNI Empetrum nigrum 0–1 – marsh Labrador tea LEPAD Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens 0–1 – lingonberry VAVI Vaccinium vitis-idaea 0–1 – russet buffaloberry SHCA Shepherdia canadensis 0–1 – Grass/Grasslike3 Grass/Grasslike 115–160 bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 135–195 – wideleaf polargrass ARLA2 Arctagrostis latifolia 15–25 – water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis 2–3 – Bigelow's sedge CABI5 Carex bigelowii 2–3 – Ramensk's sedge CARA4 Carex ramenskii 2–3 – Altai fescue FEAL Festuca altaica 2–3 – bluegrass POA Poa 2–3 – red fescue FERU2 Festuca rubra 0–1 – alpine sweetgrass ANMOA3 Anthoxanthum monticola ssp. alpinum 0–1 – Pumpelly's brome BRINP5 Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus var. pumpellianus 0–1 – Forb4 Forb 115–160 field horsetail EQAR Equisetum arvense 65–95 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 20–25 – tall bluebells MEPA Mertensia paniculata 20–25 – arctic sweet coltsfoot PEFR5 Petasites frigidus 9–13 – arctic raspberry RUAR Rubus arcticus 9–13 – cloudberry RUCH Rubus chamaemorus 9–13 – tall Jacob's-ladder POAC Polemonium acutiflorum 5–7 – largeflowered wintergreen PYGR Pyrola grandiflora 2–3 – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus 2–3 – alpine sweetvetch HEAL Hedysarum alpinum 2–3 – Rocky Mountain goldenrod SOMU Solidago multiradiata 2–3 – arctic starflower TREU Trientalis europaea 2–3 – fireweed CHAN9 Chamerion angustifolium 2–3 – dwarf fireweed CHLA13 Chamerion latifolium 0–1 – gentian GENTI Gentiana 0–1 – scouringrush horsetail EQHY Equisetum hyemale 0–1 – variegated scouringrush EQVA Equisetum variegatum 0–1 – larkspurleaf monkshood ACDE2 Aconitum delphiniifolium 0–1 – seacoast angelica ANLU Angelica lucida 0–1 – Tilesius' wormwood ARTI Artemisia tilesii 0–1 – arctic aster EUSI13 Eurybia sibirica 0–1 – daisy CHRYS2 Chrysanthemum 0–1 – captiate valerian VACA3 Valeriana capitata 0–1 – Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 2FORB Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 0–1 – starwort STELL Stellaria 0–1 – fleshy starwort STCR Stellaria crassifolia 0–1 – heartleaf saxifrage SANEN Saxifraga nelsoniana ssp. nelsoniana 0–1 – roseroot stonecrop RHRO3 Rhodiola rosea 0–1 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–1 – beachhead iris IRSE Iris setosa 0–1 – Jacob's-ladder POLEM Polemonium 0–1 – alpine bistort POVI3 Polygonum viviparum 0–1 – purple marshlocks COPA28 Comarum palustre 0–1 – Lichen5 Live lichen biomass 0–10 cetraria lichen CETRA2 Cetraria 0–10 – Moss6 Moss/Clubmoss biomass 1400–1665 Table 11. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Table 12. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Undefined1 Vascular Plants (all) 660–1280 Lichen2 Live lichen biomass 40–160 Moss3 Moss/Clubmoss biomass 2210–3250 Interpretations
Animal community
Tall shrub sites in floodplains can be of high value to wildlife, particularly if they are
dominated by willow species. Five attributes enhance the potential wildlife values of this
site: 1) floodplain soils tend to be well-drained, and may be enriched by deposits from
periodic flooding: 2) the lower elevations at which this site occurs tend to experience
relatively lower snowfalls and milder climates than upland sites; 3) proximity of open
water is important to many wildlife species; 4) tall shrubs generally protrude ·above
winter snows, and hence can provide winter forage and cover as well as summer; and
5) this site tends to be narrow and linear and bordered by other ecosites, most commonly
shorter shrublands or, less often, forests. As a result, it can provide food to species
preferring neighboring sites for cover, or cover to species using neighboring sites for
food. (This intermixing of ecosites, which often enhances the wildlife value of all types
intermixed. is called "interspersion.") Tall shrub sites supporting relatively dense stands
of alder, however, are used by fewer kinds of wildlife than those dominated by willow
because they tend to have a poorly developed understory of shorter herbs and shrubs
(lower primary productivity) and because fewer wildlife species prefer alder forage.
Mammals commonly found in this site include species that are primarily riparian, such
as river otter, mink, beaver, and muskrat; species that use riparian areas seasonally, such
as moose, black and brown bear, and species that use tall or medium shrublands
regardless of proximity to water, e.g., snowshoe hare, red fox, lynx, ermine, and least
weasel. Similar categories of birds also use this site. Riparian species include blackpoll
warblers, gray-cheeked thrushes, orange-crowned and yellow warblers, northern shrikes,
and northern waterthrushes; shrubland species include willow ptarmigan and redpolls.
A variety of ground-nesting birds may also use this site, including pintail ducks, and
white-crowned and savannah sparrows. Because this site provides winter forage, it may
be critical to certain species as snows accumulate. Moose, in particular, are known to
depend heavily on tall shrub riparian areas during winter. The denser the willow shrubs
they support, the more effective this site will be in providing winter food and cover to
moose and other wildlife present during winter (See Table 1).Recreational uses
This site is excellent for wildlife observation because of the diversity of vegetation and
accessibility to the site. Hunting (bear, muskox, moose, wolverine, and lynx), trapping,
and fishing are excellent; generally, this site is near char and grayling streams and in the
larger rivers, river chum salmon migrate. Boating, picnicing, gold panning, photography
and sightseeing, especially where abandoned gold dredges are found, are a few of the
potential recreational activities on this site.Other products
Grazing
This site is a fair spring range, and a supreme summer and fall range. Associated
windswept gravel bars and beaches can provide some insect relief to grazing reindeer.
Willows (Salix spp.) can provide high quality forage during the summer months. Dense
shrub cover makes herding difficult during the summer months.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 Biophysical Settings, 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.
Jorgensen, T., and D. Meidinger. 2015. The Alaska Yukon Region of the Circumboreal Vegetation Map (CBVM). CAFF Strategies Series Report. Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna, Akureyri, Iceland. ISBN: 978-9935-431-48-6.
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 6817150 – Alaska Arctic Floodplain. 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.
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. 2024. “Kodiak WSO Airport, Alaska ‘Freeze Free’ Season Probabilities.” https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliTFrezD.pl?akkodi. Accessed Sept 19, 2024.Contributors
Phil Barber
Blaine Spellman
Marji Patz
Steph Schmit
Karin Sonnen
Michael SingerApproval
Blaine Spellman, 5/29/2025
Acknowledgments
The described soil – ecological site correlations in this document were reviewed by a workshop team 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 10/07/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
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:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
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:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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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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