Ecological Sites:An Executive Summary

for State LeadershipPLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR PHONE ON HOLD

FOR ANY REASON DURING THE WEBINAR.

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THE WEBINAR WILL BEGIN AT 2:30 PM CSTCALL IN 212/519-0839

Ecological Sites:An Executive Summary

for State LeadershipGeorge Peacock, Team Leader

Grazing Lands Technology Development Team

Central National Technology Support Centerand

Susan Andrews, National LeaderSoil Quality and Ecosystems Branch

National Soil Survey Center

Webinar Overview

Brief History of Ecological Sites in NRCS

Ecological Site Definitions and Concepts

Why are Ecological Sites useful? Operating Procedures Goals and Expectations

Ecological Sites in NRCS In 1997, the Ecological site concept was

introduced into NRCS manuals and handbooks Initial acceptance was slow No national strategy for development

In 2009, Chief White approved a Decision Memo to: Accelerate development of ESDs Improve quality and standardization of

ESDs developed Joint effort between S&T and SS&RA

Ecological Site - Definition

a conceptual division of the landscape that is defined as a distinctive kind of land based on recurring soil, landform, geological, and climatic characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce distinctive kinds and amounts of vegetation, and in its ability to respond similarly to management actions and natural disturbances.

- Interagency ESD Handbook, 2011

Ecological Site - Definition

a conceptual division of the landscape that is defined as a distinctive kind of land based on recurring soil, landform, geological, and climatic characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce distinctive kinds and amounts of vegetation, and in its ability to respond similarly to management actions and natural disturbances.

- Interagency ESD Handbook, 2011

Ecological Site - Definition

a conceptual division of the landscape that is defined as a distinctive kind of land based on recurring soil, landform, geological, and climatic characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce distinctive kinds and amounts of vegetation, and in its ability to respond similarly to management actions and natural disturbances.

- Interagency ESD Handbook, 2011

Ecological Site - Definition

a conceptual division of the landscape that is defined as a distinctive kind of land based on recurring soil, landform, geological, and climatic characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce distinctive kinds and amounts of vegetation, and in its ability to respond similarly to management actions and natural disturbances.

- Interagency ESD Handbook, 2011

Distinctive Type of Land

Response to Management and Disturbance

Herbivory

Fire

Drought

Invasive Species

Cropping System

Community Phase 1.1

Community Phase 1.2

State 1

State 2

Community Phase 2.1

1.1 1.2

T1 R2

State and Transition Diagram

States Communities

phases Community

pathways Transitions Restoration

Pathways Narrative

Deep Redland Ecological Site MLRA 81C

1.02.0

2.1 – Oak/JuniperCommunity Phase

1.1 – Oak SavannahCommunity Phase

1.2 – Oak/Grassland Community Phase

1.0 Reference State

2.0 Oak Juniper State

2.2 – Oak/JuniperComplex

Community Phase

3.0 Open Grassland State

3.1 – Open GrasslandCommunity Phase

1.1a

1.2aT1a

R2a

T1b

T2b

2.1a2.2a

3.2 – Open Grassland/JuniperCommunity Phase

3.1a3.2a

Deep Redland ES – MLRA 81C

Why are ESDs useful? Help predict the outcomes of major natural

disturbances Provide a roadmap for restoration Support agency initiatives

Longleaf Pine Sage Grouse

Provide management interpretations (wildlife, grazing, wood products, hydrology, invasive plant control, etc.)

Serve as a tool for conservation planning

Conservation Planning Uses

ESDs can be used to: Refine the planning unit to areas that

respond similarly Provide a quick reference for resource

inventory and appropriate alternatives Illustrate consequences of management

actions guide to maintenance of existing condition Predict actions needed to transition to

desired plant community

Practice Applications of ESDs Early Successional Habitat Development (647) Field Border (386) Filter Strips (393) Forage and Biomass Planting Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mined Land (543) Range Planting (550) Restoration & Management of Rare &Declining Habitats

(643) Riparian Forest Buffers (391) Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390) Silvopasture Establishment (381) Tree/Shrub Establishment (Ac.) (612) Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) Vegetative Barrier (601) And associated practices (and more as ESDs for other land

uses are developed…)

Additional Uses for ESDs Standard reference for natural resource

information for all federal agencies and other interested groups

Training tool and information source

Tool to assess lands for resource values or resource-specific concerns

wildlife habitat carbon sinks vulnerability to loss or degradation Site restoration potential

Tool to prioritize and target activities

Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures

Project Management Board of Directors State Conservationists, grouped by MO

Approves and review all ES Project Plans Approves certified ES descriptions

Management Team SSSs, SRCs , Tech Specialists, ES QA Specialists

Reviews Project Plans Prioritizes Plans

Technical Team MLRA ES QC Specialist, any needed regional, state or local

specialists Develops Project Plans Accomplishes planned projects

Accomplishing the Task Multidisciplinary Interagency effort Involve others such

as university, research, NGOs, etc.

LinkingScientific Knowledge

with Local Knowledge

Approval & Certification Certification of quality control: SSO

Leader Quality control review: MRLA ES (QC)

specialist Content review: Vegetation specialist

Certification of ESD: MO Leader Quality Assurance: MO ES (QA) Specialist Content approval: SSS & SRC (or designee)

Approval for use in state: State Conservationist

Goals and Expectations Project progress will be measured

using percent completion of Project Milestones

Milestones are significant accomplishments of a project

Acreage will only be counted for completed ESDs

Expect a minimum of one project per SSO with an MLRA ES (QC) Specialist

Prioritization Guidelines for Ecological Site

Projects Chief’s or NRCS’ Initiatives Ecological significance, such as:

At risk areas Critical habitat T&E species

Benchmark ecological sites Benchmark soils Major land uses

Finally… Detailed information on a

relatively few ecological sites can provide information for large areas of land

A combination of expert knowledge, historical data and inventory provides defensible science for conservation planning

Must include soil AND vegetation experts to succeed!

Questions?

Contact Information:

susan.andrews@lin.usda.gov402) 437-5687

george.peacock@ftw.usda.gov(817) 509-3211