MOUNTAIN RIDGE
Circle-spoke model
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. This state is dominated by long-lived evergreen shrub communities with an understory of cool and warm season perennial bunchgrasses. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by small fires, long-term drought and insect attack. Historically, fire is rare in this system, but does impact long-term plant community dynamics. Subalpine communities are sensitive to disturbance. The effects of human disturbances are more drastic and long lasting than lower elevation plant communities. Vegetation recovery is slow because of the extreme temperatures, high winds, prolonged snow cover, short growing season and intense ultraviolet radiation.
Currently this ecological site is described by a one-state model because additional states have not been identified on the landscape. For example, non-native plant species have not been identified on this ecological site. However, non-natives such as cheatgrass are capable of establishing in high elevation plant communities similar to this one. If in the future non-natives are found on this ecological site the state-and-transition model will be revised to include State 2: Invaded State.
Submodel
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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.