Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Mesic, Xeric, Unglaciated, Loamy Hills and Canyons Ponderosa Pine/Shrub
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state is relatively stable with long fire intervals maintaining a mature stand of ponderosa pine over a host of shrubs. Pine regeneration after any type of disturbance creating understory gaps will be variable due to shrub competition. Western pine beetle kill and windfall will create snags and down wood.
Characteristics and indicators
Mature pine stand with canopy coverage from 40 – 60% allowing dense understory coverage of shrubs with snowberry the most abundant and ninebark on moister sites. Little or no pine regeneration present due to shrub competition. Fire return intervals could be 100+ years. With minimal disturbance this phase maintained for long periods.
Dominant plant species
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), shrub
mallow ninebark (Physocarpus malvaceus), shrub
Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), shrub
black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii), shrub
pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens), grass
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), grass
largeleaf sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla), grass
sweetcicely (Osmorhiza berteroi), grass
Submodel
Description
This state developed from past overgrazing or other disturbance and where Kentucky bluegrass and/or Canada bluegrass invaded from adjacent areas. Shrub coverage is low. A mature stand of pine usually exists.
Dominant plant species
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), grass
Submodel
Description
Much of this Ecological Site is located at lower elevations where humans (Native and European) settled. These areas were converted to homesteads, pastures, and cropland. In recent times urban expansion has converted these sites to housing developments, shopping malls, and/or business centers.
Submodel
Mechanism
Invasion of introduce cool season grasses from overgrazing or seeding.
Mechanism
Land converted to crop, pasture or urban land
Model keys
Briefcase
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Ecological site groups
Major Land Resource Areas
The 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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