Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Vegetation Classification And

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Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Natural Resource Report NPS/GRYN/NRR—2015/1070

ON THE COVER Bighorn Canyon, Wyoming, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Photograph by: Dan Shryock

Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Natural Resource Report NPS/GRYN/NRR—2015/1070

Joe Stevens Colorado Natural Heritage Program Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523

David Jones and Jay Benner Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523

October 2015

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado

The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public.

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This report is available in digital format from the Greater Yellowstone Network website (http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/gryn/) and the Natural Resource Publications Management website (http://www.nature.nps.gov/publications/nrpm/). To receive this report in a format optimized for screen readers, please email [email protected].

Please cite this publication as:

Stevens, J. E., D. S. Jones, and K. J. Benner. 2015. Vegetation classification and mapping project report: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Report NPS/GRYN/NRR— 2015/1070. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

NPS 617/130287, October 2015

Contents Page Figures...... v Tables ...... vii List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... ix Executive Summary ...... xi Acknowledgments ...... xv 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program ...... 1 1.2 Bighorn Canyon NRA Vegetation Mapping Project ...... 1 1.2.1 The United States National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) ...... 3 1.2.2 Location and Administrative Setting ...... 6 1.2.3 Physiographic Setting ...... 6 1.2.4 Climate ...... 8 1.2.5 Geology ...... 9 1.2.6 Soils ...... 11 1.2.7 Hydrology and Water Resources ...... 11 1.2.8 Flora and Fauna ...... 12 2 Vegetation Inventory and Classification ...... 17 2.1 Methods ...... 17 2.1.1 Planning and Scoping ...... 17 2.1.2 Sample Design ...... 19 2.1.3 Vegetation Data Collection ...... 22 2.1.4 Vegetation Classification ...... 25 2.2 Results ...... 28 2.2.1 Vegetation Data Collection ...... 28 2.2.2 Vegetation Classification ...... 28 2.2.3 Photographic Database Results ...... 34 3 Vegetation Mapping ...... 35 3.1 Methods ...... 35 3.1.1 Map Specifications ...... 35 3.1.2 Imagery Acquisition and Data Management ...... 35 3.1.3 Legacy Data ...... 36

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Contents (continued) Page 3.1.4 Map Classes and Mapping Model ...... 38 3.1.5 Imagery Interpretation ...... 39 3.1.6 Validation of Map Thematic Accuracy ...... 40 3.1.7 Interpretation Challenges ...... 40 3.2 Results ...... 44 3.2.1 Map Classes ...... 44 3.2.2 Summary Statistics ...... 45 3.2.3 Map Layer Development ...... 51 4 Accuracy Assessment ...... 53 4.1 Introduction ...... 53 4.2 Methods ...... 53 4.2.1 Sample Design ...... 53 4.2.2 Field AA Data Collection ...... 55 4.2.3 Data Quality Control ...... 57 4.2.4 Accuracy Assessment Data Analysis...... 57 4.2.5 Map Class Aggregation ...... 59 4.3 Results ...... 60 4.3.1 Accuracy Assessment Field Data Collection ...... 60 4.3.2 Accuracy Assessment Data Analysis...... 60 4.3.3 Map Class Aggregation ...... 62 5 Conclusions ...... 67 6 Literature Cited ...... 69 Appendix A. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Vegetation Association Descriptions ...... A-1 Appendix B. Field Key to Plant Associations...... B-1 Appendix C. List of Plant Species Sampled at BICA ...... C-1 Appendix D. List of Plots and Classified Vegetation Association ...... D-1 Appendix E. Vegetation Classification Plot Field Form...... E-1 Appendix F. Accuracy Assessment Field Form...... F-1 Appendix G. Accuracy Assessment Sample Contingency Tables ...... G-1 Appendix H. Map Class Photo Signature Guide for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area ...... H-1

Figures Page Figure 1. Legislative and managed area park boundaries for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (map courtesy Greater Yellowstone I&M Network)...... 7 Figure 2. Walter diagrams showing temperature and precipitation data from stations in and near BICA during 2012 (NPS 2012)...... 9 Figure 3. A stratigraphic column representing the geologic layers present at BICA (KellerLynn 2011)...... 10 Figure 4. Example of plot markers used at BICA to aid in relocating vegetation inventory plots. .... 24 Figure 5. BICA project boundary and vegetation sampling plots...... 29 Figure 6. Seasonal and interannual changes in reservoir elevation during the inventory and mapping phase relative to long-term (1993-2013) averages. Data from Bureau of Reclamation (2013)...... 41 Figure 7. Examples of changes in Bighorn Lake water levels among years and during a single season...... 42 Figure 8. Apparent boundary inconsistencies along the NPS-Crow Nation border in Montana. Imagery is from June 201143 Figure 9. Primary AA sample points throughout the BICA managed area boundary...... 56 Figure 10. Users’ accuracy and 90 percent confidence intervals for BICA vegetated map classes. .. 66

Tables Page Table 1. National Vegetation Classification hierarchy for terrestrial vegetation following the FGDC (2008) standard...... 5 Table 2. List of State noxious weeds known to occur in BICA...... 14 Table 3. Categories of utility for legacy data (TNC and NPS 2009)...... 18 Table 4. Summary of BICA legacy data evaluation using TNC and NPS (2009) criteria...... 18 Table 5. List of BICA ecological systems based on Wyoming and Montana Northwestern ReGAP data (Montana name followed by Wyoming name)...... 21 Table 6. Specific attributes recorded on the vegetation plot form...... 23 Table 7. Cover classes used for plot sampling...... 25 Table 8. Shrubland types classified at BICA...... 31 Table 9. Woodland types classified at BICA...... 32 Table 10. Herbaceous types classified at BICA...... 32 Table 11. Forest types classified at BICA...... 33 Table 12. Sparsely vegetated and cushion plant types classified at BICA...... 33 Table 13. Park Special types classified at BICA...... 33 Table 14. List of final BICA map classes and USNVC associations included within them, organized by dominant vegetation physiognomy...... 46 Table 15. Map statistics by map class for the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area vegetation map...... 49 Table 16. Standard sample size allocations for NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory thematic accuracy assessment, based on map class area (from Lea and Curtis 2010)...... 54 Table 17. Inference area and count of sample points in each map class at BICA...... 60 Table 18. Accuracy assessment error reconciliation summary for BICA ...... 61 Table19. Initial and reconciled overall map accuracy...... 62 Table 20. Users’ and producers’ reconciled accuracies for each map class at BICA...... 63 Table 21. Final aggregated and initial map classes subsumed within them...... 64 Table 22. Users’ and producers’ accuracies for the final aggregated map classes...... 65 Table 23. Overall accuracy and Kappa accuracy for the final BICA vegetation map...... 66

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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

BICA Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area BLM Bureau of Land Management BOR Bureau of Reclamation BRD Biological Resource Division (of the USGS) CBI Center for Biological Informatics (of the USGS/BRD) CEMML Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands cm Centimeter(s) CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program F Fahrenheit FGDC Federal Geographic Data Committee ft Foot/Ft GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System GRYN Greater Yellowstone I&M Network ha Hectare(s) I&M Inventory and Monitoring in Inch(es) m Meter(s) MMU Minimum Mapping Unit NAIP National Agricultural Imagery Program NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPS U.S. National Park Service NRA National Recreation Area NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service (SCS) NVCS National Vegetation Classification Standard PARK Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area PMWHR Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range RSGIG Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group TNC The Nature Conservancy USBR United States Bureau of Reclamation (also BOR) USDA-SCS U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Soil Conservation Science USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey USNVC United States National Vegetation Classification VIP Vegetation Inventory Program YWHMA Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Executive Summary The vegetation mapping inventory project at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA) classified and mapped vegetation within the park managed area boundary and estimated the accuracy quantitatively. The project was conducted over a four year period from the spring of 2011 to the summer of 2015. The primary imagery used for the project was GeoEye 4-band 50 cm imagery acquired in June 2011, supplemented by 30 cm true color GoogleEarth imagery. Google Earth complimented the 4-band imagery and assisted interpreters in identifying difficult types.

This vegetation inventory and mapping project follows guidance provided by the NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program. The overall process includes initial planning and scoping, field data collection, data analysis, imagery interpretation and classification, and accuracy assessment. The initial planning and scoping meetings took place in April, 2010 in Lovell, Wyoming and included BICA staff, Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network staff, Vegetation Inventory Program managers, Colorado State University ecologists, staff from other interested agencies and subject matter experts.

Prior to field work, the preliminary classification of the vegetation associations included 96 USNVC associations known to occur in the project area or nearby. Existing vegetation and mapping data combined with field-collected vegetation plot data enables the final 2015 vegetation classification. Vegetation data collections at over 256 plot locations at BICA over the summer of 2011 by cooperator field crews supported the quantitative classification using hierarchical clustering and professional opinion. The final vegetation classification includes 73 vegetation types; 67 USNVC associations and six park special types. The classified types include 4 forest types, 18 woodland types, 25 shrubland types, 22 herbaceous types, and 4 sparse vegetation types.

The final mapping classification, which cross walks what is present with what can be consistently classified and mapped (i.e., interpreted), consists of 49 map classes within BICA. Of these 49 map classes, 42 represent 67 natural/ruderal associations within the NVCS or 6 types described as unpublished park specials, one represents cultural vegetation (agricultural vegetation), and four represent NLCD Level II landcover classes (Water; Barren; Developed, Open Space; and Developed, High Intensity). Of the 42 vegetated map classes, 28 map classes represent a single NVCS association, eight map classes represent two NVCS associations, three map classes represent three NVCS associations, one map class represents five associations, one map class represents six associations, and one map class represents nine associations.

Dominant species of the herbaceous types include bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). The herbaceous types also include several associations dominated by non-native invasive species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and other weedy species.

Shrublands represent a large portion of the types classified at BICA. The dominant species of the shrubland types found in the Park are curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius), black sage (Artemisia nova) and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis). Other,

less extensive shrubland types are dominated by either plains shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), Gardner’s mat saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) or rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa).

The dominant species of the woodland types found in the Park are Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), often in combination with one another. Other, less extensive woodland types are dominated by either plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), or Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and boxelder (Acer negundo) occur as small patch communities in side canyons above the river. The aspen community type is known from only one small location in the park and is considered to be a remnant stand.

The final BICA vegetation map consists of 2,537 polygons totaling 64,773 acres. Mean polygon size for vegetated types was 14.7 acres. Of the total area, approximately 51,320 acres or 79% of the park represented natural or semi-natural vegetation map classes. Barren areas and developed areas occupied approximately 647 acres or 1% of the park. Agricultural vegetation accounted for 629 acres or less than 1% of the park. Water was mapped on 12,176 acres (19% of the area). Of the broad physiognomic groupings of map classes, woodlands and forest types were the most extensive (27,726 acres or 42% of the park), followed by shrublands (16,264 acres or 25% of the park), herbaceous vegetation (6,822 acres or 11% of the park) and sparse vegetation (508 acres or <1% of the park).

An accuracy assessment (AA) was conducted to quantitatively estimate the thematic accuracy of each map class and the overall map. The AA provides map users with information on the limitations of the map and its suitability for particular applications, and informs map producers of potential sources of error and how to improve the mapping procedure. The AA involved field assessment of sample points randomly distributed throughout the BICA project area. Vegetation at each of these survey points was classified in the field using a dichotomous key to the plant associations of BICA and subsequently compared to the mapped value at that geographic location.

The AA field crew collected data at a total of 869 AA sample points. As a simple plot count proportion, the overall accuracy before reconciliation was 61.3% (533/869). As a spatially weighted population proportion, the initial overall accuracy was 79%. When each accuracy assessment sample was evaluated for a variety of potential errors, a number of the disagreements were overturned, resulting in revised accuracies. It was determined that 171 plot records disagreed due to either an

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erroneous field call or a change in the vegetation, and 165 disagreed due to a true map classification error. Those records that disagreed due to an erroneous field call or changes in vegetation since the imagery date were considered correct for the purpose of the AA. Following review of the data, 165 of the field-classified plots disagreed with the map classification and 704 of the plots agreed with the mapped value. As a simple plot count proportion, the reconciled overall accuracy was 81% (704/869). As a spatially weighted population proportion, the overall accuracy was 91.6%.

Following review of the individual class accuracies, it was determined that 11 map classes with low class accuracy could be aggregated into five new map classes. The accuracy of this “aggregated map” is 92.8 percent, with only one class remaining with an accuracy confidence interval below the 80% threshold.

In addition to the vegetation polygon database and map, the project also produced several other products valuable to park resource management, including the vegetation classification, field key to the associations, local association descriptions, photographic database, permanent sample locations, geodatabase, and geo-rectified imagery. Together with the map, these additional products provide the park with an array of tools to assist in managing park resources and making informed resource management decisions. A geodatabase links the vegetation data layer to other feature classes such as vegetation classification and accuracy assessment plots and associated sampling data from the PLOTS database, plot photos, and project boundary extent. The database includes tables documenting the USNVC hierarchy and allows for spatial queries of data associated with a vegetation polygon or sample point. All geospatial products are projected using NAD83 in UTM Zone 12N.Other products include ArcGIS .mxd files that produce maps at different scales and for different users, and GeoEye 50 cm 4-band satellite imagery acquired for the project in June 2011. The final report includes methods and results, vegetation type descriptions and a dichotomous field key to vegetation types, contingency tables showing accuracy assessment results, field forms, a species list, and a guide to imagery interpretation.

The use of standard national vegetation classification and mapping protocols facilitates effective resource stewardship by ensuring compatibility and widespread use of the information throughout the NPS as well as by other federal and state agencies. These vegetation maps and associated information support a wide variety of resource assessment, park management and planning needs. In addition, the associated information provides a structure for framing and answering critical scientific questions about vegetation communities and their relationship to environmental processes across the landscape.

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Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank all who in one way or another contributed to the success of the project. We particularly would like to thank Cassity Bromley, former Chief of Resources, and the other NPS staff at Bighorn Canyon NRA who supported the field crew and the project effort as a whole. Suzanne Morstad, private citizen used her experience with the flora of BICA to provide valuable input at the early stages of the project. We would also like to thank the NPS staff of the Greater Yellowstone Network and the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program for providing the opportunity to complete the project and supporting our efforts throughout.

1 Introduction

1.1 NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program Since 1994, the National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program (VMI) has led an effort to classify, describe and map existing vegetation of national park units for the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). The goals of this program are to provide baseline ecological data for park resource managers, create data in a regional and national context, and provide opportunities for future inventory, monitoring, and research activities (FGDC 1997, Grossman et al. 1998). The program aims to classify and map vegetation on over 270 national park units across the United States and territories.

Central to fulfilling the goals of this national program is the use of the United States National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) as the vegetation classification standard. This classification:

• is based upon current vegetation;

• uses a systematic approach to classify vegetation communities across environmental continuums;

• emphasizes natural and existing vegetation;

• uses a combined physiognomic-floristic hierarchy;

• identifies vegetation units based on both qualitative and quantitative data; and

• is appropriate for mapping at multiple scales.

Botanists, image analysis, mappers and ecologists collaborate across multiple years of a baseline vegetation inventory project to describe and map existing vegetation types within park boundaries. The use of national vegetation classification and mapping standards (TNC and ESRI 1994a, NPS 2013) facilitates effective resource stewardship by ensuring compatibility and widespread use of the information throughout the NPS as well as by other federal and state agencies. These vegetation maps and associated information support a wide variety of resource assessment, park management and planning needs. In addition, the associated information provides a structure for framing and answering critical scientific questions about vegetation communities and their relationship to environmental processes across the landscape.

1.2 Bighorn Canyon NRA Vegetation Mapping Project The following project report describes the inventory and mapping of vegetation at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA) as part of the NPS VMI Program. Vegetation is one of the 12 basic inventories mandated by the NPS Natural Resources Inventory and Monitoring Guidelines issued in 1992.

In 2010, Dr. Karl Brown, the VMI Program Manager, in cooperation with staff of BICA and the NPS Greater Yellowstone Network (GRYN), awarded a cooperative agreement to Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) to develop a study plan for the vegetation inventory at BICA (Stevens and Jones 2010). Subsequently, CNHP and CEMML were awarded the cooperative agreement to implement the inventory described in the study plan. Expertise provided by CNHP, CEMML, and staffs from the Park, GRYN, and the NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program ultimately formed a five-part team contributing to the successful completion of the project. CNHP was primarily responsible for collecting standardized field data, classifying data into vegetation types through analysis and expert opinion, managing plot data, performing the accuracy assessment, and report writing. CEMML was responsible for acquiring imagery of the park, collaborating with CNHP staff on classification issues, developing a mapping model based on limitations of the imagery and interpretation, classifying and delineating vegetation polygons from imagery, developing an imagery interpretation guide, performing informal map validation prior to accuracy assessment, report writing and database development. BICA, GRYN, and Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program staffs provided logistical and technical support, helped coordinate and facilitate fieldwork, and reviewed and evaluated draft data and reports.

The final products are consistent with the following National Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program standards and guidance:

• National Vegetation Classification Standard (FGDC 1997, FGDC 2008) • Spatial Data Transfer Standard (FGDC 1998a) • Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC 1998b) • United States National Map Accuracy Standards (USGS 1999) • Integrated Taxonomic Information System • Program-defined standards for map attribute accuracy and MMU • Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program 12-Step Guidance

The products derived from these efforts include:

Spatial Data

• Map classification data • Spatial database of vegetation communities (i.e., vegetation map) • Field plot data from the classification and accuracy assessment phases from over 2000 locations • Hardcopy maps of vegetation communities • Metadata for spatial databases • Map files to produce maps at various scales/size and levels of thematic detail

• Quantitative accuracy assessment of spatial data

Vegetation Information

• Vegetation classification: list of communities present • Dichotomous field key of vegetation classes • Formal description for each vegetation class • Ground photos of vegetation classes • Field data in database format

Vegetation at BICA was mapped and classified using a combination of plot and observation point data, field visits, and photo/image interpretation. The protocols and standards used are those for large parks and are described in the NPS/BRD program documents (TNC and ESRI 1994b, NPS 2013).

1.2.1 The United States National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) In 1994, the National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program adopted the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) (TNC and ESRI 1994a, Grossman et al. 1998) as a basis for the a priori definition of vegetation units to be inventoried. The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) adopted a modified version of the upper (physiognomic) levels as a federal standard (FGDC-STD-005, FGDC 1997). This standard is hereafter termed the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS).

The NVCS established a federal standard for a complete taxonomic treatment of vegetation in the United States at physiognomic levels. It also established conceptual taxonomic levels for the floristic units of alliance and association, largely following the USNVC, but did not offer a taxonomic treatment for the floristic levels because of the immense scope of establishing robust floristic units for the entire United States. The FGDC standard requires that federally funded vegetation classification efforts collect data in a manner that enables a crosswalk of the data to the NVCS (i.e., the physiognomic levels) and sharing between agencies, but does not require use of that standard by agencies for internal mission needs.

Within the hierarchy, alliances and associations are the finest levels of classification and are based on floristics. Though not a federal standard, they are used as the primary classification and mapping units by the vegetation mapping inventory program. The database of alliances and associations in the hierarchy is available online at www.usnvc.org. That site provides public access to the latest version of the USNVC hierarchy, plant community lists, and descriptions of the types. NatureServe’s documentation of alliances and associations is the most accessible national listing currently available. However, the plant communities within the USNVC are not complete, and projects such as the one described in this report constantly add to the documentation and listing of USNVC types.

Alliances and associations are based on both the dominant (greatest canopy cover) species in the upper strata of a stand as well as on diagnostic species (those consistently found in some types but

not others). Associations are the most specific classification unit and are hierarchically subsumed in the alliances. Each association is included in only one alliance, while each alliance typically includes many associations. Alliance names are generally based on the dominant/diagnostic species in the uppermost stratum of the vegetation, though up to four species may be used if necessary to define the type. Associations define a distinct plant composition which repeats across the landscape and are generally named using both the dominant species in the uppermost stratum of the vegetation and one or more dominant species in lower strata, or a diagnostic species in any stratum. The species nomenclature for all alliances and associations follows that of Kartesz (1999). Documentation from NatureServe (2006) describes the naming and syntax for all NVC names:

• A hyphen ("-") separates names of species occurring in the same stratum.

• A slash ("/") separates names of species occurring in different strata.

• Species that occur in the uppermost stratum are listed first, followed successively by those in lower strata.

• Order of species names generally reflects decreasing levels of dominance, constancy, or indicator value.

• Parentheses around a species name indicates the species is less consistently found either in all associations of an alliance, or in all occurrences of an association.

• Association names include the dominant species of the significant strata, followed by the class in which they are classified (e.g., "Forest," "Woodland,” or "Herbaceous Vegetation").

• Alliance names also include the class in which they are classified (e.g., "Forest," "Woodland," "Herbaceous"), but are followed by the word "Alliance" to distinguish them from associations.

In 2008, the FGDC released the revised NVCS hierarchy classification standard. The revised hierarchy incorporates upper levels that are predominantly physiognomic, mid-levels that are based on a combination of physiognomy, biogeography, and floristics, and lower levels that are predominantly floristic (FGDC 2008).

The revised NVCS is also hierarchical and has eight levels instead of seven (Table 1). The upper three levels, which are a reorganization of the five upper physiognomic levels from Version 1, indicate physiognomic characteristics that reflect geographically widespread (global) topographic and edaphic factors. The middle three levels are new to the NVCS hierarchy and focus on largely biogeographic and habitat factors along very broad, continental-to-regional topographic, edaphic, and disturbance gradients. The finest level, the association, is currently the same in the first and second versions. Revisions to the alliances were completed and published in the spring of 2015. This BICA report uses the revised NVCS version 2 as its standard because version 2 provides an improved framework for the middle levels of classification. For more information on the USNVC, see Grossman et al. (1998), the Vegetation Mapping Program Standards

https://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/veg/docs/Product_Specifications.pdf), and the USNVC website (www.usnvc.org).

Table 1. National Vegetation Classification hierarchy for terrestrial vegetation following the FGDC (2008) standard.

Level Level name Criteria Example Upper levels L1 Formation Broad combinations of general dominant growth Mesomorphic Shrub and Herb Class forms adapted to basic temperature (energy Vegetation (Shrubland and budget), moisture, and/or substrate or aquatic Grassland) conditions. L2 Formation Combinations of general dominant and diagnostic Temperate and Boreal Shrub and Subclass growth forms that reflect global macroclimatic Herb Vegetation (Temperate and factors driven primarily by latitude and continental Boreal Shrubland & Grassland) position, or that reflect overriding substrate or aquatic conditions. L3 Formation Combinations of dominant and diagnostic growth Temperate Shrub and Herb forms that reflect global macroclimatic factors as Vegetation (Temperate modified by altitude, seasonality of precipitation, Shrubland & Grassland) substrates, and hydrologic conditions. Middle levels L4 Division Combinations of dominant and diagnostic growth Andropogon – Stipa – Bouteloua forms and a broad set of diagnostic plant taxa that Grassland & Shrubland Division reflect biogeographic differences in composition and (North American Great Plains continental differences in mesoclimate, geology, Grassland & Shrubland) substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes. L5 Macrogroup Combinations of moderate sets of diagnostic plant Andropogon gerardii – species and diagnostic growth forms that reflect Schizachyrium scoparium – biogeographic differences in composition and Sorghastrum nutans Grassland & subcontinental to regional differences in Shrubland Macrogroup (Great mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and Plains Tall Grassland & disturbance regimes. Shrubland) L6 Group Combinations of relatively narrow sets of diagnostic Andropogon gerardii – plant species (including dominants and co- Sporobolus heterolepis dominants), broadly similar composition, and Grassland Group (Great Plains diagnostic growth forms that reflect biogeographic Mesic Tallgrass Prairie) differences in composition and sub-continental to regional differences in mesoclimate, geology, substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes Lower levels L7 Alliance Diagnostic species, including some from the Andropogon gerardii – dominant growth form or layer, and moderately (Calamagrostis canadensis – similar composition that reflect regional to Panicum virgatum) Herbaceous subregional climate substrates, hydrology, Alliance (Wet-mesic Tallgrass moisture/nutrient factors, and disturbance regimes. Prairie) L8 Association Diagnostic species, usually from multiple growth Andropogon gerardii – Panicum forms or layers, and more narrowly similar virgatum – Helianthus composition that reflect topo-edaphic climate, grosseserratus Herbaceous substrates, hydrology, and disturbance regimes. Vegetation (Central Wet-mesic Tallgrass Prairie)

1.2.2 Location and Administrative Setting Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was created in 1966 following the completion of the Yellowtail Dam at the north end of the park. BICA is located within the NPS Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network (GRYN).

BICA is administratively divided into southern and northern districts. The south district lies within Big Horn County, Wyoming and Carbon County, Montana. A visitor center is located in the rural town of Lovell, WY on Highway 14A. The north district of the Park, located adjacent to the town of Fort Smith in Big Horn County, MT is home to the park headquarters and also has a visitor center at Yellowtail Dam. Although the primary function of BICA is lake-based recreation, the park also contains a wealth of natural and cultural resources, including diverse wildlife habitats and notable historic and prehistoric resources. BICA falls within USFS Ecological sections 343A (Intermountain Semi-desert Province USFS – Bighorn Basin Section) and 331C (Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province USFS – Central High Tablelands Section) (Bailey 1995).

The BICA Administrative Boundary was legislatively approved by Congress at the time of dam establishment. The area within the administrative boundary of BICA totals approximately 55,600 land acres (22,500 ha) plus water. The boundary is complex in that it overlaps portions of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range (PMWHR) on the west, the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area (YWHMA) on the west, and Crow Nation lands on the North and East sides. Approximately 8,000 acres of the 39,000-acre PMWHR lie within BICA. The PMWHR is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). More than half of the 19,000 acre YWHMA lies within the park. The YWHMA is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department through an agreement with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The BICA Managed Area is a smaller subset of the larger administrative boundary totaling approximately 64,773 acres. The classification and mapping project included all acres within the managed boundary including those portions of the PMWHR and the YWHMA within it (Figure 1).

1.2.3 Physiographic Setting Bighorn Canyon lies within the greater Bighorn Basin, which is bounded by the Bighorn and Pryor Mountains to the east and northwest, respectively. The NRA straddles the Bighorn River for roughly 70 miles (113 km) in north-central Wyoming and south-central Montana. For approximately the first 55 miles above the dam the lake is confined within the steep walls of Bighorn Canyon, while the last 16 miles of lake above the Horseshoe Bend area are contained in an area of low hills. The canyon is approximately 1,000 ft. deep (305 m) at Devil’s Canyon, and 2500 ft. deep (706 m) at Bull Elk Ridge. The total administrative area of Bighorn Canyon spans elevations that range from 3200 ft. (975 m) to 7000 ft. (2134 m). The north and south ends of the park are expansive, flat valleys, while the central portion is a rolling plain cut by the steep canyon walls (Anderson et al. 1987).

Figure 1. Legislative and managed area park boundaries for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (map courtesy Greater Yellowstone I&M Network).

The Bighorn River is a tributary to the Yellowstone River, flowing north from the Wyoming Basin and Bighorn Mountains into the Northwestern Great Plains. The Shoshone River flows east into the park and is a major tributary to the Bighorn River (Komp et al. 2012).

BICA is complex in that it falls at the intersection of the Great Plains, Central Rocky Mountains and Wyoming Basin ecoregions and vegetation from each of these regions is represented in the park. The Basin habitats occupy the vast majority of the park and are characterized by low moisture and desert species. The Rocky Mountains system is highly diverse and ranges from low to high elevations. In the north district the Great Plains habitat dominates with prairie grasses and wildflowers (NPS 2014).

1.2.4 Climate The climate in BICA is characterized by cold winters and hot summers with the heaviest precipitation during the spring months (April – June). The Bighorn and Pryor Mountains have a major effect on the precipitation patterns of the area and create a rain shadow effect at lower elevations. These mountain ranges receive a higher proportion of precipitation than the lowland areas, most of it in the form of snow. There is a stark contrast between the precipitation levels measured in Lovell and Fort Smith areas. Lovell, which is a desert, receives an average of only 16.89 cm (6.65 in) of precipitation per year, and Ft. Smith, which is semi-arid, receives an average of 45.29 cm (17.83 in) of rain per year (Komp et al. 2012).

The north district is generally warmer than the south district at Bighorn Canyon. Across the park, the historical temperature extremes range from -41.10C (-420F) in Lovell (January 1924) to 42.80C (1090F) at Yellowtail Dam (July 2002). There are an average of 18.1 frost-free weeks in Lovell (1897-2010) and 21.4 weeks at Yellowtail Dam (1948-2010) (Komp et al. 2012). The coldest month is typically January, with daily minimum temperatures averaging -13.70C (7.40F) in Lovell and - 7.10C (19.20F) at Yellowtail Dam. July is the warmest month, with average highs from 300C (860F) in Lovell to 31.10C (880F) at Yellowtail Dam (Figure 2).

Prevailing winds are westerly, and can be fairly strong during all seasons of the year. The strongest winds tend to blow during the winter as a result of passing Arctic fronts. Air in the park can become stagnant when a high-pressure ridge builds up in the summer, or when extreme cold temperatures in the winter cause inversions (Komp et al. 2012).

Figure 2. Walter diagrams showing temperature and precipitation data from stations in and near BICA during 2012 (NPS 2012).

1.2.5 Geology The Bighorn Canyon itself was formed by a combination of stream erosion and geologic uplifting 10- 12 million years ago (Komp et al. 2012). A comprehensive geologic resources inventory report of BICA including geologic mapping and descriptions was prepared by KellerLynn in 2011 (Figure 3). Some formations at the park date to over 400 million years old.

Figure 3. A stratigraphic column representing the geologic layers present at BICA (KellerLynn 2011).

Most of the distinct horizontal rock layers visible in the canyon are the result of marine sediment deposition from seas that advanced and retreated over the continental landmass. The characteristic red sandstone of Bighorn Canyon is part of the Triassic Chugwater Formation. This formation once covered the entire area but today most of it has eroded. Approximately 70 million years ago, a period of mountain building uplift began and displaced the continental sea. This uplift brought Archean, igneous and metamorphic rocks to the surface, predominantly in the Pryor Mountains. This period of uplift is responsible for the creation of the Pryor Mountain Range and the rock structures and domes found in Bighorn Canyon (KellerLynn 2011). As a result of Bighorn Canyon’s marine origins, marine invertebrate fossils are commonly found in the park. The age of these fossils ranges from the Upper Ordovician Period (approximately 450 million years ago) to the Cretaceous Period (approximately 65 million years ago) (KellerLynn 2011).

Sedimentation, the process by which sediment is deposited and accumulated, was identified as one of the major geologic management issues at BICA (KellerLynn 2011). The Bighorn River is estimated to transport 3,600 metric tons (4,000 tons) of sediment into Bighorn Lake annually. Sparse vegetation in portions of the watershed contributes to sediment deposition in Bighorn Lake. A stratigraphic column of the geology of Bighorn Canyon can be seen in Figure 5 and more geologic data compiled as part of the Geologic Resources Inventory in 2011 by the National Park Service can be found at: http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/inventory/gre_publications.cfm.

1.2.6 Soils Due to its complex geologic history, the soils of BICA are diverse. The rocky plateaus are highly exposed to wind and erosional forces and thus soils are poorly developed. Much of the soil at BICA is silty, but soils rich in clay are also common throughout the Park. These soils of pink and red hues are predominantly derived from the Chugwater Formation (a Triassic siltstone). The Permian, Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary formations constitute the majority of the bedrock at BICA (Crowe and Tercek 2009).

Soils in the park are subject to both domestic livestock and wild horse grazing and consequently, soil disturbance and erosion are major resource concerns at BICA. It has been estimated that half of the rangeland in BICA is degraded, with the remaining half at risk for further deterioration. This decline in soil quality, particularly in the PMWHR, led to a decline in key forage species (Crowe and Tercek 2009). The PMWHR wild horse populations are managed, but population numbers fluctuate and sometimes exceed the BLM’s recommended levels. In addition to grazing, drought further increases the vulnerability of plants to stress from overgrazing, resulting in accelerated erosion.

1.2.7 Hydrology and Water Resources Two dams, the Yellowtail Dam and the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam, impound more than 1,328,360 cubic feet of water, creating Bighorn Lake. Lake levels are subject to both natural processes and anthropogenic manipulations resulting in major fluctuations in lake levels throughout the year. The lake encompasses 17,300 surface acres (7,001 ha) and is roughly 3,657 ft. (1,115 m) in elevation, (Komp et al. 2012).

Natural influences on reservoir water levels include evaporation rates and depth of snowpack in the surrounding mountain ranges. The Bureau of Reclamation issued a plan in 2010 to maintain the reservoir levels of the lake at 1,109 m (3,640 ft) during the summer months, 1,106 m (3,630 ft) by the end of November, and 1,099 m (3,605 ft) by the end of March (KellerLynn 2011). Typical effects of these fluctuations are described below.

Given the arid nature of BICA, moisture and water availability have a pronounced influence on habitat, wildlife and species distribution. At the south end of the reservoir large, flat swaths of land are seasonally inundated by rising lake waters. These areas become seasonal wetlands and serve as temporary habitat for a wide variety of plants and wildlife (Anderson et al. 1987). The park also includes over 28 documented seeps and springs, many of which are perennial (Figure 7). Most springs are found at the base of the Pryor Mountains and are associated with the Sykes Spring fault zone. The springs emerge from the Chugwater Formation, Tensleep Sandstone, alluvium overlying Mowry Shale, and the Bighorn Dolomite – Madison Group (KellerLynn 2011). The springs are a rare source of water for vegetation in BICA’s arid environment and can support species with high water requirements such as quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) as well as a great diversity of benthic macro invertebrates. This gives them great ecological significance in the park and they are included as one of the GRYN I&M’s vital signs.

1.2.8 Flora and Fauna

1.2.8.1 Vegetation Given BICA’s location at the intersection of the Central Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Wyoming Basin ecoregions, as well as its diverse geology and topography, the park supports a wide array of dynamic vegetation communities. Wyoming Basin habitats occupy the majority of the park, particularly at the low-lying southern end. These sites are characterized by low moisture and desert species such as greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) and four-wing saltbush (Atriplex spp.).

Riparian areas in the park support a variety of shrubs such as willows (Salix spp.), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata). The riparian areas at the confluence of the Bighorn and Shoshone Rivers in the YWHMA support one of the largest remaining old-growth cottonwood (Populus spp.) areas in Wyoming (Komp et al. 2012).

Juniper (Juniperus spp.) and curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) communities are widespread at BICA. Sagebrush communities are also seen throughout the park at both high and low elevations. Sagebrush species can occur alone or together and include Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, A. tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana, A. cana, and A. nova.

Cushion plant communities are a common feature of windswept plateaus and ridges. As described by the USNVC, these communities consist of a “low, woody, plant life form so densely branched that it forms a compact canopy that is pad- or bolster-like in appearance; usually with microphyllus foliage; characteristic of alpine and tundra plants” (FGDC 1997). The most common forbs are cushion plants, including Arenaria hookeri, Hymenoxys acaulis, Phlox hoodii and P. muscoides.

The northern sections of the Park are characterized by the grasslands and prairies of the Great Plains ecoregion. The vegetation in these areas includes the threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grama grass (Bouteloua spp.) and needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata). The Central Rocky Mountain ecoregion occurs at higher elevations in the Park, and supports a diverse array of plant species including Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and limber pine (Pinus flexilis).

A vascular plants checklist was developed for BICA by GRYN and Wyoming’s Natural Diversity Database. This list was created via contemporary field-sampling efforts as well as synthesis of existing data from previous floristic surveys of the park. This effort documented 739 vascular plant taxa currently found at BICA. The list of vascular plants recorded from these vegetation sample plots during the project is provided in Appendix C.

Over two dozen locally endemic or rare plant species, including six globally rare species, are found at BICA. Three species of particular concern occurring almost exclusively in and around BICA are bighorn fleabane (Erigeron allocotus), persistent-sepal yellowcress (Rorippa calycina) and Hairy prince’s-plume (Stanleya tomentosa ssp. tomentosa) (Heidel and Fertig 2002). The cushion plant communities are known to support several rare and endemic species including rabbit buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule ssp. canum).

GRYN I&M vascular plant surveys have identified 105 nonnative plant species in the park, accounting for 14.2% of the total flora. Twelve species of noxious weeds are present in BICA, and are most prevalent in areas affected by changing lake levels. The zones around the lake margins are often populated by opportunistic invasive species such as salt-cedar (Tamarix chinensis), Whitetop (Cardaria draba) and Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). These and other weed species are targeted for control by resource managers. State-listed noxious weeds reported at BICA are listed in Table 2.

1.2.8.2 Mammals Although BICA is home to 56 mammal species, the two most commonly associated with the park are the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and the wild horse (Equus caballus). These two herbivores present major management concerns for the park. Bighorn sheep were once widespread across the region, but current herds are restricted to small, disparate populations that are particularly vulnerable to decline. Management practices to maintain this herd at stable levels include clearing juniper to provide greater areas of suitable sheep habitat. The current population is estimated to consist of 100 – 150 individuals (Komp et al. 2012).

Management of wild horses largely consists of population control measures to maintain population size at appropriate management levels set by the Bureau of Land Management. The current management levels are set at 90-120 individuals, but BLM (2015) indicates the population is currently at 170 horses. Management of the herd within management target levels is essential for maintaining rangeland vegetation and watershed health as well as herd health. Overgrazing and trampling, especially in the PMWHR, is of particular concern as these actions not only reduce forage

quality but also result in increased erosion (BLM et al. 2008). Impacts from domestic and feral livestock (e.g., soil erosion, trailing, and over-grazing) was observed in some areas, especially on the west side of the park both within and outside the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Management Area.

Table 2. List of State noxious weeds known to occur in BICA.

Species Common Name State List County of Occurrence at BICA Acroptilon repens Hardheads WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Big (Centaurea repens) (Russian knapweed) Horn Arctium minus Lesser burdock WY WY-Big Horn, MT- Carbon, MT-Big Horn Cardaria chalepensis Lens-pod hoary-cress MT Reported for BICA by Lichvar et al. (1985), but not confirmed in the field. Cardaria draba whitetop WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Big Horn Cardaria pubescens Globe-pod hoarycress WY WY-Big Horn Centaurea biebersteinii Spotted knapweed WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- (Centaurea maculosa) Carbon, MT-Big Horn Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed WY and MT MT-Big Horn

Cirsium arvense Canadian thistle WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Big Horn Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Big Horn Cynoglossum officinale Hound's- tongue WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Carbon, MT-Big Horn Elymus repens Quack grass WY MT-Carbon, MT-Big Horn (Agropyron repens) Euphorbia esula var. Leafy spurge WY and MT MT-Carbon, MT-Big Horn uralensis Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye daisy WY and MT MT-Big Horn (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) Tamarix chinensis Salt cedar WY and MT WY-Big Horn, MT- Carbon, MT-Big Horn

Bighorn Canyon also provides habitat for a variety of bat species that utilize the canyon’s many caves and cliffs as roosting habitat include the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) and Townsend’s big- eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) (Keinath 2005). The wetland and riparian areas around Bighorn Lake provide ideal habitat for insects, like mosquitoes, which provide the Bighorn Canyon bats predominant food source. Consequently, bat abundance is greatest in the seasonally flooded YWHMA. The most common species of bats in the Park are the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) (Keinath 2005). Many of the bat species known to occur in BICA are considered species of concern by Montana or Wyoming (NPS 2008).

Small mammal species found in BICA include several species of mice (Peromyscus spp.), chipmunk (Tamias spp.), vole (Microtus spp.), and shrew (Sorex spp.), the bushy-tailed wood rat (Neotoma cinerea), the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) (Keinath 2005). Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are present in the park, as is the bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans) and the black bear (Ursus americanus). The mammal list for BICA is considered 90% complete (Keinath 2005).

2 Vegetation Inventory and Classification The inventory and classification of vegetation at BICA followed the procedures of the NPS vegetation mapping inventory program. Those procedures include a 12-step process that guides the project from conception to completion of final products. The overall process includes initial planning and scoping, field data collection, and data analysis.

2.1 Methods

2.1.1 Planning and Scoping

2.1.1.1 Scoping Meetings For the initial planning and scoping meetings CSU staff traveled to Lovell, Wyoming and met with BICA staff, GRYN staff, Vegetation Mapping Inventory program managers, and other interested agencies and subject matter experts. A field tour of BICA took place April 14th, 2010 and a scoping meeting with park staff and other stakeholders took place April 15th, 2010. The participants of the scoping meeting included:

Name Affiliation

Joe Stevens Colorado State University David Jones Colorado State University Cathie Jean NPS I&M GRYN Tom Olliff NPS Landscape Coordinator (formerly I&M GRYN) Jerry Case BICA Superintendent Brett Richardson Bighorn County Weed and Pest Jared Bybee BLM Jared Werning BLM Karl Brown NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program Cassity Bromley NPS BICA Suzanne Morstad Private citizen, formerly NPS BICA Charles (“Bill”) Pickett NPS BICA

Group discussion topics at the scoping meeting included defining the project area boundary, evaluating existing sources of vegetation data, evaluating availability of existing imagery and maps, and evaluating various logistical issues such as the potential schedule for the work, land access, other stakeholders, and opportunities for in-kind support from the Park. A field tour of BICA took place during the scoping meetings on April 14th, 2010 with the Park Superintendent, resource management staff and others to provide the cooperators with an overview of the park. The group discussed aspects of vegetation as well as logistical considerations for conducting the inventory.

Boundary issues for BICA were discussed during the initial planning and scoping meetings. The BICA administrative boundary encompasses portions of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area as well as areas of Crow Nation lands on the North and East sides. The managed area boundary excludes portions of the administrative boundary that

overlap Crow Nation lands. Due to ongoing management negotiations on the part of the Crow Nation, it was decided at these meetings that the land within the managed area boundary would serve as the project area.

2.1.1.2 Existing Vegetation Information Existing studies documenting the vegetation of the BICA project area were reviewed and incorporated to inform the classification and image analysis portions of the project. Evaluations of legacy data indicated that while there was much qualitative data available to inform the classification and mapping processes, there was little quantitative plot data available to supplant plot data needs. Legacy data were evaluated using the TNC and NPS (2009) evaluation framework given in Table 3 and are outlined below in Table 4.

Table 3. Categories of utility for legacy data (TNC and NPS 2009). Legacy Data Description Category

Samples are adequate for classification and mapping (i.e., the data are geo-referenced, represent I existing vegetation, and contain sufficient structural, compositional and site information to place the sample within the standard classification framework).

Data are adequate to assist in photo interpretation, photographic signature key development, or II map accuracy assessment (i.e., the vegetation and site information are of lower quality, but the samples represent existing vegetation and are geo-referenced with reasonable confidence).

Data can be used for vegetation classification and characterization of a vegetation type within the park, but not for mapping or analysis because the sample is not adequately geo-referenced, III contains inadequate detail in the vegetation information, and/or may not represent existing vegetation at the sample location.

IV Data set was assessed and found to be not useful at any level V Data set was not available for assessment.

Table 4. Summary of BICA legacy data evaluation using TNC and NPS (2009) criteria.

Data Source Citation Legacy Data Category Criteria Akashi (1988) III Not georeferenced Bridger Teton NF (ongoing) V Not available BLM, NPS, and USFS (2008) IV Not useful at any level DeVelice and Lesica (1993) III Not georeferenced Heidel and Fertig (2002) IV Not useful at any level Knight et al. (1987) II Geospatially usable Lesica (1994) III Not georeferenced Ricketts (2004) III Not georeferenced Schmitz (2009) II Geospatially usable Wood and Rew (2005) III Not georeferenced

Spatial data for Park facilities, boundaries, and other features were also gathered during the scoping meetings. Digital data for basic ancillary physical features such as soils, geology, hydrology, NWI wetlands, and elevation for the area was used to target potential sampling locations.

2.1.2 Sample Design For the BICA sampling design, a sample frame was developed using a combination of Northwest ReGAP ecological systems landcover classes, landform, and a cost/accessibility layer developed for BICA. The project had intended to use the existing Knight et al. (1987) vegetation map (21 vegetation community map classes) as a primary stratum but examination of the map revealed numerous problems, including projection problems and widespread thematic and spatial accuracy issues. The primary objectives of the sampling design were to disperse samples across the landscape and to include as many different ecological communities as possible. Development of the three input layers is described below.

Northwest ReGAP Landcover Data Layer Raster data for Wyoming and Montana from the Northwest ReGAP project was used as the primary layer for stratifying vegetation communities. The Montana baseline ReGAP map was generated using 30m resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery acquired from 2002 through 2005 (Montana Natural Heritage Program 2010). Multi-season satellite imagery (Landsat ETM+) from 1999-2001 was used for Wyoming (NWGAP 2010). Ground data and digital elevation model (DEM) derived datasets (e.g., elevation, landform, and aspect) were also used to model natural and semi-natural vegetation using a combination of unsupervised and supervised classification algorithms. Landcover classes were drawn from the Ecological System Classification developed by NatureServe (Comer et al. 2003) and land cover classes developed by Anderson et al. (1976). The Montana ReGAP product was modified to produce a seamless state map with a consistent statewide legend. It incorporates several other land cover and land use products (e.g., the National Land Cover Dataset, the National Wetlands Inventory, and the National Hydrography Dataset) and a reclassification based on plot-level data to the extent that these improve accuracy and enhance the usability of the theme.

Landcover layers for each state were clipped to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area study boundary. This process eliminated 48 landcover types from the original 78 types in Montana and 169 types from the original 208 types in Wyoming. Many of these types are shared by Montana and Wyoming. After removing developed, water, and cultivated/crop classes, a total of 32 unique ecological systems remained within BICA. This process involved generating a table for each state listing all the ecological systems included in the clipped data layers. Because the Montana ReGAP map had been examined and refined by in-state efforts, prior to combining the two raster files as one, all systems that occurred in both Wyoming and Montana were recoded to Montana values to eliminate the potential for double sampling. For Montana, the changes made to the original ReGAP data are detailed within the Montana metadata file (e.g., “4238 (Southern Rocky Mountain dry-mesic mixed conifer forest) was reclassified to 4232 (Northern Rocky Mountain dry-mesic mixed conifer forest), 7122 (Western great plains shortgrass prairie) was reclassified to 7114 (Northwestern great plains mixed grass prairie); montane sagebrush 5455 pixels with an elevation lower than 4100' (1250m) were reclassified as sagebrush steppe (5454)”). For consistency, the Montana

reclassification rules were then applied to the Wyoming ReGAP data layer. Ecological systems excluded from the plot allocation include “developed” land use classes and cultivated crop classes. A 3 x 3 Majority Filter Neighborhood and a Clump and Eliminate procedure were run in ERDAS Imagine to generalize the data layer and eliminate small clusters. The BICA ecological systems represented in the plot allocation are shown in Table 5.

Landform Data Layer A modeled landform data layer was created from a 30 meter digital elevation model (DEM) from the USGS National Elevation Dataset (1999). An ArcInfo AML script developed by Southwest GAP Regional Land Cover mapping project and Utah State University was applied to the DEM resulting in a landform dataset displaying topographic position, relative moisture and slope gradient (Manis et al. 2002). The ten landform classes are: 1) valley flats, 2) gently sloping toe slopes, 3) gently sloping ridges, fans and hills, 4) nearly level terraces and plateaus, 5) very moist steep slopes, 6) moderately moist steep slopes, 7) moderately dry steep slopes, 8) very dry steep slopes, 9) cool aspect scarps, cliffs and canyons, and 10) hot aspect scarps, cliffs and canyons. A 3 x 3 Majority Filter Neighborhood and a Clump and Eliminate procedure were run in ERDAS Imagine to generalize the landform data layer and eliminate small clusters.

Accessibility and Safety Cost Surface Layer Areas having steep terrain and cliffs were considered inaccessible or too hazardous for field work. A cost surface using a threshold of 40+ degrees or 89 percent slope was developed using a 10m DEM data layer.

Building the Strata Data Layer Paved and unpaved Park roads were buffered 25 meters from the centerline and clipped from the allocation layer to avoid allocation of samples in disturbed roadside areas. The ten-category landform data layer was intersected with the ecological system data layer containing 28 classes to create map classes characterized by vegetation and a dominant landform. Classes having a histogram value of less than 100 were removed as being too rare; after which a total of 87 classes remained. Areas having a slope of 40 degrees or more were then removed resulting in the final allocation layer.

2.1.2.1 Preliminary Vegetation Classification The preliminary classification was developed by compiling the US National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) alliances and associations known to occur in USFS Ecological Sections 342A (Intermountain Semi-desert Province USFS – Bighorn Basin Section) and 331C (Great Plains- Palouse Dry Steppe Province USFS – Central High Tablelands Section) (Bailey 1995). Types that obviously do not occur within the project area were eliminated and the revised list was reviewed during the scoping meetings. Discussions during the scoping meeting, review by botanist Suzanne Morstad and review in comparison to Knight et al. (1987) helped refine the preliminary classification list.

Table 5. List of BICA ecological systems based on Wyoming and Montana Northwestern ReGAP data (Montana name followed by Wyoming name).

Ecological System Life Form (ESLF)- National Landcover Ecological System Name Classification Database (NLDB) Identifier Inter-Mountain Basins Shale Badland 3139 Western Great Plains Badlands; Great Plains Badlands 3114 Rocky Mountain Cliff, Canyon and Massive Bedrock 3129 Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon 3173 Northern Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland; Rocky 4232 Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest Rocky Mountain Foothill Limber Pine - Juniper Woodland 4236 Northern Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Savanna 4240 Rocky Mountain Montane Douglas-fir Forest and Woodland 4266 Northwestern Great Plains -Black Hills Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Savanna; Great 4280 Plains Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Savanna Inter-Mountain Basins Mountain Mahogany Woodland and Shrubland; Mountain Mahogany 4303 Woodland and Shrubland Western Great Plains Wooded Draw and Ravine; Great Plains Wooded Draw and Ravine 4328 Inter-Mountain Basins Mat Saltbush Shrubland; Mat Saltbush Shrubland 5203 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland; Big Sagebrush Shrubland 5257 Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub; Mixed Salt Desert Scrub 5258 Rocky Mountain Lower Montane-Foothill Shrubland; Rocky Mountain Lower Montane- 5263 Foothill Shrubland Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill and Valley Grassland; Rocky Mountain 7112 Lower Montane, Foothill and Valley Grassland Northwestern Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie; Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie 7114 Introduced Riparian and Wetland Vegetation 8406 Great Plains Sand Prairie 7121 Great Plains Prairie Pothole 9203 Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Fen 9234 Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat; Greasewood Flat 9103 Northwestern Great Plains Floodplain; Great Plains Floodplain 9159 Western Great Plains Open Freshwater Depression Wetland; Great Plains Open 9218 Freshwater Depression Wetland Emergent Marsh 9222 Western Great Plains Closed Depression Wetland; Great Plains Closed Depression 9252 Wetland Western Great Plains Saline Depression Wetland; Great Plains Saline Depression Wetland 9256 Northwestern Great Plains Riparian; Great Plains Riparian 9326 Great Plains Cliff and Outcrop 3142 Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland (WY) 9155 Big Sagebrush Steppe; Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe 5454 Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe; Montane Sagebrush Steppe 5455

For planning purposes, the preliminary list included 96 USNVC associations known to occur in the project area or nearby environs. It was predicted that mappers would encounter approximately 5 additional types that are modified by invasive species and are undocumented in the NVCS. The 96 associations were subsumed under 57 alliances and 11 formation subclasses.

Land use and landcover categories based on the Anderson classification (Anderson et al. 1976) also added to the total number of map classes. These included, for example, classes for developed areas, bentonite mining areas, and camping and marina areas, among others.

2.1.3 Vegetation Data Collection Subjective vegetation plot sampling was conducted over the summer of 2011 by a field crew consisting of three two-person crews and a crew leader. Data were collected using the Juniper Systems, Inc. Mesa (Juniper Systems Inc. 2011) handheld data logger units loaded with CartoPac International Inc. Enterprise Mobile software (Spatial Data Systems Inc. 2010). Plot data were collected on paper plot forms only in the event of a failure of the digital units.

2.1.3.1 Sample Size Based on the number of types on the preliminary classification list, the field sampling effort targeted sampling approximately 261 vegetation classification plots and 150-200 observation plots. To aid field crews in accessing the diversity of landform/landcover combinations to visit, three “target destinations” were allocated randomly within each of the 87 strata for a total of 261 potential plot locations. An additional 177 potential plot locations were allocated subjectively in areas of interest to the photo interpreters. These plots could be treated as either vegetation classification plots (more detail) or observation points (less detail).

Opportunistic plot sampling was also carried out in the course of field work. As the field season progressed, if a crew found a good example of a type not on the preliminary list, either a vegetation plot or an observation point would be collected.

2.1.3.2 Plot Sampling Trained crews used maps of the project area with the locations of target destinations as well as a list of the 96 potential vegetation types to be sampled, and were instructed to attempt to collect three plots in each type. BICA is a large, diverse area with few roads and access points so crews were hired for their ability to work in variable outdoor conditions, to work while backpacking, and ability to make careful and effective choices as to best access routes to plots.

Crew members were provided with a field manual describing the digital field form and the plot sampling methodology, as well as supplemental information on the electronic data loggers (Juniper Systems, Inc. Mesa), backcountry safety, plant species lists, and accepted plant species codes.

The digital field forms include several sections to document the plot location, the environmental attributes, the vegetation attributes, and to make comments. Table 6 lists the specific attributes

included in each section on the vegetation plot form. A representation of the field form is included in Appendix E.

Table 6. Specific attributes recorded on the vegetation plot form.

Section Attributes Location Plot code, plot type, survey date, surveyors, provisional community name, UTM zone and Information coordinates, GPS accuracy, comments, plot shape, plot dimensions, Camera #, Photo #‘s, representativeness of the vegetation to the provisional association, and representativeness of the plot within the stand Environmental Slope, aspect, topographic position, landform, surficial geology, Cowardin class, hydrology, soil Attributes texture, soil drainage, % ground cover, and environmental comments Vegetation Leaf phenology, leaf type, physiognomic class, height class, cover class, and dominant species Attributes by strata, vegetation comments, species list for all species in the plot indicating stratum and cover class, and any additional species from outside the plot

Note: Observation points omit the complete species list, but include all other attributes

Plot locations included front-country (less than ~ 3 hours travel time) and back-country (more than ~3 hours). Front country sites were accessed via day hikes, while back country sites were accessed via foot on multi-night backpacking trips. On several occasions, crews remained in the back country for 1 to 4 nights, typically moving camp each night as they progressed through sampling of back country sites. The following provides an overview of the data collection and plot sampling process.

Prior to leaving for the field each day, and before each multi day trip, the crew leader and field technicians would plan a strategy for sampling plots most efficiently. Planning took into consideration the proximity of roads, trails, as well as topography and vegetation in the area to be visited. Using these considerations, crews would then plan routes to collect the most plots in the most different potential vegetation types without excessive travel time. Crew members would then gather all field equipment and personal gear needed for the duration of the trip.

Navigation to plots was accomplished through the use of GPS units as well as maps and compasses via motor vehicle, boat, and foot travel. After arriving at a selected site, crews would walk through the area to understand the vegetative characteristics of the plot. Crews would also try to determine whether the plot was representative of the vegetation as a whole, and whether the plot met the minimum mapping unit size of 0.5 hectare (5000 m2).

If the plot was too heterogeneous or too close to an ecotone, crews would try to move the plot center (within the standards of project methodology) to a position having more homogeneous structure. If the plot was an opportunistic plot, crews would determine whether or not the plot represented a provisional community type still needing to be sampled, and if so, would sample it using either a classification plot or an observation point. An observation point documents the structure, dominant species and environmental attributes of a dimensionless plot. It can be collected using the same forms and instructions as for full vegetation plots, but the information gathered is less detailed. Observation points are very useful for the photo interpreters as training/reference sites.

While navigating to and from selected plots, crew members would pay attention to the vegetation types they were passing through. If they observed other needed vegetation types or found possible new vegetation types (undocumented vegetation composition which repeated on the landscape) an opportunistic plot could be established.

At each sampling location, plot layout and data collection followed the NPS National Vegetation Mapping Program protocols. As a permanent plot marker, a galvanized nail attached to a copper horticultural tag inscribed with the project acronym, plot code, and date was buried at the center of each vegetative plot sampled (Figure 4). Crews would then record the GPS UTM location at the plot center. Using the plot center as a reference, the crew would then lay out the plot using measuring tapes and flagging according to the size and shape specified in the field manual for that vegetation type (most plots were 400m2). Plots with more vegetative strata such as forests, woodlands, and shrublands typically had a 20x20m square plot, but the plot shape was adapted to best fit the existing vegetation if needed (e.g., a 10x40m linear plots in riparian area). Circular plots with an 11.3m radius were used for areas with dwarf shrub and herbaceous vegetation.

Figure 4. Example of plot markers used at BICA to aid in relocating vegetation inventory plots.

Following plot setup, crews would analyze the structure by visually dividing the vegetation into strata, or height classes, recording the dominant species and percent cover in each stratum. Crews would then develop a comprehensive species list for the plot by recording the species name and percent cover for each plant found by stratum. Cover values were assessed using cover ranges from a ten category scale. Crews selected the cover range that best represented the actual cover of the species in the stratum. The cover scale used for the plot sampling is provided in Table 7. The midpoint of the cover range is the ‘inferred real cover” used for quantitative analysis.

Table 7. Cover classes used for plot sampling.

Cover Class Cover Range Mid-Point 01 trace 0.05 02 0.1 - 1 0.5 03 1 - 2 1.5 04 2 - 5 2.5 05 5 - 10 7.5 06 10 - 25 17.5 07 25 - 50 37.5 08 50 - 75 62.5 09 75 - 95 85 10 >= 95 97.5

A relative measure of how well the vegetation within the plot represented the vegetation of the surrounding landscape was recorded, along with other data describing the environmental characteristics of the site including slope, aspect, topographic position, soil texture, surficial geology, and percent ground cover.

All data collected for each plot was recorded on the Juniper Systems Mesa handheld data loggers running CartoPac Enterprise Mobile software (Spatial Data Technologies 2010). Paper forms were only used as an emergency backup method of collecting data. The CartoPac software allowed field users to collect GPS points as well as associated attribute information.

A GPS-enabled camera was used to take photos of the plot from each cardinal direction (north, east, south and west – in that order). Crews were instructed to also take a representative shot of the overall plot, if possible, to capture portions of the surrounding landscape.

Before breaking down the plot, crews attempted to assign one of the preliminary vegetation types to the plot. If the plot did not fit into a vegetation type, the crew assigned a type based on the dominant species in the top two strata. When the plot information was complete, crews navigated to the next selected plot and begin the process again.

2.1.4 Vegetation Classification

2.1.4.1 Data Management The digital data were exported from the Juniper Mesa data loggers and imported into the PLOTS Version 3.2 database (CNHP 2011). Once all data were in PLOTS, the digital data were then subjected to a second QC to eliminate any remaining data errors. This QC involved examining, sorting and querying data to locate missing or erroneous information such as misspellings, duplicate entries, or typographic errors. All plant names were entered into the database using USDA NRCS PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS 2015) approved names and acronyms. Recorded species lists for each plot were compared to assigned vegetation type to assure congruity.

Each plot or observation point was labeled with the preliminary classification name the crews assigned in the field at the time these data were collected. That name is taken from the preliminary classification and is based on their subjective classification of the plot vegetation composition and structure. Data in the database designates if the record is for an observation point (plot type=1) or a vegetation plot (plot type=0).

Photos were taken at each vegetation plot and observation point location. Photos collected during vegetation sampling for both vegetative and observation plots were uploaded to the BICA vegetation inventory folder and renamed to indicate the plot number and cardinal direction in which the photo was taken.

2.1.4.2 Vegetation Classification Vegetation plot data were classified to plant community using a combination of quantitative multivariate analysis and qualitative expert review. The quantitative analysis was completed using the data from the 256 vegetation classification plots that passed review using quality control measures and entered into the PLOTS 3.2 database. Prior to being analyzed, observation point data, which do not include detailed species and cover values, were removed from the classification dataset. Also, seven training plots included in the database were deemed biased and were excluded from the classification dataset.

Species and cover data for the 256 vegetation classification plots were exported from the PLOTS 3.2 database in list format. The mid-point of cover class ranges was used as discrete cover values for the analysis. Because overlap between strata is negligible, the cover values for species occurring in more than one stratum of a plot were combined to provide a single cover value per species per plot (no pseudo-species). Text files were then imported into the multivariate statistics software package PC- ORD version 6.0 (McCune and Mefford 2011).

Because the range of communities and ecological zones sampled was very diverse, we created a priori breaks in the data set based on the physiognomy (e.g., wooded, shrubland, herbaceous, etc.) of the diagnostic species of the plots. The divisions roughly stratified the data set along physiognomic lines based on the dominant species found in the plot. The separate analysis of these physiognomic sub-groups simplified the analysis and helped to prevent ecologically unrelated community types from being compared. Plots that had only one or two strongly dominant species and that did not relate to other plots (e.g., cattail marsh with 90% Typha latifolia) were separated out for analysis using qualitative expert review.

Each of the subgroups was analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The analysis used the Sorenson (Bray-Curtis) distance measure and group average linkage method (McCune and Grace 2002). The output of the analysis suggested natural groupings of plots for comparison with the concepts of the USNVC associations in the preliminary classification. For making decisions on where to prune the dendrograph we looked for natural groupings first and then manually analyzed the data behind the plots in the groupings. During this analysis we took into account environmental

characteristics of the plot and species composition. We also looked at the provisional community name given to the plot by the field researchers. Where necessary to reach the association level, further division of the subgroups was based on comparison queries of the data in MS Access and MS Excel, and reviewing species composition, environmental data, and plot notes. Using these combined data, plots were assigned existing NVC associations or given provisional names. Classification of observation point data to NVC types was also based on this approach. Provisional associations, or “Park Specials”, were created to represent associations for which we had could not confidently assign an existing USNVC types. Park special types are not currently part of the NVC.

Field visits to verify map classes also identified existing NVC associations that were not captured during the classification field data collection phase. These associations were documented in the field by mapping staff and added to the list of associations classified in the Park.

2.1.4.3 Association Descriptions Descriptions for each of the classified types were written from the plot data used in their classification. These are referred to as the “local descriptions” that describe the type as it is expressed at BICA. They include a discussion of the placement of the type within the USNVC hierarchy, a description of the environmental setting where it typically occurs, a description of the composition and structure of the vegetation, stratum and lifeform of the most abundant vegetation, and the plots from which it was sampled.

The “global descriptions” incorporate all known plot data from across the entire range over which the type is known to occur. Because the geographic distances over which the type is described is broader, so is the range of the characteristics broader. The range-wide global descriptions were not compiled for the BICA project; however the concept summary from global descriptions was included under Element Concept when available. Vegetation associations that were identified from field observations and added to the classification did not provide sufficient data to write a local description. For these types we have provided the concept summary from the global description in lieu of a site specific local description. The local descriptions for BICA are provided in Appendix A.

2.1.4.4 Field Key to the Associations A field key to the associations classified at BICA was compiled using the vegetation plot data and the local descriptions. The Key is stratified by physiognomy (sub-keys) and is dichotomously structured within each sub-key. The Key was written to be nominally redundant for those types with confusing physiognomy and classification (e.g., is box elder (Acer negundo) a shrub or a tree?). In that way, starting to key from either sub-key should get you to the same conclusion. The BICA Key to the associations is included in Appendix B.

2.2 Results

2.2.1 Vegetation Data Collection The preliminary classification produced in the spring of 2011 prior to any field sampling included 96 NVC vegetation types which local experts had reasonable certainty would occur within BICA. The preliminary classification was used to target 438 locations where field data collection took place.

Over the course of the field sampling season, a total of 355 vegetation plots and observation points were established within the BICA project area (Figure 5). Of these, 263 plots were permanently marked full vegetation classification plots (188 random and 75 opportunistic) and 92 were observation points (74 random and 18 opportunistic).

A total of 335 plant species represented by 5178 records were encountered at BICA, including the globally imperiled Lesica’s bladderpod (Lesquerella lesicii) and the locally imperiled spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa). Seven species are common and occurred in more than 100 different plots: broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) (158), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) (155), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia Spp.) (143), Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) (140), and needle and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata) (124), Hooker’s sandwort (Arenaria hookeri) (103), and western tansymustard (Descurainia pinnata) (101). There were 278 species that only occurred in the data five or fewer times. Field crews subjectively assigned 28 of the 96 preliminary types to classification plots in the field based on dominant and diagnostic species. Field crews subjectively assigned an additional 50 of the 96 preliminary types to field plots at an alliance level. There were another 18 preliminary types that the field crew did not assign to any plots.

2.2.2 Vegetation Classification The vegetation classification at BICA consists of 73 separate types. Included are four forest types, 18 woodland types, 25 shrubland types, 26 herbaceous types (including sparse, barren, wetland, and weedy). Six of these types are not currently in the NVC and were classified as Park Specials. Of the 256 classification plots in the dataset, 101 were classified as woodland types, 85 were classified as shrubland types, 60 were classified as herbaceous types (includes sparse vegetation types), and 10 were classified as forest types. The complete list of vegetation classification plots and their classified type is included in Appendix D. The descriptions for all BICA vegetation types are provided in Appendix B.

Figure 5. BICA project boundary and vegetation sampling plots.

The field inventory did not sample a number of types that were in the preliminary classification and suspected to occur in the Park. Field trips by mapping staff after the inventory field work identified associations that were subsequently added to the 56 types documented during the inventory phase. These determinations from one or more locations per type within the park are based on field notes and are not supported by vegetation plot or observation point data. Some types have very limited geographic distribution within the park. Types added by the mapping team include:

• CEGL000442 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest • CEGL000628 Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest • CEGL000850 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland • CEGL000865 Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland • CEGL000911 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland • CEGL001030 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland • CEGL001108 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland • CEGL001120 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation • CEGL001121 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland • CEGL001128 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland • CEGL001131 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland • CEGL001197 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland • CEGL001480 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation • CEGL001556 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation • CEGL001662 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation • CEGL001667 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation • CEGL001838 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation • CEGL005266 Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation

Shrublands represent a large portion of the types classified at BICA (Table 8). The dominant species of the shrubland types found in the Park are curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius), black sage (Artemisia nova) and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis). Other, less extensive shrubland types are dominated by either plains shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), Gardner’s mat saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) or rubber rabbit-brush (Ericameria nauseosa). In areas surrounding the reservoir and in close proximity to ground water, shrublands of the invasive, non-native tamarisk are most dominant. Some of these areas, however, still support shrublands of willow (Salix spp.), and/or other riparian shrubs.

Table 8. Shrubland types classified at BICA.

NVC Code Association Name CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland CEGL001533 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland CEGL001030 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland CEGL001293 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland CEGL001443 Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland CEGL001330 Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland CEGL001108 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland CEGL001120 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001121 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland CEGL001197 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland CEGL001128 Shepherdia argentea shrubland CEGL001131 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland

Woodlands also comprise a large number of classified types at BICA (Table 9). The dominant species of the woodland types found in the Park are Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), Limber pine (Pinus flexilis), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), often in combination with one another. Other, less extensive woodland types are dominated by either plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), or Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).

Herbaceous types were highly variable in that they include riparian and wetland types as well as disturbed types (Table 10). Dominant species of the herbaceous types include blue-bunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). The herbaceous types also include several associations dominated by non- native invasive species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and other pervasive weedy species.

Table 9. Woodland types classified at BICA.

DB Code Association Name CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Woodland CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland CEGL002360 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland CEPS0004 Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland CEGL000850 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland CEGL000865 Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland CEGL000911 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland CEGL000947 Salix amygdaloides Woodland

Table 10. Herbaceous types classified at BICA.

DB Code Association Name CEGL005266 Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001556 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL005264 Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0002 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0003 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001700 Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001705 Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001838 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001480 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001577 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001662 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001688 Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

Four forest types were classified at BICA (Table 12). Two of these are dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and occur on the higher elevation slopes and ridges of the Pryor Mountains. The other two are dominated by either quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) or boxelder (Acer

negundo) and occur as small patch communities in the side canyons above the river. The aspen community contains only one small location in the park and is considered to be a remnant stand.

Table 11. Forest types classified at BICA.

DB Code Association Name CEGL000628 Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest CEGL000442 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest CEGL000594 Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest

A small fraction of the types classified at BICA are comprised of sparsely vegetated and cushion plant associations. Dominant species of the sparsely vegetated and cushion plant types include spiny phlox (Phlox hoodii), Hooker’s sandwort (Arenaria hookeri), and blue bunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) (Table 11).

Table 12. Sparsely vegetated and cushion plant types classified at BICA.

DB Code Association Name CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001667 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation CEPS0005 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff CEPS0006 Reservoir Edge

Of the 73 vegetation types documented, six are “park specials” (Table 13). Park specials are types that are not officially recognized in the USNVC, but are unique land cover types that occur within the park. The park specials were coded in the database as CEPS000X, where “X” represents a serial number from 1 to 6. Park specials CEPS0001, CEPS0002, and CEPS0003 were classified from plot data and represent a box elder / skunkbush sumac woodland and two disturbed weedy types, respectively. Park Special CEPS0004 is a Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) Intermittently Flooded Woodland type identified from verification field work. Park Specials CEPS0005 and CEPS0006 are barren and sparsely vegetated cliff and reservoir margins.

Table 13. Park Special types classified at BICA.

DB Code Association Name CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland CEPS0005 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff CEPS0002 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0003 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0004 Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland CEPS0006 Reservoir Edge

The 73 classified types were nested within 48 Map Classes. Map classes and the placement of the classified types within map classes are described in Section 3, Vegetation Mapping.

2.2.3 Photographic Database Results The photos collected during the field sampling efforts are in a dataset which includes 1,317 vegetation plot photos (4 photos on cardinal directions at each plot) and 3,356 AA point photos (4 photos on cardinal directions at each point). The total number of photos generated by the project and included in the photo dataset is 4,673 photos. Vegetation plot photos were collected over the summer of 2011, while AA point photos were collected over the summer of 2013.Both vegetation plot and AA points typically include four photos at each site. Photos were taken on each cardinal direction from the center of the plot and should begin with the north, followed by east, south, and west orientations.

3 Vegetation Mapping The mapping phase of the project included image acquisition, examination of legacy data and other information, development of a mapping model that accommodates existing vegetation types within interpretable map classes, field reconnaissance, polygon classification and delineation, field verification, and database development.

3.1 Methods

3.1.1 Map Specifications Map extent. As per the cooperative agreement and discussed during initial scoping with VMI Program staff and the Park, the area mapped extended to the BICA managed area boundary. Polygons outside the boundary were not mapped, visited, or sampled.

Minimum Mapping Unit. A minimum mapping unit (i.e., polygon size) of 0.5 hectares acres was used by the image interpreter.

Thematic Accuracy: The desired minimum class users’ accuracy goal across all vegetation and land cover classes is 80%.

3.1.2 Imagery Acquisition and Data Management Remotely-sensed imagery provides the foundation for mapping vegetation types and other land cover classes. Imagery taken by the GeoEye-1 satellite/sensor was acquired from LandInfo Worldwide Mapping, LLC. The product was delivered as bundled 50 cm panchromatic and 2 meter 4-band multispectral (R, G, B, and NIR) images. The imagery has a positional accuracy of <3 m. Specifications for the GeoEye acquisition included the following:

• Total area for new collection of 372 square kilometers

• 10% or less cloud cover

• 0-20 off-nadir angle guarantee

• Acquisition dates between late May and late June, 2011

Imagery satisfying the requirements was successfully acquired for the BICA project area on June 15, 2011 and delivered to CSU in July 2011. Each image was delivered as a geo-referenced product mosaicked as a single scene/image. We created a 50 cm resolution pan-sharpened set of multispectral bands to use for interpretation of vegetation. The acquisition provided 4-band imagery during the peak growing season. Additional imagery supplementing interpretation included 30 cm true-color Google Earth/Bing imagery imported to ArcGIS using Arc2Earth™ software and older true-color imagery viewed using the Google Earth online viewer.

3.1.3 Legacy Data The Vegetation Inventory Study Plan for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Stevens and Jones 2010) identified a variety of legacy data and base spatial data to support vegetation classification and mapping at BICA. Legacy data were evaluated using the TNC and NPS (2009) evaluation framework. While there was some qualitative data available to inform the classification and mapping processes, there was little quantitative plot data or spatially accurate map products. During this project, legacy data identified by Stevens and Jones (2010) as having potential to support either classification or mapping were acquired and examined in detail, and are described below.

Akashi, Y. 1988. Riparian vegetation dynamics along the Bighorn River, Wyoming. MS Thesis, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Abstract. This thesis examined 536 hectares of riparian plant communities and examines changes over time along a 10 km reach of the Bighorn River within the southernmost portion of BICA. Using a combination of field work and examination of aerial photographs taken between 1938 and 1981, the thesis aimed to identify and describe riparian vegetation types, identify factors influencing the spatial distribution and establishment of floodplain vegetation types, and evaluated floodplain history and dynamics. The author mapped vegetation polygons in the field using overlays on 1:5,000 true color aerial photos taken in the late 1970s or early 1980s (exact date unclear). Vegetation types were characterized by sampling a total of 33 stands. Cover for herbaceous, shrub, and tree species was estimated using a modified Daubenmire cover scale. Maps of the riparian vegetation mosaics are presented for multiple years, the most recent being 1986. Woodland polygons (primarily Populus deltoides) were classified by stand age. Vegetation maps are presented as non-georeferenced graphics within the thesis, and there are no specific features to enable geo referencing of the maps shown in the thesis. Types classified and described include: Populus deltoides woodlands (5 age-based types), 11 shrubland types (Rhus trilobata, Rhus trilobata- Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Rhus trilobata-Chrysothamnus nauseosus-Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Rhus trilobata-Symphoricarpos occidentalis-Rosa woodsii, Artemisia tridentata, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Salix exigua, Tamarix chinensis, Tamarix chinensis- Salix exigua, Tamarix chinensis-Rhus trilobata, and mixed species such as Tamarix- Chrysothamnus-Artemisia), three meadow types (sandbar, sand, and saline), marsh and agricultural lands.

Utility for Classification and Mapping: The riparian classification and descriptions provided helpful ancillary information but the lack of spatial data did not support mapping of vegetation polygons. No geospatial data were available, and changes in the location of the river channel, floodplain dynamics, and vegetation polygon types and boundaries have occurred since 1986. The report was found to be useful to validate and complement the vegetation classification produced during the vegetation inventory phase (e.g., the types of willow communities present), but was not useful for delineating vegetation polygons.

Knight D. H., G. P. Jones, Y. Akashi, and R. W. Meyers. 1987. Vegetation Ecology in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. A final report and map submitted to the U.S. National Park Service and the University of Wyoming - National Park Service Research Center. 114 pp. Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071

Abstract: This report and map collected and analyzed data from 75 stands located throughout BICA. Data collected included plant species cover and environmental characteristics. This report includes vegetation plot data, classification, and map. The study characterized the vegetation of BICA as 40% juniper / curl leaf mountain mahogany woodland; 16% riparian vegetation; 15% desert shrubland; 12% sagebrush steppe; 8% grassland; 6% coniferous woodland; 2% agricultural land; 1% marsh; and 0.1% Great Plains shrubland. These 9 general types were subdivided into 21 vegetation types that were then mapped on a 1:25,000 topographic map of BICA. The original vegetation map was produced on Mylar overlays and subsequently scanned and geo rectified by NPS staff. There was no metadata associated with the ArcGIS digital data layer provided to CSU. The 1:24,000 scale map of the plot locations originally included in the report as “Appendix B” was missing/unavailable and therefore could not be examined. Review of the digital map in relation to the BICA boundary layer indicates a datum shift and the need to re-project the data. Comparison of polygons with Bighorn Lake edges and distinct vegetation boundaries on the landscape, as shown in the 1-m NAIP county mosaic imagery, indicates that the polygon boundaries are shifted approximately 50 m by 200 m.

Utility for Classification and Mapping: The classification and report provides very good background information on the existing vegetation and supported discussions related to vegetation classification. The 21 mapped vegetation types are generally equivalent to the Group level of the NCVS, and considerable refinement is needed to achieve the desired level of classification and mapping for the current project. Examination of the map relative to imagery revealed many polygon boundaries that appeared to conflict with community boundaries evident in the imagery. The thematic accuracy of individual map classes is unknown. For these reasons the interpreters were unable to use the polygon data to help classify vegetation below the Group level of the NVCS.

Wood, S. D. and L. J. Rew. 2005. Non-Native Plant Survey at Bighorn Canyon National recreation Area – Yellowtail WHMA. Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Montana State University.

Abstract: This report presents the results of a non-native plant survey performed in the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area of BICA in the spring and early summer of 2003. The survey mapped the distribution of non-native plant species that were of concern to park resource managers or were known to be potentially invasive in other areas. The goals of the project were to develop a database to assist resource managers with invasive plant management and control, provide baseline data for long term monitoring efforts, and facilitate data sharing within the NPS and among external agencies. The area of interest was surveyed using transects and visual estimation using a “gross area” sampling method to provide a general sense of

infestation. Nine target species of invasive plants were mapped: Acroptilon repens, Arctium minus, Bromus tectorum, Cardaria draba, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Convolvulus arvensis, Elaeagnus angustifolia, and Tamarix spp. Maps of target plant species’ distributions are provided in the report and as a digital data layer.

Utility for Classification and Mapping: Although these surveys were conducted in 2003, they provided high-quality data on the likely presence of selected invasive plants. These data were not directly used in the mapping, although some locations were revisited for verification purposes.

Other legacy data that supported considerations when developing map classes included the Plant Community Classification on BLM Lands, Pryor Mountains, Carbon County, MT (DeVelice and Lesica 1993), especially with regard to the characterization of less common and sparse shrubland types and cushion plant communities.

3.1.4 Map Classes and Mapping Model The map model is a crosswalk between mapping classes used by the interpreter and the natural and semi-natural vegetation associations and other types, which uses the USNVC hierarchy when possible. The choice of an appropriate mapping model has important implications for the utility and accuracy of the final map. The optimized map model provides the highest thematic detail while meeting required standards of accuracy. The idealized would have the most detailed desired level of the NVCS (e.g., association or alliance) represented by a single map class.

From the outset of the project, it was important for image interpreters to become familiar with the vegetation types to be mapped and recurring patterns on the landscape. During first phase of the project, ecologists and image analysts reviewed the preliminary vegetation classification and began building an understanding of the vegetation types and patterns and the complexities associated with certain types. Consideration was also given to the semi-natural vegetation types and non-vegetated land use types that were being identified in the field and in the imagery. The preliminary vegetation classification assembled as part of the Study Plan (Stevens and Jones 2010) provided a starting point for the types that were likely present at the park, and became the foundation for the early development of map classes and the nesting of different communities within them, when necessary. By the winter of 2012, the classification of vegetation communities using quantitative vegetation plot inventory data collected in summer 2011 was complete and the list of BICA types became firmer. Numerous discussions between Joe Stevens (plot/vegetation classification) and the interpretation team (Dave Jones and Jay Benner) continued following the field-based classification and initial interpreter reconnaissance were used to refine the map classification and document any communities that were not sampled by the vegetation inventory crews.

The mapping model reflects the limitations of consistent and accurate interpretation given the available data, imagery and time and other resources available for field reconnaissance and verification. It incorporates challenges and limitations related to distinguishing vegetation communities and other land cover classes. Some of these challenges include the following:

• Interpreting thresholds between non-vegetated and sparse vegetation types, where rock and bare ground may dominate the type and wash out the vegetation signature.

• Interpreting thresholds in structural components, especially where the cover thresholds are fuzzy due to low levels of total vegetation cover (e.g., the difference between herbaceous and shrub herbaceous community).

• Interpreting the abundance of a structural component or taxon that is difficult to see (e.g., dwarf-shrubs in a productive herbaceous bunchgrass community).

• Interpreting understory differences in both herbaceous communities (e.g., detecting the presence of cushion plants within Pseudoroegneria grasslands, or understory components of Juniper woodlands).

• Any case where vegetation identification (e.g., distinguishing subspecies of Artemisia tridentata) or vegetation classification (e.g., herbaceous vs. shrub herbaceous vegetation) were difficult and inconsistent in the field.

Additional challenges influencing map class development are discussed in the Interpretation Challenges section. Following the accuracy assessment in the summer of 2013, the AA contingency table (i.e., the confusion matrix) was examined to determine the need to modify the mapping model where accuracies were low and there was clear confusion among types. This process, which led to the consolidation or aggregation of some preliminary map classes, is discussed in detail in the Accuracy Assessment section. Final map classes and the vegetation types they represent are discussed in the Results section.

3.1.5 Imagery Interpretation Classification and delineation of polygons was an iterative process involving development of preliminary map classes, field reconnaissance and mining of classification and other data, preliminary polygon mapping and classification, additional field reconnaissance and mapping, refinement of the mapping model and field verification. Initial mapping of vegetation physiognomy produced a crude division showing areas dominated by trees, shrubs, herbaceous vegetation, sparse vegetation and open water. Field reconnaissance with field GPS tablets and mapper maps produced georeferenced observations and photos of targeted points and patterns. Along with vegetation inventory plot data and photos, these data were used as signatures to begin classifying and delineating polygons at a finer level, attempting to map as many of the known plant community level types as possible. Field reconnaissance involving mappers and ecologists took place twice each growing season during 2011 and 2012. Reconnaissance allowed mappers to become familiar with the vegetation, local ecology and environmental site factors. Soils/geology, elevation and landform data incorporating aspect and slope position were used to help map communities with evident affinities or repeating patterns on the landscape.

Given the moderate size of the park, the intricacies of the classification, and the ability to define classes visually, manual on-screen office digitizing was used to delineate polygons. Both 50 cm pixel 4-band imagery and 30 cm true color imagery were used for interpretation. Vegetation class boundaries were distinguished using differences in pattern, color, texture, and tone observed in the imagery. Vegetation plot and observation point data were used to classify map units and assign appropriate map class labels to each digitized polygon. A minimum mapping unit of 0.5 hectares was used for all map classes. 3-D visualizations using Google Earth/Earth2Arc were used to better see vegetation structure and composition, especially in the steep terrain in and around the canyon. Different combinations of imagery bands were used to differentiate some types. Interpretation notes for BICA map classes are summarized in Appendix H.

3.1.6 Validation of Map Thematic Accuracy Whereas accuracy assessment is a considerable investment in time and effort, validation is a process of more limited sampling whose objective is to determine whether a final draft map meets an acceptably minimal threshold in order to proceed to the thematic accuracy assessment of individual map classes The results of validation address primarily the immediate needs of the map production team and project oversight team to evaluate the overall product before conducting a formal quantitative accuracy assessment. Map thematic validation is important to ensure that errors in the map, the association key, and the classification are corrected before the accuracy assessment phase of the project begins.

The NPS (2013) 12-Step Guidance document strongly recommends independent third party validation of the map and key prior to the accuracy assessment. Map thematic validation is completed by image analysts and ecologists visiting the site together and briefly testing the map and key in the field.

For the BICA project, a quantitative, third-party validation was not a planned phase of the project. The imagery interpretation team conducted three validation trips to BICA to examine certain map classes and polygons; one in summer of 2012, one in early fall of 2012, and one in spring of 2013. The field validation effort was not quantitative and did not involve random sampling across all map classes, but focused on those classes considered to have the lowest accuracy by interpreters. Field data collected resulted in some modifications to individual polygon boundaries, additional refinements to the map classification, and a higher level of comfort with certain classes and the map as a whole. These efforts met the intent of the guidance, and the decision was then made within the CSU team to proceed with the accuracy assessment phase.

3.1.7 Interpretation Challenges A number of image interpretation challenges influenced map accuracy and the development of map classes.

3.1.7.1 Sparse Vegetation Types Sparse vegetation types by definition may have 1-10% total plant cover. At the upper end of the scale, these types can be difficult to distinguish from grasslands and shrublands with low total cover.

At the lower end of the scale, these types can be confused with and intergrade with non-vegetated surfaces.

3.1.7.2 Changing Lake Levels over Time There is high variability in water levels in Bighorn Lake among years and within years (Figure 6, Figure 7). For example, on June 15, 2011 the reservoir water level was about 15’ above the average lake level for that date. This affects the vegetation in a variety of ways. Where the lakeshore is steep such as in the northern half of the park, changes in water levels result in a narrow bathtub ring effect with dynamic vegetation that is periodically submerged and then dry. This is a relatively narrow band whose width varies with changes in topography. In more gently sloping shoreline areas including low-gradient inlet areas and bottomlands, the reservoir shoreline area of influence is much wider.

3660 2010

3650 2011 2012 3640 mean 1993-2013 elevation (ft)

3630

3620

3610

BighornLake Mean elevation(ft) 3600

3590

3580 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Month

Figure 6. Seasonal and interannual changes in reservoir elevation during the inventory and mapping phase relative to long-term (1993-2013) averages. Data from Bureau of Reclamation (2013).

Figure 7. Examples of changes in Bighorn Lake water levels among years and during a single season.

3.1.7.3 BICA Boundary Several boundary-related issues were encountered:

1. The park managed boundary initially provided by NPS included approximately 64,722 acres of land and water combined, and included several private inholdings. The updated park boundary provided to us in January 2012 included approximately 63,932 acres total. The discernable differences between the two boundaries appear to be relatively small boundary differences and the exclusion of open water acreage below Yellowtail dam in the updated boundary. The vegetation map extends to the original boundary file provided but mapped acreage includes open water below Yellowtail Dam to the immediate downstream boundary. Private lands within the boundary were classified and mapped but no field work took place on private parcels.

Where the BICA administrative boundary abuts Crow Nation Land in Montana, the boundary location is defined by an elevation of 35’ above normal pool of 3640’ or 3675’ in elevation. The boundary data layer we were given by NPS in January of 2012 seemed to be an improvement over the previous boundary but still appears to contain considerable errors associated with certain parts of the shoreline boundary relative to the 3675’ elevation. An example of the boundary error is shown in

Figure 3.3. The 2001 imagery being used for the mapping was taken in mid June when the lake elevation was between 3651’ and 3654’. Figure 3.3 shows that both the 3670’ line we generated (from DEM) and the 3675’ line generated by NPS Lands (3675’) frequently cross the waterline, which is about 20’ lower in elevation. Despite the apparent poor quality of that boundary elevation line, it appears to be the best available boundary. After discussing this inconsistency with BICA staff, we decided to map to the January 2012 boundary line. In some cases, this resulted in the boundary being in the water at 3653’ or so. Also, it resulted in numerous (200-225) small polygons of land being created where the boundary line goes in and out of the water. Most of these polygons were below the minimum mapping unit size and therefore lumped with the adjacent water polygon.

Figure 8. Apparent boundary inconsistencies along the NPS-Crow Nation border in Montana. Imagery is from June 2011. The January 2012 boundary line at 3675’ is shown in yellow (data provided by the NPS Lands Office in January 2012). An isolated 3670’ value shown as a light blue line was generated by the contour function in ArcGIS.

3.1.7.4 Changes in Vegetation during the Project Period In some areas of the park changes in vegetation occurred due to reservoir levels, wildland fire, weed spraying, mechanical removal of Russian olive trees and other reasons. Some of these changes were captured by the mapping team during the validation and accuracy assessment phases but others were likely not captured.

3.1.7.5 Mortality and Resprouting of Tamarisk Mortality of tamarisk along the reservoir shoreline and especially south of the Highway 14A causeway was noted after the extreme high water in 2011. Some stands of tamarisk sustained high mortality rates. However, resprouting from tamarisk plant bases was also observed in numerous areas. This highly variable response, which is tied to the degree and length of continuous inundation,

created challenges in accurately mapping this species in low-lying areas at the mouths of the Shoshone and Bighorn Rivers and in drainages and gently sloping inlets along reservoir edges.

3.1.7.6 Classification and Mapping of Cliff Areas in the Canyon Special consideration was given to the mapping of cliff areas within the canyon area. Park managers were very interested in cliff vegetation, in large part because of its importance to bighorn sheep (pers. comm. Cass Bromley, 2012), so it was decided to flag areas characterized by cliff topography even though the vegetation was similar to surrounding areas that were not cliffs. Challenges related to mapping vegetation on cliff and canyon areas were also discussed during the mapping phase with Karl Brown, the NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program Manager. The issue discussed was the case where narrow bands of vegetation exist on small terraces of rock/soil on cliff areas. The bands are generally too small to be mapped individually. This is common in the canyon along/above the water but occurs outside the main canyon as well. In many cases the vegetation community consists of juniper/mountain mahogany and is the same or very similar at the foot of the cliff, on benches separated by cliff faces, and on the tops or plateaus above. These polygons are separated in space by elevation, but when you look at the imagery (i.e., close to vertical view) the multiple patches often appear contiguous or attached to one another because of sheer cliffs.

To address management needs, polygons were mapped as interpreted using the standard 0.5 ha MMU and a notation was made in the vegetation polygon attribute table regarding the cliff nature of the polygon. For example, an area of mountain mahogany shrubland that is partly above the canyon rim but appears continuous from the imagery when viewed from above is mapped as two polygons based on the interpreters knowledge that a portion of the area is in fact bands of discontinuous vegetation separated vertically. The two adjacent polygons are classified as the same association but are partitioned into two polygons; one having a cliff notation and the other without any notation.

3.2 Results

3.2.1 Map Classes The project objective was to map vegetation communities to the Association level of the NVCS, i.e., the highest possible level of floristic detail, where possible. In some cases consistent interpretation to the association level was not possible, and the interpreter was obliged to include more than one association (aka Alliance) in a map class. The initial map classification going into the AA phase consisted of 55 natural and semi-natural vegetated map classes representing 73 NVCS associations or other unpublished communities defined by the project. Following the formal accuracy assessment, some map classes not meeting the 80% accuracy target were aggregated. The consolidation or aggregation process involved examining accuracy results, specifically contingency tables illustrating the community types assigned in the field to the samples in each map class. For those classes with unacceptable disagreement, this matrix shows the type or types that were most commonly assigned to each map class by the AA field crew. The consolidation process incorporated considerations for map class accuracy, similarity of initial classes (e.g., composition, physiognomy, and distribution), and the extent of each map class. Park staffs’ comments are also used to make these aggregate choices.

The final map classification consists of 49 map classes for within BICA. Of these 49 map classes, 42 represent 67 natural/semi-natural associations types within the NVCS or 6 types described as unpublished park specials, one represents cultural vegetation (agricultural vegetation), and four represent NLCD Level II landcover classes (Water; Barren; Developed, Open Space; and Developed, High Intensity ). Final map classes and their relationship to NVCS associations are shown in Table 14. The vegetation map is not shown as a figure in this report due to the size of the park and small size of many polygons.

Of the 42 vegetated map classes, 28 map classes represent a single NVCS association, eight map classes represent two NVCS associations, three map classes represent three NVCS associations, one map class represents five associations, one map class represents six associations, and one map class represents nine associations. Where a map class represents a single NVCS type, the map class name is the same as the NVCS name. Where the map class represents more than one NVCS type, the map class name reflects the types included within it, and is weighted toward the type or types believed to occupy the largest acreage. Descriptions of map classes representing NVCS floristic types (i.e., alliances and associations) can be derived from the descriptions of associations and park specials presented in Appendix A.

3.2.2 Summary Statistics The BICA vegetation map consists of 2,537 polygons totaling 64,773 acres (Table 15). Mean polygon size for vegetated types was 14.7 acres. Of the total area, approximately 51,320 acres or 79% of the park represented natural or semi-natural vegetation map classes.

Map classes representing barren areas and developed classes occupied approximately 647 acres or 1% of the park. Agricultural vegetation accounted for 629 acres or less than 1% of the park. Water was mapped on 12, 176 acres (19% of the area). Of the broad physiognomic groupings of map classes, woodlands and forest types were the most extensive (27,726 acres or 42% of the park), followed by shrublands (16,264 acres or 25% of the park), herbaceous vegetation (6,822 acres or 11% of the park) and sparse vegetation (508 acres or <1% of the park).

Table 14. List of final BICA map classes and USNVC associations included within them, organized by dominant vegetation physiognomy.

Map Class USNVC Association(s) Herbaceous Vegetation MC101a Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata CEGL001330 Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland Grassland CEGL001577 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001662 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001700 Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001705 Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation MC201 Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa CEGL005266 Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal comata) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation Herbaceous Vegetation MC202 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub CEGL001556 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Herbaceous Vegetation

46 MC203 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation MC206 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001838 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation MC207 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation MC208 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001480 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation MC210 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation MC211 Sporobolus spp. Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL001688 Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation MC212 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation Vegetation MC701 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous CEPS0002 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation Vegetation MC702 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally CEPS0003 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation Vegetation MC704 Reservoir Edge CEPS0006 Reservoir Edge Shrublands MC213a Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Herbaceous, Cool-season mixed grasses CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL005264 Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation

Table 14 (continued). List of final BICA map classes and USNVC associations included within them, organized by dominant vegetation physiognomy.

Map Class USNVC Association(s) Shrublands (Continued) MC301 Artemisia nova Shrubland CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland MC302 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland Shrubland MC303 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / vaseyana CEGL001030 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland Shrubland CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland CEGL001533 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland MC305 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland CEGL001443 Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland MC306 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub

47 MC307 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland CEGL001108 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland MC308 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland CEGL001121 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland MC309 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub CEGL001120 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Herbaceous Vegetation MC310 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland CEGL001197 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland MC311 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Intermittently Flooded CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland Shrubland CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland MC312 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland CEGL001128 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland MC313 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland CEGL001131 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland MC315 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland MC601a Atriplex confertifolia / Pseudoroegneria spicata - CEGL001293 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland CEGL001667 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation Woodland and Forest MC314a Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata - (Prunus virginiana) CEGL000628 Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest Wooded Shrubland and Forest CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland MC402 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest MC403 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest CEGL000442 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest MC501 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland

Table 14 (continued). List of final BICA map classes and USNVC associations included within them, organized by dominant vegetation physiognomy.

Map Class USNVC Association(s) Woodland and Forest Continued MC502a Juniperus osteosperma Woodland, (Pinus flexilis / Juniperus spp. CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland Woodland) CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland CEGL002360 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland MC503 Juniperus osteosperma (Juniperus scopulorum) / Cercocarpus ledifolius CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland Woodland CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum - Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland MC504 Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland CEPS0004 Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland MC506 Pinus ponderosa Woodland CEGL000850 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland CEGL000865 Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland MC507 Populus angustifolia Temporarily Flooded Woodland CEGL000594 Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland

48 CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal

Woodland MC508 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland MC510 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland CEGL000911 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland MC511 Pseudotsuga menziesii Woodland CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland MC512 Salix amygdaloides Woodland CEGL000947 Salix amygdaloides Woodland Sparse Vegetation MC703 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff CEPS0005 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff Land Cover and Cultural Classes LC001 Agricultural Land LC002 Barren Land LC004 Developed, Open Space LC006 Developed, High Intensity LC007 Water

Table 15. Map statistics by map class for the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area vegetation map. Number of Minimum Maximum Mean Total area (ac) Map Class polygons size (ac) size (ac) size (ac) Herbaceous Vegetation

MC101a Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Grassland 324 1.2 190.1 6.9 2222.6 MC201 Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal Herbaceous 11 1.4 26.3 8.1 88.8 Vegetation MC202 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 5 1.4 18.3 6.9 34.3 MC203 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation 11 1.3 6.6 3.0 33.0 MC206 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation 2 6.9 15.7 11.3 22.6 MC207 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation 2 8.4 10.6 9.5 19.0 MC208 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation 4 2.9 7.2 4.7 18.8 MC210 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation 6 1.4 17.6 7.4 44.6 MC211 Sporobolus spp. Herbaceous Vegetation 25 1.3 26.7 6.3 158.1 MC212 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation 17 1.6 57.8 15.4 261.6 MC213a Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous, Cool-season mixed grasses 66 1.2 358.4 16.9 1115.1 49 5 1.4 44.3 11.3 56.5

MC309 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation MC701 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation 99 1.3 206.5 11.8 1166.8 MC702 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation 33 1.2 469.0 42.8 1411.9 MC704 Reservoir Edge 37 1.3 19.1 4.6 168.4 Shrublands

MC301 Artemisia nova Shrubland 111 1.2 1061.3 36.7 4071.7 MC302 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 28 1.4 70.8 10.9 305.2 MC303 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / vaseyana Shrubland 305 1.2 1275.3 18.8 5732.7 MC305 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 54 1.2 257.8 14.5 785.1 MC306 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub 80 1.2 158.1 15.1 1207.4 MC307 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland 6 1.6 9.9 3.7 22.1 MC308 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland 9 1.3 11.5 4.4 39.7 MC310 Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland 16 1.3 13.9 5.4 87.1 MC311 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Intermittently Flooded Shrubland 94 1.2 141.4 12.1 1142.0 MC312 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland 4 2.1 10.7 5.6 22.3

Table 15 (continued). Map statistics by map class for the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area vegetation map. Number of Minimum Maximum Mean size Total area (ac) Map Class polygons size (ac) size (ac) (ac) Shrublands (continued) MC313 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland 2 6.6 22.9 14.7 29.5 MC315 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 111 1.2 425.9 15.0 1665.5 MC601a Atriplex confertifolia / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse 101 1.2 393.4 11.4 1153.1 Vegetation and Shrubland Woodland and Forest

MC314a Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata - (Prunus virginiana) Wooded Shrubland and Forest 31 1.3 17.7 5.4 168.3 MC402 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 1 31.0 31.0 31.0 31.0 MC403 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest 14 1.5 936.5 79.7 1116.4 MC501 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland 49 1.2 49.9 6.6 322.9 MC502a Juniperus osteosperma Woodland, (Pinus flexilis / Juniperus spp. Woodland) 290 1.2 2390.6 64.4 18666.0 MC503 Juniperus osteosperma (Juniperus scopulorum) / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 237 1.2 860.0 21.2 5016.7 MC504 Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland 11 1.7 14.8 5.0 55.5 MC506 Pinus ponderosa Woodland 17 1.3 20.9 5.4 91.2 50 MC507 Populus angustifolia Temporarily Flooded Woodland 11 1.6 44.6 11.5 126.9

MC508 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 81 1.2 170.6 15.4 1251.4 MC510 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland 1 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 MC511 Pseudotsuga menziesii Woodland 43 1.4 355.3 20.1 863.8 MC512 Salix amygdaloides Woodland 4 2.7 3.5 3.0 12.1 Sparse Vegetation

MC703 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff 61 1.2 72.8 8.3 508.4 Cultural Vegetation

LC001 Agricultural Vegetation 20 1.9 157.2 31.5 629.2 Land Cover

LC002 Barren Land 32 1.3 44.2 7.2 231.5 LC004 Developed, Open Space 11 1.3 14.8 4.1 44.6 LC006 Developed, High Intensity 35 1.2 86.5 10.6 371.3 LC007 Water 20 2.0 10473.4 608.8 12176.1 Totals 2537 64773.0

3.2.3 Map Layer Development Following the accuracy assessment and final aggregation of several preliminary map classes, several fields were added to the feature class layer attribute table to facilitate basic query and display or the map data. Attribute fields in the vegetation polygon layer table include the following:

• map class code • map class name • map class translated name • preliminary map class name • vegetation physiognomy • polygon size (hectares) • polygon size (acres) • polygon perimeter (i.e., shape_length) • polygon area in square meters (shape_area) • notes (for some polygons)

The geodatabase also links the vegetation layer to other feature classes such as vegetation classification and accuracy assessment plots and associated sampling data from the PLOTS database, plot photos, and project boundary extent. The database includes tables documenting the USNVC hierarchy and allows for spatial queries that show the multitude of data associated with a vegetation polygon or sample point. All geospatial products are projected using NAD83 in UTM Zone 12N.

4 Accuracy Assessment

4.1 Introduction Accuracy Assessment (AA) of vegetation inventory data is a statistical analysis of the thematic accuracy of the vegetation map. It does not evaluate the spatial accuracy of map polygon boundaries. The AA measures the degree of confusion or error between map classes presented on the map and the vegetation as sampled on the ground. The accuracy assessment tests the ability of the map to accurately identify the patterns of the vegetation classes on the landscape. The AA provides map users with information on the limitations of the map and its suitability for particular applications, and informs map producers of potential sources of error and how to improve the mapping procedure (Lea and Curtis 2010). The results provide measures of overall accuracy and a class by class estimate of the “users’” and “producers’” accuracy. Users’ accuracy is the probability that map polygons correctly classify the vegetation communities as they occur on the ground. Producers’ accuracy is the probability that a vegetation community is correctly identified on the map. The Kappa Coefficient provides an accuracy value that corrects for chance agreement.

In order to produce a quantitative estimate of accuracy, random sample points stratified by map class area and frequency are distributed over the map surface. Vegetation at each of these survey points is classified in the field and assigned a USNVC recognized vegetation type or other local type (i.e., Park Special) by a field crew using the dichotomous key to plant associations of BICA. The field classifications are then compared to the associated map class designation for each location. Using these data, different analyses can estimate overall accuracy and the users’ and producers’ accuracy of the map. Together, these identify the “confidence” of the map for the user.

Lower confidence types may represent types of management interest, and park staffs may recommend aggregating types that have similar management concerns or needs. These aggregations can improve per class accuracy. This process of aggregating low accuracy classes was completed for the BICA map and is described below. The sample design, field methods, and methods of analysis were conducted in accordance with NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program, Thematic Accuracy Assessment Procedures (Lea and Curtis 2010).

4.2 Methods

4.2.1 Sample Design A stratified random sampling approach was used to determine AA sampling locations. The area of inference was developed by applying several constraints to the map layer. Excluded classes, buffers applied and other allocation adjustments are described below.

Map Classes Included/Excluded. All developed and agricultural land use, cultural vegetation and non-vegetated classes, including water, were excluded from the plot allocation.

Land Ownership. AA plot locations were limited to public (i.e., NPS, State, and BLM) lands within the BICA administrative boundary.

Accessibility and Safety Cost Surface Layer. Areas having steep terrain and cliffs were considered inaccessible or too hazardous for field work. A cost surface using a threshold of 40+ degrees or 89 percent slope was developed using a 10 m DEM data layer.

Buffers to Avoid Road Shoulders and Associated Disturbance. Paved and unpaved Park roads were buffered 25 meters from the centerline and clipped from the allocation layer to avoid allocation of samples in disturbed roadside areas.

Buffers to Promote Homogeneity within Samples. The possibility of transitional or otherwise atypical vegetation should not be chosen for thematic accuracy assessment. Polygon boundaries form discrete boundaries that in the real world often consist of transitional zones (i.e., ecotones) between distinct vegetation types. To avoid ecotones, promote homogeneity of observation areas, and account for GPS positional accuracy, a negative polygon edge buffer was applied to all polygons in the area of inference. The standard negative buffer applied was 45 m but for narrow polygons the negative buffer was occasionally as small as 5 m. Where road areas were clipped from the area of inference, new polygon edges were formed and the buffer was applied.

Buffers to Maintain Independence Among Observations. A minimum buffer between AA plots equivalent to 80 m or twice the radius of a circular area of observation or 0.5 ha MMU was applied.

Sample sizes for each evaluated map class were selected using guidance from Lea and Curtis (2010) (Table 16). A total of 860 AA points and an additional 443 alternate points for each class were allocated among the vegetated map classes. No AA plots were allocated to the Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff map class, which was inaccessible due to slope steepness. Other classes that were not sampled included Agricultural Vegetation; Barren Land; Developed, Open Space; Developed, High Intensity; Reservoir Edge; and Water. Spatial coordinates for all AA points were downloaded to GPS receivers for field sampling and provided on field maps.

Table 16. Standard sample size allocations for NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory thematic accuracy assessment, based on map class area (from Lea and Curtis 2010).

Number of Observations per Map Map Class Abundance Map Class Total Area* Class**

Abundant > 50 hectares 30

Relatively Abundant 8.33 to 50 hectares 0.6 per hectare

Relatively Rare < 8.33 hectares 5

* - as measured before buffering for cost surface (access buffer) or for map class boundary buffer. ** - or as many spatially independent (non-overlapping) observation sites as map class area, MMU size and other considerations will allow.

Overall, 869 primary sample points were allocated across the map classes (Figure 9). A list of 443 alternate sample points was also generated in the event that some primary plots could not be accessed or did not meet the selection criteria in the field. If a primary plot was rejected, a random alternate plot of the same map class was selected to replace it. Only vegetated classes that were not assigned a

Land Use code (e.g., agricultural vegetation, barren, etc.) were included in the AA. Open water was also excluded. Areas having steep terrain and cliffs were considered inaccessible or too hazardous for field work.

4.2.2 Field AA Data Collection Field staff for AA data collection consisted of two two-person crews and a crew leader that worked from June 10th through September 5th of 2013. All crew members had backgrounds in botany and ecology sampling techniques, but were previously unfamiliar with the vegetation present at BICA. Before field sampling began, all crew members were trained in species identification, field methods and protocols, and use of the vegetation classification key. Based in the town of Lovell, WY, crews worked a schedule of eight ten-hour days followed by six days off.

Prior to the start of field work, UTM coordinates for every AA plot were loaded into GPS units as waypoint files. Crews navigated to each plot using GPS navigation and field maps. Each field map included locations of primary and alternate plots with topographical lines overlaid on satellite imagery to aid in navigation. To avoid biasing field determinations, no information on the map class or association of polygons was revealed to the crews.

As with the vegetation classification plots, AA point locations were accessed using a combination of travel on roads, boat support by NPS, and foot travel, and was typically completed during day-trips. Once a crew successfully navigated to an AA plot, they evaluated the site relative to the AA criteria. The standard observational area of each plot was a 0.5 hectare circle, which is equivalent to the MMU for each map class. If the plot were notably affected by some disturbance, such as an agricultural site or a road, the crew would attempt to move or reshape the plot. The plot was rejected and replaced with an alternate location if it could not be moved or reshaped appropriately. If the plot appeared to encompass more than one distinct vegetation type (not considered an inclusion), the plot would be moved or reshaped. Moving and reshaping of plots followed modified guidance from Lea and Curtis (2010). When a plot was moved, the crew recorded the GPS coordinates of the new plot center on the field form. Plots that were inaccessible or deemed unsafe due to steep terrain and cliffs were rejected and replaced with alternate plots.

Once an AA plot was determined to meet the selection criteria, the crew would use the Field Key to Plant Associations (Appendix B) to assign a vegetation type. The vegetation types are either recognized USNVC types or are “Park Specials” if no USNVC type is suitable. The vegetation types are equivalent to or nested uniquely within a single map class. There may be many types within a single map class, but only one map class for each type. Thus, identifying the community to vegetation type will ultimately determine whether the correct map class has been applied. This method avoids the need to generate a separate map class key and will provide the user with more information on map class composition.

Figure 9. Primary AA sample points throughout the BICA managed area boundary.

In addition to assigning a vegetation type to each AA plot, the crew also recorded the crew member names, date, dominant species of each stratum and their respective cover classes, cover class of each stratum, ground cover, leaf phenology of dominant stratum, whether the plot was a good representation of the overall polygon, and whether the designated type was a good fit for the vegetation observed at the site (AA Field Form in Appendix F). The crew also recorded the UTMs of the field plot center, which was especially crucial when plots were moved, reshaped or the error in the GPS unit was high. They also noted any special conditions that could affect the classification of the plot (e.g., recent disturbance, potential species misidentification, etc.) and took a picture from plot center in each of the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and then west). These digital photos were archived according to plot number, and were referenced during data analysis in the event of a disagreement between the mapped class and the field-assigned class.

Due to the seasonal variability in water levels of Bighorn Lake, some plots were inundated with water at the time of sampling. These sites were accessed via canoe or boat or were observed from a vantage point on shore. The UTM coordinates were recorded at the point of observation. Although the vegetation at these sites is likely seasonally variable, depending on lake levels, the crew recorded the species that were visible at the time of sampling and were able to assign the plot a vegetation type, typically “Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation.” Consequently, no plots were rejected because of flooding at the site.

4.2.3 Data Quality Control The data underwent quality control (QC) procedures prior to and following data entry before any analyses were performed. The first QC step was review and verification of field form data. Data on the field forms were checked for completeness and to ensure that values were appropriate for the given parameter. Following entry of the data into the PLOTS database, routine QC checks of the data were completed to eliminate possible transcription errors. These checks included searching for null values, checking for values out of range, nonsensical, or otherwise erroneous values. After making necessary corrections the data were imported into ArcGIS as a layer file and a data QC check was completed to ensure that the geocoding was correct for all points.

4.2.4 Accuracy Assessment Data Analysis To analyze the BICA AA data, a table was created from the pertinent data fields in the PLOTS database and imported into ArcGIS. The data fields imported included Plot ID, Primary Association, Secondary Association, Primary Map Class, Secondary Map Class, Plot XY Coordinates, and Field XY Coordinates. The imported data was converted to a shapefile and were spatially joined to the vegetation map layer. This spatial join produced a list of all sampled points, the map class of the Primary and Secondary Association identified by the field crew, and the map class of the vegetation map polygon where the point was sampled. The attribute table of the spatial join was exported from ArcGIS as a table and imported to MS Excel for further evaluation.

The data table imported to MS Excel was evaluated to identify plot records where the field map class (field call) did not agree with the map class of the vegetation map (map call). Records where the primary field call was correct were considered correct and removed from the analysis. Records where

the primary field call disagreed with the mapped class but the crew made a secondary call were then evaluated. Records for which the secondary call was correct were considered correct. The remaining records were considered incorrect and retained for further evaluation to determine the source of the disagreement and potential need for reconciliation. The analysis of this dataset provided an initial (raw) accuracy measure.

The remaining records where neither the primary nor secondary field call agreed with the map call were individually evaluated by reviewing all the available data for the sample point and the map polygon. The purpose of the review was to identify the source of the disagreement between the field call and the map call and verify whether the error was attributable to the map call or some other factor. Verifying the source of error allows one to reconcile errors that in reality have very little to do with the accuracy of the map polygons, and provides a more accurate measure of the true map accuracy. The analysis of this dataset provided a reconciled accuracy measure. The reconciled accuracy measure remains unbiased by correcting only errors that can objectively be attributed to an erroneous field call or a change in land use or land cover.

Three potential sources of disagreement were identified prior to verifying the sources. These included cases where the disagreement was due to an erroneous map call (MC), an erroneous field call (FC), or due to recent changes in the land use or land cover (RC) (i.e., changes occurring after the imagery date). Erroneous field calls were further classified as due to a species or association ID error (FC1), a cover or density estimate error (FC2), a minimum map unit (MMU) estimate error (FC3), or a simple recording error (FC4). Any disagreement that could not objectively be attributed to other than a map call were classified MC. All disagreements classified MC were retained as errors. All disagreements classified as FC1 – FC3 or RC1 were considered to be correct.

The review of all disagreements included reviewing the field data sheets, the sample point photos, the map polygons, and imagery of the area. Prior to starting the review, additional columns were added to the evaluation spreadsheet for “Error Classification”, “Comments/Justification”, and “Reconciled Field Call”. Error Classification is one of five codes listed above (FC1–FC3, MC1, RC1), Comments/Justification provides a short description of what the specific issue was, and Reconciled Field Call is the post reconciliation value assigned to the point (may remain same or change).

Examples of disagreements that were corrected include a point where field crew called it a Douglas fir woodland while the map called it a Douglas fir forest. Review of the photos clearly identified greater than 60% canopy closure, indicating the class was correctly forest, not woodland. This example would be considered a simple data recording error (FC4) and reconciled as correct. Another example was calling a site Douglas fir Scree Woodland because the site was a Douglas fir woodland on a rocky hillside site. Douglas fir Scree Woodland requires an open canopy of trees on a scree slope, which is significantly different from a site with rocks scattered on the soil surface. In this example, it was the distinction in the interpretation of what constitutes scree that determined the field crew was in error and that there was not a substantive difference between what the mapper interpreted and what it should be called.

Following the reconciliation, the data were arrayed using the MS Excel pivot table tool to create an error matrix as well as a list of all map classes and their areas. Map class names were categorized by the physiognomy of the type to ensure that similar types were closely positioned near one another in the matrix. To do this we simply added a digit to the map class name to designate the physiognomy. The matrix and list were then copied and pasted into the NPS Contingency Table workbook (NPS 2015). For more information on the NPS Contingency Table Spreadsheet see Lea and Curtis (2010).

The statistics computed by the MSExcel contingency table workbook include overall accuracy (with confidence intervals), individual class accuracies (with confidence intervals), Kappa coefficient (with confidence intervals), and measures of users’ and producers’ accuracy. The Kappa coefficient is a measure of overall accuracy that estimates the proportion of agreement due to chance and adjusts the overall accuracy value accordingly. Users’ accuracy is based on the mapped classes (rows in the contingency table) and is defined as the probability that a location mapped as class x is in fact class x on the ground. Users’ accuracy is more important to map users because they are most interested in knowing how well the map represents the types on the ground (Lee and Curtis 2010). The producers’ accuracy is based on the true vegetation class in the field (columns in the contingency table) and is defined as the probability that a location of vegetation class x in the field is correctly mapped as class x. The producers’ accuracy provides the map producer with an indication of how accurately a class may be detected wherever it occurs within the mapped area (inference area) (Lee and Curtis 2010).

4.2.5 Map Class Aggregation Map classes with low individual class accuracy were evaluated for aggregation into the class(es) with which they were confused. The class errors were evaluated to determine the specific classes to combine to improve the accuracy of the classes with low accuracy. Aggregating map classes decreases the thematic resolution of the aggregated classes. Therefore, the objective is to maximize the individual class accuracies while minimizing the loss of thematic resolution of map classes. This requires identifying the correct map classes to combine and not combining more classes than is absolutely necessary to improve the accuracy to an acceptable level, consistent with Park staff input.

The aggregating process was attempted using the Lee and Curtis (2010) protocol which instructs that the sum of the individual class accuracies is “simply” the accuracy of the lumped classes, and the sum of the confidence intervals of the individual classes is the confidence interval of the lumped classes. While Lea and Curtis (2010) instructs users to combine the row and column values for low accuracy classes and provides extra worksheets inside the workbook for this purpose, the process is actually very complicated. We attempted several different methods to aggregate classes within the workbook in which we analyzed the AA data and found it very difficult to complete without making any errors. This was especially true when the number of map classes was high and all classes cannot be examined simultaneously on one or even two screens. Eventually, we found that aggregating the classes outside of the workbook and entering the aggregated data into a new worksheet was the most feasible method.

4.3 Results

4.3.1 Accuracy Assessment Field Data Collection The field crew collected data at 858 primary points and 11 alternate points, for a total of 869 AA points sampled. The total inference area within the 25,020 ha (52,254 acres) BICA NRA is 20,495 ha (50,644 ac), or 82%. Not included in the inference area are the open water reservoir areas and land use areas (agriculture, roads, urban, etc.). The inference area in each map class and the count of sample points collected across them is shown in Table 17.

Table 17. Inference area and count of sample points in each map class at BICA. MAP CLASS MAP CLASS Map INFERENCE Number of Map INFERENCE Number of Class AREA AA Sample Class AREA AA Sample Code (hectares) Points Code (hectares) Points MC101 819 30 MC310 35 18 MC201 36 13 MC311 462 30 MC202 14 8 MC312 9 5 MC203 13 8 MC313 12 7 MC204 92 30 MC314 60 18 MC205 8 5 MC315 674 30 MC206 9 2 MC401 8 5 MC207 8 3 MC402 13 8 MC208 8 5 MC403 452 30 MC209 81 20 MC501 131 20 MC210 18 9 MC502 7102 30 MC211 64 30 MC503 2030 30 MC212 106 30 MC504 22 13 MC213 351 30 MC505 452 30 MC301 1648 30 MC506 37 20 MC302 124 21 MC507 51 20 MC303 2320 30 MC508 506 30 MC304 8 5 MC510 2 2 MC305 318 30 MC511 350 30 MC306 489 30 MC512 5 5 MC307 9 5 MC601 459 30 MC308 16 10 MC701 472 30 MC309 23 14 MC702 571 30

4.3.2 Accuracy Assessment Data Analysis Field crews collected data from a total of 869 AA sample points. Prior to any effort to reconcile data collection errors, 533 samples agreed with the map classification and 336 disagreed with the map classification. As a simple plot count proportion, the overall accuracy before reconciliation was 61.3% (533/869). As a spatially weighted population proportion, the initial overall accuracy was 79% with a Kappa of 60.2%. When each accuracy assessment sample was evaluated for a variety of potential errors, a number of the disagreements were overturned, resulting in revised accuracies. It was determined that 171 plot records disagreed due to either an erroneous field call or a change in the vegetation, and 165 disagreed due to a true map classification error. Those records identified as

wrong due to an erroneous field call or changes in vegetation since the imagery date were considered correct for the purpose of the AA.

The 165 plots ultimately identified as disagreeing with the mapped class during the QC process were attributed to map classification error. Table 18 summarizes the outcome of the error reconciliation. As a simple plot count proportion the reconciled overall accuracy was 81% (704/869). As a spatially weighted population proportion the overall accuracy was 91.6% with a Kappa statistic of 80.5%. The overall accuracy, Kappa statistic, and upper and lower 90% confidence intervals for the initial (raw) AA data and the reconciled AA data are provided in Table 19.

Table 18. Accuracy assessment error reconciliation summary for BICA

Count Percent Initial (raw) Accuracy* Map Class Agreement 533 61.3% Map Class Disagreement 336 38.7% Concise (reconciled) Accuracy* Map Class Agreement 704 81% Map Class Disagreement 165 19%

Evaluation Criteria Initial Agreement Match 533 61.3% Map Call Errors 166 49.4% Classification Error MC1 165 Spatial Error** MC2 1 Field Call Errors 145 43.2% Species/Type ID Error FC1 88 61% Cover Estimation Error FC2 48 33% MMU Estimation Error FC3 8 6% Data Recording Error FC4 1 1% Vegetation Change Errors 25 7.4% Inundation VC1 19 76% Mechanical Treatment VC2 6 24% Chemical Treatment VC3 0 0% Burned VC4 0 0%

* Based on simple plot count proportion, not spatially weighted ** Polygon was below MMU due to proximity to boundary

Individual class accuracies are considered a more valuable measure of the map accuracy than the overall accuracy. Individual class accuracies are evaluated as either the “users’ Accuracy” or the “producers’ accuracy”. Users’ Accuracy is based on the mapped classes (rows in the contingency table) and is defined as the probability that a location mapped as class x is in fact class x on the ground. Users’ accuracy is more important to map users because they are most interested in knowing how well the map represents the types on the ground (Lee and Curtis 2010).

Table 19. Initial and reconciled overall map accuracy.

Initial (raw) Accuracy Reconciled Accuracy Accuracy Type Percent Percent Overall Accuracy: 79.0% 91.6% Lower Limit, 90% Confidence Interval 75.6% 90.1% Upper Limit, 90% Confidence Interval 82.4% 93.1% Kappa: 60.2% 80.5% Lower Limit, 90% Confidence Interval, K 57.5% 78.2% Upper Limit, 90% Confidence Interval, K 63.0% 82.7%

Producers’ accuracy is based on the true vegetation class in the field (columns in the contingency table) and is defined as the probability that a location of vegetation class x in the field is correctly mapped as class x. Producers’ accuracy provides the map producer with an indication of how accurately a class may be detected wherever it occurs within the mapped area (inference area) (Lee and Curtis 2010). The users’ and producers’ accuracies for each map class in the reconciled dataset are presented in Table 20. Project data and the contingency table workbooks are included with the project products, and can be downloaded from the NPS VMI site (http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/veg/products.cfm).

4.3.3 Map Class Aggregation Following review of the individual class accuracies, the classification team met with the interpretation team to discuss the results. Possible aggregation of preliminary map classes considered results of the contingency table illustrating the distribution of disagreements among types, nuances of the communities, and the locations and extents of types. As a result of the discussions, it was determined that 11 map classes with low class accuracies would be aggregated into five new map classes. One map class with low class accuracy, MC302 - Big Sagebrush - (Rubber Rabbitbrush) / Cheatgrass Disturbed Shrubland, was retained since its error was spread over several types and aggregating these would have unacceptably reduced map detail. The new aggregated classes and the original classes combined to create them are listed in Table 21. Table 20 shows the individual class accuracies before the aggregation.

Table 20. Users’ and producers’ reconciled accuracies for each map class at BICA.

Users’ Lower Upper Producers’ Lower Upper Est. True Map Class Accuracy Limit, Limit, Accuracy Limit, Limit, MC Area Code % 90% CI 90%CI % 90% CI 90%CI (ha) MC101 70 55 85 76 75 76 759 MC201 77 54 100 100 100 100 28 MC202 100 94 100 47 47 47 29 MC203 75 44 100 100 100 100 10 MC204 50 33 67 58 58 58 80 MC205 60 14 100 3 3 4 161 MC206 50 0 100 100 100 100 5 MC207 100 83 100 46 46 46 17 MC208 80 41 100 100 100 100 6 MC209 0 0 3 0 0 0 15 MC210 89 66 100 16 16 16 99 MC211 77 62 91 64 64 65 76 MC212 100 98 100 86 86 86 124 MC213 67 51 82 68 67 68 346 MC301 100 98 100 100 100 100 1648 MC302 57 37 77 82 82 82 86 MC303 90 79 100 95 94 96 2198 MC304 0 0 10 0 0 0 206 MC305 77 62 91 96 96 96 254 MC306 100 98 100 88 88 88 556 MC307 80 41 100 52 52 52 14 MC308 90 69 100 39 39 39 37 MC309 100 96 100 87 87 87 26 MC310 72 52 92 100 100 100 25 MC311 87 75 99 65 64 65 620 MC312 100 90 100 100 100 100 9 MC313 100 93 100 89 89 89 13 MC314 56 34 78 95 95 95 35 MC315 100 98 100 97 97 97 692 MC401 100 90 100 54 54 54 15 MC402 100 94 100 79 79 79 16 MC403 100 98 100 100 100 100 452 MC501 65 45 85 100 100 100 85 MC502 100 98 100 98 98 98 7255 MC503 97 90 100 99 99 100 1978 MC504 85 64 100 85 85 85 22 MC505 60 44 76 92 92 92 294 MC506 100 98 100 71 71 71 52 MC507 100 98 100 100 100 100 51

Table 20 (continued). Users’ and producers’ reconciled accuracies for each map class at BICA.

Users’ Lower Upper Producers’ Lower Upper Est. True Map Class Accuracy Limit, Limit, Accuracy Limit, Limit, MC Area Code % 90% CI 90%CI % 90% CI 90%CI (ha) MC508 100 98 100 96 96 96 526 MC510 100 75 100 5 5 5 37 MC511 83 70 96 100 100 100 291 MC512 80 41 100 100 100 100 4 MC601 43 27 60 88 88 88 226 MC701 93 84 100 89 89 89 495 MC702 87 75 99 98 97 98 507

Table 21. Final aggregated and initial map classes subsumed within them.

Final Aggregated Map Class Initial Map Classes Subsumed MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle-and- MC101 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Thread Grassland Grassland MC209 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation MC213a Soapweed Yucca/Bluebunch MC213 Yucca glauca/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Wheatgrass Grassland with Shrubs, Herbaceous Vegetation Cool-season mixed grasses MC204 Bromus inermis – (Pascopyrum smithii) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation MC205 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation MC314a Box-elder/Mixed Shrub Shrubland with MC314 Acer negundo/Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland Trees and Forest MC401 Acer negundo/Prunus virginiana Forest MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber MC502 Juniperus osteosperma Woodland Pine/Juniper Woodland) MC505 Pinus flexilis/Juniperus spp. Woodland MC601a Shadscale Saltbush/Bluebunch MC601 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Eriogonum brevicaule Wheatgrass – Shortstem Buckwheat Sparse Vegetation Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland MC304 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland

The users’ and producers’ accuracies for the final aggregated map classes are presented in Table 22 and Figure 10. The overall accuracy of the BICA map is 92.8% with a Kappa statistic of 86.7% (the Kappa Coefficient provides an accuracy value that corrects for chance agreement). The aggregated accuracy, the Kappa Statistic, and the upper and lower 90% confidence intervals for each are shown in Table 23.

Table 22. Users’ and producers’ accuracies for the final aggregated map classes. Upper Aggregated Users’ Lower Upper Producers’ Lower Limit, Est. True Map Class Accuracy Limit, Limit, Accuracy Limit, 90% MC Area Code % 90% CI 90% CI % 90% CI CI (ha) MC101a 74 63 85 84 83 84 795 MC201 77 54 100 100 100 100 28 MC202 100 94 100 47 47 47 29 MC203 75 44 100 100 100 100 10 MC206 50 0 100 100 100 100 5 MC207 100 83 100 27 27 27 29 MC208 80 41 100 100 100 100 6 MC210 89 66 100 16 16 16 99 MC211 77 62 91 58 57 58 85 MC212 100 98 100 86 86 86 124 MC213a 82 73 90 65 65 66 563 MC301 100 98 100 100 100 100 1648 MC302 57 37 77 82 82 82 86 MC303 90 79 100 96 95 97 2181 MC305 77 62 91 84 84 84 289 MC306 100 98 100 88 88 88 556 MC307 80 41 100 55 55 55 13 MC308 90 69 100 39 39 39 37 MC309 100 96 100 87 87 87 26 MC310 72 52 92 100 100 100 25 MC311 87 75 99 62 62 62 647 MC312 100 90 100 100 100 100 9 MC313 100 93 100 89 89 89 13 MC315 100 98 100 97 97 97 692 MC401a 74 57 91 97 97 97 52 MC402 100 94 100 81 81 81 15 MC403 100 98 100 100 100 100 452 MC501 65 45 85 100 100 100 85 MC502a 97 92 100 100 99 100 7327 MC503 97 90 100 94 93 94 2088 MC504 85 64 100 87 86 87 22 MC506 100 98 100 23 23 23 163 MC507 100 98 100 100 100 100 51 MC508 100 98 100 96 96 96 526 MC510 100 75 100 5 5 5 37 MC511 83 70 96 100 100 100 291 MC512 80 41 100 100 100 100 4 MC601a 69 54 83 87 87 88 367 MC701 93 84 100 88 88 88 499 MC702 87 75 99 98 97 98 507

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 97 97 93 90 90 89 87 87

80 85 83 82 80 80 80 77 77 77

70 75 74 74 72 69

60 65

50 57 50 40

Users' Accuracy 30

0 MC206 MC302 MC501 MC310 MC203 MC201 MC211 MC305 MC208 MC307 MC512 MC511 MC504 MC311 MC702 MC210 MC303 MC308 MC701 MC503 MC202 MC207 MC212 MC301 MC306 MC309 MC312 MC313 MC315 MC402 MC403 MC506 MC507 MC508 MC101a MC401a MC213a MC601a MC502a Map Class Code

Figure 10. Users’ accuracy and 90 percent confidence intervals for BICA vegetated map classes.

Table 23. Overall accuracy and Kappa accuracy for the final BICA vegetation map.

Aggregated Accuracy Percent Overall Accuracy: 92.8% Lower Limit, 90% Confidence Interval 90.8% Upper Limit, 90% Confidence Interval 94.7% Kappa: 86.7% Lower Limit, 90% Confidence Interval, Κ 84.8% Upper Limit, 90% Confidence Interval, Κ 88.7%

5 Conclusions The vegetation mapping inventory project at BICA successfully classified and mapped vegetation within the park managed area boundary. The project was conducted over a four year period from the spring of 2011 to the summer of 2015. The primary imagery used for the project was GeoEye 4-band 50 cm imagery acquired in June 2011, supplemented by 30 cm true color GoogleEarth imagery. Google Earth imagery provided an additional source of high resolution imagery that complimented the purchased 4-band imagery and assisted interpreters in identifying difficult types and areas of difficult terrain.

The vegetation inventory resulted in a high accuracy vegetation map product. The overall users’ accuracy of the map is 91.6 percent, although several classes had individual users’ accuracy below the 80% threshold. Where initial thematic accuracy was low for several map classes, map classes were aggregated into classes with which they were confused. The accuracy of this “aggregated map” is 92.8 percent, with only one class remaining with accuracy below the 80% threshold when including 90 percent confidence intervals on the estimates.

The project also developed other products valuable for park resource management. They include the vegetation classification, field key to the associations, local association descriptions, photo database, permanent sample locations that can be used for monitoring, geodatabase, and geo-rectified imagery. Together with the map, these products provide the park with an array of tools to assist in managing park resources and making informed resource management decisions.

Included in the associations described for the park are 17 types that were not sampled during the classification phase and were later described from field notes made by mapping staff. These additional types are described from their Global range descriptions and not from local sampling. Additional field sampling would be required to characterize the local expression of these types at BICA, if desired.

The final map shows the aggregated map classes and also includes the detail of the constituent classes. Aggregating map classes allows the map to reach the accuracy thresholds for individual classes at the cost of thematic resolution. Because different management or research applications may place greater value on thematic resolution than per class accuracy, the detail of the aggregated classes was retained in the geodatabase and can be displayed and manipulated as needed.

The BICA vegetation classification and map will be helpful in managing myriad park resources. The vegetation map directly supports managing and monitoring plant and animal habitats, examining the effects of land uses and environmental changes on vegetation over time, and evaluating the long-term effects of management activities on plant communities within the park.

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Anderson, Stanley H., Hubert, Wayne a., Patterson, Cragin, Redder, Alan J. and Duvall, David. 1987. Distribution of vertebrates of Bighorn canyon National Recreation Area. The Great Basin Naturalist 47(3): 512 – 521

Bailey, R. G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United States. 2d ed. rev. and expanded (1st ed. 1980). USDA Forest Service Misc. Publ. No. 1391. 108 p.

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Grossman, D. H., D. Faber-Langendoen, A. S. Weakley, M. Anderson, P. Bourgeron, R. Crawford, K. Goodin, S. Landaal, K. Metzler, K. D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M. Reid, and L. Sneddon. 1998. International classification of ecological communities: terrestrial vegetation of the United States. Volume I. The National Vegetation Classification System: development, status, and applications. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.

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Keinath, D. A. 2005. Supplementary mammal inventory of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Final report from Wyoming Native Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Laramie Wyoming. Prepared for National Park Service, Greater Yellowstone Network, Bozeman, Montana.

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Komp, M. R., A. J. Nadeau, E. Iverson, L. Danzinger, S. Amberg, K. Kilkus, J. Sopcak, C. Jean, M. Myers, and B. Drazkowski. 2012. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Natural Resource

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National Park Department of the Service Interior

Natural Resource Stewardship and Science

Appendix A. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Vegetation Association Descriptions

October, 2015

Colorado Natural Heritage Program Center for Environmental Management Military Lands Colorado State University

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Contents

Page CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest (Douglas-fir / Rocky Mountain Maple Forest) ...... A-7 CEGL000442 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest (Douglas-fir / Creeping Barberry Forest) ...... A-11 CEGl000594 Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest (Quaking Aspen / Creeping Barberry Forest) ...... A-13 CEGL000628 Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest (Box-elder / Chokecherry Forest) ...... A-16 CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse understory Woodland (Utah Juniper / Sparse Understory Woodland) ...... A-21 CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Utah Juniper / Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany Woodland)...... A-24 CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Woodland) ...... A-27 CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Rocky Mountain Juniper - Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany Woodland) ...... A-30 CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland (Limber Pine / Utah Juniper Woodland) ...... A-33 CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Limber Pine / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) ...... A-36 CEGL000850 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Ponderosa Pine / Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany Woodland)...... A-38 CEGL000865 Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Ponderosa Pine / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Woodland) ...... A-40 CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Douglas-fir / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) ...... A-41 CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland (Douglas-fir - Limber Pine / Spike Fescue Woodland) ...... A-43 CEGL000911 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland (Douglas-fir Scree Woodland) ...... A-45 CEGL000947 Salix amygdaloides Woodland (Peachleaf Willow Woodland) ...... A-47 CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Scrub) ...... A-50 CEGL001030 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland) ...... A-53 CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush - Shadscale Saltbush Shrubland) ...... A-55

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Contents (continued)

Page CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Blue Grama Shrubland) ...... A-58 CEGL001108 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland (Chokecherry - (American Plum) Shrubland) ...... A-61 CEGL001120 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Skunkbush Sumac / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-63 CEGL001121 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Skunkbush Sumac Intermittently Flooded Shrubland ...... A-64 CEGL001128 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland (Silver Buffaloberry Shrubland) ...... A-66 CEGL001131 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland (Western Snowberry Shrubland) ...... A-68 CEGL001293 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland (Shadscale Saltbush Wyoming Basins Shrubland) ...... A-70 CEGL001330 Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Rubber Rabbitbrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland) ...... A-73 CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland (Greasewood Disturbed Shrubland) ...... A-76 CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland (Greasewood / Big Sagebrush Shrubland) ...... A-79 CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland (Black Sagebrush Shrubland) ...... A-82 CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Black Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland) ...... A-85 CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Black Sagebrush / Needle-and-Thread Shrubland) ...... A-89 CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland) ...... A-92 CEGL001443 Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush / Nuttall's Poverty-weed Dwarf-shrubland) ...... A-95 CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Reed Canarygrass Western Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-98 CEGL001480 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation (Basin Wildrye Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-101 CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-102 CEGL001533 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-104

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Contents (continued)

Page CEGL001556 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Plains Silver Sagebrush / Western Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation)...... A-108 CEGL001577 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation (Western Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-111 CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-115 CEGL001662 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Arrowleaf Balsamroot - Sandberg Bluegrass Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-117 CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-118 CEGL001667 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Shortstem Buckwheat Sparse Vegetation ...... A-121 CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Needle-and-Thread Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-122 CEGL001688 Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation (Alkali Sacaton Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-125 CEGL001700 Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread - Threadleaf Sedge Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-128 CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle- and-Thread - Indian Ricegrass Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-130 CEGL001705 Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and- Thread Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-133 CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation (Blue Grama Herbaceous Vegetation). A- 137 CEGL001838 - Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation (Baltic Rush Herbaceous Vegetation)...... A-140 CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation (Spike Fescue Herbaceous Vegetation)...... A-142 CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Broadleaf Cattail - Narrowleaf Cattail Western Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-144 CEGL002360 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Basin Big Sagebrush Woodland) ...... A-148 CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood - Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) ...... A-151 CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Sand Dropseed Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-155

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Contents (continued)

Page CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland ...... A-158 CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Needle-and-Thread Shrubland) ...... A-161 CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Cheatgrass Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-164 CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland (Tamarisk species Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland) ...... A-167 CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland) ...... A-170 CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland (Rio Grande Cottonwood / Disturbed Understory Woodland) ...... A-174 CEGL005264 Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Smooth Brome - (Western Wheatgrass) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-177 CEGL005266 - Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation (Crested Wheatgrass - (Western Wheatgrass, Needle-and-Thread) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation) ...... A-180 CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Woodland (Russian-olive Ruderal Woodland) ...... A-182 Brief Descriptions of BICA Park Special Types Based on Field Observations 2011-2013 ...... A-185

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Introduction

This document includes descriptions for vegetation associations sampled, documented and observed at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA) during the vegetation inventory and mapping project between 2011 and 2014. Of the 73 types present, 68 are published NVCS associations and six are park specials. Seventeen of the USNVC types were not captured in the vegetation plot data but were observed and mapped at BICA. These associations are all recognized types in the USNVC and the Concept Summaries are taken directly from the Global Descriptions written by NatureServe and available on the web. The descriptions are sorted by the USNVC CEGL code which places many similar types close to one another.

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Vegetation Community Descriptions

CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest (Douglas-fir / Rocky Mountain Maple Forest)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Forest & Group Woodland Group Alliance Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Mesic-Wet Forest Alliance (A3463) Association 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT This montane forest association occurs in the montane zone in the southern, central and northern Rocky Mountains. Elevations vary from 1465 to 2654 m (4800-8700 feet). Sites are cool and moist, generally occurring on northern or eastern aspects, on steep, mid to lower slopes, and ravines or stream bottoms where cold-air drainage is a factor. Substrates are variable and may be gravelly or not, with soil texture ranging from sandy loam to clay derived from colluvium. The vegetation is characterized by a Pseudotsuga menziesii-dominated tree canopy with Acer glabrum dominating or codominating the understory. The evergreen needle-leaved tree canopy is generally moderately dense to dense (50-80% cover). Mature seral tree species such as Pinus contorta, Pinus flexilis, Pinus ponderosa, Larix occidentalis, Populus angustifolia, or Populus tremuloides may be present to codominant. Abies concolor is typically absent. The tall-shrub layer is open (patchy) to moderately dense and dominated or codominated by Acer glabrum with other tall shrubs such as Amelanchier alnifolia, Cornus sericea, Quercus gambelii, Prunus virginiana, Sorbus scopulina, Spiraea betulifolia, or Salix scouleriana. An open to moderately dense short-shrub layer is usually present and often dominated by Physocarpus malvaceus with other species such as Lonicera utahensis, Mahonia repens, Paxistima myrsinites, Rosa spp., Ribes cereum, Symphoricarpos albus, or Symphoricarpos oreophilus. The vine Clematis columbiana may also be present in small amounts. In some stands the tall- and short-shrub layers are not distinct. Herbaceous layer generally has low cover and is composed of diverse forbs with graminoids present to codominant.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest was sampled at 9 locations in the park. Slopes range from gentle to steep, and typically occur on south facing aspects. Soils are mostly well drained, range from mesic to xeric, and include sandy loam, silt loam, clay loam and loamy sand. The unvegetated surface layer at these sites is made up of

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leaf litter (20-60% cover), bedrock (0-10%), large rocks (4-41%), small rocks (4-20%), wood (0- 15%), and bare soil (1-5%). These sites show little signs of disturbance.

Global Environment: This montane forest association occurs in the montane zone in the southern, central and northern Rocky Mountains. Elevations vary from 1465 to 2654 m (4800-8700 feet). Sites are cool and moist, generally occurring on northern or eastern aspects, on steep, mid to lower slopes, and ravines or stream bottoms where cold-air drainage is a factor. Substrates are variable and may be gravelly or not, with soil texture ranging from sandy loam to clay derived from colluvium. Parent materials include loess, basalt, diorite, dolomite, limestone, granite, quartz monzonite or sandstone. Ground surface has high cover of litter 3-7 cm deep, sometimes with significant cover of rock, and low cover of bare soil.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Tree cover in these Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum sites range from 5 to 50% cover. Pseudotsuga menziesii is the dominant species in the tree canopy, with Pinus flexilis also common and contributing high cover. Picea Engelmannii may also be present with moderate to dense cover in some stands. The shrub layer at these sites is typically composed of Juniperus species (communis, scopulorum) as well as Acer glabrum and has 2-25% cover. Associated shrubs in some stands may include Physocarpus monogynus, Mahonia repens, and Rhus trilobata. Herbaceous layer ranged from 0-25% cover. Poa fendleriana, Galium boreale, and Achillea millefolium are the most common species in the herbaceous layer.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus flexilis Shrub Shrub Acer glabrum, Juniperus communis, Juniperus scopulorum Herbaceous Graminoid Poa fendleriana Herbaceous Forb Galium boreale, Achillea millefolium

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pseudotsuga menziesii, Acer glabrum.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum / Physocarpus malvaceus Plant Association (Johnson and Simon 1987) < Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Habitat Type (Steele et al. 1981) < Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Habitat Type (Mauk and Henderson 1984) = Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Habitat Type (Henderson et al. 1976) < Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Habitat Type, Pachistima myrsinites Phase (Steele et al. 1983) = Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum plant association (Johnston 1987) = Pseudotsuga menziesii/Acer glabrum (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994)

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< DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:I.A.9.c. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Hop et al. 2007 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •Mauk and Henderson 1984 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Clark et al. 2009 •Cogan et al. 2005 •Johnson and Simon 1987 •Kagan et al. 2004a •Reid et al. 2004 •Jones and Ogle 2000 •Titus et al. 1998 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Henderson et al. 1976 •Steele et al. 1983 •Romme et al. 1993 •Steele et al. 1981

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Occurs in a single area on the west side of the park above the Mustang Flats area.

Global Range: This forest association occurs in the montane zone in the southern, central and northern Rocky Mountains from northern Colorado, through Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, extending into Oregon and Alberta, and possibly Montana.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: AB, CO, ID, MT?, OR, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Northern Rocky Mountain Forest - Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M333 Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

Section Name: Rocky Mountain Front Section

Section Code: M332C Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (9 plots) BICA 1017v, BICA 1018v, BICA 1019v, BICA 216v, BICA 190v, BICA 1039v, BICA 2035v, BICA 2036v, BICA 1041v.

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Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. G. Kittel and J. Coles Version Date: 05Jan2007

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688567

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CEGL000442 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest (Douglas-fir / Creeping Barberry Forest)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division 1.B.2.Nb.2 Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus Macrogroup flexilisCentral Rocky Mountain Dry Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb.2.c Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Forest & Group Woodland Group Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Forest & Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3462) Association 1.B.2.Nb.2.c Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT This forest association occurs on dry, often nutrient-poor sites in the southern and central Rocky Mountains and high plateaus of the Colorado Plateau from northern Arizona and New Mexico north through Colorado and Utah into central Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, and extends to the eastern Cascades in Oregon. Stands occur on lower mountain slopes and upper canyon slopes. Elevations range from 1740 to 2930 m (5700-9600 feet) in northern New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, and 1375 to 2595 m (4500-8500 feet) in Utah, Wyoming and southern Idaho. Soils are variable in texture and parent material but are usually deep and often rocky. The vegetation is representative of closed- canopy stands of Pseudotsuga menziesii where most species other than Mahonia repens have been shaded out. In some stands, a few individual Pinus ponderosa, Pinus contorta, Pinus flexilis, Pinus strobiformis, Populus tremuloides, or Juniperus scopulorum may persist in the canopy or subcanopy. The understory may be sparse, with 10% or less total cover, but sometimes will have up to 30% total herbaceous and shrub cover. Mahonia repens is the dominant species with at least 1% cover, but other species are usually present with at least trace cover, including Juniperus communis, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Paxistima myrsinites, and Prunus virginiana. The herbaceous layer is generally sparse but may include small amounts of graminoids such as Poa fendleriana, Festuca arizonica, Carex geyeri, Carex rossii, and scattered forbs such as Arnica cordifolia, Galium boreale, and Thalictrum fendleri. The mature, older canopy trees in some stands are fire-scarred, indicating that ground-fire activity may be important in stands of this type. Some stands appear to be ponderosa pine woodlands that have filled in within the last 150 years with a closed canopy of Douglas-fir.

This type was not sampled at BICA during the classification phase of the project. Its presence was evaluated and confirmed by the mapping team and incorporated into the mapping model for the park, with cognizance by the field ecologist.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This forest occurs on dry, often nutrient-poor sites in northern Arizona and New Mexico north through Colorado and Utah into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, and extends to the eastern Cascades in Oregon (Cole 1982, Atzet and Wheeler 1984, Mauk and Henderson 1984, Stuever and Hayden 1997b). Stands occur on lower mountain slopes and upper canyon slopes. Elevations range from 2135 to 2595 m (7000-8500 feet) in northern Arizona and New Mexico, 1740 to 2930 m (5700-9600 feet) in Colorado, and 1375 to 2595 m (4500-8500 feet) in Utah, Wyoming and southern Idaho. Soils are variable in texture and parent material but are usually deep and often rocky. Litter and downed wood cover nearly all the unvegetated surface.

Dynamic Processes: The mature, older canopy trees in some stands are fire-scarred, indicating that ground-fire activity may be important in stands of this type. Some stands appear to be ponderosa pine woodlands that have filled in within the last 150 years with a closed canopy of Douglas-fir. In older stands, the Pseudotsuga can develop a dense canopy that suppresses the taller shrubs and leaves Mahonia repens or Paxistima to dominate the undergrowth.

Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 11Mar2008

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CEGl000594 Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest (Quaking Aspen / Creeping Barberry Forest)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Subalpine-High Montane Conifer Forest Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nb Populus tremuloides Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Group Alliance Rocky Mountain Populus tremuloides Forest & Woodland Alliance (A2036) Association 1.B.2.Nb Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT This widespread aspen association occurs in the southern and middle Rocky Mountains and Black Hills in a variety of habitats. Stands occur along streams, in upland ravines and on gentle to moderately steep slopes. At lower elevations, stands tend to occur along drainages on cooler northerly aspects, whereas at higher elevation, stands are more upland and northern aspects are uncommon. Elevations range from 920-1200 m (3020-3940 feet) in the hills in eastern Montana and southwestern North Dakota to 1450-2892 m (4750-9480 feet) in the Black Hills and Rocky Mountains. The vegetation is characterized by an open to dense (20-86% cover) tree canopy dominated by 10- to 15-m tall Populus tremuloides. Scattered Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Acer negundo, or invading conifers, such as Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus contorta, Pinus flexilis, Pinus ponderosa, or Picea glauca, may occur in the tree canopy and shrub layers. The dwarf-shrub Mahonia repens is consistently present and typically dominates the understory with between 5-25% cover. Scattered taller shrubs may be present and include Acer grandidentatum, Amelanchier alnifolia, Prunus virginiana, Ribes spp., Rosa woodsii, Rubus idaeus, Spiraea betulifolia var. lucida (= Spiraea lucida), Symphoricarpos albus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, and Toxicodendron rydbergii. Quercus gambelii, if present, has less than 5% cover. The mixed grass and forb herbaceous layer is provides sparse to moderate cover. Common graminoid or forb species include Symphyotrichum laeve (= Aster laevis), Bromus anomalus, Bromus ciliatus, Carex sprengelii, Deschampsia caespitosa, Elymus virginicus, Galium boreale, Geranium richardsonii, Lathyrus ochroleucus, Ligusticum porteri, Lupinus argenteus, Maianthemum stellatum, Oryzopsis asperifolia, and Thalictrum dasycarpum. The introduced perennial grass Poa pratensis may provide moderate cover (30-40%) in some stands.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest was sampled at 1 location in the park. That site is on a north facing aspect with a slope topographic position. A mesic, well-drained soil with a loamy sand texture was found at the site. The unvegetated surface layer is composed primarily of litter, with leaf litter at 63% cover, and wood at 15%, as well as 10% bare ground.

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Global Environment: This widespread aspen association occurs in the southern and middle Rocky Mountains and Black Hills in a variety of habitats. Stands occur along streams, in upland ravines and on gentle to moderately steep slopes. At lower elevations, stands tend to occur along drainages on cooler northerly aspects, whereas at higher elevations, stands are more upland and northern aspects are uncommon. Elevations range from 920-1200 m (3020-3940 feet) in the hills in eastern Montana and southwestern North Dakota to 1450-2892 m (4750-9480 feet) in the Black Hills and Rocky Mountains. Soils are variable and range from coarse, poorly consolidated colluvium sandstones to glacial tills and alluvial benches. In the Black Hills, substrates are often derived from limestone or sandstone-shale-limestone conglomerate. Soil texture is often loam or sandy loam.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Tree cover ranged from 75-95 percent and was composed of Populus tremuloides and Juniperus scopulorum. Rhus trilobata, Ribes (oxyacanthoides, aureum) and Mahonia repens are the dominant species in the shrub layer (10-25%). The herbaceous layer has low total cover, and is made up of many species with low individual cover. The most dominant herbaceous species is Poa pratensis.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Populus tremuloides, Juniperus scopulorum Shrub Shrub Rhus trilobata, Ribes oxyacanthoides, Ribes aureum, Mahonia repens Herbaceous Graminoid Poa pratensis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Populus tremuloides, Mahonia repens.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Populus tremuloides / Berberis repens Community Type (Youngblood and Mueggler 1981) = Populus tremuloides / Berberis repens Habitat Type (Hansen and Hoffman 1988) = Populus tremuloides / Berberis repens Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995) = Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens / Oryzopsis asperifolia Association (Severson and Thilenius 1976) = Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Community (Jones 1992b) = Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Plant Association (Johnston 1987) < Populus tremuloides / Thalictrum fendleri Community Type (Mueggler 1988) [in part; Mueggler included a major part of the Populus tremuloides / Berberis repens Community Type (Youngblood and Mueggler 1981, western Wyoming) in the concept of this community type from the USFS Intermountain Region (39% of 92 plots had Mahonia repens present with an average cover of 9%.] = Populus tremuloides/Mahonia repens (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:I.B.3.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984

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•Coles et al. 2010 •Hansen et al. 1991 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •Hansen et al. 1995 •Hansen and Hoffman 1988 •Jones 1992b •Youngblood and Mueggler 1981 •MTNHP 2002b •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Severson and Thilenius 1976

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs as a single remnant occurrence on a north facing canyon side. It is located at the far north end of the north pastures area of the southern section. The site is likely groundwater fed, and together with its north facing aspect has allowed the type to persist in an otherwise very dry site.

Global Range: This widespread aspen association occurs in the southern and middle Rocky Mountains and Black Hills from western Colorado to western Montana, in northeastern Wyoming, southeastern Montana and western South Dakota, and southwestern North Dakota.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, MT, ND, SD, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Overthrust Mountains Section

Section Code: M331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 2027v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz Version Date: 05Jan2007

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=689780

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CEGL000628 Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest (Box- elder / Chokecherry Forest)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation 1.B.3.Na Populus deltoides - Fraxinus spp. - Acer spp. Eastern North American Flooded Division & Swamp Forest Division 1.B.3.Na.4 Populus deltoides - Fraxinus pennsylvanica / Salix spp. Great Plains Flooded Macrogroup Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Na.4.a Populus deltoides - Fraxinus pennsylvanica / Pascopyrum smithii Forest Group Group Acer negundo - Fraxinus anomala - Celtis laevigata var. reticulata Riparian Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3796) Association 1.B.3.Na.4.a Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest

ELEMENT CONCEPT This box-elder riparian forest is found on floodplains at warm elevations in the western Great Plains of the United States, as well as in the Black Hills region and the Colorado Plateau. This is an early- successional community dominated by Acer negundo. Stands occur on level to gently sloping sites between 1067 and 1800 m (3500-5900 feet) elevation. Aspect is not important, but in northwestern Colorado, stands are limited to narrow drainages that are oriented north-south. Soils are poorly developed and derived from alluvium or colluvium. Tree cover may be somewhat sparse to high; stands typically have 10-25% cover but may have cover as high as 60% in narrow canyons. Other tree species may be present to codominant, including Ulmus americana, Quercus macrocarpa, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Populus deltoides. The shrub understory is well-developed and may be more than 2 m high; exact composition will vary by region. Prunus virginiana, Rhus trilobata, Cornus sericea (= Cornus stolonifera), Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Ribes aureum, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Mahonia repens, and Toxicodendron pubescens are common, although at Wind Cave National Park Prunus virginiana may be absent. Total shrub cover (tall and short shrubs) is often greater than 50%. Herbaceous cover is variable but usually less than 50% and often is diverse. Species composition also varies, although graminoids tend to be dominant; common species include Poa pratensis, Piptatherum micranthum, Poa fendleriana, Elymus lanceolatus, Bromus tectorum, Heterotheca villosa, Clematis ligusticifolia, Achillea millefolium, Monarda fistulosa, and Apocynum cannabinum.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION This uncommon riparian forest association has been documented on the banks, terraces and lower canyon slopes of small intermittent or perennial streams in western South Dakota and northwestern Colorado. It has been reported from throughout the western and northern Great Plains, including eastern Montana and Colorado, and is likely to occur in isolated stands in sheltered canyons throughout the Colorado Plateau. Stands occur on level to gently sloping sites between 1067 and

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1800 m (3500-5900 feet) elevation. Aspect is not important, but in northwestern Colorado, stands are limited to narrow drainages that are oriented north-south. Soils are poorly developed and derived from alluvium or colluvium.

Dynamic Processes: In Colorado, dense thickets of Prunus virginiana may occur. When left undisturbed, the shrub canopy can be very thick and nearly impenetrable. However, many stands in Colorado are in severely degraded states with very sparse shrub canopies (CNHP pers. comm. 1998).

Authors: J. Drake, mod. H. Marriott and J. Coles Version Date: 29Sep2005

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CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland (Utah Juniper / Black Sagebrush Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nc Western North American Cool Temperate Woodland & Scrub Division 1.B.2.Nc Intermountain Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper - Western Juniper Woodland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma Woodland & Savanna Group Alliance Juniperus osteosperma / Shrub Understory Woodland Alliance (A3496) Association 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association occurs on the slopes of ridges, saddles and benches below 2200 m elevation in the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. Substrates and soils are variable but tend to be coarse and contain a calcareous element. Juniperus osteosperma forms an open canopy, with a sparse to moderate understory of Artemisia nova. The herbaceous layer tends to be sparse and dominated by graminoids, including Poa secunda.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland was sampled at 11 locations in the park. These sites occur across all aspects, at slopes ranging from gentle to steep. Soils are typically xeric, with a few sites ranging from mesic to xeric. The textures of the soils at the sites were all loamy, especially sandy loam, and a few clay loam sites. Sites were typically rocky (bedrock 0-16%, large rocks 0-25%, small rocks 5-49%) had significant leaf litter (4-41%) and low wood cover (1-5%). Bare ground ranged from 3 to 54 percent.

Global Environment: This association occurs in small to moderate patches (<1 to approximately 10 ha) on saddles, benches and ridges within the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. Stands occur on gentle to moderate slopes oriented to any aspect between 1500 and 2200 m (4920-7220 feet) elevation. The substrate is often a calcareous shale, sandstone, or volcanic tuff. Soils are generally shallow sandy loams with a high percentage of bare ground or desert pavement accounting for most of the non-vegetated surface.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Tree cover was primarily limited to Juniperus osteosperma. Cover for the tree canopy ranged from 5-50%. The shrubland layer was characterized by Artemisia nova and Cercocarpus ledifolius and had a cover of 10 to 15 percent. These Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland sites had a high cover in the herbaceous layer (25-75% cover), consisting primarily of Carex filifolia, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Hesperostipa comata.

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Juniperus osteosperma Shrub Shrub Artemisia nova Herbaceous Graminoid Carex filifolia, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma, Artemisia nova.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland (Blackburn et al. 1968c) = Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland (Blackburn et al. 1971) = Juniperus osteosperma/Artemisia nova (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Blackburn et al. 1971 •Coles et al. 2010 •Blackburn et al. 1968c •WNDD unpubl. data •Caicco and Wellner 1983c •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Peterson 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other Utah juniper types and is widespread throughout the park

Global Range: This association is known to occur in Idaho, western Colorado, northeastern Utah, and northern and central Nevada. It is suspected to occur in eastern California but has not yet been documented from there.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CA?, CO, ID, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

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Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Overthrust Mountains Section

Section Code: M331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (11 plots) BICA 092v, BICA 1020v, BICA 1048v, BICA 107v, BICA 147v, BICA 211v, BICA 212v, BICA 225v, BICA 366v, BICA 381v, BICA 387v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles Version Date: 06Feb2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=686259

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CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse understory Woodland (Utah Juniper / Sparse Understory Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nc Western North American Cool Temperate Woodland & Scrub Division 1.B.2.Nc Intermountain Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper - Western Juniper Woodland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma Woodland & Savanna Group Alliance Juniperus osteosperma / Shrub Understory Woodland Alliance Association 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This widespread woodland association occurs in the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau and western Rocky Mountain regions where it occupies sites in which junipers have become established but that are too dry to support a developed understory of shrubs, forbs and grasses. Lack of soil moisture- holding capacity, southern or western aspects, old-growth conditions, or high cover by rocks or bedrock may all contribute to the development of these stands. Elevations range between 1400 and 2200 m, and stands occur on many types of soils, geology, slope, aspect and landform. Total vegetation cover ranges from 10 to 70% and consists almost entirely of the Juniperus osteosperma canopy. Shrub cover and herbaceous cover each total less than 5%, and usually total 1% or less. Because of the sparseness of the understory vegetation, there are few species that can be expected throughout the range of this association. Common species include Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Elymus elymoides. Cryptobiotic crust cover may be high.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland was sampled at 12 locations in the park. Slopes at these xeric sites are mostly gentle, and of varying aspects. Soils are typically dry, and well-drained, and sandy loam was the dominant soil texture at these sites. Bare ground was high at these sparse understory sites (2-50%). Additionally, rock cover was various (bedrock 0-57%, large rocks 0-18%, small rocks 3-74%) and vegetative litter ranged from 7 to 45 percent.

Global Environment: This widespread woodland association occurs on slopes, ridges, benches and mesas at elevations ranging between 1400 and 2200 m (4600-7220 feet). Slopes range from gentle to moderately steep, with a few examples on very steep slopes. Sites may be oriented to any aspect. In Colorado Plateau and Great Basin stands, substrates and soils tend to have poor water-holding capacity (hydrothermically altered volcanic tuff, clay or coarse sands) and are on warm south or west exposures. In some Colorado Plateau stands, the substrate is so rocky as to afford few places for shrubs or herbaceous species to grow, or the woodland is in an old-growth condition and juniper trees

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are using all of the available light and moisture. The unvegetated ground surface may have high cover of cryptobiotic crusts on sandy sites; shale sites usually have high cover of bare ground, and other sites may have high cover by rock, bedrock and gravel.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Tree cover was primarily limited to Juniperus osteosperma. Cover for the tree canopy ranged from 10-50%. The shrubland layer (10-50% cover) was characterized by Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis and the dwarf shrubs Opuntia polyacantha and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Cover in the herbaceous layer at these sites was made up of a diverse mix of species, consisting primarily of Carex filifolia, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Hesperostipa comata and ranging from 5 to 50 percent cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Juniperus osteosperma Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Shrub Dwarf Shrub Opuntia polyacantha, Gutierrezia sarothrae Herbaceous Graminoid Carex filifolia, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma, Artemisia nova.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Juniperus osteosperma/Barren (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Coles et al. 2009a •WNDD unpubl. data •Milton and Purdy 1983 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Clark et al. 2009 •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other Utah juniper types and is widespread throughout the park

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Global Range: This association occurs widely in the Great Basin of Nevada and western Utah, as well as the Colorado Plateau and western Rocky Mountains of eastern Utah and western Colorado, and extends north to the Uinta Mountains.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Grand Canyon Lands Section

Section Code: 313A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (12 plots) BICA 011v, BICA 012v, BICA 044v, BICA 052v, BICA 056v, BICA 060v, BICA 086v, BICA 1007v, BICA 1014v, BICA 114v, BICA 143v, BICA 193v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles Version Date: 10Apr2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688904

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CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Utah Juniper / Curl-leaf Mountain- mahogany Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis - Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Foothill Woodland Group Juniperus osteosperma - Juniperus scopulorum / Shrub Understory Central Rocky Alliance Mountain Woodland Alliance (A3426) Association 1.B.2.Nb Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This sparse woodland type has been reported from the Pryor Mountains of south-central Montana and the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming. Stands grow on southerly or westerly slopes in shallow, coarse-textured soils overlying fractured sandstone or limestone bedrock, at elevations from approximately 1200-1680 m (4000-5500 feet). The vegetation consists of a sparse (canopy cover often <10%), low tree layer of Juniperus osteosperma and a shrub layer dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius var. ledifolius. Common species in the sparse undergrowth are Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia nova, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Arenaria hookeri.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland type was sampled at 13 locations in the park. These sites occur at topographic positions ranging from low slopes to high slopes, and the slope ranges from 1 to 28 percent. Soils are typically dry, well-drained; with textures of sandy loam, loamy sand, silt loam and clay loam. Rock cover is high in the unvegetated layer at these sites (bedrock 0-30%, large rocks 3-20%, small rocks 18-69%). Additionally, ground cover ranged from 0 to 28 percent bare soil, 0 to 20 percent leaf and 0 to 10 percent wood litter

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The shrubland layer (10-50% cover) was characterized by Juniperus osteosperma and Cercocarpus ledifolius, and had a variable cover (from 10 to 75 percent). Cover in the herbaceous layer at these sites was made up of a diverse mix of species, consisting primarily of Carex filifolia and Pseudoroegneria spicata, and ranging from 5 to 50 percent cover.

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Juniperus osteosperma, Cercocarpus ledifolius Shrub Dwarf Shrub Gutierrezia sarothrae, Phlox hoodii Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma, Cercocarpus ledifolius.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: < Juniperus osteosperma / Agropyron spicatum Community (Jones 1992b) = Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Community Type (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) = Juniperus osteosperma/Cercocarpus ledifolius (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Juniperus / mountain mahogany woodland (Knight et al. 1987) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984) = Utah Juniper - Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany Stand (Marriott and Jones 1989)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •MTNHP 2002b •Knight et al. 1987 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Marriott and Jones 1989 •Jones 1992b •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other Utah juniper types and is widespread throughout the park

Global Range: At present, this association has been described only from a limited geographic range in south-central Montana and north-central Wyoming. But Juniperus osteosperma and Cercocarpus ledifolius are common in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado, and this association may occupy a much larger geographic range than it is currently thought to.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

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Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Yellowstone Highlands Section

Section Code: M331A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (13 plots) BICA 035v, BICA 038v, BICA 053v, BICA 054v, BICA 071v, BICA 075v, BICA 094v, BICA 095v, BICA 128v, BICA 131v, BICA 199v, BICA 202v, BICA 203v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G.P. Jones Version Date: 26Nov1997

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=6883

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CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nc Western North American Cool Temperate Woodland & Scrub Division 1.B.2.Nc Intermountain Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper - Western Juniper Woodland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma Woodland & Savanna Group Alliance Juniperus osteosperma / Herbaceous Understory Woodland & Savanna Alliance (A3497) Association 1.B.2.Nc Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This juniper woodland association occurs on moderate to steep talus slopes, foothills, benches, plateaus, and canyons in Idaho, Montana, north-central and western Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Elevation ranges from 1520 to 2140 m (4985-7020 feet), and sites are typically oriented to the south or west. Soils are generally clay loam, sandy loam or sandy clay and are generally shallow and often gravelly or rocky. They are derived from limestone, sandstone or shale. The open tree canopy is dominated by Juniperus osteosperma; in Wyoming, Cercocarpus ledifolius or Juniperus scopulorum are sometimes also present. If Pinus edulis is present, it is as seedlings or scattered individuals with minimal cover. Tree canopy cover ranges between 10 and 40%. There is no developed shrub layer, but scattered individuals of Artemisia nova, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Opuntia polyacantha may be present, as may Juniperus osteosperma seedlings. Pseudoroegneria spicata dominates the herbaceous understory with 2 to 30% cover. Other herbaceous species commonly present with lesser cover include graminoids Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis jamesii, Poa fendleriana, Poa secunda, and Bromus tectorum. Forbs are generally sparse; species likely to be present include Arenaria hookeri, Leptodactylon pungens, Phlox hoodii, Sphaeralcea coccinea, and Stenotus acaulis.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland type is common at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and was sampled at 24 locations. These sites are typically found along the midslope topographic position, at slopes of 2- 36 percent slope. Soils at these sites are typically dry and well drained, with textures ranging from sandy loam, loamy sand, silt loam, sand, and clay loam. Cover of small rocks and bare ground is high at these sites, ranging from 19- 66% and 0-45%, respectively. Other ground cover includes bedrock (0-40%), large rocks (2-25%), litter (3-22%), and wood (0-10%).

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Global Environment: This association occurs on moderate to steep talus slopes, foothills, benches, plateaus, and canyons in throughout much of the Intermountain western U.S. Elevation ranges from 1520 to 2140 m (4985-7020 feet), and sites are typically oriented to the south or west. Gravel and rocks cover 50% of the soil surface in most stands, but in some stands, cryptobiotic crusts may cover much of the soil surface. Soils are generally clay loam or sandy clay, are generally shallow and often gravelly or rocky, and are derived from limestone, sandstone or shale.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma is the dominant tree at these sites, which has cover of 5 to 50 percent. Common sub-shrubs were Artemisia nova and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Cover in the herbaceous layer at these sites was made up of a diverse mix of species, consisting primarily of Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata, and Aristida purpurea and ranging from 5 to 50 percent cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species Tree Tree Juniperus osteosperma, Shrub Dwarf Shrub Gutierrezia sarothrae, Artemisia nova Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata, Aristida purpurea

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma, Pseudoroegneria spicata.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Juniperus osteosperma / Agropyron spicatum Community (Baker 1984a) = Juniperus osteosperma / Agropyron spicatum Community (Baker and Kennedy 1985) = Juniperus osteosperma / Agropyron spicatum Community (Marriott and Jones 1989) = Juniperus osteosperma / Agropyron spicatum Community (Jones 1992b) > Juniperus osteosperma / Roegneria spicata var. inerme Plant Association (Johnston 1987) = Juniperus osteosperma/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Baker 1984a •Jones 1989b •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Wight 1965 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Jones 1992b •Baker and Kennedy 1985 •WNDD unpubl. data

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•MTNHP 2002b •Wight and Fisser 1968 •Knight et al. 1987 •Tausch and Tueller 1977 •Lesica and DeVelice 1992 •Marriott and Jones 1989 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Despain 1973a

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other Utah juniper types and is widespread throughout the park

Global Range: This association has been documented from throughout much of the Intermountain western U.S., including Idaho, Montana, north-central and western Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Basin and Range Section

Section Code: 342B Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (24 plots) BICA 033v, BICA 036v, BICA 040v, BICA 061v, BICA 068v, BICA 084v, BICA 089v, BICA 106v, BICA 120v, BICA 122v, BICA 124v, BICA 148v, BICA 153v, BICA 154v, BICA 171v, BICA 172v, BICA 173v, BICA 189v, BICA 198v, BICA 200v, BICA 204v, BICA 206v, BICA 264v BICA 265v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06Feb2007

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687865

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CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Rocky Mountain Juniper - Curl-leaf Mountain- mahogany Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis - Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Foothill Woodland Group Juniperus osteosperma - Juniperus scopulorum / Shrub Understory Central Rocky Alliance Mountain Woodland Alliance (A3426) Association 1.B.2.Nb Juniperus scopulorum - Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This woodland is known from Montana and southern Utah, and may occur in similar environmental settings in between. It occurs on steep slopes, ridges and canyons, generally with southern exposures. The known elevation range is 1675 to 2610 m (5500-8560 feet). This is an open, short-statured woodland dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius mixed with Juniperus scopulorum. Other trees present may include Pinus edulis, Pinus ponderosa, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Other species generally have low cover and include Quercus gambelii, Arctostaphylos patula, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, and Mahonia repens. Grasses and forbs present may include Achnatherum hymenoides and Poa fendleriana, Artemisia frigida, and Opuntia polyacantha.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland type is less common at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area than some other types, and was only sampled at 2 locations. These sites are found on north facing aspects, with steep slopes of 32 to 34 percent. Soils are dry, and with a sandy loam or loamy sand texture. Bare ground is low (5% cover) at these steep sites, while litter (54-61%) makes up most of the unvegetated ground coverwith moderate rock cover (bedrock: 7-10%, large rocks 5-8%, small rocks 1-8%).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Total shrub cover at these sites is between 50 to 75 percent cover. Juniperus scopulorum and Cercocarpus ledifolius are the most dominant and common shrubs, but Juniperus osteosperma is also present. Other tree cover may also be present; especially Pinus flexilis but it occurs with low cover and is not dominant. Herbaceous cover is low (2-10 percent) and diverse, made up of an assemblage of species with low individual cover. Pseudoroegneria spicata is the only herbaceous species with a common occurrence in these sites, and a cover consistently higher than other species.

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Juniperus scopulorum, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Juniperus osteosperma Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus scopulorum, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Juniperus osteosperma.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Juniperus scopulorum - Cercocarpus ledifolius Community Type (Cooper et al. 1995) = Juniperus scopulorum - Cercocarpus ledifolius Community Type (DeVelice 1992) = Juniperus scopulorum/Cercocarpus ledifolius (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Tendick et al. 2011a •Cooper et al. 1995 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •DeVelice 1992

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other Utah juniper types and is widespread throughout the park

Global Range: This woodland is known from Montana and southern Utah, and may occur in similar environmental settings in between.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Nevada-Utah Mountains Semi-Desert - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

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Section Name: Beaverhead Mountains Section

Section Code: M332E Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 133v, BICA 224v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G. Kittel Version Date: 27Feb2009

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685315

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CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland (Limber Pine / Utah Juniper Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis - Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Foothill Woodland Group Alliance Pinus flexilis / Shrub Understory Central Rocky Mountain Woodland Alliance (A3424) Association 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This woodland association occurs in the Pryor Mountains of south-central Montana and may also occur in adjacent Wyoming. Stands are locally common on mid to upper slopes and benches between 1310-1615 m (4300-5300 feet) elevation. This type occurs on shallow soils, derived from calcareous sandstone with a pH >7.5. Ground cover is largely gravel and rock, often exceeding 70%, with over 10% cover of bare soil. The open overstory canopy includes a low cover of Pinus flexilis and Juniperus osteosperma. The undergrowth is characterized by a sparse short-shrub layer of Artemisia nova, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Petrophyton caespitosum; the perennial bunchgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata; and the cactus, Opuntia polyacantha.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland type occurs on predominantly western aspects at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, where it was sampled from 8 locations. Slopes range from 6 to 24 percent. These sites have soils that are made up of sandy loam, silt loam, loamy sand, and sandy clay textures. Additionally, sites are mesic to xeric, and mostly well-drained soils. As Pinus flexilis is an abundant species at these sites, needle litter is high, from 15 to 64 percent ground cover (along with other leaf litter). Other unvegetated ground cover includes bedrock (0-16%), large rocks (0-15%), small rocks (1-30%), wood (1-20%) and bare ground (1-36%).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland types has an open overstory canopy of the evergreen tree and tall shrub species Pinus flexilis and Juniperus osteosperma (5-55%). Scattered Juniperus scopulorum were typically also present with with less than 5% cover, and some stands included scattered individuals of Pinus ponderosa. The sparse short shrub layer included Yucca glauca and Cercocarpus ledifolius, both with cover ranging from <1 to 20%.Other short shrub species present with very low cover (<5%) included Artemisia nova, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Rhus trilobata, and Opuntia polyacantha. The very sparse herbaceous

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layer included Pseudoroegneria spicata; Hesperostipa comata, and Bromus tectorum, all with cover below 15%.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Pinus flexilis, Juniperus scopulorum Shrub Shrub Juniperus scopulorum, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Juniperus osteosperma Shrub Dwarf Shrub Yucca glauca Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pinus flexilis, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Community Type (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) = Pinus flexilis/Juniperus osteosperma (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other woodland types and is widespread throughout the park

Global Range: This association in known from the Pryor Mountains in south-central Montana and likely occurs in the nearby Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY?

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

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Province Code: M332 Occurrence Status: Possible

Section Name: Bitterroot Valley Section

Section Code: M332B Occurrence Status: Possible

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (7 plots) BICA 1005v, BICA 125v, BICA 180v, BICA 191v, BICA 2030v, BICA 2041v, BICA 365v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: C. Jean Version Date: 26Nov1997

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687326

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CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Limber Pine / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis - Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Foothill Woodland Group Alliance Pinus flexilis / Shrub Understory Central Rocky Mountain Woodland Alliance (A3424) Association 1.B.2.Nb Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland type was sampled at 4 locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites are found most typically on northeastern aspects and on slopes ranging from 1 to 22 percent (steeper slopes are possible). This woodland type occurs on mesic to xeric sites soils with moist to dry, and well-drained soils. Substrates include clay loam, sandy loam, silt loam, and silty clay textured soils.. Litter is the dominant unvegetated ground cover of this type (30-75% cover). Rock cover is low to moderate (bedrock: 0-20%, large rocks 2-14%, small rocks 3-14%), wood cover is low (1-8%), and bare ground cover ranges from 3 to 27 percent at these sites.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pinus flexilis and Juniperus scopulorum make up the tree canopy layer for this woodland type, which has cover ranging from 10 to 50 percent. Artemisia nova is the most common species found in the shrub layer (5-50% cover). Poa fendleriana and Pseudoroegneria spicata are the most common species in the herbaceous layer, which has a various total cover of 5 to 75 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Pinus flexilis, Juniperus scopulorum Shrub Dwarf Shrub Artemisia nova Herbaceous Graminoid Poa fendleriana, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pinus flexilis, Juniperus scopulorum.

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

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Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Community Type (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) = Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Community Type (Lesica and DeVelice 1992) = Pinus flexilis/Juniperus scopulorum (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Lesica and DeVelice 1992 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other woodland types and is widespread throughout the park

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, OR, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Uinta Mountains Section

Section Code: M331E Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 1038v, BICA 1046v, BICA 149v, BICA 162v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685015

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CEGL000850 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Ponderosa Pine / Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division 1.B.2.Nb.2 Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus Macrogroup flexilisCentral Rocky Mountain Dry Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb.2.a Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa Central Rocky Mountain Woodland & Group Savanna Group Pinus ponderosa / Shrub Understory Central Rocky Mountain Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3446) Association 1.B.2.Nb.2.a Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This woodland association occurs on benches, plateaus and ridges in the highlands of northwestern Colorado, southeastern Utah and eastern Oregon. Elevations of documented stands range from 1400 to 2590 m (4600-8500 feet), on gentle to moderate slopes with north and east aspects. Exposed bedrock, large rocks and litter cover much of the unvegetated surface. Soils tend to be shallow, skeletal and extremely well-drained. This woodland association is characterized by an open canopy of Pinus ponderosa with a subcanopy or tall-shrub layer of Cercocarpus ledifolius. The Cercocarpus shrubs often take an "arboreal" form, in which individuals have a single trunk and a distinct canopy. Scattered Pseudotsuga menziesii or Abies concolor may also occur in the canopy, and the subcanopy layer may also contain Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum and Pinus edulis. Shrubs other than Cercocarpus ledifolius tend to be sparse, but Amelanchier utahensis, Purshia tridentata, or Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana may be present. The sparse herbaceous layer tends to be dominated by graminoids, including Carex rossii, Leymus salinus, Hesperostipa comata, Elymus elymoides, and Poa fendleriana. Forbs are inconsistent among sites and contribute little cover.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This woodland association occurs on benches, plateaus and mountain ridges in the highlands of northwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. Elevations of documented stands range from 1400 to 1500m (4600-4920 feet) in Oregon and 2070 to 2590 m (6800-8500 feet) in Colorado and Utah. Sites occur on gentle to moderate slopes with north and east aspects. Exposed bedrock, large rocks and litter cover much of the unvegetated surface. Soils are derived from a

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variety of sources, including sandstone, andesite and basalt, but tend to be shallow, skeletal and extremely well-drained.

Dynamic Processes: The dominant species in this association are adapted to fires; mature Pinus ponderosa routinely survive ground fires, and Cercocarpus ledifolius is capable of resprouting even after relatively hot fires. However, most of the sampled stands used in this description do not report any evidence of fire, and the large size of the Cercocarpus shrubs indicates that these stands have not experienced any fire in at least several centuries. Cercocarpus ledifolius is somewhat shade-tolerant; it will grow under an open tree canopy, but as the canopy closes shrub density decreases.

Authors: J. Coles Version Date: 30Aug2005

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CEGL000865 Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Ponderosa Pine / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division 1.B.2.Nb.2 Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus Macrogroup flexilisCentral Rocky Mountain Dry Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb.2.a Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa Central Rocky Mountain Woodland & Group Savanna Group Pinus ponderosa / Herbaceous Understory Central Rocky Mountain Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3447) Association 1.B.2.Nb.2.a Pinus ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This ponderosa pine woodland is one of the drier ponderosa pine woodlands found in the northern Rocky Mountains, Inter-Mountains, and extreme northwestern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. It is found on slopes with coarse soils, often with a high gravel or rock content. Pinus ponderosa is typically the only tree in the overstory, although Juniperus scopulorum may be present in the subcanopy. It forms open to moderately closed canopies. There are very few shrubs. The herbaceous layer is dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other species found in this layer are Carex filifolia, Carex inops ssp. heliophila, Koeleria macrantha, Achillea millefolium, Balsamorhiza sagittata and Hesperostipa comata. Bare mineral soil and exposed rock are common.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This community occurs mostly on steep southerly aspects. It is found on coarse soils derived from sandstone, porcillenate, or limestone (Thilenius et al. 1995). These include sandy alluvium, gravelly or sandy till, and loams with high stone content. Rock and mineral soil are commonly exposed. This type has been described in southeastern British Columbia, although sites there tend to be drier.

Dynamic Processes: Fire likely occurred at regular intervals in this type and is probably important in maintaining the open grassland understory of this type; however, documentation on fire frequency is not available. This type, without fire, will likely succeed to a Pinus ponderosa-dominated type, with fewer currently available prairie species.

Authors: J. Drake Version Date: 19Oct1995

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CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Douglas-fir / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Forest & Woodland Group Group Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Forest & Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3462) Association 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland type was sampled at 8 locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites occur on predominantly on steep slopes (but sites range from 6-35%) on eastern aspects. Soils at these sites are various, including clay loam, sandy loam, loamy sand, and silt loam textures. Sites are mesic to dry with moist to dry, and typically well drained soils. Litter is the dominant unvegetated ground cover of this type (30-71% cover). Total rock cover at these sites (including bedrock, large rocks, and small rocks) ranges from 0 to 62 percent. Other unvegetated ground cover include wood (1-15%) and bare ground (0-20%).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Cover in the tree canopy at these sites ranges from low to very high (10-95%), and consists mostly of Pseudotsuga menziesii, but Pinus flexilis may also be present. Juniperus scopulorum saplings are the most consistent species in the shrub layer (2-50% cover) but other Juniperus species (horizontalis and communis) also occur. The herbaceous layer is the most diverse for this type, and Poa species fendleriana, secunda, and pratensis are the most common of herbaceous species. Herbaceous cover in this layer ranges from 2 to 50 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Pseudotsuga menziesii Shrub Shrub Juniperus scopulorum Herbaceous Graminoid Poa fendleriana

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pseudotsuga menziesii, Juniperus scopulorum.

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CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Pseudotsuga menziesii/Juniperus scopulorum (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Roberts et al. 1979a •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Nations: US

States/Provinces: ID, MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Glaciated Plains Section

Section Code: 331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (8 plots) BICA 1021v, BICA 1042v, BICA 104v, BICA 175v BICA 186v, BICA 2024v, BICA 2025v, BICA 2059v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688877

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CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland (Douglas-fir - Limber Pine / Spike Fescue Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Central Rocky Mountain Dry Lower Montane-Foothill Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Forest & Woodland Group Group Pseudotsuga menziesii Middle Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Forest & Woodland Alliance Alliance (A3462) Association 1.B.2.Nb Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland type was less common than other BICA types, and was only sampled at 2 locations in the park. These sites occur on midslope topographic positions, with steep slopes of 25% and 36%. Sites are mesic to xeric. Soils are dry to moist and have textures of silt loam to sandy loam. There is no exposed bedrock at these sites, but large rocks (8-15% cover) and small rocks (20-70 %) are present in the unvegetated ground cover layer. Additionally, litter cover ranges from 9 to 49 percent, wood from 2 to 10 percent, and bare ground from 0 to 8 percent at these sites.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Two species contribute to tree canopy cover in these sites, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus flexilis. Percent cover in the tree canopy ranges from 10 to 50. The shrub layer has (10-25% cover and consists primarily of one species, Juniperus scopulorum. The herbaceous layer at these sites was made up of many species with low individual cover totally 10 to 25 percent. Several graminoid species, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Koeleria macrantha, Leucopoa kingii, have consistently higher cover than other species in the herbaceous layer.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus flexilis Shrub Shrub Juniperus scopulorum Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Koeleria macrantha, Leucopoa kingii

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CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus flexilis, Leucopoa kingii

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Hesperochloa kingii Association (Cooper 1975) = Pseudotsuga menziesii-Pinus flexilis/Leucopoa kingii (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.A.2.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Cooper 1975 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other woodland types. It primarily occurs along the lower east face of the Pryor Mountains just west of the north pastures area.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Yellowstone Highlands Section

Section Code: M331A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 168v, BICA 252v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685359

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CEGL000911 Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland (Douglas-fir Scree Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation Division 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Cool Temperate Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb.1 Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Picea pungens Forest Macrogroup 1.B.2.Nb.1.c Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii Southern Rocky Mountain Dry Group Forest Group Alliance Pseudotsuga menziesii Southern Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Alliance (A3454) Association 1.B.2.Nb.1.c Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association occurs throughout the interior western U.S. but is restricted to steep slopes covered by loose rock and colluvium on mountain or canyon slopes. It has the appearance of a stand of scattered trees with a sparse understory; the vegetation is limited by the lack of soil development. Slopes generally exceed 60% and are generally unstable, with constantly shifting rocks on the slopes as well as additional rockfall from outcrops upslope. Elevations at the northern end of the range (Montana) are from 915 to 2180 m (3100-7150 feet), and sites are usually limited to warm, south- to west-facing slopes in canyons. In northern Arizona, stands occur on various aspects around 2930 m (9600 feet) elevation, and in southern Colorado stands have been documented at around 2560 m (8400 feet). Most of the unvegetated ground surface is covered by rocks and boulders, with small amounts of litter and dead wood. Soils are poorly developed and often too rocky to sample. The rocky slope is the dominant visual element of the community. The sparse to open canopy of this association is generally mixed and rarely exceeds 35% cover. Pseudotsuga menziesii is always present and dominant or codominant; other tree species may include Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum, Picea engelmannii, Pinus edulis, Pinus flexilis, Pinus strobiformis, Pinus ponderosa, Populus tremuloides, Abies concolor, and Abies lasiocarpa. Shrubs are variable depending on the site, but cover is too sparse and the mix either lacks a diagnostic species in the understory or the shrub layer is too poorly developed to be diagnostic. Shrub species present may include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Acer glabrum, Amelanchier utahensis, Juniperus communis, Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda, Holodiscus dumosus, Prunus virginiana, Ribes inerme, Ribes montigenum, Salix scouleriana, Shepherdia canadensis, Shepherdia rotundifolia, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Herbaceous species are sparse and inconsistent among sites.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This association occurs throughout the interior western U.S. but is restricted to steep slopes covered by loose rock and colluvium on mountain or canyon slopes. Slopes generally exceed 60% and are generally unstable, with constantly shifting rocks on the slopes as well as additional rockfall from outcrops upslope. Elevations at the northern end of the range (Montana) are from 915 to 2180 m (3100-7150 feet), and sites are usually limited to warm, south- to west-facing slopes in canyons. In northern Arizona, stands occur on various aspects around 2930 m (9600 feet) elevation, and in southern Colorado stands have been documented at around 2560 m (8400 feet). Most of the unvegetated ground surface is covered by rocks and boulders, with small amounts of litter and dead wood. Soils are poorly developed and often too rocky to sample.

Dynamic Processes: This association is stable; the substrate is constantly shifting so there is little chance of the canopy closing or a dense understory developing.

Authors: J. Coles Version Date: 03Nov2005

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CEGL000947 Salix amygdaloides Woodland (Peachleaf Willow Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation Division 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Flooded & Swamp Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Riparian Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Populus (balsamifera, deltoides, fremontii) / Salix spp. Riparian Woodland Group Group Alliance Pseudotsuga menziesii Southern Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Alliance (A3454) Association 1.B.3.Nc Salix amygdaloides Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This peachleaf willow woodland type is found in the northern Rocky Mountains and into northern parts of the western Great Plains. Stands occur in riparian areas, located in backwater areas and overflow channels of large rivers, on narrow floodplains of small creeks, and on the edges of ponds and lakes. Often it occurs in small isolated clumps adjacent to streams and rivers. The water table is usually within 1 m (3 feet) of the soil surface during the growing season, and the vegetation is tolerant of flooding. Salix amygdaloides associations may occur on a range of soil types, except heavy clays. It is most common on silty to sandy soils. It is tolerant of flooding and weakly saline or alkaline soils. Soils may be saturated to within 1 m (3 feet) of the surface during much of the growing season. The vegetation is dominated by Salix amygdaloides.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sampled at one location in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Salix amygdaloides Woodland type. This is a seasonally flooded site that occurs along floodplains. The soil at these sites is poorly drained, and has a texture of sandy clay. The Ground cover layer at these sites is domianted by bare ground, which makes up 80 percent of the unvegetated cover. A slight amount of plant matter contributes to the unvegetated layer as well, with 5% cover of both wood and leaf litter.

Global Environment: This riparian community occurs as stringers in a variety of locations such as backwater areas, old meander channels and wetland margins or as clumps along water courses (Thompson and Hansen 2002). Soils are usually Regosols or Chernozems, and the water table typically stays within 1 m of the soil surface during the growing season.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type is Salix amygdaloides. Elaeagnus angustifolia may be present to codominant in the tree canopy layer which has 10 to 25 percent cover. The herbaceous layer (25-50% cover) is composed of only a few species, of which Spergularia salina and Glyceria striata are the most abundant.

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Salix amygdaloides, Elaeagnus angustifolia Herbaceous Graminoid Glyceria striata Herbaceous Forb Spergularia salina

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Salix amygdaloides

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Salix amygdaloides woodland (Allen 2005) = Salix amygdaloides (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Salix amygdaloides Woodland (Butler et al. 2002) = Salix amygdaloides Woodland (Carsey et al. 2003a) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:II.B.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Rolfsmeier and Steinauer 2010 •CNHP 2010a •Hansen et al. 1991 •Butler et al. 2002 •Moseley et al. 1992 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Kudray et al. 2004 •Hansen et al. 1995 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Carsey et al. 2003a •Carsey et al. 2003b •MTNHP 2002b •Allen 2012 •Marriott and Faber-Langendoen 2000 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Allen 2005 •Thompson and Hansen 2002 •IDCDC 2005

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs on the west side of the reservoir at three sites at the extreme southern end of the park.

Global Range: This peachleaf willow woodland type is found in the northern Rocky Mountains, ranging from Idaho to Montana and into parts of the western Great Plains and north into southern Alberta.

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Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: AB, CO, ID, MT, NE, SD, WY?

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains Steppe Province

Province Code: 332 Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plots) BICA 019v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G. Kittel and L. Allen Version Date: 26May2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=68532

A-49

CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Scrub)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest Formation Division 1.B.2.Nc Western North American Cool Temperate Woodland & Scrub Division 1.B.2.Nc Intermountain Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper - Western Juniper Woodland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 1.B.2.Nc Cercocarpus ledifolius Scrub & Woodland Group Alliance Cercocarpus ledifolius Shrubland Alliance (A0828) Association 1.B.2.Nc Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub

ELEMENT CONCEPT This small-patch association occurs in isolated stands throughout the interior western U.S. Sites are generally located in gentle to moderately steep, dry, rocky habitats, where soils are patchy and shallow and fracturing allows Cercocarpus roots to penetrate the underlying bedrock. Elevations range from 1400 m (4600 feet) in Montana to over 2600 m (8530 feet) in western Colorado. The substrate is often limestone, less often quartzite or sandstone. This tall shrubland is dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius, often treelike in form. Scattered Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum, and Pinus edulis may also occur in the canopy. Total canopy cover is between 30 and 60%. There is usually no developed shrub layer, but Amelanchier utahensis, Amelanchier alnifolia, Artemisia nova, Artemisia tridentata, Physocarpus monogynus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, and Juniperus communis may be present. Prunus virginiana is absent or has very low cover. Herbaceous species have relatively high cover (20-30%), dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other graminoid species with significant cover include Achnatherum hymenoides and Hesperostipa comata, and common forbs include Artemisia frigida, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Hackelia patens, Mertensia oblongifolia, Phlox hoodii, and Petradoria pumila.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland type was sampled at two locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Typically occurring on scree or other slopes with northeastern aspects, this type has a moderate to steep slope of 19 to 30 percent. The soils range from moist to dry, and have a texture of clay loam to silt loam. Because stands occur on scree slopes, these sites typically have high total rock cover (bedrock: 5-10%, large rocks: 5-8%, small rocks 30-50%). Litter (20% cover), wood (1-5%), and bare ground (12-16%) also make up part of the unvegetated ground cover for these sites.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type is Cercocarpus ledifolius, which contributes to the shrub layer component. Total cover for the shrub layer ranges from 5 to 50 percent. The herbaceous layer is made up of a diverse mix of species, of which Pseudoroegneria spicata is the most common and abundant. Total cover for the herbaceous layer is 10 to 25 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Cercocarpus ledifolius Herbaceous Graminoid seudoroegneria spicata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Cercocarpus ledifolius, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Cercocarpus ledifolius / Agropyron spicatum Community (Jones 1992b) = Cercocarpus ledifolius / Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Agropyron spicatum Plant Association (Baker and Kennedy 1985) = Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub (Lewis 1975a) = Cercocarpus ledifolius/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.A.1.d. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •CNHP 2010a •Lewis 1975a •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Jones 1992b •Miller 1964 •Baker 1983c •Tisdale 1986 •Baker and Kennedy 1985 •Kagan et al. 2004a •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Jones and Ogle 2000 •Mueggler and Stewart 1980 •Knight et al. 1987 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs in scattered locations at the northern and middle areaas of the park. It primary is located on the lower slopes of the southern Pryor mountain range above Mustang Flats.

Global Range: This widespread but uncommon association is known from isolated sites in the Jarbidge and Ruby mountains of northeastern Nevada, the Bighorn and Pryor mountains of north-central Wyoming, southern Montana, northwestern Colorado and adjacent Utah, southern Idaho and eastern Oregon and California.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Cascade Mixed Forest - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M242 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Overthrust Mountains Section

Section Code: M331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 123v, BICA 160v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles Version Date: 12Oct2005

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=683942

A-52

CEGL001030 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division 3.B.1.Ne.3 Artemisia tridentata - Artemisia tripartita ssp. tripartita - Purshia tridentata Macrogroup Great Basin & Intermountain Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne.3.c Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana - Group Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula Tall Shrubland & Steppe Group Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Shrubland & Alliance Steppe Alliance (A3207) Association 3.B.1.Ne.3.c Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This is a common, abundant and widespread montane to subalpine sagebrush community of the western U.S. It occurs from 1829 to 3048 m (6000-10,000 feet) elevation, on 10-59% slopes, usually on the upper part of the slope, or on ridgetops, with northeast- to south-facing aspects. Soils are generally deep Mollisols (average depth from one study was 104 cm). This association is dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, with a conspicuous herbaceous undergrowth often dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other shrubs are usually present, but no one species consistently so, and all generally with low cover (<10%). Shrub species include Chrysothamnus spp., Tetradymia canescens, Purshia tridentata, and Amelanchier alnifolia. Symphoricarpos oreophilus may be present but not codominant. The herbaceous undergrowth is dominated by grasses, Pseudoroegneria spicata usually having the highest cover. In disturbed stands, the exotic Bromus tectorum can be more abundant. Other grass species include Poa fendleriana, Poa secunda (= Poa sandbergii), Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus (= Agropyron dasystachyum), Koeleria macrantha, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), and Elymus elymoides (= Sitanion hystrix). Festuca idahoensis is usually not present, but if so, then in very low amounts. Common forbs include Eriogonum umbellatum, Lupinus sericeus, Lupinus caudatus, Comandra umbellata, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Lithospermum ruderale, and Achillea millefolium. Bromus tectorum may be present to dominant in stands that have been severely disturbed.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This is a common, abundant and widespread montane to subalpine sagebrush community of the western U.S. It occurs from 1829 to 3048 m (6000-10,000 feet) elevation, on 10- 59% slopes, usually on the upper part of the slope, and on ridgetops, with northeast- to south-facing aspects. Soils are range from deep Mollisols (average depth from one study was 104 cm) to shallow, poorly developed shale soil. Soil textures range from loams to gravely clays. Parent materials include limestone, sandstone and shale.

Dynamic Processes: Large areas of this association have burned at Dinosaur National Monument in the last 15 years, some by wildfire and some by prescribed burns. In each case, the current community is a mixed grassland with a strong forb component. Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana does not always return to the community; it may have difficulty re-establishing itself in the thick thatch of herbaceous growth.

Authors: G. Kittel, mod. J. Coles and K.A. Schulz Version Date: 12Nov2008

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CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush - Shadscale Saltbush Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Tall Group Sagebrush Group Alliance Artemisia tridentata - Mixed Shrub Dry Shrubland Alliance (A3198) Association 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This type is found irregularly in xeric, alkaline sites in the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and northwestern Great Plains of the United States. Slopes tend to be gentle to moderate, and the relatively deep, alkaline soils may be modified by a thin layer of alluvial or colluvial deposits. Stands are dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, with Atriplex confertifolia as an associate. The understory tends to be sparse and inconsistent in its composition.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland type was sampled at nine locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are flat to gently sloping, with observed slopes from 0 to 10 percent slope. Topographically, these sites are most likely to be encountered at low slopes or on basin floors. Soils are dry, well-drained with a loamy sand or sandy loam texture. Ground cover include a low amount of leaf (1-10%) and wood (0-1%) cover, and various rock (large rocks 0-15%, small rocks 5-8%) and bare ground (0-84%) cover.

Global Environment: This short shrubland association occurs on slopes, ridgetops and benches in dry habitats of the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, extending into the northwestern Great Plains. It is found in lowlands and on terraces and alluvial fans in the outwash plains near Bighorn and Prior Mountains (Knight et al. 1987, DeVelice and Lesica 1993) in north-central Wyoming, northwestern Colorado and south-central Montana. Elevations range between 1120 and 1800 m (3680-5900 feet), slopes range from level to gently sloping, and sites may be oriented to any aspect. Soil textures are variable, including silty loam, clay loam, sandy loam and sandy clay, and generally are derived from alluvium, sandstone, siltstone or shale. Soils of this association are more alkaline than those of adjacent sagebrush steppe associations (Knight et al. 1987) and similar in alkalinity to soils supporting saltbush associations. Biological soil crusts may cover up to 50% of the unvegetated ground surface in undisturbed stands.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant shrub species in this type are Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis and Atriplex confertifolia. The shrub layer has 10-50% cover. Also present in the shrub layer, though less abundant are and Ericameria nauseosa, and Gutierrezia sarothrae (as a dwarf shrub). Many species contribute to the herbaceous layer cover (5-25%), though Hesperostipa comata and Achnatherum hymenoides are the most common and abundant.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex confertifolia Herbaceous Graminoid Hesperostipa comata, Achnatherum hymenoides

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex confertifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy : < Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex confertifolia Community Type (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) [Likely dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, but sagebrush were not keyed to subspecies.]

= Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis-Atriplex confertifolia (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994)

< DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.A.2.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984) >< Mixed desert shrubland (Knight et al. 1987) [Dominated by Artemisia tridentata with <1% cover of Atriplex confertifolia; occurs where big sagebrush is largely restricted to ravines and depressions.]

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Kagan et al. 2004a •WNDD unpubl. data •NDNHI unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Knight et al. 1987 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Brown 1971

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

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Global Range: This type is found irregularly in the Columbia Plateau, Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and northwestern Great Plains of the United States, ranging from western North Dakota to Montana and southwest to Utah and California.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CA, CO, MT, ND, OR, UT, WY?

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (9 plots) BICA 006v, BICA 062v, BICA 159v, BICA 1027v, BICA 2020v, BICA 2022v, BICA 351v, BICA 355v, BICA 364v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. J. Coles and K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06Jun2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684222

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CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Blue Grama Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Tall Group Sagebrush Group Alliance Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Dry Shrubland Alliance (A3184) Association 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This common sagebrush association occurs on ridges, plateaus and benches, and valleys in Wyoming, western Colorado and southeastern Utah. Elevations range from 1840 to 2430 m (6030- 7975 feet). Sites are on gentle to steep slopes and may be oriented to any aspect. Substrates include sandstone, granite and metamorphic rocks, and soils range from clay to sandy loam. The cover of bare ground is high in areas that are grazed by domestic livestock. Total vegetation cover may be sparse to moderately dense, depending on site conditions and grazing history. Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis dominates the shrub layer, which may also include lesser amounts of Artemisia cana, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Rhus trilobata, Opuntia polyacantha, and Atriplex canescens. The understory usually is dominated by Bouteloua gracilis together with a combination of Pascopyrum smithii, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata, Koeleria macrantha, Poa secunda, Pleuraphis jamesii, Achnatherum hymenoides, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Elymus elymoides. The introduced grasses Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus are often present. A mix of herbs, including Artemisia frigida, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Vulpia octoflora (= Festuca octoflora), Phlox hoodii, and Sphaeralcea coccinea, contribute little cover. The combination of relatively high cover by sagebrush and dominance of the understory by a grazing increaser such as Bouteloua gracilis indicate that this association may represent degraded forms of other Wyoming sagebrush / native grass associations.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland type was sampled at seven locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This type typically occurred on gentle slopes, ranging from 0 to 3 percent. These sites are dry, and have a soil texture of loam, silt loam, and sandy loam. The non-vegetative ground cover characteristics of these sites include a low amount of leaf (1-12%) and wood (1-2%) cover, and low bedrock and large rock cover (0-2%, 0-3%) and low to moderate small rock and bare ground (15-50%, 18-61%) cover.

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Global Environment: This common sagebrush shrubland occurs on the slopes of ridges and valleys and on plateaus, plains and benches in Wyoming, western Colorado and southeastern Utah. Elevations range from 1840 to 2430 m (6030-7975 feet). Sites are on gentle to steep slopes and may be oriented to any aspect. Substrates are variable and include clay to sandy loam soils derived from granite and metamorphic rocks, sandstone, shale, alluvium or eolian deposits. The cover of bare ground is high in areas that are grazed by domestic livestock.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in the shrub layer is Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, though Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana and Juniperus osteosperma may also be present in lower abundance. Cover in the shrub layer typically ranges from 10 to 50 percent and may include associated species such as Opuntia polyacantha. Bouteloua gracilis is the graminoid species most common and abundant in the herbaceous layer, but Hesperostipa comata and Pseudoroegneria spicata also contribute to herbaceous cover (10 to 50%).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Herbaceous Graminoid Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Bouteloua gracilis

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: < Artemisia tridentata / Bouteloua gracilis - Hilaria jamesii Plant Community (Francis 1986) [Does not specify which subspecies of big sagebrush this is. It occurs on alluvial flats; Bouteloua gracilis dominated the herbaceous cover. Did not specify which subspecies of big sagebrush this is. It occurs on valley bottoms, drainage depressions, rolling hills on plateaus tops. Bouteloua gracilis characterizes the herbaceous cover.] = Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Bouteloua gracilis (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Community (Jones 1992b) < Big Sagebrush Steppe (Knight et al. 1987) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.A.2.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Coles et al. 2010 •Nichols 1964a •Thomas et al. 2010 •Nichols 1964b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Bighorn Coal Mine n.d. •Jones 1992b

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•Van Pelt 1978 •Clark et al. 2009 •Stoecker-Keammerer Consultants n.d.a •MTNHP 2002b •NDNHI unpubl. data •Knight et al. 1987 •Smith unpubl. data b •Tendick et al. 2010 •Fisser 1964 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Romme et al. 1993 •Keammerer 1987 •Fisser 1970

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This Wyoming big sagebrush type is found in the Great Basin region of the western United States and possibly into the Great Plains. Documented sites include the Bighorn, Powder River and Wind River basins in Wyoming, Curecanti National Recreation Area in western Colorado, and Capitol Reef and Canyonlands national parks in southeastern Utah.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, MT, ND, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Possible

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Possible

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (7 plots) BICA 273v, BICA 230v, BICA 1044v, BICA 1011v, BICA 214v, BICA 3001v, BICA 3002v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 19Oct2007

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684947

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CEGL001108 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland (Chokecherry - (American Plum) Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation 2.C.4.Nb Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata - Salix spp. / Carex spp. - Blennosperma nanum - Poa Division pratensis Western North American Freshwater Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Marsh Division 2.C.4.Nb.2 Western North American Montane to Alpine Wet Shrubland & Wet Meadow Macrogroup Macrogroup 2.C.4.Nb.2.a Salix exigua - Crataegus spp. - Forestiera pubescens Rocky Mountain & Group Great Basin Riparian Shrubland Group Alliance Rhus trilobata - Crataegus rivularis - Forestiera pubescens Shrubland Alliance (A3799) Association 2.C.4.Nb.2.a Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This widespread small-patch shrubland is known from the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington and eastern Oregon, throughout much of the Rocky Mountain and interior western U.S. It occurs in the foothills and lower slopes of mountain ranges, along higher creeks and upper alluvial terraces of perennial streams, and in draws and ravines of high plateaus. The elevational range is 680 to 2652 m (2234-8700 feet). This association grows at the interface between larger riparian areas and the adjacent upland and occurs as small dense thickets, narrow bands, or irregular patches. It often occupies draws, ephemeral creeks in steep narrow-bottomed canyons, and shallow ravines. It can occur on slopes below seeps and springs and on high slopes where snow collects. Shrub cover ranges from 100% to more open stands of 30%. Shrub cover is generally greater in drainage bottoms and on lowermost slopes, and less on upper slopes. Prunus virginiana is usually the dominant shrub species, however Prunus americana may be solely present. Stands can be dominated by one species but are often a mix of three to six other shrub species, which can be as abundant and even greater cover than Prunus virginiana. Other shrubs, in addition to Prunus americana, include Rhus trilobata, Ribes aureum, Ribes cereum, Ribes lacustre, Ribes inerme, Salix exigua, Sambucus spp., Amelanchier spp., Amorpha canescens, Ericameria nauseosa, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Juniperus scopulorum, Rosa woodsii, and Toxicodendron rydbergii. In drainage bottoms, herbaceous cover is usually sparse, less than 10%. On slopes, the shrubs typically occur in some grassland type, and graminoid cover can be greater than 75%. Herbaceous species may include Achnatherum lettermanii, Achnatherum nelsonii, Carex vallicola, Erigeron flagellaris, Leymus cinereus, Geranium caespitosum var. caespitosum, Heracleum maximum (= Heracleum lanatum), Juncus arcticus, Maianthemum stellatum (= Smilacina stellata), Muhlenbergia montana, and Potentilla hippiana. Exotic species Bromus inermis, Cirsium arvense, Poa pratensis, and Bromus tectorum are common on disturbed sites.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This widespread small-patch shrubland occurs in the foothills and lower slopes of mountains, along higher creeks and upper alluvial terraces of perennial streams, in moist soils that receive bedrock runoff in the Colorado Plateau, and in draws and ravines of plateaus and the Great Plains. The elevational range is 716 to 2846 m (2234-9330 feet), and slopes are gentle to steep (to 20°). This association often grows at the interface between larger riparian areas and the adjacent upland, as well as on higher ridges where snow collects, and occurs as small dense thickets, narrow bands or irregular patches. It often occupies draws, ephemeral creeks in steep narrow- bottomed canyons, and shallow ravines. It can occur on slopes below seeps and springs. Stands can also occur as small pockets on higher terraces or as narrow bands along the high-water mark of steep banks and incised channels. It also grows at the base of cliffs adjacent to rivers. Slope varies from flat to very steep, with variable aspects, and can be associated with rock outcrops and talus. Stands are typically on very well-drained, rocky soils but occasionally have finer soils. Soil texture ranges from sandy loam to clay loam.

Dynamic Processes: Some stands on slopes are the result of recent fire that killed the overlying canopy, converting ~Pinus ponderosa / Prunus virginiana Forest (CEGL000192)$$ to this Prunus virginiana shrubland type. In Nevada, this community is considered a "marginal" riparian type and represents succession away from riparian conditions (Manning and Padgett 1995). Both Prunus virginiana and Symphoricarpos occidentalis are tolerant of fire and will usually sprout after fires and grow into even denser stands. Dense stands of Prunus virginiana may preclude use by livestock, while open stands may provide adequate grazing opportunities. However, if grazed for the entire season, the strongly rhizomatous Rosa woodsii and non-native grasses may become established (Hansen et al. 1988b, Manning and Padgett 1995).

Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. G. Kittel, J. Coles, K.A. Schulz, K.S. King Version Date: 22Aug2013

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CEGL001120 Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Skunkbush Sumac / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Na.2 Amelanchier alnifolia / Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicataCentral Macrogroup Rocky Mountain Montane & Foothill Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na.2.b Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos spp. - Rhus glabra Central Rocky Group Mountain Shrubland Group Rhus glabra - Rhus trilobata Central Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Shrubland Alliance Alliance (A3964) Association 2.B.2.Na.2.b Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This shrub prairie type is found in the United States on dry mid to upper slopes and ridgetops in the eastern plains and mountains of Wyoming and Montana. Slope and aspect are variable, but soils are consistently shallow and rocky. Herbaceous species dominate the vegetation with short shrubs and nonvascular plants present but of lesser importance. Total vegetation cover is moderate, and few plants grow taller than 1 m. Shrubs generally have from 10-25% cover. Rhus trilobata is the most common. It is often found with Artemisia frigida, Artemisia tridentata, Prunus virginiana, Ribes cereum, or Eriogonum spp. Pseudoroegneria spicata is the most abundant herbaceous species. Others commonly found include Koeleria macrantha, Schizachyrium scoparium, Bouteloua curtipendula, Bromus tectorum, and Opuntia polyacantha.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This community is typically found on dry mid to upper slopes and ridgetops. It has been identified on butte tops in eastern Wyoming (Thilenius et al. 1995). Slope and aspect are variable, but soils are consistently shallow and rocky. They often form from sandstone parent materials, and rock fragments, outcrops, and bare soil cover much of the ground (Mueggler and Stewart 1980).

Authors: J. Drake Version Date: 29Jan1998

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CEGL001121 Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Skunkbush Sumac Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation 2.C.4.Nb Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata - Salix spp. / Carex spp. - Blennosperma nanum - Poa Division pratensis Western North American Freshwater Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Marsh Division 2.C.4.Nb.2 Western North American Montane to Alpine Wet Shrubland & Wet Meadow Macrogroup Macrogroup 2.C.4.Nb.2.a Salix exigua - Crataegus spp. - Forestiera pubescens Rocky Mountain & Group Great Basin Riparian Shrubland Group 2.C.4.Nb.2.a Rhus trilobata - Crataegus rivularis - Forestiera pubescens Shrubland Alliance Alliance Association 2.C.4.Nb.2.a Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is known from both mesic riparian and non-riparian situations in Utah, western Colorado, and the Snake River canyon and its tributaries of southern Idaho. Throughout its range, the association occurs at low to mid elevations (701-1676 m [2300-5500 feet] in Idaho and 1555-2000 m [5100-6560 feet] in Colorado), most often along mid-order to large rivers, but also in narrow canyons of small creeks and intermittent drainages. This association often forms linear bands above the high- water line on steep shorelines, along rocky toeslopes at cliff bases, on benches, and in intermittent arroyos, usually where there is minimal floodplain development. Stands also occur on rocky hillsides in association with springs and seeps emanating from canyon walls. In broad river bottoms, stands occur in the floodplain on second terraces between older Populus spp. forests on upper terraces and Salix exigua shrublands next to the river. In these large floodplains, habitats are in flux with stream meanders, channel downcutting, and sediment deposition; sites where this shrubland persists are generally too dry for the establishment of Populus and Salix spp. The association is found on well-drained, fine silty clay to sandy loam soils overlying coarse alluvium, bedrock or talus. Rhus trilobata often forms tall, dense, and nearly impenetrable thickets with 30-98% cover. Associated shrubs can sometimes be codominant, but no single species has consistently high cover or constancy across the range of the association. Associated shrubs include Celtis laevigata var. reticulata, Clematis ligusticifolia, Cornus sericea, Ericameria nauseosa, Ribes aureum, Rosa woodsii, Salix exigua, Salix lasiolepis, Salix lutea, Shepherdia argentea, andToxicodendron rydbergii. Saplings of Populus fremontii, Populus angustifolia, or Salix amygdaloides may be present. Total understory herbaceous cover and diversity are low, and herbaceous species are often confined to shrub canopy gaps. Bromus tectorum and Galium aparine are the most frequently occurring species, but native grasses such as Elymus canadensis, Equisetum spp., Hordeum jubatum, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Leymus cinereus, Pascopyrum smithii, and Phragmites australis are sometimes also present. Forb associates include Apocynum cannabinum and Artemisia ludoviciana. Non-native species are

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common in disturbed stands.This type was not sampled at BICA during the classification phase of the project. Its presence was evaluated and confirmed by the mapping team and incorporated into the mapping model for the park, with cognizance by the field ecologist.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This minor association occurs in mesic, often riparian sites in western Colorado, eastern Utah and southwestern Idaho. Elevation ranges from 940 to 2000 m (3085-6560 feet). These small shrublands are reported from stream and river bottoms and terraces, and upland in mesic swales and on hillslopes below seeps and springs. Along the Yampa, San Miguel, and Dolores rivers stands often form linear bands on rocky, well-drained benches and toeslopes where it is often confined between the high-water mark of a river and adjacent cliff faces and has access to the high water table. Along the Green River stands occur in the floodplain on second terraces between older Populus fremontii forests on upper terraces and Salix exigua shrublands next to the river. In large floodplains, habitats are in flux with stream meanders, channel downcutting, and sediment deposition; sites where this shrubland persists are generally too dry for the establishment of Populus and Salix spp. Substrates are variable and range from shallow loamy sand to silt loam over coarse alluvium, boulders or bedrock, to fine silty clay with the depth to groundwater between 2-4 m. Adjacent riparian vegetation includes communities dominated by Schoenoplectus spp., Typha spp., Phragmites australis, Salix exigua, Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, Populus angustifolia, and Populus fremontii.

Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. C. Murphy, J. Drake, J. Coles Version Date: 05Jul2006

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CEGL001128 Shepherdia argentea Shrubland (Silver Buffaloberry Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.C.4.Nd Eastern North American Wet Meadow, Marsh & Shrubland Division 2.C.4.Nd.5 Spartina pectinata - Typha spp. - Schoenoplectus spp. Great Plains Wet Macrogroup Meadow, Marsh & Playa Macrogroup 2.C.4.Nd.5.c Cornus spp. - Prunus virginiana / Pascopyrum smithii Great Plains Shrub & Group Herb Riparian Group Alliance Shepherdia argentea Shrubland Alliance (A3590) Association 2.C.4.Nd.5.c Shepherdia argentea Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This mesic buffaloberry shrubland is found in the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada, and on the western slope of Colorado south to the Paunsaugunt Plateau, Utah. Stands occur on stream terraces, rolling uplands, and badlands, and where moisture is more plentiful than the surrounding landscape, such as in swales, ravines, near streams and ditches, and on northwest- to east-facing slopes. The vegetation is dominated by a moderate to dense canopy of medium-tall shrubs. The most abundant of these, Shepherdia argentea, is typically 1.5-3 m tall. Other common shrub species are Juniperus horizontalis, Prunus virginiana, Ribes spp., Rhus aromatica, Rosa woodsii, and Symphoricarpos occidentalis. Graminoids and forbs may have only half the cover of the shrub layer and are quite variable. Graminoids include Poa pratensis, Pascopyrum smithii, and Bromus spp. Common forbs are Achillea millefolium, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Parietaria pensylvanica. This community occurs in the landscape as either narrow bands along streams or in small thickets.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This community is found on stream terraces, rolling uplands, and badlands. It occurs where moisture is more plentiful than the surrounding landscape, such as in swales, ravines, near streams and ditches, and on northwest- to east-facing slopes (Hansen and Hoffman 1988, DeVelice et al. 1995). This trend is more pronounced in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah where this community is found only near streams, and it may be less pronounced in Saskatchewan and northern Montana. Soils are loamy sand, sandy loam, silty loam, or loam and are derived from glacial drift, siltstone, or sandstone (USFS 1992, DeVelice et al. 1995). This community does not flood often, but some sites show evidence of a high water table (DeVelice et al. 1995).

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Dynamic Processes: Livestock and deer frequent these thickets and establish numerous trails throughout. The disturbances open the stands for the invasion of such species as Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Toxicodendron rydbergii, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia ludoviciana, Monarda fistulosa, Nepata cataria, and Taraxacum officinale (Hansen and Hoffman 1988).

Authors: J. Drake, mod. L. Allen and G. Kittel Version Date: 24Feb2009

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CEGL001131 Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland (Western Snowberry Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Nb.2 Hesperostipa comata - Pascopyrum smithii - Festuca hallii Grassland Macrogroup Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb.2.c Pascopyrum smithii - Hesperostipa comata - Schizachyrium scoparium - Group Bouteloua spp. Mixedgrass Prairie Group Prunus virginiana - Symphoricarpos occidentalis - Amelanchier alnifolia Great Plains Alliance Shrub Alliance (A4036) Association 2.B.2.Nb.2.c Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This western snowberry shrubland is found in the western tallgrass, northern Great Plains, and in the foothills of the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Stands occur in mesic depressions and swales, typically surrounded by upland grassland communities. The soils are silts and loams. This type has three distinct vegetation layers, a shrub layer (approximately 80 cm tall), a graminoid-dominated layer (approximately 30 cm tall), and a forb-dominated layer (<20 cm tall). Symphoricarpos occidentalis is the predominant species in the shrub layer and at times forms almost monospecific stands. Rosa woodsii commonly occurs interspersed with the Symphoricarpos occidentalis. Other shrubs, such as Rhus trilobata and Prunus virginiana, often occur as thickets on the fringe of this community. Rhus trilobata and Prunus virginiana can reach 2 m or more. The herbaceous layer is poorly represented where the shrubs are dense, although Poa pratensis occurs in many stands. Common forbs include Artemisia ludoviciana, Solidago spp., and Achillea millefolium. Vines, such as Parthenocissus vitacea, are often found climbing through the shrubs. This type is frequently observed in heavily grazed meadows and prairies.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION This community is found on relatively deep soils in mesic swales, depressions, ravines and floodplains. Some examples of this community experience intermittent and brief flooding. In Glacier National Park, it occurs at 1022-1092 m (3350-3580 feet) elevation. The soils are fertile and well- drained to imperfectly drained silts and loams. The upper soil horizon is usually deep, although a thin layer of sand may be present if the site has been recently flooded (Jones and Walford 1995).

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Dynamic Processes: Stands may occasionally be flooded (Jones and Walford 1995). Symphoricarpos occidentalis seems to thrive in disturbed areas (Hansen and Hoffman 1988), especially those subject to disturbance by fire and cattle grazing. These shrublands often have a significant component of exotic species, especially where grazing has been heavy. Bromus inermis, Cirsium arvense, and Poa pratensis are among the most abundant of these exotics. Overgrazing of prairies can lead to the expansion of degraded forms of this community.

Authors: J. Drake, mod. G. Kittel Version Date: 21Jan2004

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CEGL001293 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland (Shadscale Saltbush Wyoming Basins Shrubland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT These open to sparse shrublands are dominated by Atriplex confertifolia but lack other diagnostic species. It is widespread across western and central Wyoming north to the Bighorn Basin in Montana and also occurs in shaly sites in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Stands occur on hills, ridges and toeslopes, and often on badland sites in the Uinta Basin and Colorado Plateau. Soils are often shallow clays or clay loams derived from marine shales, with a high percentage of bare ground and gravel at the surface. Some examples are on sandy soils. Total vegetation cover generally does not exceed 35%. The short-shrub canopy is dominated by Atriplex confertifolia, usually accompanied by other species, including Eriogonum corymbosum, Atriplex corrugata, Atriplex gardneri, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, and Tetradymia spinosa. The herbaceous layer is generally sparse but ranges to moderately dense and may be relatively diverse. Common species include Achnatherum hymenoides, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Poa secunda, Xylorhiza venusta, and Penstemon caespitosus.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A less common type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland, which was only sampled at one location. This type occurs on very gentle slopes of only 5 percent with a northeastern aspect. Soils are typically well-drained and dry, with a soil texture of silty clay. The unvegetated ground cover is dominated by bare ground (95% cover) with 2 percent or less of small rock and litter cover.

Global Environment: This shrubland is widespread across western and central Wyoming north to the Bighorn Basin in Montana and also occurs in shaly sites in western Colorado and eastern Utah where it is known from hills, ridges and toeslopes in the Uinta Basin and the Colorado Plateau. Sites range from nearly level to very steep (to 85% slopes) and occur at 1886-2253 m elevation. Some examples occur on the slopes of shale badlands. Soils are usually clays, silty clays, or clay loams derived from marine shales, but they may be sandy and usually have a high percentage of gravel on the soil surface. The parent material includes marine shales such as the Fossil Butte Member of the Wasatch Formation, the Mancos Formation and other Mesozoic shales.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Atriplex confertifolia is the dominant species in the shrub layer which has 10 to 25 percent cover. A diverse mix of species with low individual cover make up the herbaceous understory layer. Of these, the graminoid Achnatherum hymenoides has the highest cover, of 5 to 10 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Atriplex confertifolia Herbaceous Graminoid Achnatherum hymenoides

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Atriplex confertifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Atriplex confertifolia (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.C.1.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •MTNHP unpubl. data •Coles et al. 2010 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Friesen et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Brotherson and Brotherson 1979

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park. It primarily occurs in the middle reaches of the park.

Global Range: This association has been described from the eastern Uinta Basin and the western Colorado Plateau in Colorado and Utah and is widespread across western and central Wyoming north to the Bighorn Basin into south-central Montana.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, MT, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

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Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Uinta Basin Section

Section Code: 341C Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plots) BICA 059v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 12Nov2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=683135

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CEGL001330 Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Rubber Rabbitbrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus - Ericameria nauseosa - Krascheninnikovia lanata Group Shrubland Group Alliance Ericameria nauseosa Shrubland & Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A3196) Association 3.B.1.Ne Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This common rabbitbrush shrubland type is found in localized areas across the northern Great Plains of the United States. As described from the Dakotas, stands occur either on dry, steep slopes along roadcuts or in heavily grazed floodplains. In the Dakotas, the vegetation has an open structure, with clumps of shrubs around 0.5-1 m tall scattered over a medium-tall herbaceous layer. Ericameria nauseosa (= Chrysothamnus nauseosus) is the dominant shrub. Other less common shrubs include Prunus virginiana and Symphoricarpos occidentalis. The herbaceous layer may contain the graminoids Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus and Pascopyrum smithii. Forbs include Melilotus officinalis. Stands may contain a variety of other weedy species. Farther west, in Montana, the dominant graminoid is Pseudoroegneria spicata.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A less common type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland, which was only sampled at one location. The site has a 4 percent slope, and occurs on an eastern aspect. Soil ranges from moist to dry, is well-drained, and has a texture of silt loam. The unvegetated ground layer has a high amount of leaf litter (73% cover). Bare ground makes up the majority of the remaining portion of the unvegetated ground cover, at 15 percent.

Global Environment: As described from South Dakota, stands occur either on dry, steep slopes along roadcuts or in heavily grazed floodplains.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Ericameria nauseosa and Juniperus horizontalis make up the shrub layer which has 10 to 25 percent cover. The herbaceous layer at these sites is more dense, with 50 to 75 percent cover. Species most abundant in the herbaceous layer are Koeleria macrantha, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Cerastium arvense, Lupinus argenteus, and Poa pratensis.

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MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species Shrub Shrub Ericameria nauseosa Herbaceous Graminoid Koeleria macrantha, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Poa pratensis Herbaceous Forb Lupinus argenteus, Cerastium arvense

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Ericameria nauseosa, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Chrysothamnus nauseosus/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.C.1.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •Von Loh et al. 1999 •MTNHP 2002b •NDNHI unpubl. data •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Lesica and DeVelice 1992 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Thilenius et al. 1995 •Von Loh et al. 2000

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other herbaceous shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This common rabbitbrush shrubland type is found in localized areas across the northern Great Plains of the United States, particularly Montana and western South Dakota.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, ND, SD, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M332 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

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ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 2058v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen Version Date: 24Aug1999

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688417

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CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland (Greasewood Disturbed Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.7 Salt Marsh Formation 2.B.7.Nd Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Distichlis spicata - Salicornia spp. North American Division Interior Brackish Marsh Division Macrogroup 2.B.7.Nd Cool Semi-Desert Alkaline-Saline Wetland Macrogroup 2.B.7.Nd Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Atriplex spp. Intermountain Basins Alkaline-Saline Group Shrub Wetland Group Alliance Sarcobatus vermiculatus Intermountain Shrub Alliance (A1046) Association 2.B.7.Nd Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This greasewood shrubland occurs on saline soils of terraces, swales, alluvial fans and flats, valley floors, playas, toeslopes and ridges throughout the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin and extends to mountain valleys in the southern Rocky Mountains. It is distinguished from other Sarcobatus vermiculatus associations in that disturbance has removed most or all of the native herbaceous understory. Black greasewood will increase in density at the expense of grasses such as Sporobolus airoides under conditions of heavy grazing, since the shrub is only moderately palatable and is somewhat poisonous to livestock. Soil textures in these communities range from sandy loam to silty clay and may have a white salt crust on the soil surface. Sarcobatus vermiculatus dominates the sparse to moderately dense shrub layer, usually with a minor component of Ericameria nauseosa, Suaeda moquinii (= Suaeda torreyana), Opuntia polyacantha, Atriplex canescens, or Atriplex confertifolia. If Artemisia tridentata is present, it is with very low cover. The understory ranges from sparse to dense in cover, but native species typically have very low cover. The dominant herbaceous species tend to be weedy and/or exotic; Vulpia octoflora, Bromus tectorum, Descurainia pinnata, Salsola tragus, Alyssum desertorum, and Halogeton glomeratus are typical understory species.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland type was sampled at seven locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are flat to moderately steep, with observed slopes from 0 to 23 percent slope. Topographically, these sites are most likely to be encountered at low slopes or on basin floors. Soilsare dry, well-drained and have a silt loam or sandy loam texture. The non-vegetative characteristics of these sites include various rock cover (bedrock 0-5%, large rocks 0-2%, small rocks 5-28%), low to moderate litter cover (1-30%), and high cover of bare ground (53-91%).

Global Environment: This widespread but patchy shrubland occurs throughout the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin and extends to mountain valleys in the southern Rocky Mountains. Stands are found on terraces, swales, coppice dunes, playas, alluvial fans and flats, valley floors, toeslopes

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and ridges. Elevation ranges between 1200 and 2308 m (3940-7570 feet), and slopes tend to be gentle. Soils are typically derived from mixed alluvium (shale, sandstone and gneiss), from shale that erodes into moderate to steep gullies and slopes (badlands), or from eolian deposits. Soil textures range from sand to silty clay and tend to be alkaline and saline, often with a white salt crust on the soil surface. Sabkha substrates (carbonate cemented sand) occur on subirrigated areas near dunes in southern Colorado. Biological soil crusts are typically absent or provide low cover, but occasionally have higher (up to 25%) cover . Bare ground values tend to be high, up to 80%, unless Bromus tectorum is a major component of the system, in which case litter cover values are high.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type are Sarcobatus vermiculatus and Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, which are part of the shrub layer, which has 10- 75% cover. Many species contribute to the herbaceous layer cover (10-75%), though the weedy species Halogeton glomeratus and Sisymbrium altissimum are the most common and abundant.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Herbaceous Forb Halogeton glomeratus, Sisymbrium altissimum

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sarcobatus vermiculatus

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Sarcobatus vermiculatus Phyto-edaphic Community (Francis 1986) < Sarcobatus Association (Graham 1937) [likely includes disturbed and undisturbed stands.] = Sarcobatus Community (Dastrup 1963) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.C.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Graham 1937 •WNDD unpubl. data •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Donnelly et al. 2006 •Peterson 2008 •Donovan et al. 1996 •Salas et al. 2010b •Coles et al. 2011 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Coles et al. 2009a

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•Coles et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Brotherson et al. 1986 •Ganskopp 1986 •Francis 1986 •Clark et al. 2009 •Shantz and Piemeisel 1940 •Salas et al. 2009 •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Young et al. 1986 •Groeneveld and Crowley 1988 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Dastrup 1963 •Coles et al. 2008a •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is primarily located in the middle and southern reaches of the park.

Global Range: This association is likely to be widespread on floodplains and valley floors throughout the interior western United States. It is currently documented from the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, Uinta Basin and San Luis Valley from northwestern New Mexico, southern and western Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and eastern California.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CA, CO, NM, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Bonneville Basin Section

Section Code: 341A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (7 plots) BICA 057v, BICA 2038v, BICA 2080v, BICA 2202v, BICA 2203v, BICA 321v, BICA 341v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06May2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688271

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CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland (Greasewood / Big Sagebrush Shrubland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT This mixed bottomland shrubland is characteristic of stream terraces and floodplains of the Intermountain West. The presence of other shrubs in the canopy indicates less saline conditions than found in ~Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland (CEGL001357)$$. Soils are deep and generally sandy, but a few sites are on well-drained silt loams or clays. The sagebrush element may be either Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata or Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, and either the sagebrush or Sarcobatus vermiculatus may have the greater cover. Atriplex canescens, Ericameria nauseosa, and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus are other common minor elements of the shrub canopy. Total shrub cover is between 5 and 30%. The understory is variable; cover by herbaceous species may be sparse to dense, or exotic species may dominate the field layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland type was limited to two sampled locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Slopes at these sites are flat to gentle (0-1%) and topographically, these sites are most likely to be encountered at low slopes or on basin floors. Soils are dry and well-drained with a loamy sand or sandy loam texture. The non-vegetative characteristics of these sites include low rock cover (large rocks 0-10%, small rocks 0-2%), low litter cover (leaf 7-10%, wood 2-3%), and high bare ground cover (68-83%).

Global Environment: This minor shrub association occurs on stream terraces, alluvial fans, floodplains, toeslopes and valley floors. Elevations range from 1300 to 2027 m. Slopes are generally gentle, and the upper soil layers are somewhat saline. Soils are deep and generally sandy, but a few sites are on well-drained silt loams or clays. The parent materials are sandstones and shales that have eroded and deposited as secondary stream alluvium or eolian sand deposits, . Bare soil and litter cover most of the ground surface. Biological soil crusts are commonly present and can provide up to 60% cover.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type are Sarcobatus vermiculatus and Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, which codominate the 10-75% cover shrub layer. Many species contribute to the herbaceous layer cover (10-50%), though none are consistently high in individual cover. Herbaceous species may include Hesperostipa comata, Sporobolus cryptandrus, Bromus tectorum, Leymus cinereus, Halogeton glomeratus, and Lappula occidentalis, among others.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Sarcobatus vermiculatus/Artemisia tridentata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:III.C.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2009a •Friesen et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Clark et al. 2009 •Thomas et al. 2009b •MTNHP 2002b •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Lesica and DeVelice 1992 •Peterson 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is primarily located in the middle and southern reaches of the park

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Global Range: This mixed bottomland shrubland is characteristic of stream terraces and floodplains of the Intermountain West. Stands are reported from the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin from western Colorado and Utah, extending to Big Horn Basin across western Wyoming and south-central Montana.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, MT, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Possible

Section Name: Powder River Basin Section

Section Code: 331G Occurrence Status: Possible

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 009v, BICA 1016v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 12Nov2008

References: For specific refreneces see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=686887

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CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland (Black Sagebrush Shrubland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT This broadly defined association is reported from eastern Wyoming and western Colorado to eastern California but may be found elsewhere in the interior western U.S. Stands occur at middle to upper elevations of 1400 to 2730 m (4590-8960 feet) on mountain and hillslopes, ridges, mesatops, alluvial fans and river bluffs. Sites are nearly level to steeply sloping; aspects are variable. Soils are shallow (often <30 cm deep), well-drained, and coarse-textured with high cover of gravel and cobble (desert pavement). Soil texture ranges from gravelly loam to sandy clay loam. The vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense (12-40% cover) dwarf-shrub layer (<0.5 m tall) that is dominated by Artemisia nova. Other woody species present include Picrothamnus desertorum (= Artemisia spinescens), Atriplex confertifolia, Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Ephedra spp., Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata, and Opuntia erinacea. Diagnostic of this community is a sparse herbaceous understory with only scattered grasses and forbs. Common grasses may include Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea, Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis jamesii, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Poa secunda. Forbs such as Erysimum capitatum (= Erysimum asperum), Erigeron aphanactis, Stenotus acaulis, and Phlox spp. may also be present. Scattered trees may be present, such as Juniperus osteosperma, Pinus edulis, Pinus monophylla, or Yucca brevifolia, depending on location. Introduced species are important in some stands and may include Bromus tectorum, Salsola kali, and Halogeton glomeratus.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia nova Shrubland type was sampled at five locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are gentle, with observed slopes from 0 to 6 percent. Soils at these sites are dry and well-drained with sandy loam or loam texture. Rock cover at these sites was low to moderate (bedrock 0-5%, large rocks 0-25%, and small rocks 0-46%). Litter cover ranged from 3 to 40 percent, and bare ground cover was 0-45%.

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Global Environment: Stands occur at middle to upper elevations (1400-2730 m) on mountain and hillslopes, ridges, mesatops, alluvial fans and river bluffs. Sites are nearly level to steeply sloping; aspects are variable, but stands are reported from northwestern slopes. Soils are often shallow (<30 cm deep), well-drained, calcareous and coarse-textured with high cover (35-70% cover) of gravel and cobble (desert pavement). Soil texture ranges from gravelly loam to sandy clay loam. Adjacent vegetation includes Juniperus osteosperma-dominated woodlands. At Dinosaur National Monument, stands of Artemisia nova indicate limestone; at Mesa Verde National Park, stands occur in deep soils at the heads of drainages, as islands in a tall, mixed Quercus - Amelanchier shrubland.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type is Artemisia nova, though scattered Juniperus osteosperma was also common. Shrub cover at these sites ranged from 25 to 75 percent total cover. Many species contribute to the herbaceous layer cover (10-25%), including Pseudoroegneria spicata, Koeleria macrantha, and Carex filifolia.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia nova, Juniperus osteosperma Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Koeleria macrantha, Carex filifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia nova

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Artemisia nova (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Artemisia nova Association (Peterson 1984) = Artemisia nova Association (Leary and Peterson 1984) = Artemisia nova Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c) < Artemisia nova communities (Beatley 1976) < Black Sagebrush Series (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.A.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Blackburn et al. 1968c •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Leary and Peterson 1984 •Heinze et al. 1962 •Beatley 1976 •Tendick et al. 2011b •Von Loh et al. 2002

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•Peterson 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •Milton and Purdy 1983 •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is primarily located in the northern portion of the southern district of the park.

Global Range: This association occurs from eastern Wyoming south to west-central Colorado and west to eastern California.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CA, CO, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (5 plots) BICA 098v, BICA 178v, BICA 218v, BICA 229v, BICA 277v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. J. Drake and J. Coles Version Date: 09Jun2005

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=683199

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CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Black Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dwarf Sage Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia arbuscula - Artemisia bigelovii - Artemisia nova Shrubland & Steppe Group Group Alliance Artemisia nova Shrubland Alliance (A3222) Association 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This common black sagebrush association occurs from northern Nevada to Colorado and north to Idaho and Montana. Sites are located on gently to moderately sloping, dry, often windswept hills and ridges that may be oriented to any aspect. Elevation ranges from 1400 to 2610 m (4600-8560 feet). Soils are shallow, gravelly and are often high in calcium carbonate. Rock and gravel cover much of the unvegetated ground surface. The vegetation is characterized by a low-shrub canopy dominated by Artemisia nova with 5 to 30% cover. Other shrubs are generally present, although with very low cover, including Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Grayia spinosa, Symphoricarpos longiflorus, and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Graminoids usually dominate the diverse herbaceous layer, with Pseudoroegneria spicata being the most conspicuous of as many as 10 species, including Poa secunda, Achnatherum hymenoides, Pascopyrum smithii, Koeleria macrantha (= Koeleria cristata), Carex filifolia, Elymus trachycaulus, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Hesperostipa comata. Sparse forbs are usually present and may include Phlox hoodii, Crepis acuminata, Astragalus miser, Stenotus acaulis, Phlox diffusa, Artemisia frigida, and Calochortus spp. Some sites have scattered Juniperus osteosperma trees.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A common type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland, which was sampled at ten locations. Typically, these sites have low slopes, with observations ranging from 0 to 12 percent, and are found topographically from midslopes to basin floors. In general, these soils are dry and well-drained, with loamy textures (sandy loam, silt loam, loamy sand). The unvegetated layer consists mostly of bare ground (20-76 % cover), litter (1-30 %), and small rocks (0-30 %).

Global Environment: This association occurs from northern Nevada to Colorado and north to Idaho and Montana. Sites are located on gently to moderately sloping, dry, windswept hills and ridges that may be oriented to any aspect. Elevation ranges from 1400 to 2610 m (4600-8560 feet). Soils are

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shallow, gravelly and are often high in calcium carbonate. Rock and gravel cover much of the unvegetated ground surface with lesser cover of bare ground and litter. Soils are typically shallow to moderately deep, rapidly drained and often calcareous. Soil textures include silt, silt loam or clay loam (Zamora and Tueller 1973, Tweit and Houston 1980, Hironaka et al. 1983, Johnston 1987). Some stands are associated with clay pan soils in North Park, Colorado (Robertson et al. 1966). Parent materials include the sandstone, gravel, limestone, and granitic substrates in north-central Wyoming and Angelo Member of the Wasatch Formation in southwestern Wyoming.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia nova is the dominant species in the shrub layer, though Juniperus osteosperma is observed to a lesser extent. Overall, the shrub layer at these sites had a cover of 10 to 75 percent cover. Pseudoroegneria spicata is the most abundant and common of the herbaceous species. Carex filifolia, Hesperostipa comata, and Koeleria macrantha are less common, but do contribute to the 10 to 75 percent cover observed in the herbaceous layer.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia nova, Juniperus osteosperma Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia, Hesperostipa comata, Koeleria macrantha

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia nova, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Artemisia nova / Agropyron inerme Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Community (Blackburn et al. 1971) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Community (Hironaka et al. 1983) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Community (Jones 1992b) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Habitat Type (Zamora and Tueller 1973) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Habitat Type (Tweit and Houston 1980) [Shoshone National Forest] = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Plant Association (Baker and Kennedy 1985) = Artemisia nova / Agropyron spicatum Plant Association (Baker 1983c) = Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata (Jones and Ogle 2000) = Artemisia nova / Roegneria spicata Plant Association (Johnston 1987) = Artemisia nova/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < Artemisia nova Community (Fisser 1962) < Black Sagebrush Steppe (Knight et al. 1987) [Koeleria macrantha, Carex filifolia, and Pseudoroegneria spicata are dominant herbaceous species.] < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.A.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Jones 1992b

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•Baker 1983c •Soil Conservation Service 1978 •Baker and Kennedy 1985 •Robertson et al. 1966 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Hironaka et al. 1983 •Knight et al. 1987 •Fisser 1962 •Peterson 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Zamora and Tueller 1973 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •CNHP 2010a •Blackburn et al. 1968c •Friesen et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Tweit and Houston 1980 •Blackburn et al. 1971 •Kagan et al. 2004a •Jones and Ogle 2000 •Lucky McMine Application n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Hughes 1977 •Fisser 1970

Global Range: This common and widespread association is known from northern Nevada to Colorado and north to Idaho and Montana, including the Owl Creek, Absaroka and Laramie ranges and the Wind River Basin in Wyoming and the Uinta Basin of northwestern Colorado.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Overthrust Mountains Section

Section Code: M331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

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ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (10 plots) BICA 017v, BICA 077v, BICA 1037v, BICA 1040v, BICA 113v, BICA 195v, BICA 2010v, BICA 2026v, BICA 228v, BICA 255v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 17Jan2008

References: For specific refreneces see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688888

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CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Black Sagebrush / Needle-and-Thread Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dwarf Sage Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia arbuscula - Artemisia bigelovii - Artemisia nova Shrubland & Steppe Group Group Alliance Artemisia nova Shrubland Alliance (A3222) Association 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is found in the foothills, plateaus and mountains of Nevada, Idaho, northwestern Colorado and Utah. Stands occur on flat mesatops, benches and plains or on steep pediment slopes, knolls and ridges, and elevations range from 1890 to 2530 m. Aspects are often southern. Substrates are typically shallow, stony soils often derived from calcareous parent materials such as limestone. Soil textures are variable and range from sandy, loamy, fine-textured or skeletal; argillic subsoil horizons are common. There is often an impenetrable subsurface layer from a duripan, caliche, or bedrock. Combined ground cover of bare ground, rock and gravel is often high (about 70% cover). Litter is concentrated under the shrub canopies. The vegetation is characterized by an open dwarf- shrub canopy (10-30% cover) that is dominated by Artemisia nova and a sparse herbaceous layer dominated by the perennial graminoid Hesperostipa comata with scattered forbs. Scattered Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria parryi, Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata, and Tetradymia canescens are common shrub associates that may be present in smaller amounts. Achnatherum hymenoides, Elymus elymoides, Koeleria macrantha, Pleuraphis jamesii, Poa fendleriana, or Poa secunda may be present in the herbaceous layer but have sparse cover. Forbs include species of Astragalus, Erigeron, Eriogonum, Packera, Phlox, and Penstemon. Introduced annual graminoids such as Bromus rubens and Bromus tectorum are common in disturbed stands.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland type was sampled at five locations at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Observed percent slope at these sites was 0-4%. A dry, well-drained soil with a sandy loam texture is characteristic of soils at these sites. The unvegetated layer of the Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland is mostly made up of bare ground and leaf litter (45-93%, 0-35%), while rock cover is less than 5 percent at these sites.

Global Environment: This association is found in the foothills, plateaus and mountains of Nevada, Idaho, northwestern Colorado and Utah. Elevation ranges from 1890-2530 m (6200-8300 feet). In

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Nevada, stands possibly could be found as low as 1676 m (5500 feet) elevation. Stands occur on flat mesatops, benches and plains or on steep pediment slopes and ridges. Aspects are often southern. Soils are typically shallow, stony, and often derived from calcareous parent materials such as limestone. Soil textures are variable and range from sandy, loamy, fine-textured or skeletal; argillic subsoil horizons are common. There is often an impenetrable subsurface layer from a duripan, caliche, or bedrock. Artemisia nova plants often grow in adjacent Artemisia tridentata shrublands that are found on deeper soils in basins. Combined ground cover of bare ground, rock and gravel is often high (about 70% cover). Litter is concentrated under the shrub canopies.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia nova is the dominant species in the shrub layer, though the dwarf shrubs Arenaria hookeri and Artemisia frigida are also found commonly. Overall, the shrub layer at these sites had a cover of 25 to 75 percent cover. Hesperostipa comata and Carex filifolia make up the greatest cover observed in the herbaceous layer, which totaled 25 to 75 percent cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia nova Shrub Dwarf shrub Arenaria hookeri, Artemisia frigida Herbaceous Graminoid Hesperostipa comata, Carex filifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia nova, Hesperostipa comata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: < Artemisia nova - Stipa comata Habitat Type (Zamora and Tueller 1973) = Artemisia nova / Stipa comata Association (Baker and Kennedy 1985) = Artemisia nova / Stipa comata Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c) = Artemisia nova / Stipa comata Plant Community (Roberts et al. 1992) = Artemisia nova/Stipa comata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < Artemisia tridentata / Stipa comata Habitat Type (Hironaka et al. 1983) [Hironaka et al. (1983) mention that this habitat type is known to be present in Idaho and adjacent states but was not studied.] < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.A.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Wright et al. 1979 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •CNHP 2010a •Blackburn et al. 1968c •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Tisdale and Hironaka 1981

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•CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Baker and Kennedy 1985 •Tendick et al. 2011b •WNDD unpubl. data •Thomas et al. 2009b •Hironaka et al. 1983 •Roberts et al. 1992 •Peterson 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Zamora and Tueller 1973

Global Range: This dwarf-shrubland association is present in the southern part of the Intermountain Region above 1890 m (6200 feet). This includes northern Utah and Nevada, northwestern Colorado (Jackson and Moffit counties) and southeastern Idaho.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, ID, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Basin and Range Section

Section Code: 342B Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (5 plots) BICA 051v, BICA 2029v, BICA 2040v, BICA 226v, BICA 382v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz Version Date: 17May2004

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684891

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CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT This dwarf-shrubland association is reported from northern and eastern Utah, western Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Sites are flat to steep (58%). Soils are calcareous, alkaline, and typically saline and fine-textured. One site has a gravelly/cobbly substrate. Total vegetation cover is generally sparse, rarely exceeding 15%. The vegetation is composed solely of or dominated by Atriplex gardneri without an herbaceous layer. Associated shrubs may include minor cover of Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex corrugata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra torreyana, Eriogonum corymbosum, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Picrothamnus desertorum, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and/or Tetradymia spinosa. No herbaceous layer is reported, though scattered grasses such as Achnatherum hymenoides, Pleuraphis jamesii (= Hilaria jamesii), and Elymus elymoides may be present. Invasive species such as Bromus tectorum, Halogeton glomeratus, and Malcolmia africana are present in some stands. Biological soil crusts may cover up to 50% of the ground surface. The dominance of Atriplex gardneri and the lack of a significant herbaceous layer are diagnostic of this association.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland was sampled at seven locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites are most commonly found in flat, basin floor areas with dry soils. Soil texture at these sites is typically a silty loam or sandy loam. As these sites are often somewhat sparse, bare ground cover is often high (57-89%) and litter is low (0-8%). Additionally, small rocks have a low to moderate cover (3-25%) while most other components of the unvegetated layer are very low.

Global Environment: This dwarf-shrubland association is reported from northern and eastern Utah, western Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Elevation ranges from 1196-2101 m. Climate is temperate and semi-arid. In Utah stands occur in Curlew Valley, a dry Pleistocene lakebed north of the Great Salt Lake, and alluvial fans and hillsides along the Green River and slopes of badland ridges and canyonsides, colluvial slopes, ridges, hills, badlands, mesas, and benches along the Colorado River. Sites are flat to steep (58%). Soils are calcareous, alkaline, and typically saline and

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fine-textured, often derived from alluvium or shale from Chinle, Moenkopi, Mancos, Morrison, and Wasatch formations. One site has a gravelly/cobbly substrate. Bare soil covers much of the unvegetated surface.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The most dominant species found at these sites is Atriplex gardneri along with the dwarf shrub Opuntia polyacantha. These two species make up the shrub layer which has a cover range of 10 to 50 percent. The herbaceous layer at these sites is more diverse, with Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Elymus elymoides, and Halogeton glomeratus all commonly occurring. Total cover for the herbaceous layer ranges from 10 to 50 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Atriplex gardneri Shrub Dwarf shrub Opuntia polyacantha Herbaceous Graminoid Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Elymus elymoides Herbaceous Forb Halogeton glomeratus

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Atriplex gardneri

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Atriplex gardneri (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland (Von Loh 2000) = Atriplex nuttallii community (Mitchell et al. 1966) < Atriplex nuttallii plant community (Branson et al. 1976) < Atriplex spp. Series (Johnston 1987) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.C.1.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Coles et al. 2010 •Coles et al. 2009a •Friesen et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •Clark et al. 2009 •Von Loh 2000 •Gates et al. 1956 •Branson et al. 1976 •Von Loh et al. 2002 •MTNHP unpubl. data

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•MTNHP 2002b •Mitchell et al. 1966 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with another shrubland type and is primarily located in the south-western portion of the southern district of the park.

Global Range: This dwarf-shrubland association is reported from northern and eastern Utah, western Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, but likely has a wider distribution in the interior West. Atriplex gardneri is common on shales that cover large areas of the Colorado Plateau, such as the Moenkopi, Mancos, Wasatch, and Morrison formations

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, MT, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Possible

Section Name: Northwestern Basin and Range Section

Section Code: 342B Occurrence Status: Possible

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (7 plots) BICA 1025v, BICA 1026v, BICA 2039v, BICA 2200v, BICA 2201v, BICA 290v, BICA 379v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 12Nov2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687371

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CEGL001443 Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf- shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush / Nuttall's Poverty-weed Dwarf-shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin Saltbush Scrub Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Atriplex corrugata - Artemisia pedatifida - Picrothamnus desertorum Dwarf- Group Scrub Group Alliance Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A1110) Association 3.B.1.Ne Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This open dwarf-shrubland occurs on low ridges and toeslopes in badlands in the Big Horn Basin of Montana and Wyoming. Elevation ranges from 1500-1600 m. The association is restricted to arid climatic regimes and sites with deep, heavy clay soil derived from shale, clay or bentonite deposits. The soil has extremely low infiltration, and although gently sloping, it is typically eroded. Gravel and salt deposits are often present on the surface. Stands typically have a relatively sparse dwarf-shrub canopy (35% mean cover) that is dominated by Atriplex gardneri. Scattered Sarcobatus vermiculatus and Suaeda moquinii (= Suaeda nigra) may also be present. Herbaceous cover is dominated by the annual forb Monolepis nuttalliana with 34% mean cover. Other species may include sparse cover of the grasses Hordeum jubatum, Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), scattered forbs such as Platyschkuhria integrifolia, Allium textile, Camissonia scapoidea, Musineon divaricatum, and the cactus Opuntia polyacantha. There are nine other dwarf-shrublands and two shrublands with Atriplex gardneri dominant or codominant in the canopy, but none have herbaceous layers dominated by Monolepis nuttalliana.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A less common site at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland was only sampled at one location. A flat site that has well-drained moist to dry soils is characteristic for this type. The observed soil texture was loamy sand. Bare ground makes up the greatest percent cover in the unvegetated layer (79%). Other unvegetated characteristics include 10 percent litter cover, and 5 percent small rock cover.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Typically the only shrub found at these sites, Atriplex gardneri is a dominant shrub species for this type. Many weedy species, including Lepidium

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densiflorum, Descurainia sophia, Sporobolus airoides, Monolepis nuttalliana and Lappula occidentalis are found in the herbaceous layer which has 25-50 percent cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf shrub Atriplex gardneri Herbaceous Graminoid Sporobolus airoides Herbaceous Forb Lepidium densiflorum, Descurainia sophia, Monolepis nuttalliana, Lappula occidentalis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Atriplex gardneri, Monolepis nuttalliana

CLASSIFICATION

Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Atriplex gardneri/Monolepis nuttalliana (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Atriplex nuttallii / Monolepis nuttalliana Plant Community (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) = Atriplex nuttallii / Monolepis nuttalliana Plant Community (Lesica and DeVelice 1992) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.C.1.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Lesica and DeVelice 1992 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

Global Range: As currently and narrowly defined this association occurs only within the Bighorn Basin Section of Montana, but Atriplex gardneri exists as a dominant on many "badlands" formations, including deeply weathered shale ridges, bentonite outcrops, fine-textured outwash soils and pan spots, throughout Montana and the Intermountain West and into Saskatchewan. It is difficult to compare these sites with the type cited here because of the co-indicator being an annual forb.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY?

USFS Ecoregions:

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Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Possible

Section Name: Bighorn Mountains Section

Section Code: M331B Occurrence Status: Possible

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 100v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz and S.V. Cooper Version Date: 26Nov1997

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684999

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CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Reed Canarygrass Western Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.6 Temperate & Boreal Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation 2.B.6.Nb Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata - Salix spp. / Carex spp. - Blennosperma nanum - Poa Division pratensis Western North American Freshwater Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Marsh Division 2.B.6.Nb Western North American Semi-natural Wet Shrubland, Meadow & Marsh Macrogroup Macrogroup 2.B.6.Nb Poa pratensis - Conyza canadensis - Cirsium arvense Semi-natural Wet Group Meadow & Marsh Group Alliance Phalaris arundinacea Native & Semi-native Herbaceous Alliance (A3846) Association 2.B.6.Nb Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This herbaceous association is reported from throughout Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and into northeastern Utah, but is likely more widespread in the western United States. It also occurs in Canada , in the southern two-thirds of British Columbia in areas with warm and relatively dry summers and in Alberta, from the Great Plains north into the Boreal Plains. Its distribution as a natural type is complicated because this native species is widely cultivated as a forage crop and has escaped and established in wetlands and riparian areas, displacing the local flora. Elevations range from near sea level to 2307 m. Stands are found along riparian areas, pond and lake margins, wet meadows, and intermittent drainages. The poorly drained alluvial soils are commonly fine-textured (occasionally coarse-textured) and may be flooded for brief to extended periods. The vegetation is characterized by a dense, tall herbaceous layer (often >80% canopy cover and 1.5-2 m tall) that is dominated by Phalaris arundinacea, which tends to occur in monocultures. Associated species may include Equisetum arvense, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Mentha arvensis, Schoenoplectus acutus (= Scirpus acutus), and many other species in trace amounts where disturbed. Introduced species such as Agrostis gigantea, Bromus inermis, Bromus tectorum, Cirsium arvense, Elymus repens, Euphorbia esula, Hordeum brachyantherum, Lepidium latifolium, Melilotus officinalis, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, and Sonchus oleraceus are common in some disturbed stands.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation site was sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation. These sites are typically found in wetland areas, and are seasonally flooded. Soils at these intermittently flooded sites are poorly drained and have a clay texture. The unvegetated ground layer at these sites is made up mostly of leaf litter, but could be dominated by water during flooding periods.

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Global Environment: This association is reported from throughout Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and northeastern Utah, but is likely more widespread in the western United States. It also occurs in Alberta, Canada. Elevations range from near sea level to 2307 m (7564 feet). Stands are found along riparian areas, pond and lake margins, wet meadows, and intermittent drainages. Sites are flat to rolling. The poorly drained soils are derived from alluvium and are commonly fine-textured but can also be coarser in texture. Subsoil is often mottled and gleyed (Crawford 2001). Sites are generally flooded from brief to extended periods, and soils remain saturated throughout the growing season.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation site is not very diverse, with Phalaris arundinacea often being the only species present, though Typha latifolia may be present at some sites. Cover for these sites ranges from 5 to 90 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Phalaris arundinacea, Typha latifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Phalaris arundinacea

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Phalaris arundinacea (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Phalaris arundinacea Association (Crawford 2001) = Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995) = Phalaris arundinacea Habitat Type (Hall and Hansen 1997) = Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.A.4.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984) ? Reed Canarygrass Marsh Site Association (MacKenzie and Moran 2004)

Short Citation: •Hop et al. 2007 •Willoughby et al. 2004 •Muldavin et al. 2000a •Christy 2013 •Crawford 2001 •Cooper et al. 1995 •Von Loh 2000 •Carsey et al. 2003a •Owns et al. 2004 •WNDD unpubl. data •Reid et al. 2004 •MTNHP 2002b

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•Hall and Hansen 1997 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •IDCDC 2005 •Salas and Pucherelli 2002a •Driscoll et al. 1984 •ANHIC n.d. •Coles et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Hansen et al. 1995 •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Tendick et al. 2010 •MacKenzie and Moran 2004 •Thompson and Hansen 2002

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs at approximately six sites south of the confluence with the Shoshone River and at one site near the confluence with Crooked Creek.

Global Range: This association is reported from Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Washington and northeastern Utah and is likely more widespread in the western United States. It has been documented to occur in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, and is likely widespread elsewhere in southern parts of Canadian provinces. Its distribution as a natural type is complicated because this native species is widely cultivated as a forage crop and has escaped and established in many wetlands and riparian areas.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: AB, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Northern Rocky Mountain Forest - Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M333 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Flathead Valley Section

Section Code: M333B Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 001v, BICA 2002v, BICA 385v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. L. Allen and G. Kittel Version Date: 26May2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685580

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CEGL001480 Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation (Basin Wildrye Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.5 Salt Marsh Formation 2.C.5.Nd Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Allenrolfea occidentalis - Schoenoplectus Division americanus North American Interior Brackish Marsh Division Macrogroup 2.C.5.Nd.1 Warm & Cool Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland Macrogroup 2.C.5.Nd.1.a Distichlis spicata - Puccinellia lemmonii - Salicornia spp. Alkaline-Saline Group Herbaceous Wetland & Playa Group Alliance Leymus cinereus - Leymus triticoides Herbaceous Alliance (A1329) Association 2.C.5.Nd.1.a Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This is an herbaceous, alkali meadow community dominated by Leymus cinereus. This association is found in alkali meadows throughout the Great Basin and arid portions of California between 1220 and 2900 m (4000-9500 feet). Leymus cinereus is the sole or dominant grass in the herbaceous layer. Pseudoroegneria spicata (= Elymus spicatus), Bromus tectorum, Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Koeleria macrantha, Poa secunda, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), Achnatherum thurberianum (= Stipa thurberiana), and/or Pascopyrum smithii may be present. Emergent shrubs may be present. Grasses are <1.5 m, and cover is open. It is restricted to saline, permanently saturated bottomlands or the lower portions of alluvial slopes between 1400-3000 m elevation.

Authors: M. Schindel Version Date: 26Nov1997

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CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Grassland & Shrubland Division Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Sand Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup Group 2.B.2.Nb Artemisia filifolia / Calamovilfa longifolia - Yucca glauca Sand Shrubland Group Alliance Yucca glauca Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A1540) Association 2.B.2.Nb Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: An uncommon type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation, which was sampled at four locations. Typically these sites occur on uplands with low to moderately steep slopes. Soils range from mesic to xeric, are well-drained, and have a clay loam texture. Small rocks and bare ground make up the biggest proportion of the unvegetated layer, with 33 and 38 percent cover, respectively.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dwarf shrub layer is made up of three common species; Yucca glauca, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Artemisia frigida. Artemisia nova may also be present with low cover (<20%). Total cover for this layer ranges from 10-25 percent. The herbaceous layer (50-75 %) is very diverse, but Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia, and Bouteloua gracilis are more abundant than others.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf Shrub Yucca glauca, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Artemisia frigida Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia, Bouteloua gracilis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Yucca glauca

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

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Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Yucca glauca/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •MTNHP unpubl. data •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with other shrubland types and is primarily located near Ft. Smith and on the north pastures area of the southern district of the park.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 016v, BICA 034v, BICA 230v, BICA 235v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=683643

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CEGL001533 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class

Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass

Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana - Group Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula Tall Shrubland & Steppe Group Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Shrubland & Alliance Steppe Alliance (A3207) 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Association Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is widespread in mountainous areas across the western U.S. The shrubland can form large, continuous stands on mid-elevation mountain slopes and foothills, and can extend above lower treeline as patches within montane or subalpine coniferous forests. Sites are variable and range from flats to steep slopes to ridgetops with deep to shallow rocky soil. The vegetation is characterized by an open (<25% cover on average) shrub layer of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, but generally high cover of perennial graminoids (>20% total cover). Associated shrubs include Artemisia arbuscula, Artemisia rigida, Ribes cereum, Purshia tridentata, Prunus virginiana, and Tetradymia canescens. The herbaceous layer is typically abundant and dominated by perennial graminoids. The most common species is the bunchgrass Festuca idahoensis. Other locally important species include Pseudoroegneria spicata, Festuca thurberi, Bromus carinatus, Elymus elymoides, Elymus trachycaulus, Koeleria macrantha, Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), and Poa secunda. Forb canopy cover and species composition are variable. Characteristic forb species include Castilleja, Potentilla, Erigeron, Phlox, Astragalus, Geum, Lupinus, and Eriogonum. Other forbs common, if less frequent, include Balsamorhiza sagittata, Achillea millefolium, Eriogonum umbellatum, Antennaria rosea, and Geranium viscosissimum. Some authors have noted different phases based on dominance of forb species. All phases are included within this one herbaceous shrubland concept. Trees are uncommon but individuals of Pinus ponderosa, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Populus tremuloides, Juniperus occidentalis, Pinus albicaulis, and Abies lasiocarpa may occasionally occur.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: An uncommon plant community at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation type was only sampled at one location. This type has low percent slope (4%),

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moist to dry soils that are well drained, and a soil texture of sandy loam. Litter and are ground cover at these sites are high (40%, 36%) while other unvegetated components have low total cover.

Global Environment: This Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana-dominated shrub herbaceous association occupies the coolest and moistest climate zone of the Artemisia tridentata shrubland and shrub herbaceous complex. This open shrubland often occurs above lower treeline as patches within montane or subalpine coniferous forests. The climate regime is cool, semi-arid to subhumid, with yearly precipitation ranging from 25-60 cm. Much of the yearly precipitation falls as snow, which may cover the ground for long periods in winter. Temperatures are continental with large annual and diurnal variation. The elevation range for this type is wide, from about 1060 m (3500 feet) in eastern Oregon and Washington, 1800-2400 m (6000-8000 feet) on low mountain slopes and valleys in Montana, to well over 3000 m (9850 feet) in the mountains of northern Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Landscape positions are variable as well, but primarily are deep-soiled to stony flats, valley bottoms, flat terraces, ridges, nearly flat ridgetops, and mountain slopes. All aspects are represented, and slopes range from nearly flat to very steep. Soils generally are moderately deep to deep, somewhat well-drained, and of loam, sandy loam, clay loam, or gravelly loam textural classes, often having a substantial volume of coarse fragments. The soils are derived from a variety of parent materials, although sandstones, limestones, basalts, and crystalline rocks are commonest. In some cases, soils supporting stands of this association are unstable and prone to mass movement. In subalpine environments, these shrub herbaceous communities are found on deeper soils than Artemisia arbuscula subalpine shrublands. Trees are uncommon, but individuals of Pinus ponderosa, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Populus tremuloides, Juniperus occidentalis, Juniperus scopulorum, Pinus albicaulis, and Abies lasiocarpa may occasionally occur.

Adjacent vegetation is highly variable. In the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains, adjacent communities typically include Pinus ponderosa forests, Pinus - Juniperus or Cercocarpus ledifolius woodlands, Populus tremuloides forests, Artemisia arbuscula, Artemisia rigida, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, and Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata shrublands, and herbaceous meadows. In the Blue Mountains, East Cascade Mountains, and in the Okanogan Highlands, these shrublands are found in a matrix with Juniperus occidentalis, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus albicaulis, and Abies lasiocarpa forests and woodlands. In Montana, adjacent vegetation includes Festuca idahoensis and Pseudoroegneria spicata grasslands.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Total vegetation diversity is very high in the Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation type. Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana is the dominant shrub, though Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis is also common. Total cover for the shrub layer at these sites is 25-50 percent. Herbaceous cover ranges from 50 to 75 percent cover, and is composed of many species, including Festuca idahoensis, Oxytropis campestris, Balsamorhiza sagittata, and Koeleria macrantha.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Herbaceous Graminoid Festuca idahoensis, Koeleria macrantha Herbaceous Forb Oxytropis campestris, Balsamorhiza sagittata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: < Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Mueggler and Stewart 1980) = Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Hess and Wasser 1982) = Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Hess 1981) = Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type / Association (Komarkova 1986) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis (Jones and Ogle 2000) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Tweit and Houston 1980) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Plant Association (Johnston 1987) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana/Festuca idahoensis (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Artemisia tridentata vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Tiedemann et al. 1987) < Artemisia tridentata Stands (Despain 1973a) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis / Stipa occidentalis association (Mooney 1985) [(p.51 and table 3)] = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Community Type (Jensen et al. 1988a) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Lewis 1975a) = Artemisia vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Habitat Type (Hironaka et al. 1983) [(p.30)] = Big Sagebrush complex (Lewis 1971) ["Idaho fescue is common throughout the type."] < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Hop et al. 2007 •Tiedemann et al. 1987 •Mooney 1985 •Hess and Wasser 1982 •Cogan et al. 2005 •Hess 1981 •Smith 1966 •Reid et al. 2004 •MTNHP 2002b •Hironaka et al. 1983 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Lewis 1971 •Despain 1973a •Bell et al. 2009 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Jensen et al. 1988a •CNHP 2010a •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Lewis 1975a

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•Johnston 1987 •Sabinske 1978 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Hurd 1961 •Tweit and Houston 1980 •Komarkova 1986 •Francis 1983 •Kagan et al. 2004a •Strong 1980 •Jones and Ogle 2000 •Mueggler and Stewart 1980 •Bramble-Brodahl 1978 •Terwilliger and Smith 1978

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This is a wide-ranging association, known throughout the northern western U.S. It occurs in eastern Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, possibly occurring further north into Alberta and British Columbia. It may also occur in eastern California.

Nations: CA?, US

States/Provinces: AB?, CA?, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT?, WA, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Northern Rocky Mountain Forest - Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M333 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Rocky Mountain Front Section

Section Code: M332C Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 074v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G. Kittel Version Date: 19Aug2004

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=689987

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CEGL001534 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Tall Group Sagebrush Group Alliance 3.B.1.Ne.3.a Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Dry Shrubland Alliance 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Association Vegetation

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at nine locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Slopes for this type are low (0-7%) and aspects are various. Soils are well- drained and dry, with a texture ranging from sandy loam, silt loam, sandy clay, and silt. Small rocks (1-35% cover), litter (3-40%), and bare ground (10-74%) are the biggest components of the unvegetated layer.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis is the most common and abundant dwarf shrub found at these sites, though Gutierrezia sarothrae and Artemisia frigida may also be commonly encountered. The shrub stratum typically has cover ranging from (10- 75%). Herbaceous species are more diverse than the shrub species, and Pseudoroegneria spicata, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, and Carex filifolia are common in the Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation type.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Artemisia frigida Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Carex filifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Mixed grasses

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CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis/Mixed grass (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984) Related Type Name:

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Skull Point Mine Application n.d. •Sweetwater Uranium Project n.d. •WNDD unpubl. data •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Bear Creek Uranium Mine Application n.d. •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Skull Point Mine Permit Renewal n.d. •Earth Resource Technology n.d. •Cotter-Ferguson Project n.d. •Keammerer 1987

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs at nine locations on the west side of the reservoir. Six of those are in the North Pastures area, while two others occur north and east of Layout Canyon occur on flats near, and one is east of the main park road near the entrance station.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (9 plots plot) BICA 016v, BICA 034v, BICA 1024v, BICA 1044v, BICA 218v, BICA 229v, BICA 230v, BICA 232v, BICA 273v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687925

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CEGL001556 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Plains Silver Sagebrush / Western Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.C.4.Nd Eastern North American Wet Meadow, Marsh & Shrubland Division 2.C.4.Nd.5 Spartina pectinata - Typha spp. - Schoenoplectus spp. Great Plains Wet Macrogroup Meadow, Marsh & Playa Macrogroup 2.C.4.Nd.5.c Cornus spp. - Prunus virginiana / Pascopyrum smithii Great Plains Shrub & Group Herb Riparian Group Alliance Artemisia cana ssp. cana Mesic-Riparian Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A3586) 2.C.4.Nd.5.c Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Association Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association has been described from the Great Plains of central and eastern Montana, far western North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota, and northeastern Wyoming. It occupies terraces and floodplains along streams, where alluvium contains more soil water than is available in the uplands. Artemisia cana ssp. cana dominates the shrub layer, which may also include small amounts of Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, or Chrysothamnus sp. The undergrowth typically is dense and composed mainly of graminoids, with forbs contributing little cover. Pascopyrum smithii often dominates, and in many stands several other species may codominate, especially Nassella viridula, Poa pratensis, and Bromus japonicus (or another exotic, annual brome grass). Exotic grasses (Poa pratensis, Bromus japonicus) dominate the undergrowth in many stands. Bouteloua gracilis and Carex filifolia, both more typically upland species, may contribute substantial cover. Common forbs are Taraxacum spp. (exotic), Achillea millefolium, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Vicia americana.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment::This community is found on flat to gently sloping alluvial terraces and fans near larger creeks and rivers. Thilenius et al. (1995) found that most stands were raised at least 1 m above the general floodplain. Soils are formed from alluvium and are medium- to fine-textured. Flooding may occur frequently.

Authors: J. Drake Version Date: 29Jan1998

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CEGL001577 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation (Western Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Grassland & Shrubland Division Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie & Shrubland Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb Schizachyrium scoparium - Bouteloua curtipendula - Pascopyrum smithii Group Mixedgrass Prairie Group Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata - Pascopyrum smithii Mesic Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3988) Association 2.B.2.Nb Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This midgrass prairie type is found in the northern and western Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and the interior western United States and Canada at elevations from 600-3000 m (1960-9850 feet). Stands occur on level to gently sloping terrain. They are found on alluvial fans, swales, river terraces, floodplains, valley floors and basins. The soils are typically clay, clay loam, and silt loam but may include sand or loamy sand. Pascopyrum smithii strongly dominates the open to dense (15-100% cover) mixedgrass herbaceous layer that grows 0.5-1 m tall. Other graminoids that co-occur and may achieve local dominance are Koeleria macrantha, Eleocharis palustris, and Poa spp. Many other species common in midgrass prairies and other grasslands are also found in this community, including Artemisia ludoviciana, Eriogonum spp., Bouteloua gracilis, Nassella viridula, and Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata). Shrubs and dwarf-shrubs are rare in this community, but occasional woody plants, such as Artemisia tridentata, Symphoricarpos spp., Ericameria nauseosa, or Krascheninnikovia lanata, may be present. Introduced species, such as Bromus tectorum, Bromus inermis, Poa pratensis, Melilotus spp. or Cirsium arvense, are common in some stands, especially where disturbed.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A less common plant community at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation was only sampled at one location. A flat site that has well-drained, dry soils is characteristic for sites of this type. The observed soil texture was sandy loam. Bare ground makes up the greatest percent cover in the unvegetated layer (56%). Other unvegetated characteristics include 10 percent litter cover, and 30 percent small rock cover.

Global Environment: This grassland association is widespread in the northern and western Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and the intermountain western United States. Elevation ranges from 600-3000 m. Stands occur on level to gently sloping terrain. They are found on alluvial fans, swales, river terraces, floodplains, valley bottoms and basins. The

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soils are typically deep (40-100 cm), slightly alkaline and well-developed with clay, clay loam, and silt loam textures, but also coarser textures such as sand and loamy sand. Some stands occur on perched water tables. Parent materials include Quaternary landslide deposits, volcanic rocks, sandstones and shale that have eroded and deposited as secondary stream alluvium.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Few shrubs are found at these sites, though the dwarf shrubs Yucca glauca and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus may be present. Many herbaceous species are in the herbaceous layer, but Pascopyrum smithii is the dominant species. Herbaceous cover is high for these sites, at 75 to 95 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf shrub Yucca glauca, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Herbaceous Graminoid Pascopyrum smithii

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pascopyrum smithii

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Agropyron smithii Great Basin Grassland (Baker and Kennedy 1985) = Agropyron smithii Habitat Type (Thompson and Hansen 2002) = Agropyron smithii Habitat Type (Hall and Hansen 1997) = Agropyron smithii Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995) = Agropyron smithii Herbaceous Vegetation (Vujnovic and Bentz 2001) = Agropyron smithii Natural Vegetation (Baker 1984a) = Agropyron smithii Sodgrass Steppe (Thilenius et al. 1995) [a more playa-like wheatgrass type.] = Agropyron Association (Ramaley 1916b) = Pascopyrum smithii (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation (Von Loh 2000) = Brown's Meadow Grassland (Christensen and Welsh 1963) [included in Wasatch Mountain meadow.] < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984) < Grassland and Sedgeland (Ramaley 1942) = Western Wheatgrass (Elymus smithii) Dominance Type (Jones and Walford 1995) = Wheat Grass Association (Ramaley 1919b) = Wheatgrass (Aldous and Shantz 1924) = Wheatgrass Basin Prairie (Steinauer and Rolfsmeier 2000)

Short Citation: •TNC 1998e •TNC 1998d •Jones and Walford 1995 •Vujnovic and Bentz 2001 •Marr and Buckner 1974 •Shanks 1977

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•Baker 1983c •Thilenius et al. 1995 •Von Loh 2000 •Bunin 1985 •Soil Conservation Service 1978 •Baker and Kennedy 1985 •Tendick et al. 2011b •Aldous and Shantz 1924 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Hall and Hansen 1997 •Ramaley 1916b •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Salas et al. 2010b •Bell et al. 2009 •IDCDC 2005 •Steinauer and Rolfsmeier 2000 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Godfread 1994 •Baker 1984a •ANHIC n.d. •CNHP 2010a •Ramaley 1942 •Coles et al. 2010 •Hansen et al. 1991 •FEIS 2001 •Friesen et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Hansen et al. 1995 •Christensen and Welsh 1963 •Hansen et al. 2004a •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Hansen et al. 2004c •Von Loh et al. 2002 •TNC n.d.b •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Coles et al. 2008a •Thompson and Hansen 2002 •Ramaley 1919b

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This midgrass prairie type is found in the northern and western Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, intermountain western United States and Canada, ranging from North Dakota and Saskatchewan, south to Nebraska and Colorado, and west to northern Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: AB, AZ, CO, ID, MT, NE, SD, SK, UT, WY

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USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Semi-Desert - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M313 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Painted Desert Section

Section Code: 313D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 184v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Drake, mod. K.A. Schulz and J. Coles Version Date: 24Feb2009

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687256

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CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Na.3 Deschampsia caespitosa - Ligusticum spp. - Muhlenbergia montana Rocky Macrogroup Mountain-Vancouverian Subalpine & High Montane Mesic Meadow Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na.3.a Festuca arizonica - Festuca thurberi - Muhlenbergia montana Grassland Group Group Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata - Pascopyrum smithii Mesic Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3988) Association 2.B.2.Na.3.a Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This grassland association occurs on rock outcrops, talus, mesas, plateaus, windswept bluffs, ridgetops and mountains in northern Colorado, northeastern and northern Utah and western and southwestern Wyoming. It frequently occurs on moderately to steep, mid- to high-slope landforms, although gentle slopes are not uncommon. Sites are relatively xeric and are often found on southerly aspects at lower elevations or on harsh or on windswept areas at higher elevation sites. Substrates are typically shallow, often calcareous, rocky soils. Ground surface often has significant cover of bare ground, gravel and/or rock (10-90% cover). Stands are also reported east of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park on a windward knoll and at Grand Teton National Park from a very steep northeast-facing high slope. The vegetation is characterized by an open herbaceous layer that is typically dominated by the cool-season, perennial bunchgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata with low to moderate cover (5-30%) and low-growing forbs. Koeleria macrantha is repeatedly present in low abundance. Other dry grasses may be present with low cover (less than half the cover of Pseudoroegneria spicata). A sparse dwarf-shrub layer (<10% cover) occurs with a variety of woody species of Artemisia, Atriplex confertifolia, Cercocarpus, Eriogonum, Gutierrezia, Krascheninnikovia or Tetradymia depending on elevation and substrate. There are several to many low-growing forbs (cushion plants) present with low cover, such as Arenaria spp., Arenaria hookeri, Astragalus spp., Paronychia sessiliflora, Phlox spp., Stenotus acaulis, Tetraneuris acaulis (= Hymenoxys acaulis), and Townsendia incana. There are no clear dominants in this list, and the percent cover of each species present will vary from site to site. A diverse and abundant forb layer probably indicates a degraded occurrence.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation type was only sampled at two locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Observed slopes were flat to gentle, as these sites typically occur on basin floors. Sandy loam soils that are dry

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and well drained are characteristic of soils at these sites. Unvegetated cover is various for these sites, but the biggest components are large and small rocks, and leaf litter.

Global Environment: This herbaceous association occurs in northern Colorado, northeastern and northern Utah, and western and southwestern Wyoming (Hull and Hull 1974, Baker 1982b, Baker and Kennedy 1985). Stands occur on rock outcrops, talus, mesas, plateaus, windswept bluffs, ridgetops and mountains. It frequently occurs on moderate to steep, mid- to high-slope landforms, although gentle slopes are not uncommon. Elevation ranges between 1680 and 2840 m (5500-9310 feet) in Colorado and down to 1340-1590 m (4400-5200 feet) in Utah. Stands reported from Fossil Butte National Monument and Grand Teton National Park occur between 2234 and 2382 m (7328-7810 feet) elevation on well- drained clay soils that are very prone to erosion. Sites are relatively xeric and are often found on southerly aspects at lower elevations or on harsh, steep or windswept areas at higher elevations. Substrates are typically shallow, often calcareous, rocky soils and include sandstone and marlstone of the Uinta and Green River formations, Madison limestone, Mancos shale, Wasatch Formation shale and Morgan/Round Valley and Lodore formations and granite. Ground surface often has significant cover of bare ground, gravel and/or rock (10-90% cover). Evidence of erosion is often present.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A few scattered dwarf shrub species (such as Gutierrezia sarothrae and Krascheninnikovia lanata) may be present at these sites, but their cover is significantly lower than that of the herbaceous species. Many graminoid species are common in the herbaceous layer (75-95% cover), especially Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata, and Koeleria macrantha.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Dwarf shrub Gutierrezia sarothrae, Krascheninnikovia lanata Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata, Koeleria macrantha

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pseudoroegneria spicata

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 1022v, BICA 410v.

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CEGL001662 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Arrowleaf Balsamroot - Sandberg Bluegrass Herbaceous Vegetation) USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Na.2 Amelanchier alnifolia / Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicataCentral Macrogroup Rocky Mountain Montane & Foothill Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na.2.c Festuca campestris - Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicataCentral Group Rocky Mountain Foothill Grassland Group Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata - Poa secunda Dry Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3987) 2.B.2.Na.2.c Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa Association secundaHerbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This grassland association is described from the foothills and canyon slopes of northeastern Oregon, western Idaho, northwestern Wyoming and possibly Washington. Stands occur on steep, southeast- to southwest-facing slopes on mid- to upper-slope positions of major ridge systems in, typically, highly dissected terrain. Elevations range from 400-1500 m (1300-4900 feet), with outliers to 2256 m (7400 feet). Soils are often gravelly with abundant cobbles and stones. The plant association is characterized by a relatively open, tall bunchgrass canopy dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Poa secunda is consistently present but typically is only common to well-represented. Annual bromes (Bromus briziformis, Bromus japonicus, and Bromus tectorum) and Poa bulbosa are often present and may occur with abundance in degraded stands. Associated herbaceous species include Balsamorhiza sagittata, Lupinus spp., Crepis acuminata, Allium acuminatum, Achillea millefolium, Epilobium brachycarpum (= Epilobium paniculatum), Penstemon deustus, and Collomia grandiflora. This type was not sampled at BICA during the classification phase of the project. Its presence was evaluated and confirmed by the mapping team and incorporated into the mapping model for the park, with cognizance by the field ecologist.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This grassland association is described from foothills and canyon slopes and occurs in northeastern Oregon, western Idaho, northwestern Wyoming and possibly Washington. Stands occur on steep slopes with varying aspects on mid- to upper-slope positions of major ridge systems in highly dissected terrain. Elevations range from 400-1500 m (1300-4900 feet) in Oregon and Idaho, and extend up to 2256 m (7400 feet) in Wyoming. Soils are often gravelly with abundant cobbles and stones.

Authors: S.K. Rust, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 09Aug2005

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CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Pleuraphis jamesii - Achnatherum hymenoides - Hesperostipa comata Semi- Group Desert Grassland Group Festuca arizonica - Muhlenbergia montana - Poa fendleriana Southern Rocky Mountain Alliance Montane Grassland Alliance (A3953) Association 3.B.1.Ne Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is found in foothills of southwestern and south-central Montana. It is also known from the high limestone plateaus and ridges of Dinosaur National Monument in northwestern Colorado and Fossil Butte National Monument in southwestern Wyoming. In south-central Montana, this type occurs at elevations between 1250 and 1680 m (4100-5500 feet). In southwestern Montana, it has been documented from 2580 m (8450 feet) elevation but is noted in reconnaissance from 2075 to 2685 m (6800-8800 feet) elevation. In Colorado, elevations range from 1650 to 2650 m (5400- 8700 feet), and in Wyoming from 2350 and 2400 m (7710-7875 feet). This community occurs on moderately deep, rocky and gravelly soils derived from limestone or calcareous sandstone of mesas, ridgetops, plateaus and saddles, and the upper slopes of outwash plains. The primary influencing environmental factor is wind; in most examples of this type, wind deflation has produced a gravel- paved surface. This herbaceous type is characterized by the presence of short-statured, compact cushion plants of the genera Arenaria, Astragalus, Hymenoxys, Phlox, Cryptantha, Stenotus, Heterotheca, Eriogonum, and in the Bighorn region, Sphaeromeria capitata. Pseudoroegneria spicata is present at relatively low canopy cover, although many other species of grasses may also be present. Scattered dwarfed shrubs may be scattered throughout.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at four locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites are found from basin floor areas to midslopes, and typically have gentle slopes. Soils are sandy loam in texture, dry, and well drained. Overall, litter cover is low (1-4%) at these sites, while rock (41-54%) and bare ground (40-45%) are the dominant unvegetated features.

Global Environment: This association is found in the Tendoy Mountains in southwestern Montana and the Pryor Mountains and adjacent Bighorn Canyon area in south-central Montana. It is also

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known from the high limestone plateaus and ridges of Dinosaur National Monument in northwestern Colorado and Fossil Butte National Monument in southwestern Wyoming. In the Pryor Mountains, this type occurs at foothill elevations between 1250 and 1680 m (4100-5500 feet). In the Tendoy Mountains, it has been documented from 2580 m (8450 feet) elevation but is noted in reconnaissance from 2075 to 2685 m (6800-8800 feet). In Colorado, elevations range from 1650 to 2650 m (5400- 8700 feet), and in Wyoming from 2350 and 2400 m (7710-7875 feet). This community occurs on moderately deep, rocky and gravelly soils derived from limestone, shale or calcareous sandstone of mesas, ridgetops, plateaus and saddles and the upper slopes of outwash plains. Slopes are moderately steep to steep and may be oriented to any aspect. The unvegetated surface of these windswept sites typically has high cover of large and small rocks and low exposure of bare soil often forming a near- pavement.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Arenaria hookeri and Phlox hoodii are the most prevalent cushion plant species of the Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation type. Scattered dwarf shrubs may be present and often include Gutierrezia sarothrae and Artemisia frigida. Diverse graminoid and forb species may be found at these sites, including Pseudoroegneria spicata, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, and Tetraneuris acaulis. Total cover for the herbaceous layer ranges from 10 to 50 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf shrub Arenaria hookeri, Phlox hoodii Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Forb Tetraneuris acaulis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Arenaria hookeri, Phlox hoodii, Pseudoroegneria spicata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: ? Agropyron spicatum / cushion plant community type (DeVelice and Lesica 1993) = Pseudoroegneria spicata-Cushion plant (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •MTNHP 2002b

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•Friesen et al. 2010 •Cooper et al. 1999 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This association is found in the Tendoy Mountains in southwestern Montana, the Pryor Mountains and adjacent Bighorn Canyon area in south-central Montana, and in Dinosaur National Monument in northwestern Colorado. It may also occur in the Bighorn Mountains of north- central Wyoming.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Uinta Mountains Section

Section Code: M331E Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 176v, BICA 2071v, BICA 276v, BICA 2073v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: C. Jean, mod. J. Coles and K.A. Schulz Version Date: 17Jan2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688477

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CEGL001667 Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Shortstem Buckwheat Sparse Vegetation

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division 3.B.1.Ne.6 Atriplex spp. - Ephedra spp. - Eriogonum spp. Intermountain Basins Cliff, Macrogroup Scree & Badland Sparse Vegetation Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne.6.a Atriplex spp. - Cercocarpus spp. - Ephedra spp. Intermountain Basins Group Sparse Vegetation Group Ephedra spp. - Leymus salinus - Eriogonum corymbosum Badlands Cold Desert Sparse Alliance Vegetation Alliance (A4052) Association 3.B.1.Ne.6.a Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This sparse vegetation association occurs within the Bighorn Basin of south-central Montana. The habitat consists of very arid, steep, highly eroded and eroding slopes with southern or western aspects. These 'badland' environments form a band on the slopes of the Pryor Mountains from 1280- 1525 m elevation. This community likely occurs in similar 'badlands' habitats in adjacent areas in Wyoming. Soils are deep, alkaline sandy clay or clay derived from shale, bentonite, claystone or sandstone interbedded with clay. The soil surface has high cover of gravel and cobbles. Cryptogamic soil crusts may form on gentler, less disturbed slopes. The total vegetation cover is typically less that 25% and is typically codominated by the cool-season, medium-tall bunchgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata (7% mean cover) and the warm-season, perennial forb Eriogonum brevicaule (8% mean cover). Other species may include scattered shrubs, such as Ericameria nauseosa (= Chrysothamnus nauseosus), Gutierrezia sarothrae, Atriplex confertifolia, the grasses Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides) and Poa secunda, and the forbs Arenaria hookeri, Cryptantha spp. and Machaeranthera grindelioides. Stands are characterized by a sparse herbaceous layer that is codominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata and Eriogonum brevicaule.

Authors: S.V. Cooper Version Date: 26Nov1997

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CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Needle-and-Thread Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na Central Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na Festuca campestris - Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata Central Group Rocky Mountain Foothill Grassland Group Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata - Poa secunda Dry Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3987) Association 2.B.2.Na Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This grassland association occurs in the Columbia Basin and Great Basin across north-central Wyoming east to the Big Horn Mountains into the northwestern Great Plains. Stands occur on a variety of sites that include windswept slopes and ridges. Sites range from gentle to steep slopes on all aspects. Bare soil, leaf litter, and gravel cover most of the ground surface. The vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense bunchgrass layer codominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata and Hesperostipa comata. The dwarf-shrubs Artemisia frigida and Gutierrezia sarothrae occur with sparse cover. Other graminoids include Bouteloua gracilis, Carex spp., Koeleria macrantha, Leymus cinereus, Poa fendleriana, and Poa secunda. Associated forbs include Astragalus spp., Comandra umbellata, Phlox hoodii, and Sphaeralcea munroana. The exotic annual grass Bromus tectorum is present to abundant on some sites.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: One of the most common types found at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation type, which was sampled at 15 locations. Slopes are various (0-15%) at these sites, as is topographic position. Soils are typically dry, well-drained, and textures are most commonly sandy loam or silt loam. Rock cover (bedrock 0-20%, large rocks 0-30%, 0-75%) and bare ground (12-84%) are the biggest components of the unvegetated layer.

Global Environment: This grassland association occurs in the Columbia Basin and Great Basin across north-central Wyoming east to the Big Horn Mountains into the northwestern Great Plains. Elevation can range from approximately 915 to 2440 m (3000-8000 feet). Stands occur on a variety of sites that include windswept slopes and ridges. Sites range from gentle to steep slopes on all aspects. Bare soil, leaf litter, and gravel cover most of the ground surface. Soils are often deep and rocky and derived from limestones and volcanics.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Although shrub cover is moderate (5-50%), species are diverse across all sites observed, and no species are particularly common through all sites. Herbaceous species are much more common and consistent, especially Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia, Hesperostipa comata and Koeleria macrantha. Herbaceous cover is 10 to 95 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Pseudoroegneria spicata, Carex filifolia, Hesperostipa comata, Koeleria macrantha

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: > Agropyron - Poa Zone, Climatic Climax (Poulton 1955) = Agropyron spicata / Poa sandbergii Habitat Type, Phase Stipa comata (Tweit and Houston 1980) = Agropyron spicata / Poa sandbergii Habitat Type, Phase Stipa comata (Mueggler and Stewart 1980) ? Agropyron spicatum / Poa secunda Habitat Type (Daubenmire 1970) < Elymus spicatus Vegetation Type (Jones and Ogle 2000) = Pseudoroegneria spicata-Stipa comata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Roegneria spicata Plant Association (Johnston 1987) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Coles et al. 2011 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Anderson 1956 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Daubenmire 1970 •Hyde 1964 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Bighorn Coal Mine n.d. •Tweit and Houston 1980 •Poulton 1955 •MTNHP unpubl. data •WNDD unpubl. data •Kagan et al. 2004a •MTNHP 2002b •Jones and Ogle 2000 •Mueggler and Stewart 1980 •Western Ecology Working Group •Williams 1961

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This grassland association occurs in the Columbia Basin and Great Basin extending east to the Big Horn Mountains to the northwestern Great Plains.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, NV, OR, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Bonneville Basin Section

Section Code: 341A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (15 plots) BICA 069v, BICA 081v, BICA 1015v, BICA 163v, BICA 188v, BICA 2033v, BICA 239v, BICA 257v, BICA 259v, BICA 268v, BICA 3004v, BICA 369v, BICA 388v, BICA 412v, BICA 414v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06May2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687607

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CEGL001688 Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation (Alkali Sacaton Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.7 Salt Marsh Formation 2.B.7.Nd Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Distichlis spicata - Salicornia spp. North American Division Interior Brackish Marsh Division Macrogroup 2.B.7.Nd Cool Semi-Desert Alkaline-Saline Wetland Macrogroup 2.B.7.Nd Distichlis spicata - Puccinellia lemmonii - Salicornia spp. Intermountain Basins Group Alkaline-Saline Herbaceous Wetland & Playa Group Muhlenbergia asperifolia - Spartina gracilis - Sporobolus airoides Alkaline Herbaceous Alliance Alliance (A1334) Association 2.B.7.Nd Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This herbaceous association is currently only known from El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado, and the following description is based on occurrences there. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. At El Malpais, this association occurs between 1950 and 1960 m (6410-6430 feet) in elevation in swales and broad, shallow drainages in gently rolling, old lava plateaus. A prairie dog colony is present at one location, with the attendant soil disturbance and vegetation cropping. At Great Sand Dunes, it generally occurs on valley floors but can be found on sandsheets and bolsons. Elevations range from 2300 to 2335 m. Terrain is flat and stands can be intermittently flooded. Soils are somewhat to moderately drained silt, sandy loam, or loamy sand and derived from alluvial deposits. Bare soil is the dominant ground surface cover ranging from 0-88%. Many of the surveyed stands have experienced heavy grazing by bison, cattle and elk. Total herbaceous vegetation ranges from 35-85% and is dominated by graminoid species. Sporobolus airoides is abundant to luxuriant (up to 40% relative cover) and typically the dominant species in these monotypic grasslands. Species richness is moderately high, but few species have significant cover or are found consistently across all surveyed stands. Juncus balticus and Cleome serrulata are the only two other species that occur in the majority of the stands at Great Sand Dunes, but have low cover. At El Malpais, other species are present, but not abundant; they include Tamarix ramosissima and Opuntia imbricata (= Cylindropuntia imbricata), among others.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: An uncommon plant community at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation type was only sampled at one location. This type has low percent slope (2%), moist soils that are well drained, and

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a soil texture of loamy sand. Bare ground cover at these sites is high (72%) while other unvegetated components have low total cover.

Global Environment: At El Malpais National Monument, this association occurs between 1950 and 1960 m (6410-6430 feet) in elevation in swales and broad, shallow drainages in gently rolling, old lava plateaus. A prairie dog colony is present at one location, with the attendant soil disturbance and vegetation cropping. At Great Sand Dunes, this association can be found in palustrine or upland settings on valley floors, but it can be found on sandsheets and bolsons as well. Elevations range from 2300 to 2335 m. Terrain is flat and stands can be intermittently flooded. Soils are somewhat to moderately drained silt, sandy loam, or loamy sand and derived from alluvial deposits. Bare soil is the dominant ground surface cover ranging from 0-88%. Many of the surveyed stands have experienced heavy grazing by bison, cattle and elk.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Total vegetation diversity is low in the Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation type. Sporobolus airoides is the dominant graminoid, though the weedy species Chenopodium leptophyllum and Descurainia pinnata are also common. Total cover for the herbaceous layer at these sites is 25-50 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Sporobolus airoides Herbaceous Forb Chenopodium leptophyllum, Descurainia pinnata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sporobolus airoides

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Low

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Sporobolus airoides (Mixed Prairie) (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Donnelly et al. 2006 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Muldavin et al. 2013c •Francis 1986 •Salas et al. 2010b

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with another herbaceous type and primarily occurs on benches above the river north of the confluence with the Shoshone River.

Global Range: This herbaceous association is currently only known from El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. Additional range information will be added as it becomes available.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, NM

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Province

Province Code: 321 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Pecos Valley Section

Section Code: 315A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 152v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: A. Kennedy, E. Muldavin, A. Cully and K.E. Sabo Version Date: 24May2010

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687385

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CEGL001700 Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread - Threadleaf Sedge Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Grassland & Shrubland Division Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie & Shrubland Macrogroup Group 2.B.2.Nb Hesperostipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis Dry Mixedgrass Prairie Group Alliance Hesperostipa comata Northwestern Great Plains Herbaceous Alliance (A4033) Association 2.B.2.Nb Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation type was only sampled at one location at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This type has low percent slope (1%), and occurs on lowslopes topographically. Soils for this type are xeric and well drained, with a soil texture of loamy sand. Bare ground and liter are the dominant features of the unvegetated layer at these sites, with 42 and 50 percent cover, respectively.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Hesperostipa comata and Carex filifolia are the dominant graminoids at the sites, though the short-statured native annual Vulpia octoflora is also common. Total cover for the herbaceous layer at these sites is 50-75 percent. Yucca glauca and Gutierrezia sarothrae are two dwarf shrub species also commonly encountered at these sites.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Dwarf shrub Yucca glauca, Gutierrezia sarothrae Herbaceous Graminoid Hesperostipa comata, Carex filifolia, Vulpia octoflora

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Hesperostipa comata, Carex filifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Stipa comata-Carex filifolia (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994)

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< DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Hansen 1985

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Powder River Basin Section

Section Code: 331G Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 217v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=687052

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CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread - Indian Ricegrass Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Pleuraphis jamesii - Achnatherum hymenoides - Hesperostipa comata Semi- Group Desert Grassland Group Alliance Hesperostipa comata Bunch Herbaceous Alliance (A1270) Association 3.B.1.Ne Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This grassland association has been described from western Colorado, northeastern Utah and south- central Wyoming. Stands develop on benches, plateaus and ridges ranging in elevation from 1550 to 2750 m (5085-9015 feet). The stands reported from northwestern Colorado resulted from burning sagebrush shrublands on sandy soils. Slopes are gentle to moderately steep and may be oriented to any aspect. Soils tend to be well-drained, deep and sandy, although they may be derived from a variety of sources. The unvegetated ground surface is mostly covered by litter and bare ground. This grassland occurs in small to medium-sized patches, often in sagebrush shrublands that have burned. Total vegetation cover often does not exceed 40% and may be as low as 20%. Hesperostipa comata and Achnatherum hymenoides codominate the vegetation, and Pascopyrum smithii and Elymus elymoides are common secondary species. Forbs have moderate diversity but are inconsistent among sites; common species include Phlox hoodii, Eriogonum flavum, and Sphaeralcea coccinea. Scattered shrubs are often present, including Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Ericameria nauseosa. Other species sometimes present with low cover include Cerastium arvense, Carex spp., Symphyotrichum laeve (= Aster laevis), Achillea millefolium, Equisetum laevigatum, Iva axillaris, Taraxacum officinale, Poa palustris, and Penstemon confertus.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at two locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites are typically found in areas of no to little slope. In contrast with many of the other sites at BICA, the soils at these sites have a wet moisture regime. Soil texture is loamy sand, and soils are well drained. Bare ground is consistently the most significant unvegetated feature, with 78 to 92 percent cover, while small rocks (2-10%) and litter (2-5) have low total cover.

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Global Environment: This grassland association has been described from western Colorado, northeastern Utah and the Great Divide Basin in south-central Wyoming. Stands develop on benches, plateaus and ridges ranging in elevation from 1550 to 2750 m (5085-9015 feet). Slopes are gentle to moderately steep and may be oriented to any aspect. Soils tend to be well-drained, deep and sandy, although they may be derived from a variety of sources. The unvegetated ground surface is mostly covered by litter and bare ground.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type are Hesperostipa comata and Achnatherum hymenoides, which are part of the herbaceous strata. Cover for the herbaceous layer ranges from 10 to 50 percent. Also found at these sites are Sporobolus airoides and Sphaeralcea coccinea.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Hesperostipa comata, Achnatherum hymenoides, Sporobolus airoides Herbaceous Forb Sphaeralcea coccinea

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Hesperostipa comata, Achnatherum hymenoides

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: ? Oryzopsis hymenoides - Stipa comata montane grassland (Baker 1984a) = Stipa comata-Oryzopsis hymenoides (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Baker 1984a •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Salas et al. 2011 •WNDD unpubl. data •Sweetwater Uranium Project 1978 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Salas et al. 2010a •Salas et al. 2010b

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This type has been described from western Colorado, northeastern Utah and the Great Divide Basin of south-central Wyoming. Other basins in south-central and southwestern Wyoming are similar in climate and geology, and this association may well extend over a wide area of the two states.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 101v, BICA 2001v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G.P. Jones, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 29Aug2005

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685209

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CEGL001705 Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Pleuraphis jamesii - Achnatherum hymenoides - Hesperostipa comata Semi- Group Desert Grassland Group Alliance Hesperostipa comata Bunch Herbaceous Alliance (A1270) Association 3.B.1.Ne Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This semi-arid grassland occurs on the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau and high plateaus of southern Utah, east into the western slope of the southern Rocky Mountains. Stands are found on a variety of sites, such as on point bars, stream terraces, in sand-filled potholes in slickrock washes, on plains, valleys, canyon floors, gentle hillslopes, knolls and bluffs, mesatops, and plateau parks. Sites are generally flat to gently sloping, but occasionally are steep (to 53% slope). Soils are variable and range from sand to silty clay. The unvegetated surface has moderate to high cover of bare soil with sparse to moderate cover of litter. Biological soil crusts are often present with low cover. The vegetation is characterized by a relatively sparse to moderate herbaceous layer (10-40% cover) that is strongly dominated by the medium-tall, cool-season bunchgrass Hesperostipa comata, but it may also include stands with less than 10% total vegetation cover. Low cover of other grasses, such as Achnatherum hymenoides, Achnatherum lettermanii, Aristida purpurea, Elymus elymoides, Koeleria macrantha, Leymus salinus, Pleuraphis jamesii, Poa fendleriana, or Sporobolus cryptandrus, may be present. However, Bouteloua eriopoda is not present. Forb cover ranges from sparse to moderate and may be diverse. Associated forbs include Balsamorhiza sagittata, Hymenopappus filifolius, Machaeranthera canescens, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Vicia americana, and species of Antennaria, Astragalus, Cryptantha, Eriogonum, Gilia, and Lappula. Scattered shrubs and dwarf-shrubs may present with less than 5% total cover. Common species include Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Opuntia polyacantha, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. The widespread introduced annual grass Bromus tectorum often contributes significant cover in disturbed stands. Some stands have high cover of biological soil crusts.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: An uncommon type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation, which was sampled at one location. Typically these sites occur on basin floors with no slope. Soils are often dry, well-

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drained, and have a sandy loam texture. Small rocks make up the biggest proportion of the unvegetated layer, with 90 percent cover, while large rocks, litter, and bare ground have low cover.

Global Environment: This grassland occurs on the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau east into the western slope of the southern Rocky Mountains. Stands are found a variety of sites, such as on point bars, stream terraces, in sand-filled potholes in slickrock washes, on plains, valleys, canyon floors, gentle hillslopes, knolls and bluffs, mesatops, and plateau parks. Sites are generally flat to gently sloping, but occasionally are steep (to 53% slope). Elevation ranges from 1250-2683 m. The unvegetated surface has moderate to high cover of bare soil with sparse to moderate cover of litter. Biological soil crusts are often present with low cover. Soils are variable and include sand, cobbles, sandy, silt and clay loams and silty clay. Common parent materials are sandstones and shale that have been eroded and redistributed in alluvial and eolian deposits, but include Tertiary volcanic rocks. Fires may be important in maintaining these grasslands by reducing woody cover, but burning during the growing season could also damage Hesperostipa comata plants.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Species diversity for this type is moderate, though few are dominant. Among the most common species in the Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation type are Hesperostipa comata, Aristida purpurea and the dwarf shrub Opuntia polyacantha. Total cover for the herbaceous layer ranges from 10-25 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species Shrub Dwarf shrub Opuntia polyacantha Herbaceous Graminoid Hesperostipa comata, Aristida purpurea

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Hesperostipa comata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Stipa comata dominated grassland (Kleiner and Harper 1977) = Stipa comata-West (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.4.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Daubenmire 1970 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Thilenius et al. 1995 •Kleiner 1983 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Tendick et al. 2011b •Kleiner 1968

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•Kleiner and Harper 1977 •WNDD unpubl. data •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Peterson 2008 •Coles et al. 2011 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Coles pers. comm. •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2009a •Coles et al. 2010 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Clark et al. 2009 •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Coles et al. 2008a •Romme et al. 1993 •FEIS 1998 •Coles et al. 2008c

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This grassland is found on the west slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, on the Colorado Plateau and in the Great Basin in Colorado and Utah, and probably occurs in adjacent states.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Bonneville Basin Section

Section Code: 341A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 1013v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 24Feb2009

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References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688367

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CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation (Blue Grama Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Pleuraphis jamesii - Achnatherum hymenoides - Hesperostipa comata Semi- Group Desert Grassland Group Alliance Pleuraphis jamesii Herbaceous Alliance A1287 Association 3.B.1.Ne Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This minor plant association is reported from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Sites are flat to gently sloping and include plains, plateaus and montane meadows at elevations ranging from 1660-2780 m (5420-9115 feet). Substrates are variable and range from coarse-textured soils derived from sand, gravel, old lavaflows, kipukas, alluvium, limestone, sandstone, granite or cinder to silty clay loam prairie soils. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense (25- 80% cover) herbaceous layer that is strongly dominated by the warm-season, perennial shortgrass Bouteloua gracilis. Associated grasses are Bouteloua curtipendula, Elymus elymoides, Muhlenbergia spp., Pascopyrum smithii, Pleuraphis jamesii (= Hilaria jamesii), Sporobolus cryptandrus, and the introduced annual grass Bromus tectorum. Forb cover is sparse but may be diverse over the range of the type. Scattered Ericameria nauseosa, Tetradymia canescens, and Gutierrezia sarothrae shrubs and an occasional Pinus edulis, Juniperus spp., or Pinus ponderosa tree (in montane stands) may be present.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at four locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are low, as they are typically found on basin floors. Soils at these sites are dry and well- drained with a sandy loam, loamy sand, or silt loam texture. Unvegetated cover for these sites is made up of bare ground (15-63%), litter (1-40%), small rocks (1-29%) and large rocks (0-15%).

Global Environment: This minor plant association is reported from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Elevation ranges from 1660-2780 m (5420-9115 feet). Sites are flat to moderately sloping and include plains, old lavaflows, kipukas, valley bottoms, sand and limestone hills, plateaus, and montane meadows and parks. Substrates are variable and range from coarse- textured soils derived from sand, gravel, granite or cinder to silty clay loam prairie soils. Montane Bouteloua gracilis-dominated grasslands included in this association are typically the result of heavy grazing by wildlife and/or livestock that select out less grazing-tolerant midgrasses

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: While the dominant species in this type is Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata is also found commonly, and in abundance. These species are part of the herbaceous layer which typically has 25-75 percent cover. Some dwarf shrub species common are Opuntia polyacantha and Gutierrezia sarothrae.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Opuntia polyacantha, Gutierrezia sarothrae Herbaceous Graminoid Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Bouteloua gracilis (Shortgrass Prairie) (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Blue Grama/Monotypic Stand PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [ (Bouteloua gracilis/Monotypic: BOUGRA/MONTYP)] < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.C.5.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Zimmerman 1967 •Muldavin et al. 2000b •Thomas et al. 2010 •Pieper 1968 •WNDD unpubl. data •Dwyer and Pieper 1967 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Williams 1961 •Salas et al. 2010b •Driscoll et al. 1984 •CNHP 2010a •Muldavin 1987 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Hansen et al. 2004a •Muldavin et al. 2013c •Hansen et al. 2004c •Salas et al. 2011 •Bradley et al. 1992 •Salas et al. 2005 •Thomas et al. 2009b •Thomas et al. 2009a •Salas and Bolen 2010a •Coles et al. 2008c •Fisser 1970 •Fisser et al. 1965

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped at approximately 9 sites in the vicinity of and north of Mustang Flats.

Global Range: This minor plant association occurs in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Semi-Desert - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M313 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Painted Desert Section

Section Code: 313D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 042v, BICA 1006v, BICA 2070v, BICA 271v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. J. Coles and M.E. Hall Version Date: 24May2010

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685307

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CEGL001838 - Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation (Baltic Rush Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation 2.C.4.Nb Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata - Salix spp. / Carex spp. - Blennosperma nanum - Poa Division pratensis Western North American Freshwater Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Marsh Division 2.C.4.Nb.2 Western North American Montane to Alpine Wet Shrubland & Wet Meadow Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 2.C.4.Nb.2.b Carex spp. - Calamagrostis spp. Montane Wet Meadow & Marsh Group Alliance Juncus balticus - Juncus mexicanus Herbaceous Alliance (A1374) Association 2.C.4.Nb.2.b Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This Baltic rush community is found widely throughout the western United States and into western Canada. This herbaceous wet meadow occurs as small to extensive, open to typically dense patches on flat stream benches, along overflow channels, and near springs. Habitats are often alkaline meadows and may have long-term grazing disturbance. Soils are variable and range from poorly to well-drained, sandy clay loam to fine sand-textured and are usually mottled or gleyed. Stands are characterized by dense swards of Juncus balticus. In montane zones and the Great Basin, minor cover of Carex species, including Carex aquatilis, Carex praegracilis, Carex nebrascensis, or Carex utriculata, is often present; other common species include Deschampsia caespitosa, Distichlis spicata, Glyceria striata, Hordeum jubatum, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Pascopyrum smithii, Phleum alpinum, and Sporobolus airoides. The introduced perennial sod grasses Poa pratensis or Agrostis stolonifera codominate some stands. Forb cover is generally low and includes wetland species such as Caltha leptosepala, Rumex aquaticus, and Dodecatheon pulchellum. Iris missouriensis can be common in heavily grazed stands. Shrubs are not common. This association is often considered to be a grazing-induced community since it increases with disturbance, though it can be a stable late-seral community.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This broadly defined and widespread herbaceous wetland community is found throughout western North America. Elevation ranges from 138 to 3500 m (454-11,475 feet). Far northern stands in the Boreal Plains are at about 800 m (2625 feet). Stands usually occur as small,

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dense patches on flat to gently sloping sites near seeps and streams. Stream channels are highly variable in size and type, ranging from narrow to moderately wide, and from deeply entrenched to very sinuous (Kittel et al. 1999b). In the boreal regions, this community occurs more commonly on gradual sandy shorelines. Soils are also variable and range from sandy well-drained to poorly drained silty clay loam or silty clay alluvium to organic muck; however, soils tend to be finer-textured, alkaline and may be saline (Brotherson and Barnes 1984, Padgett et al. 1989, Kittel et al. 1999b). Sites with sandy soils are usually saturated for part of the growing season or have high water tables. Cobbles and gravel are common on many sites, and gleyed and mottled horizons are often present because of flooding or high water tables (Kittel et al. 1999b).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Global Vegetation: This broadly defined association is characterized by a low (<50 cm), open to typically dense graminoid layer dominated by the rhizomatous perennial Juncus balticus. In montane zones and the Great Basin, minor cover of Carex species, including Carex aquatilis, Carex praegracilis, Carex microptera, Carex nebrascensis, or Carex utriculata, is often present. Other common graminoids include Deschampsia caespitosa, Distichlis spicata, Glyceria striata, Hordeum brachyantherum, Hordeum jubatum, Muhlenbergia andina, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Pascopyrum smithii, Poa nemoralis ssp. interior, Phleum alpinum, and Sporobolus airoides. Forb cover is generally low but may include Achillea millefolium, Artemisia ludoviciana, Caltha leptosepala, Cirsium scariosum (= Cirsium tioganum), Dodecatheon pulchellum, Glaux maritima, Iris missouriensis, Maianthemum stellatum, Rumex aquaticus, Polygonum bistortoides, Potentilla plattensis, and Solidago canadensis. Many other forb species may be present, given the wide elevational amplitude and broad geographic spread of this type. Shrubs and dwarf-shrubs are not common; however, Artemisia frigida cover may be significant in some stands, and occasional Artemisia cana, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda, Ericameria nauseosa, Populus spp., Rosa woodsii, Salix spp., or Sarcobatus vermiculatus shrubs may occur. Some stands may be codominated by the introduced perennial sod grasses Poa pratensis, Bromus inermis, or Agrostis stolonifera. Other introduced species, such as Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Erodium cicutarium, Iva axillaris, Lactuca serriola, Phleum pratense, Taraxacum officinale, Thinopyrum intermedium, Trifolium spp., Tragopogon dubius, Xanthium strumarium, and others, may occur in disturbed stands.

Author(s): J. Drake, mod. D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. K. Schulz

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CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation (Spike Fescue Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division Macrogroup 2.B.2.Na Central Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup Group 2.B.2.Na Leymus innovatus - Festuca idahoensis - Leucopoa kingii Grassland Group Leucopoa kingii - Carex elynoides - Phlox pulvinata Central Rocky Mountain Upper Alliance Subalpine - Alpine Grassland Alliance (A1323) Association 2.B.2.Na Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetationtypeis typical of high mountain meadows. This site had moderate slopes of 6 to 15 percent. Soils at these sites are silty, with textures of silty clay and silt loam. Additionally, soils are moist to dry and well drained. Litter is the strongest unvegetated feature for this type, with cover ranging from 70 to 87 percent. Other unvegetated features at much lower covers are bare ground, and small rocks.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The one shrub species with common occurrence at these sites is Ericameria nauseosa. Overall, shrub cover was low to moderate (10-25%). The herbaceous layer has a much higher cover, 75 to 95 percent. Two dominant species for the herbaceous layer in this type are Leucopoa kingii, and Cerastium arvense. Also found, though in lower abundance is Pseudoroegneria spicata.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Ericameria nauseosa Herbaceous Graminoid Leucopoa kingii, Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Forb Cerastium arvense

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Leucopoa kingii, Cerastium arvense

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CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Leucopoa kingii (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.C.6.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984)

Short Citation: •Driscoll et al. 1984 •MTNHP unpubl. data •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped at two locations on the lower flanks of the Pryor Mountains in the northwest corner of the southern district of the park.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: ID, MT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M332 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Challis Volcanics Section

Section Code: M332F Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 1036v, BICA 1043v, BICA 2060v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Version Date: 30Dec1899

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684714

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CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Broadleaf Cattail - Narrowleaf Cattail Western Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.6 Temperate & Boreal Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation 2.B.6.Nb Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata - Salix spp. / Carex spp. - Blennosperma nanum - Poa Division pratensis Western North American Freshwater Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Marsh Division 2.B.6.Nb Western North American Temperate Lowland Wet Shrubland, Wet Meadow & Macrogroup Marsh Macrogroup Group 2.B.6.Nb Schoenoplectus spp. - Typha spp. Interior Emergent Marsh Vegetation Group Typha domingensis - Typha latifolia - Typha angustifolia Western Herbaceous Emergent Alliance Alliance (A3896) Association 2.B.6.Nb Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is widespread across the western United States and western Great Plains occurring near streams, rivers, and ponds. The soil is flooded or saturated for at least part of the growing season. The alluvial soils have variable textures ranging from sand to clay and usually with a high organic content. The dominant species, Typha latifolia or Typha angustifolia, often forms dense, almost monotypic stands. Other species typical of wetlands may be found in lesser amounts in this community; among these are shallower water emergents such as Carex spp., Eleocharis macrostachya, Eleocharis palustris, Glyceria spp., Juncus balticus, Juncus torreyi, Mentha arvensis, Schoenoplectus acutus, and Veronica spp. In deeper water, Lemna minor, Potamogeton spp., Sagittaria spp., Azolla filiculoides, and other aquatics may be present in trace amounts.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, these sites have no slope, and occur in wetland areas. Soils are either permanently or semi-permanently flooded, poorly drained, and have a silty clay texture. Cover in the unvegetated layer is limited to standing water (40-90%) and litter (3-50%).

Global Environment: This widespread community is found along streams, rivers, canals, and the banks of ponds and lakes. Elevations range from near sea level to 2000 m. Sites are nearly level. The soil is saturated or flooded for much of the year from freshwater sources such as springs or streams. The alluvial soils have variable textures ranging from sand to clay and usually with a high organic content.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant and typically only species in this type is Typha (latifolia, angustifolia). Some Tamarix chinensis shrub regeneration may be found at more disturbed sites. Total cover at these sites is moderate to high, ranging from 25 to 95 percent total cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Von Loh 2000) = Typha angustifolia - Typha latifolia - (Typha domingensis) Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a) = Typha angustifolia-Typha latifolia (Kittel et al. 1999b) = Typha latifolia / Sagittaria latifolia Plant Association (Johnston 1987) = Typha latifolia (Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997) [(p.202)] = Typha latifolia (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Typha latifolia (McCain and Christy 2005) [4 plots] = Typha latifolia Association (Crowe et al. 2004) = Typha latifolia Association (Christy 2004) = Typha latifolia Community (Kovalchik 1993) [(p.189)] = Typha latifolia Community Type (Padgett et al. 1989) = Typha latifolia Habitat Type (Hansen et al. 1995) ? Typha latifolia Plant Association (Bundy et al. 1996) = Typha latifolia Wetland (Baker 1984a) < Typha latifolia community type (Kunze 1994) [(p.24)] = Typha latifolia community type (Dethier 1990) [(p.36)] = Typha latifolia wetlands (Titus et al. 1996) < Cattail (Typha sp.) Dominance Type (Jones and Walford 1995) < Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (Holland 1986b) < DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.E.1.b. (Driscoll et al. 1984) = Narrow-and broad leaf cattails (Typha angustifolia-Typha latifolia) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1999a)

Short Citation: •Hop et al. 2007 •Lindauer 1978 •Masek 1979 •Jones and Walford 1995 •Muldavin et al. 2000a •Boss 1983 •Jones 1992b •Murray 2000 •Bunin 1985 •WNDD unpubl. data

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•McCain and Christy 2005 •Reid et al. 2004 •Salas et al. 2010b •Kovalchik 2001 •Driscoll et al. 1984 •Christy 1973 •Baker 1984a •Rolfsmeier and Steinauer 2010 •Hansen et al. 1991 •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Johnston 1987 •Hansen et al. 1995 •WNHP unpubl. data •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Kovalchik 1993 •McEachern 1979 •Padgett et al. 1989 •Kagan et al. 2004a •Salas et al. 2009 •Holland 1986b •Sanville et al. 1986 •TNC 1998e •TNC 1998d •Ramaley 1939b •Muldavin et al. 1993b •Von Loh 2000 •Stevens et al. 2007 •Carsey et al. 2003a •Jankovsky-Jones et al. 2001 •Titus et al. 1996 •MTNHP 2002b •Titus et al. 1998 •Bundy et al. 1996 •Titus et al. 1999 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Kittel et al. 1996 •Kunze 1994 •NHNM unpubl. data •IDCDC 2005 •CNHP 2010a •Christy 2004 •Crowe et al. 2004 •Kittel et al. 1999b •Lindauer and Christy 1972 •Kittel et al. 1999a •Clark et al. 2009 •Tolstead 1942 •Youngblood et al. 1985a •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Dethier 1990 •Marriott and Faber-Langendoen 2000 •Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997 •Romme et al. 1993

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ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs at three locations in the area of Ft. Smith, and at approximately 15 locations near to and south of the confluence with the Shoshone River.

Global Range: This association is widely distributed, occurring across the western United States and western Great Plains.

Nations: CA, US

States/Provinces: AB, AZ, BC, CA, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: California Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 262 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Willamette Valley and Puget Trough Section

Section Code: 242A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 098v, BICA 178v, BICA 277v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Drake, mod. K. Schulz, mod. M.S. Reid Version Date: 02Feb2004

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=684716

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CEGL002360 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Basin Big Sagebrush Woodland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT This woodland association occurs locally on benches, alluvial terraces, plateaus and draws in northwestern Colorado and eastern Utah. Elevations range from 1255-1860 m. Sites are located on gentle to moderate slopes, and tend to occupy relatively cool microsites, either on north aspects or cold-air drainages. Stands of this association tend to develop in Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata shrublands that have escaped disturbance for a long enough time to allow Juniperus osteosperma trees from nearby woodlands to invade. Soils are deep and generally are derived from alluvium. The best-developed stands occur on canyon floors where terraces are protected from flooding. The tree canopy is generally open, with between 10 and 50% cover by Juniperus osteosperma. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata often has equal or greater cover than the tree layer, and shrubs may be 2 m high. If other shrubs are present, it is with low cover; species reported include Amelanchier utahensis, Ericameria nauseosa, Atriplex canescens, Opuntia spp., and Gutierrezia sarothrae. The herbaceous layer is diverse and well-developed in stands that have been protected from grazing, and may be dominated by grasses such as Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, or Distichlis spicata. However, most stands have experienced a long history of grazing, and in these cases, the herbaceous layer is generally dominated by exotic Bromus tectorum.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A less common type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland was only sampled at one location. A flat, upland terrace site with rapidly-drained, dry soils is characteristic for sites of this type. The observed soil texture was sand. Rock cover (bedrock 15%, Large rocks 6 %, Small rocks 25%) and sand (25%) are dominant ground cover at the site.

Global Environment: This woodland association occurs locally in small patches occupying benches, alluvial terraces, plateaus and draws in the Colorado Plateau of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Elevations range from 1255 to 1860 m. Sites are located on gentle to moderate (1-46%)

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slopes and tend to occupy relatively cool microsites, either on north aspects or cold-air drainages. Soils are deep and generally are derived from alluvium.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Total vegetative cover of the single plot recorded for this type is less than 40%. The overstory is dominated by the tree Juniperus osteosperma with 30% cover. The understory shrub layer is sparse and is dominated by the shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata with less than 5% cover. The dwarf shrubs Gutierrezia sarothrae and Opuntia polyacantha are common associates and contribute to the sparse shrub cover. The shrub Rhus trilobata may also be present with very low cover values. Herbaceous cover is low, and made up of many species with low individual cover.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree Tree Juniperus osteosperma Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Shrub Dwarf shrub Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Juniperus osteosperma, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Short Citation: •Coles et al. 2009a •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Salas and Bolen 2010b •Coles et al. 2008a •Clark et al. 2009 •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar woodland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This association has been sampled in eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to be widespread throughout the Colorado Plateau.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, UT

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USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Uinta Mountains Section

Section Code: M331E Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (1 plot) BICA 041v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06May2008

References:For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=769162

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CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood - Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation Division 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Flooded & Swamp Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Riparian Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Picea engelmannii - Picea pungens - Populus angustifolia Riparian Forest Group Group Alliance Populus angustifolia Riparian Woodland & Forest Alliance (A3759) Association 1.B.3.Nc Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This semi-riparian woodland association occurs in north-central Wyoming, western Colorado and northern New Mexico on terraces or slopes of gorges, ravines, and moderate-sized intermittent or perennial drainages between 1740 and 2400 m (5725-7875 feet) elevation. This type usually occurs on high, dry stream terraces with level slopes and a sandy surface soil texture. Stands are infrequently flooded (10- to 100-year recurrence intervals). The vegetation is characterized by moderately open canopies (25-60% cover) dominated by Populus angustifolia, with Juniperus scopulorum or occasionally Juniperus monosperma, Betula occidentalis, or Pinus edulis in the subcanopy. An open grassy understory with abundant Sporobolus cryptandrus is characteristic, although other grasses such as Carex geyeri, Juncus balticus, Leymus cinereus, and Poa fendleriana may also be present. In disturbed stands the native grasses may have been replaced by exotic species such as Bromus inermis. Although shrubs are uncommon, those present, such as Brickellia californica, Quercus gambelii, Artemisia tridentata, Mahonia repens, Purshia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus, reflect relatively dry site conditions. The herbaceous understory also reflects open, dry site conditions. Facultative and upland forbs such as Thalictrum fendleri, Achillea millefolium, Maianthemum stellatum, Solidago nemoralis, and Penstemon barbatus are common. In open areas Bouteloua curtipendula is common. Regardless of the drier conditions, a variety of native wetland indicators can occur, including Juncus effusus, Glyceria striata, Carex nebrascensis, Agrostis exarata, Rudbeckia laciniata, Equisetum arvense, Epilobium ciliatum, Mertensia ciliata, and Equisetum laevigatum. Many stands have decadent Populus angustifolia trees that are being replaced by Juniperus scopulorum. Other stands periodically flood and retain a large amount of woody debris. In all cases the vegetation and topographic position indicate a community that is becoming isolated from the water table. As the water table drops, the facultative and obligate wetland plants will be replaced by upland species.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland type was sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are low, with observed slopes from 2 to 4 percent slope. Soils at these sites are moist to dry and well-drained with sandy loam or silt texture. Litter and bare ground cover at these sites is moderate to high (litter 25-65%, bare ground (15-41%), and some sites may have significant rock cover.

Global Environment: The community is found in mountainous regions of north-central Wyoming, western Colorado and northern New Mexico on terraces or slopes of gorges, ravines, and moderate- sized intermittent or perennial drainages with elevations ranging from 1740 to 2400 m (5725-7875 feet). This type usually occurs on higher and drier terraces that have a relatively flat surface topography, and they are mostly composed of sandy alluvial sediments. As a result, stands are infrequently flooded (10- to 100-year recurrence intervals). Soils are young, weakly developed Entisols. Thick organic layers (Mollisols) have had time to develop in some stands. Soils tend to be dry, well-drained and mostly sandy or silty at the surface, although commonly gravelly/cobbly with depth. Some of the lower terraces may be very moist at depths within the rooting zone, particularly during seasonal high water events.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The characteristic tree species in this type is Populus angustifolia, though Juniperus scopulorum is also common, and may be considered a tree at some sites depending on its height. Tree canopy cover ranges from 10 to 25 percent, and shrub cover ranges from 10 to 50 percent for this type. Cover of deciduous shrubs may be prominent. Common shrub species include Rhus trilobata, Rosa woodsii, and Juniperus scopulorum when it is not expressed as part of the tree strata. The herbaceous layer is not very diverse, though the graminoid species Poa pratensis is common.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Populus angustifolia, Juniperus scopulorum Shrub Shrub Juniperus scopulorum, Rhus trilobata, Rosa woodsii Herbaceous Graminoid Poa pratensis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Populus angustifolia, Juniperus scopulorum

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

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Synonomy: = Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum (Durkin et al. 1995a) = Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum (Durkin et al. 1994b) [found in New Mexico.] = Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Carsey et al. 2003a) = Populus angustifolia / Juniperus scopulorum Association (Muldavin 1991) = Populus angustifolia / Juniperus scopulorum Association (Kittel et al. 1994) = Populus angustifolia / Juniperus scopulorum Association (Kittel et al. 1996) = Populus angustifolia / Physocarpus monogynus - Padus virginiana Community Type (Girard et al. 1997) [found in Bighorn National Forest.] = Populus angustifolia-Juniperus scopulorum (Kittel et al. 1999b) = Populus angustifolia-Juniperus scopulorum (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Narrow-leaf cottonwood-Rocky Mountain juniper (Populus angustifolia-Juniperus scopulorum) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1999a)

Short Citation: •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2010 •Muldavin et al. 2000a •Bourgeron and Engelking 1994 •Cooper and Cottrell 1990 •Kittel et al. 1999a •Muldavin 1991 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Tendick et al. 2011b •Carsey et al. 2003a •Kittel et al. 1994 •Thomas et al. 2009b •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Durkin et al. 1995a •Girard et al. 1997 •Durkin et al. 1994b •Kittel et al. 1996 •Salas et al. 2010b

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar woodland types and occurs primarily along Layout Creek and Medicine Creek.

Global Range: This association has been documented in north-central Wyoming, western Colorado and northern New Mexico. It may occur in Utah.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, NM, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Uinta Mountains Section

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Section Code: M331E Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 2028v, BICA 2031v, BICA 242v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: Muldavin et al., mod. J. Coles Version Date: 25Aug2005

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=689057

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CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Sand Dropseed Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Pleuraphis jamesii - Achnatherum hymenoides - Hesperostipa comata Semi- Group Desert Grassland Group Alliance Hesperostipa comata Bunch Herbaceous Alliance (A1270) Association 3.B.1.Ne Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This plant association is described from the Uinta Basin and Colorado Plateau where it occurs on alluvial terraces of major rivers, sandy upper stream terraces along intermittent washes, and on sand deposits on mesas and plains. Elevation ranges from 1226 to 1630 m. Soils are loamy sands and sandy loams derived from alluvium, eolian deposits or sandstone residuum. Sites have generally been disturbed by flooding, shifting sands, livestock grazing, or human recreation. The vegetation is dominated by the warm-season perennial graminoid Sporobolus cryptandrus. Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), Pleuraphis jamesii, Sporobolus contractus, Sporobolus giganteus, or Equisetum variegatum frequently occur in low abundance. Low cover of native forbs such as Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia or Chamaesyce fendleri may be present. The introduced annual grass Bromus tectorum and several other exotic species such as Bromus rigidus, Salsola kali, Helianthus annuus, Sisymbrium altissimum, or Tribulus terrestris may be present to abundant, especially on disturbed riparian stands. Occasional Brickellia spp. or other shrubs may occur, but they are not dense enough to form a shrub layer.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at two locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Slopes at these sites are low and topographically, these sites are most likely to be encountered on floodplains. Soils are intermittently flooded and have a silty clay texture. The non-vegetative characteristics of these sites include high litter cover (86-90%) and low cover for other ground cover.

Global Environment: This grassland is described from the Uinta Basin and Colorado Plateau where it occurs on alluvial terraces of large rivers, sandy upper stream terraces along intermittent washes, and on sand deposits on mesas and plains. Elevation ranges from 1226-1630 m. Sites are flat to gently sloping valley bottoms, plains or plateaus. Soils are loamy sands and sandy loams derived from alluvium, eolian deposits or sandstone residuum. Biological soil crusts are generally present and

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may provide up to 30% cover. Stands have generally been disturbed by flooding, shifting sands, livestock grazing, or human recreation.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is limited to herbaceous species, especially Sporobolus cryptandrus with lower cover of the tall bunchgrass Leymus cinereus. Weedy forbs such as Thlaspi arvense, Bassia scoparia, and Descurainia pinnata are also common, especially at disturbed sites.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Sporobolus cryptandrus, Leymus cinereus Herbaceous Forb Thlaspi arvense, Bassia scoparia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Sporobolus cryptandrus, Leymus cinereus

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: < Palustrine (Cowardin et al. 1979)

Short Citation: •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Coles et al. 2009a •Cowardin et al. 1979 •Thomas et al. 2009a •USFS 1937 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Cogan et al. 2004

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with another herbaceous type and primarily occurs on river benches north of the confluence with the Shoshone River.

Global Range: The association is found on terraces of large rivers in the Colorado Plateau and Uinta Basin and likely occurs elsewhere in the southwestern U.S.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, UT

USFS Ecoregions:

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Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Painted Desert Section

Section Code: 313D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (2 plots) BICA 088v, BICA 161v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz Version Date: 05Jul2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=686253

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CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Tall Group Sagebrush Group Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata - Artemisia tridentata ssp. xericensis Dry Shrubland Alliance Alliance (A3194) 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Association Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is common throughout the Colorado Plateau and likely occurs on disturbed sites throughout the range of basin big sagebrush in the western U.S. Stands occur in small to moderate- sized patches on alluvial terraces, floodplains, and point bars, mostly below 2000 m (6560 feet) elevation. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata shrubs are always present, often with a lesser component of Ericameria nauseosa, Atriplex canescens, or Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus. Bromus tectorum dominates the occasionally sparse herbaceous layer, frequently accompanied by other weedy exotic or annual grasses and forbs. Individuals or small patches of native grasses and forbs may occur, including Leymus cinereus, Achnatherum hymenoides, and Sporobolus cryptandrus.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland type was sampled at five locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation. These flat sites are typically found in basin floors, and have a variable soil moisture regime. Soils of this type have a sandy loam or silt loam texture. The unvegetated layer at these sites is made up mostly of leaf litter (5-85%) and bare ground (0-47%), but could also have small rock cover up to 35 percent.

Global Environment: This association occurs on alluvial terraces, flats and fans or valley floors throughout the Colorado Plateau and extends into the Great Basin. Most stands occur on level to gently sloping sites below 2000 m (6560 feet) elevation, but elevations range from 1130-2045 m. Soils are variable and include sandy loams, silt loams, and clay loams, depending on the size of the stream and the geology of the area. Parent materials is frequently alluvium but includes sandstones, shale, limestone, eolian deposits and Precambrian gneiss. The unvegetated surface often has high cover of litter and bare soil with low cover of rocks. Cryptobiotic soil crusts are often extensive (up to 15% in some stands).

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata is the dominant shrub at these sites, along with Rhus trilobata and Ericameria nauseosa. Shrub cover is variable, ranging from 10 to 75 percent. Herbaceous cover is higher, at 25-95 percent, and consists of non- native species Agropyron cristatum and possibly a species from the Bromus genus (tectorum or inermis).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Rhus trilobata, Ericameria nauseosa Herbaceous Graminoid Agropyron cristatum, Bromus tectorum, Bromus inermis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Short Citation: •Coles et al. 2011 •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Coles et al. 2009a •Coles et al. 2010 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Clark et al. 2009 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Thomas et al. 2009b •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Romme et al. 1993 •Coles et al. 2008c

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped on scattered disturbed sites throughout the southern district of the park.

Global Range: This association is widespread in southern Utah and western Colorado and likely occurs on disturbed sites throughout the range of basin big sagebrush in the western U.S.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NV, UT

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USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Bonneville Basin Section

Section Code: 341A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (5 plots) BICA 032v, BICA 1009v, BICA 1023v, BICA 1024v, BICA 2032v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 06May2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=688557

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CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Needle-and-Thread Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana - Group Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula Tall Shrubland & Steppe Group Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis - Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Shrubland & Alliance Steppe Alliance (A3207) Association 3.B.1.Ne Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association is known from southern Utah to southern Idaho and western Wyoming and is likely to occur in northern Nevada. It occurs on moderate slopes between 1372 to 2850 m (4500-9350 feet) elevation. Soils are deep and range from clay loam to sandy loams. Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana is the dominant shrub. Purshia tridentata, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Ericameria sp., Artemisia tripartita, and Amelanchier alnifolia may be present at upper elevations, and at lower altitudes Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus and Tetradymia canescens can be common. Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata) is the principal understory species. Festuca idahoensis, Pseudoroegneria spicata (= Agropyron spicatum), and Koeleria macrantha may be present in small amounts. Other herbaceous species that may be present include Carex rossii, Achnatherum lettermanii, Achnatherum nelsonii, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Poa pratensis, Antennaria microphylla, and Eriogonum umbellatum.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: A common type at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was the Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland, which was sampled at nine locations. Typically, these sites have low slopes, with observations ranging from 0 to 4 percent, and are found topographically from lowslopes to basin floors. In general, these soils are dry and well-drained, with loamy textures (sandy loam, silt loam, loamy sand, clay loam). The unvegetated layer consists mostly of bare ground (2-68 % cover), litter (5-90 %), and small rocks (2- 43 %).

Global Environment: This association occurs on gentle to moderate slopes, ridges, depressions and plateaus between 1370 and 2850 m (4500-9350 feet) elevation. The lower elevations tend to occur at the northern end of the association's range. Soils are derived from alluvium, eolian sands or loess, are deep and range in texture from clay loam to sandy loams.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana is the dominant species in the shrub layer, though Gutierrezia sarothrae and Opuntia polyacantha are also observed to a lesser extent. Overall, the shrub layer at these sites had a cover of 5 to 50 percent cover. Bouteloua gracilis is the most abundant and common of the herbaceous species. Pseudoroegneria spicata and Hesperostipa comata are less common, but do contribute to the 25 to 95 percent cover observed in the herbaceous layer.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species Shrub Dwarf Shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha Herbaceous Graminoid Bouteloua gracilis, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hesperostipa comata

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Artemisia tridentata / Stipa comata Community (Blackburn 1967) = Artemisia tridentata / Stipa comata Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c) = Artemisia tridentata / Stipa comata Community (Blackburn et al. 1971) = Artemisia tridentata / Stipa comata Habitat Type (McLean 1970) = Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Stipa comata - Geum triflorum (Bramble-Brodahl 1978) = Artemisia vaseyana / Stipa comata Habitat Type (Hironaka et al. 1983) [refers to Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana.] = Artemisia-Agropyron Association, Stipa comata Phase (Poulton 1955)

Short Citation: •Schulz and Hall 2011 •CNHP 2010a •Coles et al. 2010 •Blackburn et al. 1968c •Blackburn 1967 •DeVelice and Lesica 1993 •Tueller et al. 1966 •CNHP unpubl. data 2003 •Cogan et al. 2005 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Poulton 1955 •Blackburn et al. 1971 •Hironaka et al. 1983 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a •Tueller and Blackburn 1974

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•McLean 1970 •Bell et al. 2009

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar shrubland types and is widespread throughout the park.

Global Range: This association is known from southern Utah to southern Idaho and western Wyoming. It is likely to occur in northern Nevada.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Sierran Steppe - Mixed Forest - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M261 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Overthrust Mountains Section

Section Code: M331D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (9 plots) BICA 085v, BICA 2037v, BICA 2072v, BICA 2074v, BICA 2081v, BICA 258v, BICA 261v, BICA 263v, BICA 358v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: G. Kittel, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 07Feb2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=683836

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CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Cheatgrass Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Semi-natural Scrub & Grassland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 3.B.1.Ne Great Basin & Intermountain Semi-natural Dry Shrubland & Grassland Group Bromus tectorum - Taeniatherum caput-medusae Ruderal Annual Grassland Alliance Alliance A1814 Association 3.B.1.Ne Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This herbaceous vegetation type is found throughout much of western North America from the western Great Plains to the Intermountain West. It occurs most often after disturbance of a natural shrub- or grass-dominated community that results in the replacement of the natural vegetation by non-native, annual grass species of Bromus. Bromus tectorum typically dominates the community with over 80-90% of the total vegetation cover, making it difficult to determine what natural community was formerly present. This vegetation also includes grasslands dominated or codominated by other Eurasian introduced annual Bromus species such as Bromus hordeaceus, Bromus madritensis, Bromus japonicus, Bromus rigidus, or Bromus rubens. It is distinct from the annual Bromus communities found along the Pacific Coast typical of the Mediterranean or maritime climates.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at four locations at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Observed percent slope at these sites ranged from 0 to 18 percent. Soil moisture and drainage is variable, and soil textures are typically sandy loams or silt loam. The unvegetated layer is mostly made up of bare ground and leaf litter (2-70%, 8-89%), while rock cover is variable percent at these sites.

Global Environment: This herbaceous vegetation type is found throughout much of western North America from the western Great Plains to the Intermountain and southwestern U.S. Elevation ranges from sea level to 2200 m. Stands occur after disturbance of a natural shrub- or grass-dominated community, resulting in the replacement of the natural vegetation by non-native, annual grass species of Bromus, although invasion of undisturbed sites has also been reported (e.g., Evans et al. 2001). At Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, weedy non-native graminoid vegetation occurs on recently disturbed areas, most commonly along roads. Small stands also occur in prairie dog towns

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(H. Marriott pers. comm. 1999). In the Great Basin, Bromus tectorum grasslands have invaded large areas of burned-over sagebrush steppe. Bromus tectorum increases the fire frequency of steppe communities, which eventually eliminates sagebrush (FEIS 2001).

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation type is diverse and the species composition is quite variable between sites. Bromus tectorum is the dominant species and Sisymbrium altissimum is also present at most sites. Herbaceous cover ranges from 25 to 95 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Bromus tectorum Herbaceous Forb Sisymbrium altissimum

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Bromus tectorum

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: = Bromus tectorum zootic climax (Daubenmire 1975) > Cheatgrass series (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995)

Short Citation: •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Young and Evans 1973 •Young and Evans 1978 •Evans et al. 2001 •Thomas et al. 2010 •Cogan et al. 1999 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Naumann pers. comm. •Cogan et al. 2004 •Beatley 1976 •Peterson 2008 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Bell et al. 2009 •Coles et al. 2011 •Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995 •Coles et al. 2010 •Coles et al. 2009a •Daubenmire 1975 •FEIS 2001 •Hansen et al. 2004a •Redente et al. 1992 •Karl et al. 1999

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•Clark et al. 2009 •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Thomas et al. 2009b •Von Loh et al. 2007 •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Englund 2004 •Coles et al. 2008a •Marriott pers. comm. •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar herbaceous shrubland types and occurs primarily on disturbed sites in the northern pastures of the southern district of the park.

Global Range: This alliance-level herbaceous vegetation type is found throughout much of western North America from the western Great Plains to intermountain and southwestern U.S.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, SD, UT

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: California Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 262 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Bonneville Basin Section

Section Code: 341A Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 082v, BICA 1010v, BICA 1045v, BICA 158v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. K. Schulz and J. Coles Version Date: 06May2008

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=685349

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CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland (Tamarisk species Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation 1.B.3.Nd Populus fremontii - Platanus racemosa - Washingtonia filifera - Sabal mexicana Division - Tamarix spp. Southwest North American Flooded & Swamp Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nd Warm Southwest Semi-natural Flooded & Swamp Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nd Tamarix spp. - Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Riparian Forest & Scrub Group Group Alliance Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland Alliance (A3566) Association 1.B.3.Nd Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This broadly defined association is composed of shrublands which form moderately dense to dense thickets on banks of larger streams across the western Great Plains, interior and southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Stands are dominated by introduced species of Tamarix, including Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix chinensis, Tamarix gallica, and Tamarix parviflora. Tamarix spp. were introduced from the Mediterranean and have become naturalized in various sites, including salt flats and other saline habitats, springs, and especially along streams and regulated rivers, where it replaces the native vegetation, such as shrublands dominated by species of Salix or Prosopis or woodlands of Populus spp. A remnant herbaceous layer may be present, depending on the age and density of the shrub layer, although in many cases this layer also consists of aggressive exotic species such as Lepidium latifolium. Tamarix species have become a critical nuisance along most large rivers in the semi-arid West and, because of permanent changes in flood regimes and the difficulty of removing trees, reflect irreversibly changed vegetation on many sites.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland type was sampled at nine locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Topographically, these sites are most likely to be encountered in floodplains. Soils are often flooded for some portion of the year, and are poorly drained with a clay-like texture. The non-vegetative ground cover characteristics of these sites include leaf litter (0-89% cover), bare ground (3-88%), wood (1-20%), and various rock (bedrock 0-10%, large rocks 0-7%, small rocks 0-15%) cover.

Global Environment: These widespread shrublands are common along larger streams, rivers, and around playas in the western U.S. and Mexico. Elevation ranges from 75 m below sea level to 1860 m. Tamarix spp. have become naturalized in various sites including riverbanks, floodplains, basins, sandbars, side channels, springs, salt flats, and other saline habitats. Stands grow especially well

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along regulated rivers where flood-regenerated native species such as Populus are declining, and the absence of regular scouring floods allows Tamarix seedlings to become established. Substrates are commonly thin sandy loam soil over alluvial deposits of sand, gravel or cobbles.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: These disturbed sites often have variable species compositions, though Tamarix chinensis is the dominant shrub species and Rumex crispus, Potentilla norvegica, and Acroptilon repens were observed at most sites in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Shrub layer cover for this type is 10 to 95 percent, and herbaceous cover is 5 to 95 percent.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Shrub Shrub Tamarix chinensis Herbaceous Forb Rumex crispus, Potentilla norvegica, Acroptilon repens

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Tamarix chinensis

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: > Tamarix chinensis Community Type (Hansen et al. 1995) ? Tamarix pentandra Community Type (Szaro 1989) ? Tamarix ramosissima (Salt cedar) Association (Nachlinger and Reese 1996) [classified within the Disturbed Spring Habitats.] = Tamarix ramosissima Shrubland (Carsey et al. 2003a) < Palustrine (Cowardin et al. 1979) ? Salt cedar series (Paysen et al. 1980) = Tamarisk Scrub (Holland 1986b) = Tamarisk series (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995)

Short Citation: •Cowardin et al. 1979 •Coles et al. 2003 •Muldavin et al. 2000a •Szaro 1989 •Reid and Hall 2010 •Ungar 1968 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Carsey et al. 2003a •WNDD unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Ware and Penfound 1949 •Paysen et al. 1980 •Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995

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•Coles et al. 2009a •Stevens and Shannon 1917 •Hansen et al. 1995 •TNHS unpubl. data •Nachlinger and Reese 1996 •Baalman 1965 •Hansen et al. 2004b •Clark et al. 2009 •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Thomas et al. 2009a •Ortenberger and Bird 1933 •Holland 1986b •Smith and Douglas 1989 •Coles et al. 2008a •Hoagland 2000 •Romme et al. 1993

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs on the margins of the main reservoir body near to, and south of, the confluence of the Shoshone River.

Global Range: This semi-natural shrubland is found along drainages in the semi-arid western Great Plains, interior and southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, from central and eastern Montana, south to Colorado, western Oklahoma and Texas, west to California.

Nations: MX, US

States/Provinces: AZ, CA, CO, MT, MXCH, MXCO, MXSO, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: California Dry Steppe Province

Province Code: 262 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Painted Desert Section

Section Code: 313D Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (9 plots) BICA 002v, BICA 021v, BICA 023v, BICA 031v, BICA 047v, BICA 1001v, BICA 1033v, BICA 166v, BICA 2000v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz, mod. J. Coles Version Date: 30Aug2005

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=686642

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CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation Division 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Flooded & Swamp Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Riparian Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Picea engelmannii - Picea pungens - Populus angustifolia Riparian Forest Group Group Alliance Populus angustifolia Riparian Woodland & Forest Alliance (A3759) Association 1.B.3.Nc Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This riparian association occurs in the foothill and lower montane zones of the Rocky Mountains extending west into the Great Basin and east onto the northern plains. Sites are between 945 and 2490 m (3100-8160 feet) elevation and are found along streams and rivers in broad valleys to narrow canyons. Stands extend onto the floodplain and stream terraces. Generally, soils are well-drained sand, loam or silt with river gravels and cobbles mixed within the matrix. This vegetation is characterized by a moderately open to closed (50-90%c over) tree canopy 10-15-m tall dominated by Populus angustifolia, with an understory dominated by introduced perennial grasses without a notable shrub layer. Acer negundo, Fraxinus velutina, Populus fremontii (in the southwestern part of range), or Salix amygdaloides are often present, and Juniperus scopulorum, Juniperus monosperma, or Juniperus deppeana may be common in subcanopy. Shrubs are absent or present only as scattered individuals. The moderately dense to dense herbaceous layer is frequently dominated or codominated by Poa pratensis, Bromus inermis, or other introduced graminoids, such as Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis gigantea, Alopecurus geniculatus, Elymus repens, Dactylis glomerata, and Phleum pratense. Native graminoids are often present but have low cover and may include Carex spp., Bromus porteri, Elymus canadensis, Elymus trachycaulus, Juncus balticus, and Pascopyrum smithii. Forb diversity is moderately high but variable. The introduced invasives Cirsium arvense, Melilotus officinalis, and Taraxacum officinale are common on disturbed sites. Adjacent, lower alluvial bars may be dominated by Salix spp. and Alnus spp. and occasionally emergent wetlands. Uplands may be open grasslands and hillslopes that support mixed coniferous spruce-fir forests on north-facing aspects and pine or juniper woodlands on south-facing slopes.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland type was sampled at four locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are low, as they are typically found on basin floors. Soils at

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these sites are generally moist, and may have clay or loam textures. Unvegetated cover for these sites is made up mostly of litter (69-92%).

Global Environment: This riparian association occurs in the foothill and lower montane zones of the Rocky Mountains extending west into the Great Basin and east onto the northern plains. Sites are between 945 and 2490 m (3100-8160 feet) elevation and are found along streams and rivers in broad valleys to narrow canyons. Stands extend onto the floodplain and stream terraces. Terraces may border the channel but are elevated several meters above the stream. Consequently, the community is only periodically flooded (10- to 25-year recurrence interval). On the older elevated terraces, soils show some development (Inceptisols), with some beginning to develop a rich organic layer from decomposition and leaching of leaves and branches (Mollic Epipedons). On recently aggraded bars, soils lack development (Entisols). These soils are located closer to the active channel and therefore can be wet or moist well within rooting depth. Generally, all soils are well-drained sand, loam or silt with river gravels and cobbles mixed within the matrix.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant tree canopy species for this site is Populus angustifolia. Total tree canopy cover ranges from 10 to 50 percent. Herbaceous graminoid species are also common in the understory of these sites, especially Thinopyrum ponticum and Bromus inermis, though many other typically non-native herbaceous species may be present. Herbaceous layer cover is dense (75-95%).

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Populus angustifolia Herbaceous Graminoid Thinopyrum ponticum, Bromus inermis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Populus angustifolia, Non-native grasses

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Moderate

Global Related Concepts:

Synonomy: > Populus angustifolia / Agrostis stolonifera Community (Jones and Walford 1995) > Populus angustifolia / Bromus inermis Community (Jones and Walford 1995) > Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Community (Jones and Walford 1995) > Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Community Type (Padgett et al. 1989) [Suggests Acer negundo or Fraxinus velutina may be codominant.] > Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Community Type (Youngblood et al. 1985b) > Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Community Type (Youngblood et al. 1985a) > Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Plant Association Type (Muldavin 1991) = Populus angustifolia / Herbaceous Community Type (Hansen et al. 1995) [Understory dominated by Poa pratensis, Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata, and Agrostis stolonifera.]

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= Populus angustifolia / Herbaceous Community Type (Hall and Hansen 1997) [Understory dominated by Poa pratensis, Pascopyrum smithii (native), Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, and Elymus repens (= Elytrigia repens).] = Populus angustifolia / Mesic Graminoid Woodland (Carsey et al. 2003a) [Understory dominated by Poa pratensis, Agrostis stolonifera, or other hay grasses (undescribed association needing further verification).] < Populus angustifolia Series (Fitzhugh et al. 1987) > Unclassified Cottonwood Communities (Manning and Padgett 1995) [Stands similar to Populus angustifolia / Poa pratensis Community Type (Padgett et al. 1989) was samples from Carson, Toiyabe, and White Pine ranges.]

Short Citation: •Coles et al. 2010 •Jones and Walford 1995 •Muldavin et al. 2000a •Hansen et al. 1995 •Muldavin 1991 •Youngblood et al. 1985b •Cogan et al. 2005 •Youngblood et al. 1985a •Padgett et al. 1989 •Carsey et al. 2003a •Salas et al. 2005 •Thomas et al. 2009b •Hall and Hansen 1997 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is mapped with several other similar woodland types and occurs primarily along Layout Creek and Medicine Creek.

Global Range: This riparian association is widespread in mountainous regions of the Rio Grande, Pecos, and Gila River watersheds and is widely distributed in foothills and lower montane zones throughout much of the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain West from New Mexico to Montana and Idaho extending west into the Great Basin and east onto the northern plains.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Semi-Desert - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M313 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

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ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (4 plots) BICA 196v, BICA 209v, BICA 1008v, BICA 1034v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: K.A. Schulz Version Date: 10Jan2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=790693

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CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland (Rio Grande Cottonwood / Disturbed Understory Woodland)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 1 Mesomorphic Tree Vegetation Class Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest Subclass Formation 1.B.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation Division 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Flooded & Swamp Forest Division Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain & Great Basin Riparian Forest Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nc Populus (balsamifera, deltoides, fremontii) / Salix spp. Riparian Woodland Group Group Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni - Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera Flooded Forest & Alliance Woodland Alliance (A3802) Association 1.B.3.Nc Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland

ELEMENT CONCEPT This association has only been described from Canyon de Chelly and Dinosaur national monuments, but it is likely to occur on abandoned floodplain terraces of low-gradient rivers and streams throughout the eastern Colorado Plateau of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and northeastern Arizona. The association is best developed on level valley bottom sites that no longer flood and that have been subjected to a long history of domestic livestock grazing. The vegetation underneath the open gallery canopy of Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni consists primarily of upland plants and is dominated by aggressive exotic species such as Bromus tectorum, Elymus repens, Acroptilon repens, Lepidium latifolium, and Poa pratensis. Relict native grasses, shrubs and forbs may be present with relatively low cover.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland type was sampled at seven locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, these sites are flat, and occur topographically on floodplains. A temporarily flooded, poorly drained soil that has a silt or clay-like texture is characteristic of soils at these sites. The non-vegetative characteristics of these sites include high litter cover (79-90%) and some wood cover (1-20%).

Global Environment: This Colorado Plateau association is documented from canyons and broad valley bottoms that support developed floodplains with multiple terraces. Landforms include abandoned stream terraces and oxbows high enough above stream level that they rarely flood. The vegetation is isolated from the water table. Stands tend to occur on level to gently sloping sites, that in northwestern Colorado lie between 1488 and 1720 m elevation. Soils are poorly developed and derived from sandy or silty alluvium, and large dead cottonwood branches and trunks litter the ground. Litter cover may be dense in some stands.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The dominant species in this type are Populus deltoides and Elaeagnus angustifolia, which are part of the tree canopy layer, which has 10-75% cover. Tamarix chinensis may be present at some disturbed sites as a shrub. Many species contribute to the herbaceous layer cover, which is various, but often includes Thinopyrum ponticum, Bromus inermis, and Elymus canadensis.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Populus deltoides, Elaeagnus angustifolia Shrub Shrub Tamarix chinensis Herbaceous Graminoid Thinopyrum ponticum, Bromus inermis, Elymus canadensis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Populus deltoides, Elaeagnus angustifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: Provisional

Global Related Concepts:

Short Citation: •CNHP 2010a •Thomas et al. 2010 •Western Ecology Working Group n.d. •Coles et al. 2008a

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs on the margins of the main reservoir body near to, and south of, the confluence of the Shoshone River.

Global Range: The range of Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni extends from extreme southwestern Wyoming through Colorado west of the Continental Divide to northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona; this association is likely to be common throughout this range on the high terraces of well-developed floodplains. It is currently known from Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NM?, UT, WY?

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine Meadow Province

Province Code: M331 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

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Section Name: Navajo Canyonlands Section

Section Code: 313B Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (7 plots) BICA 030v, BICA 1031v, BICA 1032v, BICA 145v, BICA 164v, BICA 167v, BICA 372v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: J. Coles, mod. K.A. Schulz Version Date: 10Jan2007

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=793190

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CEGL005264 Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi- natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Smooth Brome - (Western Wheatgrass) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland, Meadow & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Temperate Semi-natural Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup Macrogroup Group 2.B.2.Na Western North American Semi-natural Grassland & Shrubland Group Agropyron cristatum - Bromus inermis - Poa pratensis Ruderal Perennial Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3254) Association 2.B.2.Na Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This smooth brome grassland type occurs widely throughout the northern Great Plains, in disturbed montane meadows in the Rocky Mountains, on relatively mesic sites in the semi-arid interior western United States, and perhaps more widely in the midwestern U.S. and Canada. Stands can occur in a wide variety of human-disturbed habitats, including highway rights-of-way, jeep trails, etc. The type is also widely planted for revegetating disturbed land, pasture and hay fields, and has escaped into a variety of habitats, including prairie, riparian grasslands, and mesic mountain meadows. The dominant grass is Bromus inermis, a naturalized species from Eurasia that forms moderately dense to dense stands that often develop into monocultures. Other weedy species such as Cirsium arvense and Poa pratensis may occur as well, but native species are generally less than 10% cover. Native species may include mixed-grass prairie and montane meadow grasses, such as Pascopyrum smithii, Deschampsia caespitosa, and Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), and sparse, scattered mesic shrubs such as Symphoricarpos spp., as well as many others. However, the native species are not conspicuous enough to identify the native plant association that could occupy the site, or the stand would be typed as such.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi- natural Herbaceous Vegetation type was sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. In general, slopes at these sites are low, with observed slopes from 0 to 4 percent slope. Soils at these sites are moist to dry and moderately well-drained with sandy clay, silt, or clay loam textures. Bare ground and litter are the two characteristic features of the unvegetated layer, at 10-88 and 5-83 percent cover, respectively.

Global Environment: This smooth brome grassland type occurs widely throughout the northern Great Plains, on relatively mesic sites in the semi-arid interior western United States, and perhaps

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more widely in the midwestern U.S. and Canada. Stands can occur in a wide variety of human- disturbed habitats, including highway rights-of-way, jeep trails, etc. The type is also widely planted for revegetating disturbed land, pasture and hay fields, and has escaped into a variety of habitats, including prairie, riparian grasslands, and mesic mountain meadows. This community is found at all elevational ranges with best examples occurring on mesic alluvial terraces. Bromus inermis grows best on moist, well-drained, finer-textured loam and clay loams, not heavy clays or sand, and does not tolerate prolonged flooding, however, it does persist quite well on well-drained sandy loam derived from granitic parent material. It also occurs in foothills and plains at lower elevations on relatively mesic sites. It occurs on poorly drained sites to rapidly drained sites with fine-textured alluvial soils derived from shale formations found in Utah. This community persists because it is rhizomatous, and once seeded, with enough moisture, will persist, regardless of elevation, soil or landform.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type is characterized by herbaceous species and few if any shrub species. Herbaceous species are often weedy and non-native, including the most common species, Bromus inermis. As this site is often disturbed, composition may be quite variable from site to site.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Herbaceous Graminoid Bromus inermis

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Bromus inermis, weedy non-native herbaceous species

CLASSIFICATION Global Related Concepts: Synonomy: = Bromus inermis Community Type (Hansen et al. 1995)

Short Citation: •Salas and Pucherelli 2002a •Schulz and Hall 2011 •Cronquist et al. 1977 •Coles et al. 2010 •Kindscher et al. 2011a •Butler et al. 2002 •Kindscher et al. 2011b •Cooper 2003 •Tendick et al. 2011a •Hansen et al. 1995 •Cogan et al. 2004 •Tendick et al. 2011b •Owns et al. 2004 •Salas et al. 2005 •Thomas et al. 2009b

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•Von Loh et al. 1999 •NDNHI unpubl. data •MTNHP 2002b •Von Loh et al. 2008 •Tendick et al. 2010 •Trammel and Butler 1995 •Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d. •Von Loh et al. 2000

Global Range: This type occurs widely throughout the northern Great Plains, montane meadows in the Rocky Mountains, in relatively mesic sites in Utah and Wyoming, and perhaps more widely in the midwestern and western U.S. and Canada, as well where Bromus inermis has escaped from revegetation and forage plantings.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, NV, SD, UT, WY

USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Great Plains Steppe Province

Province Code: 332 Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

Section Name: Northwestern Great Plains Section

Section Code: 331F Occurrence Status: Predicted or probable

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 003v, BICA 004v, BICA 1035v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. K.A. Schulz and J. Coles Version Date: 24Feb2009

References:For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=68406

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CEGL005266 - Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation (Crested Wheatgrass - (Western Wheatgrass, Needle-and- Thread) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation)

USNVC HIERARCHY Class 2 Mesomorphic Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation Division 2.B.2.Na Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division 2.B.2.Na.90 Bromus inermis - Centaurea spp. - Lepidium spp. Western North American Ruderal Macrogroup Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup Group 2.B.2.Na.90.a Interior Western North American Ruderal Grassland & Shrubland Group Agropyron cristatum - Bromus inermis - Poa pratensis Ruderal Perennial Grassland Alliance Alliance (A3254) 2.B.2.Na.90.a Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata)Ruderal Association Herbaceous Vegetation

ELEMENT CONCEPT This crested wheatgrass association occurs most commonly in the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. Sites are also reported from the southern Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau, and high plateaus of southern Utah, and it likely occurs throughout much of the semi-arid interior West. Stands occur in a wide variety of human-disturbed habitats, including highway rights-of-way, jeep trails, etc. It is also widely planted to revegetate pastures and western rangelands. The vegetation is characterized by a sparse to dense, medium-tall graminoid layer dominated by Agropyron cristatum, an introduced forage species from Russia and Siberia that has been planted extensively in the western United States. Other weedy species may occur as well, but native species are generally less than 10% cover. Native species may include mixed-grass prairie grasses, such as Pascopyrum smithii and Hesperostipa comata (=), as well as others. In the Intermountain West, native grasses Poa secunda and Pseudoroegneria spicata may be present at low cover.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Global Environment: This grassland occurs in the northern Great Plains, southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau and likely occurs throughout much of the semi-arid interior West. This type can occur in a wide variety of human-disturbed habitats, including railroad and highway rights- of-way, jeep trails, etc. It is also widely planted to revegetate pastures and western rangelands. Substrates are variable but tend to be loamy or finer-textured soils such as silt or clay loams.

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VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Global Vegetation: The vegetation is characterized by an open to dense, medium-tall (0.5-1 m) graminoid layer dominated by Agropyron cristatum, an introduced forage species from Russia and Siberia that has been planted extensively in the northwestern Great Plains and to a lesser extent in the interior western U.S. such as on the Colorado Plateau. It has also been used to revegetate disturbed areas and has expanded into natural vegetation communities. Other species present are often introduced or weedy and include annuals Bromus japonicus, Bromus tectorum, Helianthus annuus, and Sisymbrium altissimum, and perennials Bromus inermis, Convolvulus arvensis, Descurainia sophia, Linaria vulgaris, Melilotus officinalis, Poa pratensis, Psathyrostachys juncea (= Elymus junceus), and Verbascum thapsus. Remnant native species generally have less than 10% cover and include Bouteloua gracilis, Nassella viridula, Pascopyrum smithii, and Hesperostipa comata in mixed-grass prairie, and Poa secunda, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and Leptodactylon pungens in intermountain regions. Short and dwarf-shrubs may provide sparse cover in some stands and include Atriplex canescens, Ericameria nauseosa, and Gutierrezia sarothrae.

Author(s): D. Faber-Langendoen Edition Date: 06May2008

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CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Woodland (Russian-olive Ruderal Woodland)

ELEMENT CONCEPT This widespread Russian-olive woodland type is found in the northern Great Plains, Colorado Plateau, and probably throughout much of the western United States and adjacent Canada. It is a naturalized species that has been widely planted in hedgerows for windbreaks. It has since spread to a variety of native habitats, particularly more mesic ones, such as near streams and rivers, although small upland stands are also known. The vegetation is dominated by Elaeagnus angustifolia, sometimes accompanied by Tamarix spp. Remnant Populus fremontii trees may remain as canopy emergents. Stands may be small and linear. The vegetation is dominated by the tree Elaeagnus angustifolia with a variety of native and introduced species in the shrub and herbaceous layers. Associated species have not been characterized. Canopy closure is between 40 and 50%. Shrub cover is provided by Salix exigua and Amorpha fruticosa. Pascopyrum smithii, Sporobolus airoides, Distichlis spicata, and Hordeum jubatum comprise the herbaceous layer in some stands; in others the understory is dominated by introduced species, such as Lepidium latifolium, Descurainia sophia, and Bassia scoparia (= Kochia scoparia).

ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: The Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Woodland type was sampled at three locations in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These sites are found in basin floor areas and typically have gentle slopes. Soils are clay loam or loamy sand in texture, and moist. Overall, litter cover is high (82-87%) at these sites, while all other unvegetated features have low total cover.

Global Environment: This woodland type is naturalized throughout the interior West and Great Plains, probably spreading as a result of Elaeagnus angustifolia being widely planted in hedgerows for windbreaks. It has spread to a variety of native habitats, particularly more mesic ones, such as riverbanks, stream terraces and shorelines. Stands also occur in upland basins and drainages. Stands may be small and linear, but many extend for great distances along streams. Adjacent vegetation

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includes other riparian shrublands and wetlands dominated by Salix exigua or Scirpus and/or Schoenoplectus spp. Upland vegetation is variable.

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Elaeagnus angustifolia is the only species commonly found across all sites, and is considered either as a tree or shrub, depending on its stature. The tree canopy layer and shrub layers have 10-75 and 10-25 percent covers, respectively. The understory of the sites is made up of a diverse mixture of weedy forbs and graminoids, with occasional shrubs.

Tree canopy is 10-20 m tall, tall shrub 2-10 m, and short shrub less than 2 m.

MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Stratum Lifeform Species

Tree canopy Tree Elaeagnus angustifolia Shrub Shrub Elaeagnus angustifolia

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Elaeagnus angustifolia

CLASSIFICATION Classification Confidence: High

Global Related Concepts:

Short Citation: •Von Loh et al. 2002 •Great Plains Flora Association 1986 •Coles et al. 2009a •Von Loh et al. 1999 •NDNHI unpubl. data •Thomas et al. 2010 •Coles et al. 2008a •Midwestern Ecology Working Group n.d.

ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: This type occurs on the margins of the main reservoir body near to, and south of, the confluence of the Shoshone River.

Global Range: This widespread Russian-olive woodland type is reported from the northern Great Plains, Colorado Plateau, and probably occurs throughout much of the western United States and adjacent Canada along rivers and streams, where it replaces native Populus spp.- and Acer negundo-dominated forests and woodlands.

Nations: US

States/Provinces: AZ, CO, ND, SD, UT

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USFS Ecoregions:

Province Name: Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert Province

Province Code: 341 Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

Section Name: Navajo Canyonlands Section

Section Code: 313B Occurrence Status: Confident or certain

ELEMENT SOURCES Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: (3 plots) BICA 1028v, BICA 103v, BICA 2003v.

Local Description Authors: J. Stevens and T. Talbot

Global Description Authors: D. Faber-Langendoen, mod. J. Coles and K.A. Schulz Version Date: 03Jul2006

References: For specific references see http://www1.usgs.gov/csas/nvcs/nvcsGetUnitDetails?elementGlobalId=68740

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Brief Descriptions of BICA Park Special Types Based on Field Observations 2011-2013

Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland (Box-elder / Skunkbush Sumac Wooded Shrubland) CEPS0001 This type occurs in narrow drainages and side canyons. Some canyons in the south sector of BICA can be high-gradient with large boulders and drop offs. Streams are typically ephemeral but may have some surface flow. The vegetation is characterized by a deciduous shrub layer dominated by Rhus trilobata and Prunus virginiana. Acer glabrum, Ribes spp., Rosa spp., Sherherdia argentea, and Prunus americana may also occur. Tree cover is sparse and discontinuous and typically less than 10-15% canopy cover, consisting of small patches or individuals. Acer negundo is the typical tree but Juniperus scopulorum and Populus angustifolia may also be present. In some locations Acer negundo may have a multi-stemmed, shrubby form. Herbaceous cover is variable; forbs and grasses are more diverse and abundant on more mesic sites. In the Southern sector of BICA this type often forms a very narrow corridor in side canyons of the Bighorn River and therefore the assessment of particular reach should include a reasonable distance upstream and downstream. At Fort Smith this type occurs in drainages with moderately sloping sides where the vegetation may extend away from the drainage bottom.

Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0002 This type occurs on a variety of upland sites and valley bottoms, slopes, along roadways and in areas that have been disturbed by fire, earthmoving, agriculture, historic off-road vehicle use, grazing, water table drawdown or where nonnative invasives have invaded stands of native vegetation. Some sites in small drainages and broad river valley terraces are subject to intermittent flooding but this may occur on mesic sites or sites fed by high groundwater tables or seepage. Patches are often small and interspersed with other native and semi-natural plant communities. Vegetation is dominated by weedy annual grasses such as Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus and annual or biannual forbs such as Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia), Salsola tragus, Descurainia sophia, Halogeton glomeratus and Sisymbrium altissimum. Patches of Acroptilon repens and Cardaria draba occur within this type, typically on Bighorn and Shoshone River flood terraces and abandoned agricultural fields.

Some remnant native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation may be present but these components are minor and do not characterize the community structure. This type may be on upper terraces along the Big Horn and Shoshone River but these areas are not flooded often and different from the saturated mudflats and drawdown zone influenced by annual water fluctuations that extends for several km south and north of Highway 14A.

Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation CEPS0003 This type typically occurs on low-gradient to flat slopes that are regularly inundated by Yellowtail Reservoir. It occurs on broad mud flats north and south of the Highway 14A causeway that

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experience frequent flooding as the lake is filled in the spring, interior floodplain depressions and former river channels, and gently sloping areas adjacent to the shoreline influenced by changing lake levels. The vegetation is dynamic and affected by the depth and duration of inundation and periods of sequential low-water years. Vegetation is dominated by annual forbs such as Rumex spp., Guara spp., Potentilla norvegica and other Potentilla spp., Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia) and Salsola tragus. Long periods of drought can lead to colonization of these areas by Tamarix and other perennial and biennial species.

Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland (Rocky Mountain Juniper Intermittently Flooded Woodland) CEPS0004 This type is found along small intermittent low-gradient drainages, most notably in tributaries of the Medicine Creek drainage but may occur elsewhere. Juniperus scopulorum dominates the tree layer and deciduous trees are rare or absent. The understory has sparse to dense and patchy cover of deciduous shrubs such as Prunus virginiana, Ribes spp., and Rhus trilobata. Cercocarpus is not present. Artemisia cana may be present on adjacent terraces.

Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff CEPS0005 This type occurs most commonly in the steep canyon areas generally north of Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, in large side canyons such as Dry Head Creek, and in the Pryor Mountains. It includes overhanging, vertical, and very steep rock faces as well as very steep rocky slopes with some soil. Where it occurs, vegetation consists of scattered Juniperus osteosperma, Cercocarpus ledifolius, and native bunchgrasses (often Pseudoroegneria spicata). Vegetation may be scattered or patchy in cracks and pockets, in swales and along narrow benches along cliff faces. Bands of vegetation on cliff faces that are large enough to be mapped (vertical projection) are mapped as other vegetation polygons. Otherwise the small vegetation bands are mapped as inclusions within this barren/sparse cliff type.

Reservoir Edge CEPS0006 This class consists of occasional, narrow bands along the Bighorn Lake shoreline in the steeper canyon areas. These dynamic shoreline areas are highly influenced by the regular seasonal changes in lake elevation, and typically support no or little vegetation. Sites are often inundated for much of the year, but during early spring, dry years or extended periods of low lake levels, these sites may be colonized by annual and perennial native and nonnative vegetation.

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National Park Department of the Service Interior

Natural Resource Stewardship and Science

Appendix B. Field Key to Plant Associations Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, WY/MT

Joe Stevens Colorado Natural Heritage Program Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523

David Jones Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523

Contents

Introduction Conventions Used in the Key Non-Vegetated and Level 2 Land Cover Classes (NLCD 2001) Key to Physiognomic Divisions Key to Plant Associations Division A- Tree Vegetation Division B- Shrub Vegetation Division C- Herbaceous Vegetation Division D- Sparse Vegetation

B-1

Introduction Conventions Used in the Key Trees are typically greater than 5 m tall; however some Juniperus scopulorum and J. osteosperma may only be 2-3 m tall and still be considered trees.

In general, forest canopies have greater than 60% cover and woodland canopies have between 10% and 60% cover, However cover percentages are variable rules and are not firm boundaries. Sometimes a woodland tree canopy can be as low as 5% when an open canopy of trees characterizes the vegetation of the site.

Tree species can form regeneration layer of seedlings or saplings that are not considered part of the tree canopy (emergent, main, sub canopy) and are considered part of a shrub layer (tall, short, dwarf).

A lower stratum beneath trees is not necessarily a “shrub” stratum, but more correctly they are “sub- stratum”

At BICA, total vegetation cover can be very low and therefore relative proportions become more important than aggregate cover.

On southern end of the project area, reservoir fluctuations change the appearance of and boundaries between land, water, and vegetation. Be aware of reservoir margins and current lake levels when working through the key. Ask yourself how filling or drawing down the reservoir has affected the expression of the community you are in.

Be aware of past land use history and how that may affect the expression of the community When in an area that shows past land use impacts (or when having difficulty identifying the type) try to consider if and how past land use effects the expression of the type.

In sparse types, particularly, but everywhere also, you must look down to properly estimate cover. For example, if you are in a cushion plant community and look across the area it will often appear as a grassland, it’s when you look straight down that you actually see how little of the total cover that grasses make up.

Species abbreviations follow the USDA PLANTS Database syntax that uses the uppercase first two letters of the genus and species names with or without one or more trailing alphabetic or numeric characters (e.g. PIFL2 = Pinus flexilis; and PIFLA2 = Pinus flexilis var. alpina). Trailing numbers are indicate a duplicate abbreviation exists; whereas trailing letters indicate the species is listed at the trinomial.

Accepted USNVC types are represented by a 10 digit CEGL code (e.g. CEGL001408). Types identified at BICA without a suitable type defined within the USNVC are “Park Specials” and are represented by a CEPS code (e.g. CEPS0001).

The naming convention for associations used in this key follows that of the USNVC, wherein, the name lists the dominant species of the uppermost canopy first separated from successively lower strata with a slash (/). The names of co-dominant species within the same stratum are separated by a

B-2

dash (-). Species names in parenthesis indicate species that may or may not be present and whose presence is optional within the context of the association (e.g. Pinus Ponderosa- Pinus flexilis / Juniper (osteosperma, scopulorum) Woodland. Association names are followed by BICA map class codes and names.

The names of co-dominant species within the same stratum are separated by a dash (-). Species names in parentheses indicate species that may or may not be present and whose presence is optional within the context of the association (e.g. Pinus Ponderosa – Pinus flexilis/Juniper (osteosperma, scopulorum) Woodland. Association names are followed by BICA map class codes and names (e.g. MC506 Ponderosa Pina Woodland).

Non-Vegetated and Level 2 Land Cover Classes (NLCD 2001) No key is provided for these non-vegetated and cultural classes:

• ... Agricultural Vegetation • ... Barren Land (includes barren areas and outcrops, mine and borrow pits, and road cuts) • ... Developed, Open Space • ... Developed, High Intensity • ... Water

B-3

Physiognomic Classes I. Coniferous and/or deciduous tree species form an overstory canopy, usually with > 15 percent cover and with relatively even distribution; canopy cover for woodland associations of pine (Pinus), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) and juniper (Juniperus) species may be as low as 10 percent and extend down to just 5% for open limber pine (Pinus flexilis) or juniper (Juniperus) species stands when trees characterize the vegetation (e.g. lower strata are relatively insignificant). Total vegetation cover is greater than 10 percent cover...... Division A - Tree Vegetation

II. Shrubs or sub-shrubs occur as a distinct stratum and provide the dominant community structure with an aggregate canopy cover of greater than 10 percent. Shrubs are distributed relatively evenly throughout the area with percent cover ranging from very dense (a continuous canopy of overlapping or touching shrubs) to sparse (individual shrubs or clumps of shrubs that are relatively evenly spaced throughout). Trees, if present, occur with less than 10 percent canopy cover and do not characterized stand e.g., scattered trees within a shrubland. Herbaceous species may occur in the understory and may have significantly higher total cover than shrubs. Total vegetation cover is greater than 10 percent cover...... Division B - Shrub Vegetation

III. Herbaceous vegetation characterizes the community. Aggregate cover of shrub species of any height is generally < 10 percent and is lower than cover of herbaceous species. Shrubs, when present, are very widely spaced. Trees, if present, occur with less than 10 percent cover and do not characterize the stand (e.g., scattered trees within a grassland). Total vegetation cover is greater than 10 percent cover ...... Division C - Herbaceous Vegetation

IV. Aggregate vegetation cover is generally less than 10 percent and may be composed of tree, shrub or herbaceous species. Substrates are important, can range from bare ground to bedrock and often characterize association...... Division D - Sparse Vegetation

B-4

Division A- Tree Vegetation

1a. Coniferous trees dominate the overstory canopy and sub-canopy with >50 percent combined relative cover; if deciduous trees are present they occur with <35 percent relative cover. These are upland systems, occupying sites that are generally not flooded and do not support hydrophilic vegetation ...... (2)

1b. Deciduous trees dominate the overstory canopy and sub-canopy with >65 percent relative cover; if coniferous trees are present they occur with <35 percent relative cover. These are often wetland systems occupying sites that are temporarily, intermittently, or seasonally flooded; or they may occupy mesic upland basin floors with gently sloping topography. Wetland sites may appear as upland sites during periods of low water.(17)

2a. Pinus or Pseudotsuga tree species dominate the overstory tree canopy or are co-dominant with other tree species in the canopy.(3)

2b. Juniperus species dominate the overstory tree canopy ...... (11)

3a. Pinus is the dominant or co-dominant genus of the overstory canopy ...... (4)

3b. Pseudotsuga menziesii is the dominant or co-dominant overstory canopy species ...... (7)

4a. Overstory canopy is dominated by a mix of Pinus flexilis and Juniper (osteosperma, scopulorum); Pinus ponderosa is not present or has low cover (accidental occurrence) ...... (6)

4b. Pinus ponderosa dominates or co-dominates the tree canopy; Pinus flexilis may be co dominant to absent...... (5)

5a. Pinus ponderosa dominates or co-dominates the tree canopy with Juniperus osteosperma. Understory is characterized open to moderately dense shrub understory dominated by curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius)...... Pinus Ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Ponderosa pine / Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany Woodland) (CEGL000850) MC506 Ponderosa Pine Woodland

5b. Pinus ponderosa dominates or co-dominates the tree canopy with Juniperus osteosperma. Understory is characterized open to moderately dense herbaceous layer characterized by and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)...... Pinus Ponderosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Ponderosa pine / bluebunch wheatgrass Woodland) (CEGL000865) MC506 Ponderosa Pine Woodland

6a. Pinus flexilis dominates or co-dominates the tree canopy with Juniperus osteosperma forming a sub-canopy or tall shrub layer. Vegetation is characterized by a characteristically low –stature overstory tree canopy with cover ranging from 5 to 75 percent and an open to moderate herbaceous layer characterized by graminoids with bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) dominant or co-dominant. Scattered shrubs may be present but do not form a layer...... Pinus flexilis /

B-5

Juniperus osteosperma Woodland (Limber Pine / Utah Juniper Woodland) (CEGL000808) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

6b. Pinus flexilis dominates or co-dominates the tree canopy with Juniperus scopulorum forming a sub-canopy or tall shrub layer. Understory is variable. Short shrub cover ranges from 5 to 75 percent with black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) the most common species. Herbaceous cover ranges from 5 to 75 percent with the most common species being muttongrass (Poa fendleriana) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)...... Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Limber Pine / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) (CEGL000809) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

7a. Pseudotsuga menziesii dominates the open tree canopy (10-25 percent cover) on open scree slopes. Scattered shrubs, grasses and forbs may be present but are sparse on the often steep, unstable substrate...... Pseudotsuga menziesii Scree Woodland (Douglas-fir Scree Woodland) (CEGL000911) MC510 Douglas fir Scree Woodland

7b. Pseudotsuga menziesii dominates or co-dominates the overstory tree canopy. Substrates are not scree slopes...... (8)

8a. Acer glabrum dominates or co-dominates the tall-shrub layer. Vegetation is characterized by an overstory tree canopy cover that is typically high, ranging from 50-80 percent , that is dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) but often also includes a moderate to high cover of limber pine (Pinus flexilis), or, in some stands a moderate to high cover of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii). The shrub layer ranges from 2-25 percent and typically includes sapling Rocky mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and shrubs such as skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), mountain ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus), and creeping barberry (Mahonia repens). Herbaceous cover is typically low ranging from 0-25 percent...... Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest (Douglas-fir/Rocky Mountain Maple Forest) (CEGL000418) MC402 Douglas fir / Rocky Mountain maple Forest

8b. Pseudotsuga menziesii dominates or co-dominates the overstory tree canopy. Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) is absent or has low cover ...... (9)

9a. Mahonia repens dominates short-shrub layer. Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) absent or has low cover...... Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens Forest (Douglas-fir / Creeping Barberry Forest) (CEGL000442) MC403 Douglas-fir / Creeping Barberry Forest

B-6

9b. Pseudotsuga menziesii dominates or co-dominates the overstory tree canopy. Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) is absent or has low cover ...... (10)

10a. Pseudotsuga menziesii co-dominates the overstory canopy with Pinus flexilis. Aggregate tree cover ranges from 10-50 percent. The understory canopy is dominated Utah juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) with 10-25 percent cover. Other shrubs are sparse or absent. Herbaceous cover is low (10%-25 %) and characterized by a variable mix of species. These stands occupy steep-gradient (25%-36%) mid slopes...... Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland (Douglas-fir - Limber Pine / Spike Fescue Woodland) (CEGL000906) MC511 Douglas-fir Woodland

10b. Juniperus scopulorum dominates the understory shrub canopy. Vegetation is characterized by an overstory tree canopy cover that varies from 10-95 percent and is dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) but may also include limber pine (Pinus flexilis). Total shrub cover varies from 2-50 percent and includes creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) and common juniper (J. communis). The herbaceous layer ranges from 2-50 percent cover with common species being muttongrass (Poa fendleriana), Sandberg bluegrass (P. secunda) and the non-native Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis)...... Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Douglas-fir / Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) (CEGL000903) MC511 Douglas-fir Woodland

11a. Juniperus osteosperma dominates the overstory tree canopy; understory is variably composed of shrubs, sub-shrubs or herbaceous species ...... (13) 11b. Juniperus scopulorum characterizes the overstory tree canopy of this woodland ...... (12)

12a. Juniperus scopulorum dominates the overstory tree canopy; understory is variable often composed primarily of the skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), current (Ribes spp.). Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is not present. Stands occur along intermittently flooded drainage channels...... Juniperus scopulorum Intermittently Flooded Woodland (Rocky Mountain Juniper Intermittently FloodedWoodland) (CEPS0004) MC504 Rocky Mountain Juniper Intermittently Flooded Woodland

12b. Juniperus scopulorum characterizes the tree canopy of this open, short-statured woodland. Other tree species, including limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) may also be present. Aggregate tree cover is open with typically 5-15 percent cover. Aggregate cover of the shrub layer is high, ranging from 50-75 percent and is dominated by low stature curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) and sapling Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum), though Utah juniper (J. osteosperma) is also present. Herbaceous cover is a sparse and characterized by bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). These stands occupy steep-gradient (32-34%), north-facing upland slopes...... Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Rocky Mountain Juniper / Curl-leaf Mountain-mahogany Woodland) (CEGL000744) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

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13a. Shrubs or sub-shrubs characterize the understory canopy providing a distinct shrub layer although herbaceous species may be present with high cover ...... (14) 13b. A distinct shrub layer is lacking although scattered shrubs may be present. Understory is characterized by herbaceous species or canopy is sparse...... (16)

14a. Artemisia species dominate the shrub layer ...... (15) 14b. Shrub cover is dominated by Cercocarpus ledifolius var. ledifolius, which is seldom taller than 1.5m. Vegetation is characterized by an open, short-stature woodland, with Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) characterizing the open tree canopy (5-15 percent cover). Aggregate shrub cover ranges from 10-75 percent and includes sapling Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), and broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Herbaceous layer ranges from 5-50 percent cover and is a diverse mix of species characterized by threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)...... Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland (Utah Juniper / Curl-leaf Mountain -mahogany Woodland) (CEGL000734) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

15a. Artemisia nova dominates the shrub canopy. Vegetation consists of a tree canopy that is characterized by an open canopy of Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) with cover that ranges widely from 5-50 percent and a shrub understory dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova and may include other shrub species including curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius). Herbaceous layer varies from 25-75 percent and is characterized by mixed graminoids with the most common species being threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), and needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata). Stands occupy low- to high-gradient slopes of all aspects...... Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland (Utah Juniper / Black Sagebrush Woodland) (CEGL000728) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

15b. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata dominates the understory shrub layer. Vegetation is characterized by an open to moderate tree canopy with 10-50 percent cover of Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) and a shrub understory dominated by basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata). Stands occupy low-gradient terraces that are protected from flooding. This association tends to develop in areas that have escaped disturbance for a long enough time to allow J. osteosperma trees from nearby woodlands to invade ...... Juniperus osteosperma /Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Basin Big Sagebrush Woodland) (CEGL002360) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

16a. Pseudoroegneria spicata dominates the sparse to moderately dense herbaceous understory. Vegetation consists of a variable tree canopy characterized by Juniperus osteosperma with cover ranging from 5-50 percent, the lack of a developed shrub layer, and a variable herbaceous layer that

B-8

ranges from 5-50 percent cover...... Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland (Utah Juniper / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Woodland) (CEGL000738) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

16b. Mixed herbaceous species with sparse cover characterizes the understory. Vegetation is characterized by a tree canopy dominated by Juniperus osteosperma with low to moderate cover (10- 50 percent) and a typically sparse herbaceous layer. Shrub cover is typically less than 10 percent and is composed of a mix of species with the most common being Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), hair spine prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha) and broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Herbaceous cover can range from 5-50 percent but is typically low (<5%) and includes a diverse mix of species dominated by graminoids but also includes forbs. The most common herbaceous species include threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), and needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata). Stands occupy slopes with varying aspects but typically have a low-gradient...... Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland (Utah juniper / Sparse Understory Woodland) (CEGL000732) MC502a Utah Juniper Woodland, (Limber pine / Juniper spp. Woodland)

17a. Acer negundo or Populus species are dominant in the overstory canopy ...... (20) 17b. Acer negundo or Populus species are not dominant in the overstory canopy...... (18)

18a. Tamarix chinensis solely or strongly dominates the tree or tall shrub canopy; the site is typically periodically flooded. Vegetation is characterized by the lack of a distinct tree layer, although scattered trees may be present, and the preponderant shrub layer is dominated by tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) with a variable to absent herbaceous layer ... Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland (Tamarisk species Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland) (CEGL003114) MC315 Tamarisk spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland

18b. Tamarix species do not dominate the stand; the site may be periodically flooded ...... (19)

19a. Salix amygdaloides dominates the overstory tree canopy. Aggregate tree canopy cover ranges from 25-85 percent and may include a high cover of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). The understory is characterized by a typically sparse and species-poor herbaceous layer. These stands occupy seasonally flooded sites in a variety of locations such as floodplains where the water table typically stays within 1 m of the soil surface during the growing season...... Salix amygdaloides Woodland (Peachleaf Willow Woodland) (CEGL00947) MC512 Peachleaf Willow Woodland

19b. Elaeagnus angustifolia dominates the overstory tree canopy which has an aggregate cover that ranges from 25-50 percent and may include tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) species and cottonwood (Populus spp.) species but always with lower cover than Russian olive (E. angustifolia). Shrub cover is variable, ranging from 0-25 percent and may consist of a variety of species with no one species dominant. Stands occupy low-gradient upland basins and may also occupy riverbanks, stream

B-9

terraces and shorelines and upland drainages...... Elaeagnus angustifolia Semi-natural Woodland (Russian-olive Semi-natural Woodland) (CEGL005269) MC501 Russian-olive Ruderal Woodland

20a. Populus species are the dominant trees in canopy ...... (21) 20b. Acer negundo is dominant tree in canopy ...... (24)

21a. Populus angustifolia or P. deltoides are the dominant tree species ...... (22) 21b. Populus tremuloides dominates the tree canopy. Tree cover is characterized by an open to dense canopy with 20-95 percent cover which often includes other tree species such as Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). Understory is dominated by the dwarf-shrub creeping barberry (Mahonia repens). Stands occupy low- to moderately steep-gradient slopes on cooler, north-facing slopes and also may occur in upland ravines and along streams...... Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest (Quaking Aspen / Creeping Oregon-grape Forest) (CEGL000594) MC507 Narrowleaf Cottonwood Temporarily Flooded Woodland

22a. Populus angustifolia is the dominant tree species ...... (23) 22b. Populus deltoides is the dominant tree species. Tree canopy is characterized by a 10-75% cover of mature to decadent stands of plains cottonwood (P. deltoides) with Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in the sub-canopy. Understory is dominated by non-native herbaceous species though scattered shrubs may be present. Stands occupy flat sites on abandoned stream terraces and oxbows high enough above stream level that they rarely flood...... Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera / Disturbed Understory Woodland (Plains Cottonwood / Disturbed Understory Woodland) (CEPS0002) MC508 Plains Cottonwood / Disturbed Understory Woodland

23a. Populus angustifolia dominates the mature, moderately open (25-60%) tree canopy with Juniperus scopulorum occurring in the sub-canopy. A distinct shrub layer is present, with cover that ranges from 10 to 50 percent, and is characterized by a variety of species with no one species dominant. The herbaceous layer is characterized by an open cover of native and non-native mixed graminoids and forbs. Stands occupy gentle-gradient (2-4%) slopes on higher, drier terraces that are infrequently flooded (10- to 100-year recurrence intervals)...... Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood- Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland) (CEGL002640) MC507 Narrowleaf Cottonwood Temporarily Flooded Woodland

23b. Populus angustifolia is the dominant tree in this riparian woodland. Tree canopy cover ranges from moderately open to closed with 50-90 percent cover. A distinct shrub layer is absent although scattered shrubs may be present (<10 percent cover). The understory is characterized by a moderately dense to dense cover (75-95%) herbaceous layer that is dominated by non-native perennial graminoids with smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) most common. Stands occupy low-gradient slopes on basin floors along streams and rivers, extending onto

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the floodplain and stream terraces. Terraces may border the channel but are elevated several meters above the stream thus are only periodically flooded (10- to 25-year recurrence interval)...... Populus angustifolia /Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland (Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grasses Semi-natural Woodland) (CEGL003749) MC507 Narrowleaf Cottonwood Temporarily Flooded Woodland

24a. Acer negundo dominates the overstory tree canopy; understory is composed primarily of the shrub black chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Stands occur along drainage channels ...... Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana Forest (Box-elder/ Chokecherry Forest) (CEGL000628) MC314a Box-elder/ Skunkbush Sumac - (Chokecherry) Wooded Shrubland and Forest

24b. Acer negundo dominates the overstory tree canopy; understory is composed primarily of the shrub skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata). Stands occur along drainage channels...... Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland (Box-elder/ Skunkbush Sumac Wooded Shrubland) (CEPS0001) MC314a Box-elder/ Skunkbush Sumac - (Chokecherry) Wooded Shrubland and Forest

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Division B- Shrub Vegetation

1a. Stand is characterized by Artemisia species, which may occur as dominant, co-dominant or sub- dominant but are always a signature component of the matrix shrub cover ...... (2) 1b. Stand is characterized by shrubs other than Artemisia species ...... (13)

2a. Artemisia cana ssp. cana is the dominant shrub; vegetation is characterized by and open to moderately dense tall stature shrub layer with moderately dense to dense perennial herbaceous layer dominated or co-dominated by Pascopyrum smithii ... Artemisia cana ssp. cana / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Silver Sagebrush Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001556) MC202 Silver Sagebrush / Western wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

2b. Artemisia taxa, other than silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana ssp. cana) are the dominant shrubs (3)

3a. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata is the dominant or co-dominant shrub; vegetation is characterized by tall stature shrublands with sagebrush commonly reaching heights of 15-18 dm (5-6 ft) ...... (4) 3b. Artemisia taxa, other than basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) are the dominant shrubs ...... (5)

4a. Sarcobatus vermiculatus occurs with Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata; either A. tridentata ssp. tridentata or S. vermiculatus may have the greater cover. Shrub cover ranges from 5 to 75 percent with other shrubs only a minor component of the shrub layer. Stands occupy low-gradient (0-1%) basin floors and colluvial toe slopes and are characteristic of stream terraces and floodplains...... Sar- cobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland (Greasewood / Big Sagebrush Shrubland) (CEGL001359) MC311 Greasewood Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

4b. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata dominates the stand with Ericameria nauseosa present or occurring in the near vicinity. Shrub cover ranges from sparse to dense (10-75%) and may include other shrub species. Herbaceous cover ranges from 25 to 95 percent and is dominated by non-native annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Other non-native grasses such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) are common. Stands occupy gentle-gradient and level sites, typically on basin floors and floodplains and may also occur on alluvial terraces or flats and fans...... Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Shrubland (Big Sagebrush - (Rubber Rabbitbrush) / Cheatgrass Semi-natural Shrubland) (CEGL002699) MC302 Big Sagebrush - (Rubber Rabbitbrush) / Cheatgrass Semi-natural Shrubland

5a. Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana dominates the shrub canopy; vegetation is characterized by moderate-stature shrublands with mature mountain sagebrush (A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana) plants >4.5dm (18 inches) ...... (6)

B-12

5b. Artemisia taxa generally <4.5 dm (18inches) but up to 6-9 dm (24-36 inches) tall characterize shrub vegetation ...... (8) 6a. Pseudoroegneria spicata dominates the herbaceous understory. Other grasses may be present including needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). ... Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland) (CEGL001030) MC303 Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland

6b. Grasses other than bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) dominate the herbaceous understory...... (7)

7a. Hesperostipa comata dominates the herbaceous understory. Total vegetative cover is moderate to dense, often exceeding 60 percent. Shrub cover ranges from 1-50 percent and is dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana but includes other shrub species. Less common but consistently present shrub species include Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), and fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Herbaceous cover ranges from 25 to 95 percent and is codominated by needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Other less common grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) and the non-native cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Stands occupy gentle-gradient (0-4%) low slopes and basin floors.Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Needle-and-Thread Shrubland) (CEGL002931) MC303 Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland

7b. Festuca idahoensis dominates the herbaceous understory. Vegetation in this herbaceous shrubland is characterized by an open shrub layer of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana with a generally high cover of perennial graminoids. Shrub cover ranges from 10-40 percent and includes other shrub species with the most common being Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis). Herbaceous cover varies from 50 to 75 percent cover, and is characterized by perennial graminoids. Festuca idahoensis is the most abundant graminoid species but other species are also common including prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha). Stands occupied low-gradient slopes but may also occur on moderate- to steep-gradient slopes of all aspects...... Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Mountain Big Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001533) MC303 Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland

8a. Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis characterizes shrub cover; shrub canopy has a relatively low growth form with sagebrush plants generally reaching heights of only 6-9 dm. (24-36 inches) . (9) 8b. Artemisia nova is the dominant shrub; plants are typically < 4.5 dm. (18 inches tall) ...... (11)

9a. Sarcobatus vermiculatus is present with high cover or is co-dominant with Artemisia tridentata); either the Artemisia tridentata or the Sarcobatus vermiculatus may have the greater cover; and the

B-13

sagebrush may be either basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) or Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis). Aggregate shrub cover ranges from 5 to 75 percent which typically includes other shrub species that always have less cover. Herbaceous cover ranges from 10 to 50 percent cover and is characterized by a mix of native and non-native graminoids and forbs with no one species dominant. Stands occupy low-gradient slopes on basin floors and colluvial foot slopes and are also often found on stream terraces and floodplains...... Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland (Greasewood /Big Sagebrush Shrubland) (CEGL001359) MC311 Greasewood Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

9b. Sarcobatus vermiculatus is not present with high cover and is not co-dominant with Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis)...... (10)

10a. Bouteloua gracilis is the dominant graminoid in the shrub understory. Vegetation is characterized by low- to moderate cover of shrubs that ranges from 10 to 50 percent and is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) but also includes lesser amounts of other shrub species including mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana). Herbaceous cover ranges from 10 to 50 percent and is dominated by Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Other graminoids including needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) may be present at low cover.Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Blue Grama Shrubland) (CEGL001041) MC303 Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland

10b. Atriplex confertifolia is present and may co-dominate the stand with the dominant shrub Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis; Artemisia tridentata is not present. Vegetation is characterized by a sparse shrub canopy (1 to 28 percent) and a species poor herbaceous layer. Stands occupy flat to moderate-gradient slopes on basin floors, colluvial toe slopes, alluvial fans and terraces...... Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland (Wyoming Big Sagebrush - Shadscale Shrubland) (CEGL001040) MC303 Mountain Big Sagebrush / bluebunch wheatgrass Shrubland

11a. Shrub understory is characterized by a sparse cover of graminoids ...... (12) 11b. Shrub understory is characterized by a sparse cover of mixed graminoids and forbs. Vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense shrub layer dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) with a sparse herbaceous understory of graminoids and forbs...... Artemisia nova Shrubland (Black Sagebrush Shrubland) (CEGL001417) MC301 Black Sagebrush Shrubland

12a. Hesperostipa comata dominates the shrub understory. Vegetation is characterized by an open shrub canopy dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) with an often sparse herbaceous understory which is dominated by graminoids. Herbaceous cover ranges from 25 to75 percent and is

B-14

dominated by the perennial graminoid needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata), but also includes other graminoid and forb species. Stands occupy flat- to low-gradient sites on mesa tops and benches and may also occupy steeper pediment slopes, knolls and ridges...... Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland (Black sagebrush/Needle-and-Thread Shrubland) (CEGL001425) MC301 Black Sagebrush Shrubland

12b. Pseudoroegneria spicata is the most dominant graminoid in the shrub understory. Vegetation is characterized by an open shrub canopy dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) with an herbaceous understory that is usually dominated by graminoids. Herbaceous cover ranges from 10 to 75 percent and is usually dominated by graminoids composed of a rich mix of species with the most abundant being bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Other commonly occurring graminoid species include threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata), and prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)...... Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Black Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland) (CEGL001424) MC301 Black Sagebrush Shrubland

13a. Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) characterizes the shrub canopy ...... (14) 13b. Shrubs other than skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) characterize the shrub canopy ...... (15)

14a. Rhus trilobata dominates the shrub canopy along intermittently flooded drainages. Herbaceous layer is variable...... Rhus trilobata Intermittently Flooded Shrubland (Skunkbush Sumac Intermittently Flooded Shrubland) (CEGL001121) MC308 Skunkbush Sumac Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

14b. Rhus trilobata dominates the open to moderately dense shrub canopy with a moderate to dense herbaceous layer dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)...... Rhus trilobata / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Skunkbush Sumac / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrubland) (CEGL001120) MC309 Skunkbush Sumac / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation

15a. Salix exigua dominates the shrub canopy. Herbaceous layer is variable...... Salix exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland (Coyote Willow Temporarily Flooded Shrubland (CEGL001197) MC310 Coyote Willow Temporarily Flooded Shrubland

15b. Shrubs other than (Salix exigua) characterize the shrub canopy ...... (16)

16a. Prunus virginiana dominates shrub layer or co-dominates with Prunus americana. Herbaceous layer is variable...... Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana) Shrubland (Chokecherry – (American plum) Shrubland) (CEGL001108) MC307 Chokecherry – (American plum) Shrubland

B-15

16b. Shrubs other than species of Prunus characterize the shrub canopy ...... (17)

17a. Shepherdia argentea characterizes the shrub canopy ...... Shepherdia argentea Shrubland (Silver Buffaloberry Shrubland) (CEGL001128) MC312 Silver Buffaloberry Shrubland

17b. Shrubs other than silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) characterize the shrub canopy . (18)

18a. Symphoricarpos occidentalis characterizes the shrub canopy ...... Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland (Western Snowberry Shrubland) (CEGL001131) MC313 Western Snowberry Shrubland

18b. Shrubs other than western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) characterize the shrub canopy ...... (19)

19a. Sarcobatus vermiculatus dominates the shrub canopy ...... (20) 19b. Shrubs other than Sarcobatus vermiculatus characterize the shrub canopy ...... (21)

20a. Sarcobatus vermiculatus dominates the sparse to moderately dense shrub canopy; Native herbaceous understory is dominated by non-native weedy species typical of disturbed sites with native species mostly or completely absent. Dominant herbaceous species include the non-natives salt lover (Halogeton glomeratus), common pepperweed (Lepidium densiflorum) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)...... Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland (Greasewood Disturbed Shrubland) (CEGL001357) MC311 Greasewood Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

20b. Sarcobatus vermiculatus co-occurring with Artemisia tridentata characterizes the shrub canopy; either may have the greater cover and the sagebrush component may be either Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata or Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis. Shrub cover ranges from 5 to 30 percent which includes other shrubs, although these have minor cover. Herbaceous cover is variable with cover ranging from sparse to dense and species composition characterized by exotics and/or natives. . Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland (Greasewood / Big Sagebrush Shrubland) (CEGL001359) MC311 Greasewood Intermittently Flooded Shrubland

21a. Cercocarpus ledifolius dominates this tall shrubland and often has a tree-like morphology; Juniperus osteosperma or Juniperus scopulorum may be scattered throughout the stand but with low cover. Aggregate shrub cover ranges from 30 to 60 percent and may include other shrub species, though there are usually no developed lower shrub layers. Herbaceous cover ranges from 20 to 30percent and is dominated by the graminoid, bluebunch wheat grass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), but also includes other graminoid and forb species. Other graminoids include muttongrass (Poa

B-16

fendleriana), prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) and the non-native cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Stands occupy dry, rocky habitats on northeast facing, somewhat steep- to steep-gradient (19-30%) colluvial scree slopes...... Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Scrub (Curl-leaf Mountain mahogany / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Scrub) (CEGL000967) MC306 Curl-leaf Mountain mahogany / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Scrub

21b. Cercocarpus ledifolius does not dominate the shrub canopy...... (22)

22a. Atriplex species dominate the shrub canopy ...... (23) 22b. Atriplex species do not dominate the shrub canopy ...... (25)

23a. Atriplex gardneri dominates the shrub canopy ...... (24) 23b. Atriplex confertifolia dominates the shrub canopy; herbaceous cover is typically a sparse mix of graminoids and forbs. Vegetation is characterized by low-stature, open to sparse shrublands (<10 to <35 % total cover) in which the dominant shrub, shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia). Stands occupy hills, ridges and toe slopes on low-gradient sites but may also occur on very steep slopes...... Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland (Shadscale Wyoming Basins Shrubland) (CEGL001293) MC601a Shadscale / Bluebunch wheatgrass – Shortstem buckwheat Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland

24a. Atriplex gardneri is the sole or dominant shrub species; herbaceous layer is insignificant or absent. Vegetation is characterized by a low-stature shrubland with sparse total cover that rarely exceeds 15 percent but can range from 1 to 35 percent. A definitive herbaceous layer is absent though scattered forbs and clumps of graminoids may be present with low cover. Stands occupy flat- gradient basin floors. Soils are dry, sandy to silt loam with low litter and a high percent bare ground...... Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland) (CEGL001438) MC305 Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland

24b. Atriplex gardneri dominates the shrub canopy; herbaceous cover is characterized by the annual forb Monolepis nuttalliana. Vegetation is characterized by low-stature, typically sparse shrub canopy with mean cover of 35 percent which is dominated by Gardner’s saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) but other scattered shrubs may also be present. Herbaceous cover is moderately dense which is characterized by the annual forb, Nuttall’s poverty weed (Monolepis nuttalliana) but also includes other native and non-native forb and graminoid species. Stands occupy low-gradient badlands formations where they are usually restricted to arid sites with deep, heavy clay soil with extremely low infiltration but have also been observed on well-drained, mesic to xeric soils...... Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush / Nuttall's Poverty weed Dwarf-shrubland) (CEGL001443) MC305 Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland

B-17

25a. Ericameria nauseosa dominates the shrub canopy with an herbaceous understory dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Vegetation is characterized by low to moderate (10-25%) cover of shrubs with moderate to dense (50-75%) herbaceous cover dominated graminoids but which also includes a significant and rich forb component. Several other shrub species are also present with the most common being creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis). Herbaceous cover is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Other commonly occurring herbaceous species include prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), field chickweed (Cerastium arvense), silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus), and the non-native Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Stands occupy gentle- gradient (4%), east-facing slopes...... Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland (Rubber Rabbitbrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass) (CEGL001330) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

25b. Ericameria nauseosa does not dominate the shrub canopy...... (26)

26a. Yucca glauca dominates the shrub canopy. Other shrub species, all with minor cover, the most common being broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) and prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida). Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) characterizes the moderate to dense (50-75 percent cover) herbaceous layer. Other graminoides include threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) and needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata). Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) dominates the herbaceous layer in stands in the north. Disturbed stands have significant cover of smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and cheatgrass (B. tectorum)...... Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Prairie) (CEGL001499) MC213a Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous, Cool-season mixed grasses

26b. Tamarix chinensis solely or strongly dominates the tree or tall shrub canopy; the site is typically periodically flooded. Vegetation is characterized by the lack of a distinct tree layer, although scattered trees may be present, and the preponderant shrub layer is dominated by tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) with a variable to absent herbaceous layer...... Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland (Tamarisk species Temporarily Flooded Semi-natural Shrubland) (CEGL003114) MC315 Tamarisk species Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland

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Division C- Herbaceous Vegetation

1a. Native herbaceous species dominate the stand ...... (2) 1b. Non-native, weedy herbaceous species characterize the stand ...... (18)

2a. Pseudoroegneria spicata is a dominant or a co-dominant herbaceous species. Cushion plants may be present to co-dominate ...... (3) 2b. Native herbaceous species, other than Pseudoroegneria spicata, dominate or co-dominate the herbaceous layer, although bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) may be present ...... (7)

3a. Pseudoroegneria spicata is co-dominates with cushion plants. Sites are often windswept...... (4) 3b. Pseudoroegneria spicata dominate or co-dominate the herbaceous cover with other perennial grasses and forbs. If present, cushion plants do not characterize vegetation...... (5)

4a. Pseudoroegneria spicata is co-dominant with cushion plants in the genera Phlox and/or Arenaria. This community is characterized by short-statured, compact cushion plants in association with graminoids with non-cushion forbs and widely scattered dwarfed shrubs also present. Cushion plant cover is characterized by Hooker’s sandwort (Arenaria hookeri), creeping nailwort (Paronychia sessiliflora), and musk phlox (Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides)...... Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001666) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

4b. Pseudoroegneria spicata and short stem buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule) co-dominate this typically sparse badland vegetation community. Other cushion plants in the genera Phlox and/or Arenaria may be present but not co-dominant. Scattered shrubs, such as rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), or shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) may be present...... Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Shortstem Buckwheat Sparse Vegetation) (CEGL001667) MC601a Shadscale / Bluebunch wheatgrass – Shortstem buckwheat Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland

5a. Pseudoroegneria spicata, Balsamorhiza sagittata and Poa secunda co-dominate this grassland community...... Pseudoroegneria spicata - Balsamorhiza sagittata - Poa secunda Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Arrow leaf Balsamroot - Sandberg Bluegrass Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001662) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

5b. Pseudoroegneria spicata dominates or co-dominates with other perennial grasses. If present, arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) and Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) do not co- dominate this grassland community...... (6)

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6a. Pseudoroegneria spicata and Hesperostipa comata co-dominate the open to moderately dense bunchgrass community. Widely scattered dwarf-shrubs occur throughout the stand with sparse (<10%) cover. Associated forbs include rayless tansy aster (Machaeranthera grindelioides), scarlet globe mallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea), cous biscuit root (Lomatium cous), mock goldenweed (Stenotus armerioides) white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea var. sericea), and cushion and mat plants such as Hooker’s sandwort (Arenaria hookeri), musk phlox (Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides) and shortstem buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule). Stands occupy all aspects of flat to moderate-gradient slopes in a variety of topographic positions including windswept slopes and ridges….Pseudoroegneria spicata - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Needle and Thread Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001679) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

6b. Pseudoroegneria spicata solely dominates this grassland community association; a significant cover of cushion plants is lacking and if Hesperostipa comata is present, it has less than half the cover of Pseudoroegneria spicata Stands occupy low-gradient slopes on basin floors but may also occur on moderate- to steep-gradient mid slopes and high slopes of mesas, plateaus, bluffs, and ridgetops...... Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001660) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

7a. Hesperostipa comata is the dominant or co-dominant herbaceous species ...... (8) 7b. Hesperostipa comata is not the dominant or co-dominant herbaceous species ...... (10)

8a. Open to moderate herbaceous cover (typically <40 percent total cover) is dominated or codominated by needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) ...... (9)

8b. Moderate to dense herbaceous cover (typically > 40 percent total cover) is co-dominated by needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) and threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia). Vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense herbaceous cover (50-75%) dominated by graminoids but also includes forbs and a sparse (<10%) cover of dwarf-shrubs.)...... Hesperostipa comata - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle and Thread - Threadleaf Sedge Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001700) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

9a. Hesperostipa comata and Achnatherum hymenoides co-dominate herbaceous cover. Vegetation is characterized by herbaceous cover (20-40%) dominated by graminoids but including forbs and scattered shrubs. Stands usually occupy low-gradient sites with soils that are moist, well-drained loamy sand...... Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread – Indian Ricegrass Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001703) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

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9b. Hesperostipa comata strongly and solely dominates herbaceous cover. These semi-arid grassland vegetation is characterized by sparse to moderate herbaceous cover (10-40 percent) Shrub cover is very sparse (<5%) Stands occupy flat-gradient basin floors but may also be found on a variety of sites, such as on point bars, stream terraces, in sand-filled potholes in slick rock washes, on plains, valleys, canyon floors, gentle hillslopes, knolls and bluffs, mesa tops, and plateau parks...... Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Needle-and-Thread Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001705) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

10a. Sporobolus species sand dropseed (S. cryptandrus) or alkali sacaton (S. airoides) are the dominant herbaceous species ...... (11) 10b. Sporobolus species are not the dominant herbaceous species, although they may be present . (12)

11a. Sporobolus airoides is the dominant herbaceous species. Vegetation is typically a dense (35-85 percent total cover) stand of near monotypic grasslands but often includes several graminoid and forb species as well as including very sparse shrub cover. Stands occupy flat to low-gradient sites and can be intermittently flooded…...... Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation (Alkali Sacaton Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001688) MC211 Sporobolus spp. Herbaceous Vegetation

11b. Sporobolus cryptandrus dominates this herbaceous community. Vegetation is a sparse to moderately dense (10-30 percent) herbaceous cover dominated by graminoids but may include a low cover of forbs and scattered shrubs. Stands occupy low-gradient sites on floodplains and terraces and may also be found on sandy upper stream terraces along intermittent washes, and on sand deposits on mesas and plains...... Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (Sand Dropseed Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL002691) MC211 Sporobolus spp. Herbaceous Vegetation

12a. Bouteloua gracilis strongly dominates herbaceous cover. Vegetation is characterized by moderate to dense (25-75%) herbaceous cover strongly dominated by blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) but also often includes other graminoids with a sparse but rich forb cover and widely scattered shrubs. Stands occupy low-gradient sites often on basin floors...... Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation (Blue Grama Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001760) MC203 Blue Grama Herbaceous Vegetation

12b. Bouteloua gracilis is not the dominant herbaceous species, although it may be present ...... (13)

13a. Leucopoa kingii is the dominant herbaceous species. Vegetation is characterized by a moderately dense to dense herbaceous cover (75-95%) dominated by graminoids but that also includes a low cover of forbs and scattered shrubs and trees. The very sparse and inconsistent tree cover includes limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum).

B-21

Stands occupy moderate-gradient slopes in high mountain meadows. .... Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation (Spike Fescue Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001910) MC207 Spike Fescue Herbaceous Vegetation

13b. Leucopoa kingii is not the dominant herbaceous species ...... (14)

14a. Pascopyrum smithii strongly dominates herbaceous cover in this mid-grass prairie community. Vegetation is characterized by sparse to dense herbaceous cover (15-100%) of mixed grasses. Forb species typical of mid-grass prairie and a very sparse shrub cover are also present. Stands occupy flat- to low-gradient terrain...... Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation (Western Wheatgrass Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001577) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

14b. Pascopyrum smithii is not the dominant herbaceous species, although it may be present ...... (15)

15a. Leymus cinereus strongly dominates herbaceous cover in the stand...... Leymus cinereus Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation (Great Basin Wild Rye Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001480) MC208 Great Basin Wild Rye Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation

15b. Leymus cinereus is not the dominant herbaceous species, although it may be present ...... (16)

16a. Juncus balticus strongly dominates herbaceous cover...... Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation (Baltic Rush Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001838) MC206 Baltic Rush Herbaceous Vegetation

16b. Juncus balticus is not the dominant herbaceous species, although it may be present ...... (17)

17a. Typha species (latifolia, angustifolia), either individually or together, dominate herbaceous cover. Vegetation is characterized by dense (70-98%), near monotypic stands of one or more cattail species, or by mixed stands of emergent wetland species dominated by cattail. Stands occupy depressional wetlands with standing water for much of the year...... Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Broadleaf Cattail, Narrowleaf Cattail) Western Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL002010) MC212 Broadleaf Cattail, Narrowleaf Cattail Western Herbaceous Vegetation

17b. Phalaris arundinacea is the most abundant graminoid in the stand. This community is characterized by a dense, tall (>80% cover and 1.5-2m tall) herbaceous layer of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) which tends to form monocultures but which may include other species especially in disturbed sites. Stands occupy sites in or near standing or running water with a high water table and are seasonally flooded...... Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation (Reed Canarygrass Western Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001474)

B-22

MC210 Reed Canarygrass Western Herbaceous Vegetation

18a. Agropyron cristatum strongly dominates herbaceous cover...... Agropyron cristatum - (Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation) (Crested Wheatgrass - (Western Wheatgrass, Needle and Thread) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL005266) MC201 Crested Wheatgrass - (Western Wheatgrass, Needle and Thread) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation

18b. Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) is not dominant although it may be present ...... (19)

19a. Bromus inermis strongly dominates herbaceous cover. Vegetation is characterized by moderately dense to dense stands of the naturalized Eurasian species smooth brome (Bromus inermis), which often occur as monocultures. Some native species (typically <10% cover) and numerous other non-native species may also be present although, because these are disturbed sites, composition varies considerably from site to site. Stands occupy low-gradient slopes.Bromus inermis – (Pascopyrum smithii) Semi-Natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Smooth Brome - (Western Wheatgrass) Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL005264) MC213a Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous, Cool-season mixed grasses

19b. Bromus inermis is not dominant although it may be present ...... (20)

20a. Bromus tectorum strongly dominates the herbaceous cover...... Bromus tectorum Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (Cheatgrass Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL003019) MC213a Soapweed Yucca / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous, Cool-season mixed grasses

20b. Non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize the site. Bromus tectorum may be present to co-dominant, but does not strongly dominate the herbaceous cover...... (21)

21a. Non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize upland sites and valley bottoms, slopes, along roadways and in areas that have been disturbed by fire, earthmoving, agriculture, historic off-road vehicle use, grazing or where nonnative invasives have invaded stands of native vegetation. Some sites in small drainages and broad river valley terraces are subject to intermittent flooding but this may occur on mesic sites or sites fed by high groundwater tables or seepage. Patches are often small and interspersed with other native and semi-natural plant communities. Vegetation is co-dominated by weedy annual grasses such as Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus and annual or biannual forbs such as Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia), Salsola tragus, Descurainia sophia, Halogeton glomeratus and Sisymbrium altissimum. Patches of Acroptilon repens and Cardaria draba occur within this type, typically on Bighorn and Shoshone River flood terraces and abandoned agricultural

B-23

fields. This type may be on upper terraces along the Big Horn and Shoshone River but these areas are not flooded often and different from the saturated mudflats and drawdown zone influenced by annual water fluctuations that extends for several km south and north of Highway. .... Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation (CEPS0002) MC701 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation

21b. Non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize sites that occupy the shorelines of water supply or flood control reservoirs where the environment is continually disturbed by fluctuating water levels...... (22)

22a. Non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize these sites consisting of occasional, narrow bands along the Bighorn Lake shoreline in the steeper canyon areas. These dynamic shoreline areas are highly influenced by the regular seasonal changes in lake elevation, and typically support no or little vegetation. Sites are often inundated for much of the year, but during early spring, dry years or extended periods of low lake levels, these sites may be colonized by annual and perennial native and nonnative vegetation...... Reservoir Edge (CEPS0006) MC704 Reservoir Edge

22b. Non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize sites that occupy the often broad shorelines of water supply or flood control reservoirs where the environment is continually disturbed by fluctuating water levels. Consequently, vegetation composition is highly variable, depending on the flood/drawdown regime of the reservoir. Vegetation is characterized by a low to moderate (25-50%) herbaceous cover of disturbance-adapted, invasive, exotic graminoids and forbs. Commonly abundant species included the non-native curly dock (Rumex crispus) and the native Fremont’s goosefoot (Chenopodium fremontii)...... Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEPS0003) MC702 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation

B-24

Division D- Sparse Vegetation

1a. Barren or sparse vegetation on cliffs and rock outcrops in steep canyons. Where it occurs, vegetation consists of scattered Juniperus osteosperma, Cercocarpus ledifolius, and native bunchgrasses (often Pseudoroegneria spicata). Vegetation may be scattered or patchy in cracks and pockets, in swales and along narrow benches along cliff faces...... Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff) (CEPS0005) MC703 Barren and Sparsely Vegetated Cliff

1b. Site not as above. If site is rocky, then it occurs along reservoir edge...... (2)

2a. Sparse vegetation characterized by shrubs. If present, herbaceous cover has lower cover than shrubs...... (3) 2b. Sparse vegetation characterized by herbaceous species. Scattered shrubs may be present with low cover less than herbaceous cover......

3a. Atriplex gardneri is the sole or dominant shrub species; herbaceous layer is sparse or absent. Vegetation is characterized by low-stature shrubs with total cover that rarely exceed 10 percent...... Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland (Gardner's Saltbush Dwarf-shrubland) (CEGL001438) MC306 Curl-leaf Mountain mahogany / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Scrub

3b. Atriplex confertifolia in the sole or dominant shrub species; herbaceous layer is sparse or absent. Vegetation is characterized by low-stature shrubs with total cover that rarely exceed 10 percent...... Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland (Shadscale Wyoming Basins Shrubland) (CEGL001293) MC601a Shadscale / Bluebunch wheatgrass – Shortstem buckwheat Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland

4a. Sites are characterized native grasses and forbs. Scattered shrubs may be present ...... (5) 4b. Sites are characterized non-native grasses and forbs and are typically disturbed. Scattered shrubs may be present...... (6) 5a. Pseudoroegneria spicata is co-dominant with cushion plants in the genera Phlox and/or Arenaria. This community is characterized by short-statured, compact cushion plants and perennial graminoids with non-cushion forbs and widely scattered dwarf-shrubs also present is Characteristic cushion plants include Hooker’s sandwort (Arenaria hookeri), creeping nailwort (Paronychia sessiliflora), and musk phlox (Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides)...... Pseudoroegneria spicata - Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation) (CEGL001666) MC101a Bluebunch Wheatgrass – Needle and Thread Grassland

5b. Pseudoroegneria spicata and short stem buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule) co-dominate this typically sparse badland vegetation community. Other cushion plants in the genera Phlox and/or

B-25

Arenaria may be present but not co-dominant. Scattered shrubs, such as rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), or shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) may be present...... Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum brevicaule Sparse Vegetation (Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Shortstem Buckwheat Sparse Vegetation) (CEGL001667) MC601a Shadscale / Bluebunch wheatgrass – Shortstem buckwheat Sparse Vegetation and Shrubland

6a. Sparse non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize these upland sites and valley bottoms, slopes, along roadways and in areas that have been disturbed by fire, earthmoving, agriculture, historic off-road vehicle use, grazing or where non-native species have invaded stands of native vegetation. Some sites in small drainages and broad river valley terraces are subject to intermittent flooding, or occur on mesic sites or sites fed by high groundwater tables or seepage. Sites occur on upper, dry terraces along the Big Horn and Shoshone rivers and are different from the saturated mudflats and drawdown zone influenced by annual water fluctuations that extends for several km south and north of Highway...... Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation (CEPS0002) MC701 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation

6b. Sparser, non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize sites that occupy the shorelines of water supply or flood control reservoirs where the environment is continually disturbed by fluctuating water levels.(7)

7a. Sparse, non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize these disturbed sites although native species may be present. Sites consist of occasional, narrow bands along the Bighorn Lake shoreline in the steeper canyon areas. These dynamic shoreline areas are highly influenced by the regular seasonal changes in lake elevation, and typically support no or little vegetation. Sites are often inundated for much of the year, but during early spring, dry years or extended periods of low lake levels...... Reservoir Edge (CEPS0006) MC704 Reservoir Edge

7b. Sparse, non-native, weedy grasses and forbs characterize sites that occupy the often broad shorelines of water supply or flood control reservoirs where the environment is continually disturbed by fluctuating water levels. Consequently, vegetation composition is highly variable. Vegetation is characterized by a low (<10%) herbaceous cover of disturbance-adapted, invasive, non-native grasses and forbs. Commonly abundant species included the non-native curly dock (Rumex crispus) and the native Fremont’s goosefoot (Chenopodium fremontii) ...... Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEPS0003) MC702 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation

B-26

Appendix C. List of Plant Species Sampled at BICA

These plant taxa were identified at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area during the vegetation and accuracy assessment sampling for the vegetation inventory project in 2011. The list is not an inventory of all taxa that occur at BICA, but includes those recorded at vegetation classification plots and observation points. The data can be accessed from the tPlotEventSpecies and tAAEventSpecies tables in the PLOTS database included with the project deliverables and hosted on the NPS data store (NPS 2015). As per the Vegetation Program guidelines, the species nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS database (USDA NRCS 2015).

NPS. 2015. IRMA Portal. The National Park Service Integrated Resource Management Application. Available at https://irma.nps.gov/App/Portal/Home.

USDA NRCS. 2015. The PLANTS database (http://plants.usda.gov, 26 May 2015). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Abies lasiocarpa subalpine fir Pinaceae 1 Abronia elliptica fragrant white sand verbena Nyctaginaceae 1 Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain maple Aceraceae 32 Acer negundo boxelder Aceraceae 20 Achillea millefolium common yarrow Asteraceae 2 Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis western yarrow Asteraceae 23 Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass Poaceae 112 Achnatherum lettermanii Letterman's needlegrass Poaceae 1 Acroptilon repens hardheads Asteraceae 38 Actaea rubra red baneberry Ranunculaceae 2 Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala pale agoseris Asteraceae 7 Agoseris glauca var. glauca pale agoseris Asteraceae 5 Agoseris glauca var. laciniata false agoseris Asteraceae 1 Agoseris retrorsa spearleaf agoseris Asteraceae 1 Agropyron cristatum crested wheatgrass Poaceae 38 Agrostis stolonifera creeping bentgrass Poaceae 2 Allium cernuum nodding onion Liliaceae 3 Allium textile textile onion Liliaceae 82 Alnus incana gray alder Betulaceae 2 Alopecurus arundinaceus creeping meadow foxtail Poaceae 1 Alopecurus pratensis meadow foxtail Poaceae 1 Alyssum alyssoides pale madwort Brassicaceae 39 Alyssum desertorum desert madwort Brassicaceae 3 Amaranthus blitoides mat amaranth Amaranthaceae 1 Amaranthus retroflexus redroot amaranth Amaranthaceae 2 Ambrosia artemisiifolia annual ragweed Asteraceae 1 Amelanchier alnifolia var. alnifolia Saskatoon serviceberry Rosaceae 1 Andropogon gerardii big bluestem Poaceae 2 Anemone cylindrical candle anemone Ranunculaceae 1 Antennaria corymbosa flat-top pussytoes Asteraceae 3 Antennaria microphylla littleleaf pussytoes Asteraceae 38 Antennaria parvifolia small-leaf pussytoes Asteraceae 1 Apocynum androsaemifolium spreading dogbane Apocynaceae 1 Apocynum cannabinum Indianhemp Apocynaceae 8 Arabis hirsute hairy rockcress Brassicaceae 5 Arabis holboellii Holboell's rockcress Brassicaceae 4 Arabis holboellii var. collinsii Collins' rockcress Brassicaceae 5 Arabis holboellii var. retrofracta second rockcress Brassicaceae 17 Arenaria congesta ballhead sandwort Caryophyllaceae 11 Arenaria congesta var. congesta ballhead sandwort Caryophyllaceae 1 Arenaria hookeri Hooker's sandwort Caryophyllaceae 110

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Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Arenaria hookeri ssp. Hookeri Hooker's sandwort Caryophyllaceae 4 Aristida purpurea purple threeawn Poaceae 47 Aristida purpurea var. fendleriana Fendler's threeawn Poaceae 50 Aristida purpurea var. longiseta Fendler threeawn Poaceae 4 Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica Asteraceae 2 Arnica longifolia spearleaf arnica Asteraceae 2 Arnica sororia twin arnica Asteraceae 2 Artemisia biennis biennial wormwood Asteraceae 30 Artemisia campestris field sagewort Asteraceae 3 Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis field sagewort Asteraceae 4 Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. scouleriana field sagewort Asteraceae 1 Artemisia cana silver sagebrush Asteraceae 24 Artemisia cana ssp. Cana silver sagebrush Asteraceae 4 Artemisia dracunculus tarragon Asteraceae 1 Artemisia frigida prairie sagewort Asteraceae 116 Artemisia ludoviciana white sagebrush Asteraceae 1 Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana white sagebrush Asteraceae 4 Artemisia nova black sagebrush Asteraceae 184 Artemisia pedatifida birdfoot sagebrush Asteraceae 2 Artemisia tridentate big sagebrush Asteraceae 4 Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata basin big sagebrush Asteraceae 51 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana mountain big sagebrush Asteraceae 38 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Wyoming big sagebrush Asteraceae 171 Asclepias speciosa showy milkweed Asclepiadaceae 18 Asclepias viridiflora green comet milkweed Asclepiadaceae 1 Astragalus agrestis purple milkvetch Fabaceae 1 Astragalus bisulcatus var. bisulcatus twogrooved milkvetch Fabaceae 7 Astragalus chamaeleuce cicada milkvetch Fabaceae 1 Astragalus geyeri Geyer's milkvetch Fabaceae 3 Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus plains milkvetch Fabaceae 13 Astragalus missouriensis Missouri milkvetch Fabaceae 9 Astragalus purshii woollypod milkvetch Fabaceae 20 Astragalus shortianus Short's milkvetch Fabaceae 39 Astragalus spatulatus tufted milkvetch Fabaceae 23 Atriplex argentea silverscale saltbush Chenopodiaceae 3 Atriplex canescens fourwing saltbush Chenopodiaceae 13 Atriplex canescens var. canescens fourwing saltbush Chenopodiaceae 4 Atriplex confertifolia shadscale saltbush Chenopodiaceae 96 Atriplex gardneri Gardner's saltbush Chenopodiaceae 64 Atropa bella-donna belladonna Solanaceae 1 Balsamorhiza incana hoary balsamroot Asteraceae 1

C-3

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Balsamorhiza sagittata arrowleaf balsamroot Asteraceae 23 Barbarea orthoceras American yellowrocket Brassicaceae 1 Bassia americana green molly Chenopodiaceae 6 Bassia scoparia burningbush Chenopodiaceae 21 Betula occidentalis water birch Betulaceae 12 Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats grama Poaceae 17 Bouteloua gracilis blue grama Poaceae 110 Bromus arvensis field brome Poaceae 5 Bromus carinatus California brome Poaceae 1 Bromus inermis smooth brome Poaceae 80 Bromus racemosus bald brome Poaceae 5 Bromus tectorum cheatgrass Poaceae 181 Calamagrostis stricta slimstem reedgrass Poaceae 1 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa northern reedgrass Poaceae 1 Calamovilfa longifolia prairie sandreed Poaceae 1 Calochortus nuttallii sego lily Liliaceae 20 Calylophus serrulatus yellow sundrops Onagraceae 2 Calypso bulbosa fairy slipper Orchidaceae 1 Camelina microcarpa littlepod false flax Brassicaceae 3 Camissonia minor small evening primrose Onagraceae 2 Campanula rotundifolia bluebell bellflower Campanulaceae 7 Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherd's purse Brassicaceae 1 Cardaria chalepensis lenspod whitetop Brassicaceae 6 Cardaria draba whitetop Brassicaceae 3 Cardaria pubescens hairy whitetop Brassicaceae 6 Carex aquatilis water sedge Cyperaceae 1 Carex filifolia threadleaf sedge Cyperaceae 132 Carex geyeri Geyer's sedge Cyperaceae 1 Carex pellita woolly sedge Cyperaceae 1 Castilleja angustifolia var. angustifolia northwestern Indian paintbrush Scrophulariaceae 14 Castilleja angustifolia var. dubia Scrophulariaceae 2 Castilleja linariifolia Wyoming Indian paintbrush Scrophulariaceae 14 Castilleja sessiliflora downy paintedcup Scrophulariaceae 15 Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed Asteraceae 2 Cerastium arvense field chickweed Caryophyllaceae 25 Cercocarpus ledifolius curl-leaf mountain mahogany Rosaceae 102 Cercocarpus ledifolius var. intercedens curl-leaf mountain mahogany Rosaceae 6 Cercocarpus ledifolius var. ledifolius curl-leaf mountain mahogany Rosaceae 48 Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Asteraceae 39 Cheilanthes feei slender lipfern Pteridaceae 4 Chenopodium album lambsquarters Chenopodiaceae 10

C-4

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Chenopodium berlandieri var. zschackii Zschack's goosefoot Chenopodiaceae 4 Chenopodium fremontii Fremont's goosefoot Chenopodiaceae 30 Chenopodium leptophyllum narrowleaf goosefoot Chenopodiaceae 17 Chenopodium pratericola desert goosefoot Chenopodiaceae 1 Chenopodium rubrum red goosefoot Chenopodiaceae 1 Chorispora tenella crossflower Brassicaceae 1 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus yellow rabbitbrush Asteraceae 23 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus yellow rabbitbrush Asteraceae 14 Cichorium intybus chicory Asteraceae 7 Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae 44 Cirsium undulatum wavyleaf thistle Asteraceae 10 Cirsium vulgare bull thistle Asteraceae 2 Clematis columbiana var. tenuiloba rock clematis Ranunculaceae 3 Clematis hirsutissima hairy clematis Ranunculaceae 2 Clematis ligusticifolia western white clematis Ranunculaceae 4 Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain beeplant Capparaceae 5 Collinsia parviflora maiden blue eyed Mary Scrophulariaceae 6 Collomia linearis tiny trumpet Polemoniaceae 1 Comandra umbellata bastard toadflax Santalaceae 13 Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida pale bastard toadflax Santalaceae 22 Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed Convolvulaceae 2 Corallorhiza striata var. vreelandii Vreeland's coralroot Orchidaceae 1 Cornus sericea redosier dogwood Cornaceae 2 Crepis acuminata tapertip hawksbeard Asteraceae 26 Crepis modocensis Modoc hawksbeard Asteraceae 4 Cryptantha caespitosa tufted cryptantha Boraginaceae 2 Cryptantha celosioides buttecandle Boraginaceae 34 Cryptantha flavoculata roughseed cryptantha Boraginaceae 37 Cryptantha kelseyana Kelsey's cryptantha Boraginaceae 4 Cynoglossum officinale gypsyflower Boraginaceae 2 Cystopteris fragilis brittle bladderfern Dryopteridaceae 3 Dalea candida white prairie clover Fabaceae 2 Dalea purpurea purple prairie clover Fabaceae 2 Danthonia californica California oatgrass Poaceae 2 Delphinium bicolor ssp. bicolor little larkspur Ranunculaceae 5 Descurainia pinnata ssp. halictorum western tansymustard Brassicaceae 12 Descurainia pinnata ssp. intermedia western tansymustard Brassicaceae 101 Descurainia sophia herb sophia Brassicaceae 13 Distichlis spicata saltgrass Poaceae 4 Dodecatheon pulchellum darkthroat shootingstar Primulaceae 2 Draba aurea golden draba Brassicaceae 3

C-5

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Draba nemorosa woodland draba Brassicaceae 1 Draba reptans Carolina draba Brassicaceae 51 Echinacea angustifolia blacksamson echinacea Asteraceae 3 Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian olive Elaeagnaceae 65 Eleocharis palustris common spikerush Cyperaceae 1 Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye Poaceae 5 Elymus elymoides squirreltail Poaceae 16 Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides squirreltail Poaceae 35 Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus thickspike wheatgrass Poaceae 1 Elymus repens quackgrass Poaceae 18 Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus slender wheatgrass Poaceae 18 Epilobium brachycarpum tall annual willowherb Onagraceae 1 Equisetum arvense field horsetail Equisetaceae 4 Equisetum laevigatum smooth horsetail Equisetaceae 2 Eragrostis trichodes sand lovegrass Poaceae 1 Ericameria nauseosa rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae 106 Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. glabrata rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae 8 Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae 32 Erigeron allocotus Big Horn fleabane Asteraceae 6 Erigeron corymbosus longleaf fleabane Asteraceae 2 Erigeron linearis desert yellow fleabane Asteraceae 49 Erigeron ochroleucus var. ochroleucus buff fleabane Asteraceae 6 Erigeron ochroleucus var. scribneri buff fleabane Asteraceae 1 Erigeron speciosus aspen fleabane Asteraceae 1 Eriogonum brevicaule shortstem buckwheat Polygonaceae 61 Eriogonum cernuum nodding buckwheat Polygonaceae 11 Eriogonum flavum alpine golden buckwheat Polygonaceae 18 Eriogonum flavum var. flavum alpine golden buckwheat Polygonaceae 2 Eriogonum jamesii James' buckwheat Polygonaceae 2 Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ochroleucum cushion buckwheat Polygonaceae 2 Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium cushion buckwheat Polygonaceae 4 Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum cushion buckwheat Polygonaceae 2 Eriogonum pauciflorum fewflower buckwheat Polygonaceae 4 Eriogonum pauciflorum var. pauciflorum fewflower buckwheat Polygonaceae 11 Eriogonum umbellatum var. majus sulphur-flower buckwheat Polygonaceae 6 Erysimum asperum western wallflower Brassicaceae 1 Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum sanddune wallflower Brassicaceae 3 Erysimum cheiranthoides wormseed wallflower Brassicaceae 7 Erysimum inconspicuum shy wallflower Brassicaceae 5 Euphorbia esula var. uralensis Russian leafy spurge Euphorbiaceae 2

C-6

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Euthamia occidentalis western goldentop Asteraceae 1 Festuca idahoensis Idaho fescue Poaceae 4 Fragaria virginiana Virginia strawberry Rosaceae 4 Fritillaria pudica yellow fritillary Liliaceae 3 Gaillardia aristata common gaillardia Asteraceae 1 Galium aparine stickywilly Rubiaceae 2 Galium boreale northern bedstraw Rubiaceae 9 Galium triflorum fragrant bedstraw Rubiaceae 1 Gaura coccinea scarlet beeblossom Onagraceae 74 Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum sticky purple geranium Geraniaceae 3 Geum triflorum var. triflorum old man's whiskers Rosaceae 4 Gilia tweedyi Tweedy's gila Polemoniaceae 3 Glyceria striata fowl mannagrass Poaceae 6 Glycyrrhiza lepidota American licorice Fabaceae 56 Grayia spinosa spiny hopsage Chenopodiaceae 1 Grindelia squarrosa curlycup gumweed Asteraceae 7 Grindelia squarrosa var. squarrosa curlycup gumweed Asteraceae 1 Gutierrezia sarothrae broom snakeweed Asteraceae 358 Halogeton glomeratus saltlover Chenopodiaceae 73 Hedeoma drummondii Drummond's false pennyroyal Lamiaceae 1 Hedysarum boreale ssp. boreale var. boreale Utah sweetvetch Fabaceae 6 Helianthus annuus common sunflower Asteraceae 14 Helianthus nuttallii Nuttall's sunflower Asteraceae 4 Helianthus petiolaris prairie sunflower Asteraceae 1 Heracleum maximum common cowparsnip Apiaceae 1 Hesperostipa comata needle and thread Poaceae 162 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata needle and thread Poaceae 124 Heterotheca villosa var. villosa hairy false goldenaster Asteraceae 3 Heuchera parvifolia littleleaf alumroot Saxifragaceae 12 Hordeum jubatum foxtail barley Poaceae 37 Hordeum pusillum little barley Poaceae 4 Ipomopsis pumila dwarf ipomopsis Polemoniaceae 1 Ipomopsis spicata spiked ipomopsis Polemoniaceae 4 Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. orchidacea orchid ipomopsis Polemoniaceae 20 Ipomopsis spicata ssp. spicata spiked ipomopsis Polemoniaceae 5 Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris Iridaceae 1 Iva axillaris povertyweed Asteraceae 73 Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis mountain rush Juncaceae 5 Juniperus communis common juniper Cupressaceae 31 Juniperus communis var. depressa common juniper Cupressaceae 9 Juniperus horizontalis creeping juniper Cupressaceae 52

C-7

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Juniperus osteosperma Utah juniper Cupressaceae 284 Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain juniper Cupressaceae 156 Kelseya uniflora oneflower kelseya Rosaceae 2 Koeleria macrantha prairie Junegrass Poaceae 186 Krascheninnikovia lanata winterfat Chenopodiaceae 73 Lactuca ludoviciana biannual lettuce Asteraceae 1 Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce Asteraceae 16 Lactuca tatarica var. pulchella blue lettuce Asteraceae 1 Lappula occidentalis var. cupulata flatspine stickseed Boraginaceae 69 Lappula occidentalis var. occidentalis flatspine stickseed Boraginaceae 12 Lappula squarrosa European stickseed Boraginaceae 2 Lepidium densiflorum var. macrocarpum bigseed pepperweed Brassicaceae 60 Lepidium perfoliatum clasping pepperweed Brassicaceae 2 Lepidium virginicum Virginia pepperweed Brassicaceae 10 Lesquerella alpina alpine bladderpod Brassicaceae 15 Lesquerella lesicii Pryor Mountains bladderpod Brassicaceae 3 Lesquerella ludoviciana foothill bladderpod Brassicaceae 1 Leucopoa kingii spike fescue Poaceae 77 Lewisia rediviva bitter root Portulacaceae 11 Leymus cinereus basin wildrye Poaceae 27 Liatris punctata dotted blazing star Asteraceae 3 Linum lewisii Lewis flax Linaceae 26 Lithophragma parviflorum smallflower woodland-star Saxifragaceae 1 Lithospermum incisum narrowleaf stoneseed Boraginaceae 10 Lithospermum ruderale western stoneseed Boraginaceae 1 Lomatium cous cous biscuitroot Apiaceae 21 Lomatium dissectum var. multifidum carrotleaf biscuitroot Apiaceae 12 Lomatium foeniculaceum desert biscuitroot Apiaceae 1 Lonicera tatarica Tatarian honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae 5 Lupinus argenteus ssp. argenteus var. argenteus silvery lupine Fabaceae 5 Lupinus sericeus silky lupine Fabaceae 6 Lupinus wyethii Wyeth's lupine Fabaceae 1 Lygodesmia juncea rush skeletonplant Asteraceae 2 Machaeranthera canescens ssp. canescens var. canescens hoary tansyaster Asteraceae 2 Machaeranthera grindelioides rayless tansyaster Asteraceae 29 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia tanseyleaf tansyaster Asteraceae 9 Mahonia repens creeping barberry Berberidaceae 28 Maianthemum racemosum feathery false lily of the valley Liliaceae 3 Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule feathery false lily of the valley Liliaceae 1 Maianthemum stellatum starry false lily of the valley Liliaceae 10

C-8

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Medicago lupulina black medick Fabaceae 2 Medicago sativa ssp. sativa alfalfa Fabaceae 2 Melilotus officinalis yellow sweetclover Fabaceae 16 Mentha arvensis wild mint Lamiaceae 3 Mentzelia albicaulis whitestem blazingstar Loasaceae 1 Mentzelia decapetala tenpetal blazingstar Loasaceae 4 Mertensia ciliata tall fringed bluebells Boraginaceae 2 Mertensia oblongifolia oblongleaf bluebells Boraginaceae 4 Monarda fistulosa ssp. fistulosa var. menthifolia mintleaf bergamot Lamiaceae 2 Moneses uniflora single delight Pyrolaceae 1 Monolepis nuttalliana Nuttall's povertyweed Chenopodiaceae 6 Muhlenbergia cuspidata plains muhly Poaceae 1 Musineon divaricatum leafy wildparsley Apiaceae 1 Nassella viridula green needlegrass Poaceae 3 Nasturtium officinale watercress Brassicaceae 3 Oenothera caespitosa ssp. caespitosa tufted evening primrose Onagraceae 5 Oenothera pallida ssp. trichocalyx pale evening primrose Onagraceae 7 Opuntia polyacantha plains pricklypear Cactaceae 159 Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha hairspine pricklypear Cactaceae 144 Orobanche fasciculata clustered broomrape Orobanchaceae 5 Orobanche ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana Louisiana broomrape Orobanchaceae 2 Orobanche uniflora oneflowered broomrape Orobanchaceae 1 Oxytropis campestris var. spicata field locoweed Fabaceae 2 Oxytropis deflexa nodding locoweed Fabaceae 1 Oxytropis sericea var. speciosa white locoweed Fabaceae 9 Packera cana woolly groundsel Asteraceae 32 Paronychia sessiliflora creeping nailwort Caryophyllaceae 6 Pascopyrum smithii western wheatgrass Poaceae 64 Pediocactus simpsonii mountain ball cactus Cactaceae 10 Penstemon aridus stiffleaf penstemon Scrophulariaceae 1 Penstemon eriantherus var. eriantherus fuzzytongue penstemon Scrophulariaceae 48 Penstemon glaber var. glaber sawsepal penstemon Scrophulariaceae 3 Penstemon laricifolius ssp. exilifolius larchleaf beardtongue Scrophulariaceae 2 Penstemon laricifolius ssp. laricifolius larchleaf beardtongue Scrophulariaceae 15 Penstemon nitidus waxleaf penstemon Scrophulariaceae 17 Penstemon radicosus matroot penstemon Scrophulariaceae 2 Perideridia gairdneri Gardner's yampah Apiaceae 2 Perideridia gairdneri ssp. borealis common yampah Apiaceae 6 Petrophytum caespitosum mat rockspirea Rosaceae 4 Phacelia hastata silverleaf phacelia Hydrophyllaceae 1 Phacelia linearis threadleaf phacelia Hydrophyllaceae 23

C-9

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass Poaceae 68 Phleum pratense timothy Poaceae 24 Phlox hoodii spiny phlox Polemoniaceae 45 Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides musk phlox Polemoniaceae 75 Phragmites australis common reed Poaceae 9 Physaria acutifolia sharpleaf twinpod Brassicaceae 18 Physaria didymocarpa common twinpod Brassicaceae 6 Physocarpus monogynus mountain ninebark Rosaceae 9 Picea engelmannii Engelmann spruce Pinaceae 8 Picrothamnus desertorum bud sagebrush Asteraceae 5 Pinus contorta lodgepole pine Pinaceae 4 Pinus flexilis limber pine Pinaceae 142 Pinus ponderosa ponderosa pine Pinaceae 27 Pinus strobus eastern white pine Pinaceae 1 Plantago patagonica woolly plantain Plantaginaceae 16 Platyschkuhria integrifolia basindaisy Asteraceae 2 Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae 1 Poa cusickii ssp. pallida Cusick's bluegrass Poaceae 4 Poa fendleriana muttongrass Poaceae 46 Poa palustris fowl bluegrass Poaceae 36 Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae 12 Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass Poaceae 80 Polygonum amphibium water knotweed Polygonaceae 3 Polypogon monspeliensis annual rabbitsfoot grass Poaceae 1 Populus angustifolia narrowleaf cottonwood Salicaceae 43 Populus balsamifera balsam poplar Salicaceae 1 Populus deltoides eastern cottonwood Salicaceae 96 Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera plains cottonwood Salicaceae 8 Populus tremuloides quaking aspen Salicaceae 2 Potentilla norvegica Norwegian cinquefoil Rosaceae 12 Potentilla pensylvanica Pennsylvania cinquefoil Rosaceae 1 Prunus americana American plum Rosaceae 1 Prunus virginiana chokecherry Rosaceae 53 Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa black chokecherry Rosaceae 3 Pseudoroegneria spicata bluebunch wheatgrass Poaceae 228 Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata bluebunch wheatgrass Poaceae 155 Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas-fir Pinaceae 87 Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir Pinaceae 28 Psoralidium tenuiflorum slimflower scurfpea Fabaceae 2 Puccinellia nuttalliana Nuttall's alkaligrass Poaceae 1 Pyrola asarifolia liverleaf wintergreen Pyrolaceae 1

C-10

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Ranunculus cymbalaria alkali buttercup Ranunculaceae 1 Ratibida columnifera upright prairie coneflower Asteraceae 2 Rhus glabra smooth sumac Anacardiaceae 2 Rhus trilobata skunkbush sumac Anacardiaceae 146 Rhus trilobata var. trilobata skunkbush sumac Anacardiaceae 36 Ribes aureum var. aureum golden currant Grossulariaceae 8 Ribes cereum wax currant Grossulariaceae 9 Ribes cereum var. pedicellare whisky currant Grossulariaceae 10 Ribes inerme whitestem gooseberry Grossulariaceae 2 Ribes oxyacanthoides ssp. setosum inland gooseberry Grossulariaceae 4 Rosa acicularis ssp. sayi prickly rose Rosaceae 2 Rosa woodsii Woods' rose Rosaceae 15 Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus grayleaf red raspberry Rosaceae 1 Rumex crispus curly dock Polygonaceae 13 Salix amygdaloides peachleaf willow Salicaceae 22 Salix exigua narrowleaf willow Salicaceae 30 Salsola tragus prickly Russian thistle Chenopodiaceae 72 Sarcobatus vermiculatus greasewood Chenopodiaceae 97 Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem Poaceae 2 Schoenoplectus maritimus cosmopolitan bulrush Cyperaceae 5 Sedum lanceolatum spearleaf stonecrop Crassulaceae 21 Shepherdia argentea silver buffaloberry Elaeagnaceae 18 Shepherdia canadensis russet buffaloberry Elaeagnaceae 2 Silene antirrhina sleepy silene Caryophyllaceae 1 Silene menziesii Menzies' campion Caryophyllaceae 1 Silene menziesii ssp. menziesii var. viscosa Menzies' campion Caryophyllaceae 6 Sisymbrium altissimum tall tumblemustard Brassicaceae 52 Solanum dulcamara climbing nightshade Solanaceae 1 Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod Asteraceae 1 Solidago missouriensis var. missouriensis Missouri goldenrod Asteraceae 1 Solidago nana baby goldenrod Asteraceae 1 Spergularia salina salt sandspurry Caryophyllaceae 2 Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow Malvaceae 68 Sphaerophysa salsula alkali swainsonpea Fabaceae 12 Sporobolus airoides alkali sacaton Poaceae 53 Sporobolus cryptandrus sand dropseed Poaceae 70 Stellaria media common chickweed Caryophyllaceae 3 Stenotus armerioides thrift mock goldenweed Asteraceae 4 Streptanthella longirostris longbeak streptanthella Brassicaceae 7 Suaeda moquinii Mojave seablite Chenopodiaceae 12 Symphoricarpos albus common snowberry Caprifoliaceae 11

C-11

Plot/Point Scientific Name Common Name Family Frequency Symphoricarpos albus var. albus common snowberry Caprifoliaceae 8 Symphoricarpos occidentalis western snowberry Caprifoliaceae 16 Symphoricarpos oreophilus var. utahensis Utah snowberry Caprifoliaceae 1 Tamarix chinensis five-stamen tamarisk Tamaricaceae 101 Taraxacum officinale common dandelion Asteraceae 49 Telesonix heucheriformis alumroot brookfoam Saxifragaceae 1 Tetraneuris acaulis stemless four-nerve daisy Asteraceae 2 Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis stemless four-nerve daisy Asteraceae 67 Thermopsis rhombifolia prairie thermopsis Fabaceae 1 Thinopyrum intermedium intermediate wheatgrass Poaceae 1 Thinopyrum ponticum tall wheatgrass Poaceae 9 Thlaspi arvense field pennycress Brassicaceae 5 Townsendia hookeri Hooker's Townsend daisy Asteraceae 1 Townsendia incana hoary Townsend daisy Asteraceae 10 Townsendia spathulata sword Townsend daisy Asteraceae 3 Toxicodendron radicans eastern poison ivy Anacardiaceae 5 Toxicodendron rydbergii western poison ivy Anacardiaceae 1 Tragopogon dubius yellow salsify Asteraceae 72 Tragopogon lamottei Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon Asteraceae 2 Trifolium hybridum alsike clover Fabaceae 2 Trifolium pratense red clover Fabaceae 2 Typha angustifolia narrowleaf cattail Typhaceae 5 Typha latifolia broadleaf cattail Typhaceae 4 Verbena bracteata bigbract verbena Verbenaceae 3 Veronica americana American speedwell Scrophulariaceae 1 Vicia americana ssp. minor mat vetch Fabaceae 1 Viola adunca hookedspur violet Violaceae 1 Viola nuttallii Nuttall's violet Violaceae 3 Viola vallicola sagebrush violet Violaceae 1 Vulpia octoflora sixweeks fescue Poaceae 29 Xanthium strumarium var. canadense Canada cocklebur Asteraceae 5 Yucca glauca soapweed yucca Agavaceae 204 Zigadenus elegans mountain deathcamas Liliaceae 6 Zigadenus venenosus var. gramineus grassy deathcamas Liliaceae 31

C-12

Appendix D. List of Plots and Classified Vegetation Association

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 001v CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation 002v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 003v CEGL005264 Bromus inermis – (Pascopyrum smithii) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 004v CEGL005264 Bromus inermis – (Pascopyrum smithii) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 005v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 006v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 009v CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland 011v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 012 CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 016v CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 017v CEGL001424 Artemesia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 019v CEGL000947 Salix amygdaloides Woodland 021v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 023v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 030v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 031v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 032v CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata – (Ericameria nauseosa)/Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 033v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 034v CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 035v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 036v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 038v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 039v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 040v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 041v CEGL002360 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata Woodland 042v CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation 044v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 047v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 051v CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 052v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 053v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 054v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 056v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 057v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 058v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 059v CEGL001293 Atriplex confertifolia Wyoming Basins Shrubland 060v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 061v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 062v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 063v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 068v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 069v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 071v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 074v CEGL001533 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 075v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 077v CEGL001424 Artemesia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland

D-1

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 081v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 082v CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 084v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 085v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 086v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 088v CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation 089v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 092v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 094v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 095v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 098v CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland 1000v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 1001v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 1005v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 1006v CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation 1007v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 1008v CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland 1009v CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata – (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 100v CEGL001443 Atriplex gardneri / Monolepis nuttalliana Dwarf-shrubland 1010v CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 1011v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 1012v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 1013v CEGL001705 Hesperostipa comata Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation 1014v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 1015v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 1016v CEGL001359 Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata Shrubland 1017v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 1018v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 1019v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 101v CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata – Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation 1020v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 1021v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 1022v CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation 1023v CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata – (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 1024v CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata – (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 1025v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 1026v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 1027v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 1028v CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland 1029v CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation 1030v CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation 1031v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 1032v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 1033v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 1034v CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland 1035v CEGL005264 Bromus inermis – (Pascopyrum smithii) Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 1036v CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation 1037v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 1038v CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 1039v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 103v CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal Woodland

D-2

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 1040v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 1041v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 1042v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 1043v CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation 1044v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 1045v CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 1046v CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 1048v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 104v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 106v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 107v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 108v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 113v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 114v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 120v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 122v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 123v CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 124v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 125v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 128v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 131v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 133v CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 143v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 145v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 147v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 148v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 149v CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 152v CEGL001688 Sporobolus airoides Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation 153v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 154v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 155v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 158v CEGL003019 Bromus tectorum Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation 159v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 160v CEGL000967 Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 161v CEGL002691 Sporobolus cryptandrus Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation 162v CEGL000809 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 163v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 164v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 166v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 167v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 168v CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii – Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland 171v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 172v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 173v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 175v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 176v CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation 178v CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland 180v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 184v CEGL001577 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation 186v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 188v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation

D-3

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 189v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 190v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 191v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 193v CEGL000732 Juniperus osteosperma / Sparse Understory Woodland 195v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 196v CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland 198v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 199v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 2000v CEGL003114 Tamarix spp. Temporarily Flooded Ruderal Shrubland 2001v CEGL001703 Hesperostipa comata – Achnatherum hymenoides Herbaceous Vegetation 2002v CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation 2003v CEGL005269 Elaeagnus angustifolia Ruderal woodland 200v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 2010v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 2020v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 2021v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 2022v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 2024v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 2025v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 2026v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 2027v CEGL000594 Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens Forest 2028v CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia – Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 2029v CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 202v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 2030v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 2031v CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia – Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 2032v CEGL002699 Artemisia tridentata – (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Shrubland 2033v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 2035v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 2036v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 2037v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 2038v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 2039v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 203v CEGL000734 Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 2040v CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 2041v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus osteosperma Woodland 204v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 2058v CEGL001330 Ericameria nauseosa / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 2059v CEGL000903 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 2060v CEGL001910 Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Vegetation 206v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 2070v CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation 2071v CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation 2072v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 2073v CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation 2074v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 2080v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 2081v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 209v CEGL003749 Populus angustifolia / Invasive Perennial Grasses Ruderal Woodland 211v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 212v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland

D-4

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 214v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 216v CEGL000418 Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum Forest 217v CEGL001700 Hesperostipa comata – Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 218v CEGL001534 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 2200v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 2201v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 2202v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 2203v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 2204v CEGL002010 Typha (latifolia, angustifolia) Western Herbaceous Vegetation 224v CEGL000744 Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus ledifolius Woodland 225v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 226v CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 228v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 229v CEGL001534 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Mixed Grasses Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 230v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 232v CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 234v CEPS0001 Acer negundo / Rhus trilobata Wooded Shrubland 235v CEGL001499 Yucca glauca / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation 239v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 242v CEGL002640 Populus angustifolia – Juniperus scopulorum Woodland 252v CEGL000906 Pseudotsuga menziesii – Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii Woodland 255v CEGL001424 Artemisia nova/Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland 257v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 258v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 259v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 261v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 263v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 264v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 265v CEGL000738 Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata Woodland 268v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 271v CEGL001760 Bouteloua gracilis Herbaceous Vegetation 273v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 276v CEGL001666 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Cushion Plants Herbaceous Vegetation 277v CEGL001417 Artemisia nova Shrubland 290v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland 3001v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 3002v CEGL001041 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Bouteloua gracilis Shrubland 3004v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 321v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 341v CEGL001357 Sarcobatus vermiculatus Disturbed Shrubland 351v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 355v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 358v CEGL002931 Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 364v CEGL001040 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis – Atriplex confertifolia Shrubland 365v CEGL000808 Pinus flexilis / juniperus osteosperma Woodland 366v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 369v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 372v CEGL003810 Populus deltoides ssp. wislizeni / Disturbed Understory Woodland 379v CEGL001438 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf-shrubland

D-5

Plot Code NVC Code NVC Scientific Name 381v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 382v CEGL001425 Artemisia nova / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland 385v CEGL001474 Phalaris arundinacea Western Herbaceous Vegetation 387v CEGL000728 Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova Woodland 388v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 410v CEGL001660 Pseudoroegneria spicata Herbaceous Vegetation 412v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 414v CEGL001679 Pseudoroegneria spicata – Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation 423v CEPS0002 Disturbed Annual and Perennial Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation

D-6

Appendix E. Vegetation Classification Plot Field Form

E-1

E-2

E-3

Appendix F. Accuracy Assessment Field Form

F-1

F-2

Appendix G. Accuracy Assessment Sample Contingency Tables

Table G1. Initial (raw) Accuracy

Table G2. Reconciled Accuracy

Table G3. Aggregated Accuracy

G-1

Table G1. Initial Accuracy Sample Contingency Table.

)

Map Class i+ (n

Codes ROW MC101 MC201 MC202 MC203 MC204 MC205 MC206 MC207 MC208 MC209 MC210 MC211 MC212 MC213 MC301 MC302 MC303 MC304 MC305 MC306 MC307 MC308 MC309 MC310 MC311 MC312 MC313 MC314 MC315 MC401 MC402 MC403 MC501 MC502 MC503 MC504 MC505 MC506 MC507 MC508 MC510 MC511 MC512 MC601 MC701 MC702 TOTAL TOTAL

21 1 1 4 1 1 1 30 MC101 10 1 1 1 13 MC201 2 2 1 3 8 MC202 1 5 1 1 8 MC203 1 14 8 4 1 1 1 30 MC204 2 1 1 1 5 MC205 1 1 2 MC206 3 3 MC207 4 1 5 MC208 16 4 20 MC209 8 1 9 MC210 16 1 3 5 5 30 MC211 5 24 1 30 MC212 9 1 11 1 1 5 1 1 30 MC213 30 30 MC301 2 2 1 5 2 2 6 1 21 MC302 2 1 1 20 5 30 MC303 3 2 5 MC304 1 1 23 2 3 30 MC305 26 4 30 MC306 3 2 5 MC307 MC308 2 7 1 10 G MC309 6 1 7 14 -

2 1 3 10 3 1 18 MC310 1 1 1 1 26 30 MC311 5 5 MC312 2 5 7 MC313 1 1 3 1 1 5 2 1 1 2 18 MC314 2 18 2 8 30 MC315 5 5 MC401 6 2 8 MC402 1 12 7 10 30 MC403 1 1 1 1 4 3 2 4 3 20 MC501 1 28 1 30 MC502 3 26 1 30 MC503 1 3 2 7 13 MC504 10 1 18 1 30 MC505 1 18 1 20 MC506 1 1 2 13 3 20 MC507 1 1 27 1 30 MC508 2 2 MC510 3 4 23 30 MC511 1 3 1 5 MC512 1 6 13 1 3 5 30 MC601 1 1 1 24 3 30 MC701 4 2 23 30 MC702 COLUMN 64 12 2 6 16 31 1 8 4 2 18 21 27 11 36 8 32 16 31 31 5 13 10 18 45 7 6 6 27 9 8 12 2 44 33 21 23 19 4 31 13 36 4 6 44 43 869 TOTAL (n+j)

Note: Kappa (K) = 60.2%; n = 869; ∑nii = 533; ∑ni●n●I = 20993.

Table G2. Reconciled Accuracy Contingency Table.

)

Map Class i+

Codes (n MC101 MC201 MC202 MC203 MC204 MC205 MC206 MC207 MC208 MC209 MC210 MC211 MC212 MC213 MC301 MC302 MC303 MC304 MC305 MC306 MC307 MC308 MC309 MC310 MC311 MC312 MC313 MC314 MC315 MC401 MC402 MC403 MC501 MC502 MC503 MC504 MC505 MC506 MC507 MC508 MC510 MC511 MC512 MC601 MC701 MC702 MC703 TOTAL

MC101 21 1 1 4 1 1 1 30

MC201 10 1 1 1 13

MC202 8 8

MC203 1 6 1 8

MC204 1 15 8 3 1 1 1 30

MC205 3 1 1 5

MC206 1 1 2

MC207 3 3

MC208 4 1 5

MC209 16 4 20

MC210 8 1 9

MC211 23 2 5 30

MC212 30 30

MC213 2 7 1 20 30

MC301 30 30

MC302 2 12 1 1 4 1 21

MC303 1 27 2 30

MC304 3 2 5

MC305 1 1 23 2 3 30

MC306 30 30

MC307 4 1 5

MC308 9 1 10

G MC309 14 14

- MC310 2 13 3 18 3

MC311 1 1 1 1 26 30

MC312 5 5

MC313 7 7

MC314 1 2 1 10 2 1 1 18

MC315 30 30

MC401 5 5

MC402 8 8

MC403 30 30

MC501 1 1 1 13 3 1 20

MC502 30 30

MC503 1 29 30

MC504 1 1 11 13

MC505 10 1 18 1 30

MC506 20 20

MC507 20 20

MC508 30 30

MC510 2 2

MC511 2 3 25 30

MC512 4 1 5

MC601 4 11 1 13 1 30

MC701 1 1 28 30

MC702 4 26 30

MC703 0

COLUMN 43 10 9 6 17 25 1 6 4 2 13 28 32 25 30 13 34 13 27 31 6 13 16 13 38 5 8 11 35 7 9 30 13 41 30 12 20 21 20 33 5 25 4 14 38 32 1 869 TOTAL (n+j)

Note: Kappa (K) = 80.5%; n = 869; ∑nii = 704; ∑ni●n●I = 21270.

Table G3. Aggregated Map Class Sample Contingincy Table.

)

Map Class i+ (n

Codes ROW MC202 MC203 MC206 MC207 MC208 MC210 MC211 MC212 MC302 MC303 MC305 MC306 MC307 MC308 MC309 MC310 MC311 MC312 MC313 MC315 MC403 MC501 MC504 MC506 MC507 MC508 MC510 MC511 MC512 MC702 MC703 MC201 MC301 MC402 MC503 MC701 TOTAL TOTAL MC101a MC213a MC401a MC502a MC601a

MC101a 37 10 1 2 50

MC201 10 2 1 13

MC202 8 8

MC203 1 6 1 8

MC206 1 1 2

MC207 3 3

MC208 4 1 5

MC210 8 1 9

MC211 23 2 5 30

MC212 30 30

MC213a 5 3 2 53 1 1 65

MC301 30 30

MC302 2 12 1 1 4 1 21

MC303 1 27 2 30

MC305 1 23 2 1 3 30

MC306 30 30

MC307 4 1 5

MC308 9 1 10

MC309 14 14

MC310 2 13 3 18

MC311 1 1 1 1 26 30

MC312 5 5 G MC313 7 7 - 4 MC315 30 30

MC401a 1 2 1 17 1 1 23

MC402 8 8

MC403 30 30

MC501 1 1 1 13 3 1 20

MC502a 58 1 1 60

MC503 1 29 30

MC504 1 1 11 13

MC506 20 20

MC507 20 20

MC508 30 30

MC510 2 2

MC511 2 3 25 30

MC512 4 1 5

MC601a 4 3 3 24 1 35

MC701 1 1 28 30

MC702 4 26 30

MC703 0

COLUMN 45 10 9 6 1 6 4 13 28 32 67 30 13 34 27 31 6 13 16 13 38 5 8 35 18 9 30 13 61 30 12 21 20 33 5 25 4 27 38 32 1 869 TOTAL (n+j)

Note: Kappa (K) = 86.7%; n = 869; ∑nii = 758; ∑ni●n●I = 27631.

Appendix H. Map Class Photo Signature Guide for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC101a Pseudoroegneria spicata – COLOR: light to dark CIR imagery Hesperostipa comata green used Grassland TEXTURE: smooth with occasional shrub speckle CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low to moderate

MC201 Agropyron cristatum - COLOR: dark brown Predominantly in the Fort Smith Google Earth H

- (Pascopyrum smithii, TEXTURE: smooth with area imagery used 1

Hesperostipa comata) stipulation from grass Semi-natural Herbaceous crown Vegetation CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: moderate to high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC202 Artemisia cana ssp. cana / COLOR: bright red with CIR imagery Pascopyrum smithii Shrub blue/green interspersed used Herbaceous Vegetation TEXTURE: moderately coarse CROWN SIZE: very small CROWN SHAPE: round DENSITY: low to moderate

MC203 Bouteloua gracilis COLOR: red to purple Found in upper extents of CIR imagery Herbaceous Vegetation TEXTURE: smooth, fine drainages used CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low H - 2

MC206 Juncus balticus COLOR: red, purple, black Associated with waterways CIR imagery Herbaceous Vegetation TEXTURE: smooth to used moderate, mottled CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC207 Leucopoa kingii COLOR: bright pink to red Found at higher elevations in CIR imagery Herbaceous Vegetation TEXTURE: moderately the western extent used coarse CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: moderate

MC208 Leymus cinereus COLOR: light/dark green Found in bottomlands Google Earth Bottomland Herbaceous TEXTURE: coarse imagery used Vegetation CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a

H DENSITY: moderate to

- high 3

MC210 Phalaris arundinacea COLOR: bright red Adjacent to waterways CIR imagery Western Herbaceous TEXTURE: smooth used Vegetation CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC211 Sporobolus spp. COLOR: light red, bright Field verified, imagery does not CIR imagery & Herbaceous Vegetation red, or dark red provide adequate signature for Google Earth TEXTURE: smooth consistent analysis imagery used CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low

MC212 Typha (latifolia, COLOR: light blue/green Associated with waterways, can CIR imagery angustifolia) Western TEXTURE: smooth often see wildlife trails Herbaceous Vegetation CROWN SIZE: n/a throughout CROWN SHAPE: n/a

H DENSITY: low - 4

MC213a Yucca glauca / COLOR: light red/green to Field verified, imagery does not CIR imagery & Pseudoroegneria spicata bright red provide adequate signature for Google Earth Shrub Herbaceous, Cool- TEXTURE: smooth consistent analysis imagery used season mixed grasses CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC301 Artemisia nova Shrubland COLOR: dark blue/green CIR imagery TEXTURE: moderately used coarse CROWN SIZE: very small CROWN SHAPE: round DENSITY: moderate

MC302 Artemisia tridentata - COLOR: dark brown/green Associated with waterways and Google Earth (Ericameria nauseosa) / TEXTURE: moderately disturbed areas imagery used Bromus tectorum Semi- coarse natural Shrubland CROWN SIZE: small to moderate H

- CROWN SHAPE: globular 5

DENSITY: moderate to high

MC303 Artemisia tridentata ssp. COLOR: light brown Google Earth wyomingensis / vaseyana TEXTURE: moderately imagery used Shrubland smooth, speckling from shrub crowns CROWN SIZE: small CROWN SHAPE: round DENSITY: moderate

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC305 Atriplex gardneri Dwarf- COLOR: light brown Xeric areas with low vegetative Google Earth shrubland TEXTURE: smooth, spotty cover imagery used CROWN SIZE: very small CROWN SHAPE: round DENSITY: low

MC306 Cercocarpus ledifolius / COLOR: light green with Google Earth Pseudoroegneria spicata dark green spots imagery used Scrub TEXTURE: moderately coarse CROWN SIZE: small H

- CROWN SHAPE: round 6

DENSITY: moderate to high

MC307 Prunus virginiana - (Prunus COLOR: green Only found in the Fort Smith Google Earth americana) Shrubland TEXTURE: moderately area imagery used coarse to coarse CROWN SIZE: medium CROWN SHAPE: globular DENSITY: moderately dense to dense

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC308 Rhus trilobata Intermittently COLOR: brown with green Associated with water bodies Google Earth Flooded Shrubland TEXTURE: moderate to where seasonal flooding occurs imagery used coarse CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: globular DENSITY: moderate

` MC309 Rhus trilobata / COLOR: light brown with Google Earth Pseudoroegneria spicata green imagery used Shrub Herbaceous TEXTURE: moderate Vegetation CROWN SIZE: small

H CROWN SHAPE: globular -

7 DENSITY: low

MC310 Salix exigua Temporarily COLOR: bright red to dark Associated with waterways CIR imagery Flooded Shrubland red/purple used TEXTURE: moderate CROWN SIZE: small CROWN SHAPE: globular DENSITY: moderate to high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC311 Sarcobatus vermiculatus COLOR: bright red to dark Associated with lower order CIR imagery Intermittently Flooded red/black waterways that experience used Shrubland TEXTURE: moderate seasonal flooding. Signature CROWN SIZE: small to changes slightly in more arid moderate areas to light coloring with CROWN SHAPE: globular red/dark red spots, along DENSITY: moderate to ephemeral streams. high

MC312 Shepherdia argentea COLOR: green to pale Only found north of Fort Smith Google Earth shrubland blue/green imagery used TEXTURE: moderate CROWN SIZE: small CROWN SHAPE: round H

- DENSITY: moderate 8

MC313 Symphoricarpos COLOR: light green to Verified in field Google Earth occidentalis Shrubland green imagery used TEXTURE: moderate CROWN SIZE: small CROWN SHAPE: globular DENSITY: low to moderate

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC314a Acer negundo / Rhus COLOR: brown with green Primarily found in the Fort Smith Google Earth trilobata - (Prunus spots area imagery used virginiana) Wooded TEXTURE: smooth to Shrubland and Forest moderately coarse CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: irregular DENSITY: low

MC315 Tamarix spp. Temporarily COLOR: light with pale Google Earth Flooded Semi-natural blue/green spots imagery used Shrubland TEXTURE: moderate CROWN SIZE: small H CROWN SHAPE: round - 9

DENSITY:

MC402 Pseudotsuga menziesii / COLOR: green Found in a single montane Google Earth Acer glabrum Forest TEXTURE: coarse drainage along western imagery used CROWN SIZE: moderate boundary CROWN SHAPE: triangular to globular DENSITY: high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC403 Pseudotsuga menziesii COLOR: red CIR imagery Forest TEXTURE: coarse used CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: triangular to round DENSITY: high

MC501 Elaeagnus angustifolia COLOR: light blue to green Google Earth Semi-natural Woodland TEXTURE: coarse imagery used CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: globular

H DENSITY: moderate to -

10 high

MC502a Juniperus osteosperma COLOR: red to dark red Wide-spaced tree crowns CIR imagery Woodland, (Pinus flexilis / spots used Juniperus spp. Woodland) TEXTURE: coarse CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: circular DENSITY: moderate

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC503 Juniperus osteosperma COLOR: dark red Large crowns intermixed with CIR imagery (Juniperus scopulorum) / TEXTURE: coarse smaller crowns used Cercocarpus ledifolius CROWN SIZE: small to Woodland moderate CROWN SHAPE: circular DENSITY: high

MC504 Juniperus scopulorum COLOR: red Found in drainages CIR imagery Intermittently Flooded TEXTURE: coarse used Woodland CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: globular

H DENSITY: high - 11

MC506 Pinus ponderosa woodland COLOR: green Google Earth TEXTURE: coarse imagery used CROWN SIZE: moderate to large CROWN SHAPE: triangular DENSITY: moderate to high

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC507 Populus angustifolia COLOR: bright green Found along drainages Google Earth Temporarily Flooded TEXTURE: coarse imagery used Woodland CROWN SIZE: moderate to large CROWN SHAPE: globular to round DENSITY: low-moderate to moderate

MC508 Populus deltoides ssp. COLOR: green Associated with waterways Google Earth wislizeni / Disturbed TEXTURE: moderate imagery used Understory Woodland CROWN SIZE: moderate to large

H CROWN SHAPE: globular -

12 to round

DENSITY: high

MC510 Pseudotsuga menziesii COLOR: grey and green Only one location along western Google Earth Scree Woodland TEXTURE: moderate to boundary imagery used coarse CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: triangular DENSITY: low to moderate

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC511 Pseudotsuga menziesii COLOR: white and red Lower density than CIR imagery Woodland TEXTURE: coarse Pseudotsuga menziesii forest used CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: triangular to round DENSITY: moderate

MC512 Salix amygdaloides COLOR: red Field verified, difficult to discern CIR imagery Woodland TEXTURE: moderate on imagery sources used CROWN SIZE: moderate CROWN SHAPE: globular

H DENSITY: low to moderate - 13

MC601a Shadscale Saltbush / COLOR: light to brown Found in arid areas Google Earth Bluebunch Wheatgrass - TEXTURE: smooth imagery used Shortstem Buckwheat CROWN SIZE: very small Sparse Vegetation and CROWN SHAPE: round Shrubland DENSITY: low

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC701 Disturbed Annual and COLOR: light red to deep Associated with disturbed areas CIR imagery Perennial Weedy red used Herbaceous Vegetation TEXTURE: smooth with signs of disturbance CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low

MC702 Disturbed Annual and COLOR: white to purple- Found along waterways that CIR imagery Perennial Weedy red experience seasonal flooding used Seasonally Flooded TEXTURE: smooth Herbaceous Vegetation CROWN SIZE: n/a

H CROWN SHAPE: n/a -

14 DENSITY: low

MC703 Barren and Sparsely COLOR: light to light Found on cliffs along waterways Google Earth Vegetated Cliff brown imagery used TEXTURE: moderate to coarse CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: low to moderate

Map Class Map Class Name Photo Signature Photo Signature Example Context Notes Code MC704 Reservoir Edge COLOR: light to light red Little to no vegetation, Google Earth TEXTURE: smooth seasonally flooded imagery used CROWN SIZE: n/a CROWN SHAPE: n/a DENSITY: n/a

H - 15

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