Alpine Ridge Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Soil Degradation / Erosion
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Restoration pathway R2A
Habitat protection, Seedbank Establishment
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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 consists of multiple community types found within the highest portion of the alpine zone (typically greater than 4000 feet [1220 meters]) composed of complex mosaics dominated by graminoids, dwarf-shrubs, forbs, and lichens. The different community variants outlined below will change based on slight differences in soil moisture, longevity of snowpack, elevation, and degree of exposure – as well as compounding influences due to accelerated trends in climate warming. These community types all correlate to the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) Hierarchy Group G909 “Northern Appalachian Alpine Tundra” and LandFire CES201.567 “Acadian-Appalachian Alpine Tundra” classifications.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of exposed areas within alpine communities in which the native vegetation is absent, displaced, or destroyed by soil degradation and erosion and will lack dominant vegetation cover.
Submodel
Mechanism
Soil degradation and erosion may lead to loss of habitat, resulting in exposed soil or bedrock. This often occurs in localized zones of trampled vegetation, soil erosion, and unofficial trail development. Extreme loss of soils materials may create localized channels which can funnel snowmelt and increase habitat loss.
Model keys
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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.