Calcareous Limestone Protected Backslope Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4B 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
The Reference State was dominated by white oak and chinkapin oak. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the dominance of oaks by opening up the canopy and allowing more light for oak reproduction. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in more shade tolerant species such as hickory, white ash, northern red oak and sugar maple. Two community phases are recognized in this state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.
Submodel
Description
Fire suppression has allowed these previously open woodlands to become dense with less fire-tolerant trees and saplings such as northern red oak, and hickory. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity.
Submodel
Description
In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock and periodic logging. These areas are dense and shady with a diminished ground flora. In addition, grazed areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as coralberry
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction.
Submodel
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, natural disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer. Periodic logging is also occurring.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade logging, uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire and extended rotations. Mechanical thinning may also be used along with understory removal.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer, selective logging, tree planting and livestock exclusion.
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.