S Harvey* Stephen 3 581.5 The potential 2643 and current F2pcv vegetation o* the 1980 San liver Game Range STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION JAN 241989 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59S20 THE POTENTIAL AND CURRENT VEGETATION OF THE SUN RIVER GAME RANGE BY STEPHEN J HARVEY MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME HELENA, MONTANA 4m* MONTANA STATE LIBRARY S 581.52643 F2pcv 1980 c.1 Harvey The potential and current vegetation of 3 0864 00061452 2 \ 'CI t & % THE POTENTIAL AND CURRENT VEGETATION OF THE SUN RIVER GAME RANGE Steven J. Harvey Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Helena, Montana This study and resulting publication was funded with a grant from the Allan Foundation and in cooperation with Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-130-R. 1980 SUMMARY Since aquisition of the Sun River Game Range, native perennial species have become dominant over most of the range. Management practices from 1 9if8 to 1 978 have promoted succession toward the climax plant communities and have suc- ceede in all but a few areas of the range. Near climax communities now exist in most of the non-forest vegetation. The Douglas Fir forest remains in a non-climax condition due to fires that occurred long before purchase of the Game Range. Several areas of grassland are also below climax as a result of long-lasting effects of poor management practices that were used prior to the purchase of the Game Range. The current management practices are recommended for con- tinued use on the majority of the range. Fertilization and prescribed burning are suggested as possible new programs for some areas. Descriptions of the major plant communities and maps of the climax communities and the major deviations from the climax community are included. Plant species and their presence in each community is listed. A plant collection, full size mylar maps and a full size color map of the climax communities is available for limited use at both the Sun River Game Range Headquarters and the regional Montana Fish and Game Office in Great Falls, Montana. 21 September 1979 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mr. Bert Goodman (manager, Sun River Game Range) generously provided assistance in details of management procedures since acquisition, trans- portation to remote areas and for lodging at the game range. Thanks also for his patience where horses are concerned and his family for their friendship and wonderful meals. J. Mitchell provided R. Hodder's 1953 report and original data sheets. Forest service personnel in Augusta provided information on fire and grazing history of the area. Dr. J. Rumely visited the area to help with difficult plant identi- fication. Thanks also for his identification of the voucher specimens sent to the Montana State University herbarium. CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS „ i TABLE OF CONTENTS 11 I. INTRODUCTION ..... 1 Objectives ..... 1 Discussion , 1 II. METHODS 3 III. PHYSICAL SETTING 4 Topography and Geology , 4 Climate 5 IV. CLIMAX VEGETATION 7 Definitions 7 Grasslands 8 G-l. Agropyron spicatum/Bouteloua gracilis h.t 8 G-2. Agropyron spioatum/A. smithii-A. dasystachyum h.t 8 G-3. Agropyvon spiaatum/Poa sandbevgii h.t 9 G-4. Festuca scabrella/ 'Agropyron spicatum h.t 10 G-5. Festuca scabrella/ 'Festuca iddhoensis h.t 11 G-6. Festuca iddhoensis /Agropyron spicatum h.t 12 G-7 Agropyron spicatum scree . 12 Shrub lands 12 S-l. Potentilla fruticosa/ Festuca scabrella h.t 13 S-2. Arnelanchier alni folia/ Agropyron spicatum c.t 13 S-3. Artemisia tvidentata/Festuca iddhoensis h.t 14 Riparian 14 R-l. Juncus balticus/Carex spp. c.t 14 R-2. Salix bebbiana/Carex, spp. c.t 14 R-3. Eleagnus commutata/Carex spp. c.t 15 R-4. Populus trichocarpa/Salix bebbiana c.t 15 Deciduous Forest . ^ D-l. Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis c.t 16 D-2. Populus tremuloides/Symphoricarpos albus c.t i6 D-3. Populus tremuloides /Salix bebbiana c.t 17 Conifer Forest ig F-l. Pinus flexilis /Festuca iddhoensis h.t 18 F-2. Pinus flexilis /Juniperus communis h.t 19 F-3. Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus h.t 19 F-4. Pseudotsuga menziesii/Calamagrostis rubescens h.t 20 F-5. Pseudotsuga menziesii/Carex geyeri h.t 20 F-6. Pseudotsuga menziesii/ Arnica cordi folia h.t 21 F-7. Pseudotsuga menziesii complex 21 Alpine A-l. Pryas octopetala/Carex rupestris c.t 22 V. VEGETATION TYPES 23 Comparison to Previous Vegetation 23 Background 23 Hodder's Range Survey 23 Vegetation Comparison 24 Game Range Vegetation Types 25 A. Border Grasslands 25 B. Potholes Grasslands 26 C. Alkali Flats 2.6 -ii- CI. Schoolhouse Flats 26 D. Willow Creek Canal Erosion Gully . 27 E. Headquarters Pasture 27 F. Headquarters Pasture 28 G. Hay Meadow 28 H. Meadow Pond Pasture 28 I. Rose Creek Hay Meadow 29 J. Stove Creek Logging Area 29 K. East Sawtooth Forest Burn 29 L. Coyote Basin/Burdof f Meadow . 29 S. West Sawtooth Ridge Burn 30 Vegetation Types Outside the Game Range 31 M. Stecker Ranch 3]_ N. Home Gulch Fescue Grasslands ..... 31 0. North Sawtooth Forest Burn . 31 P. Home Gulch/Burdof f Ridge Burn 32 Q. Lower Home Gulch Burn 32 R. Agropyron Flats 32 VI. USING GAME RANGE MAPS . 33 VII. MAPS 34 Augusta and Vicinitv 35 Sun River Game Ran 35 Climax Plant Communities 37 Vegetation Types ..... 50 VIII. APPENDICES ....... 63 A. Species, Species Abbreviations and Common Names 64 B. Native and Naturalized Plants of Habitat and Community Types 75 C. Lake and Vernal Pond Plants 33 D. Weedy Plants gA IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY 85 -ixx- I . INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES 1. To map the current vegetation of the Sun River Game Range. 2. To compare the vegetation condition in 1953 (determined by R. L. Hodder) and the current vegetation. 3. To prepare a collection of the plants of the Sun River Game Range. DISCUSSION To map vegetation, the investigator must know the ecology of the area in considerable detail before he can begin to map. This relates partic- ularly to knowing the indicator value of individual species or groups of species and the ecological effects of site factors, such as geology, soil characteristics and disturbance variations (Mueller - Dombois and Ellenberg, 1974). In western Montana, the major portion of this groundwork has already been done by several investigators, notably the grasslands and shrublands (Mueggler and Handl, 1974) and the conifer forests (Pfister, Kovalchik, Arno and Presby, 1977) . Their work has established the species that are indicators of communities and/or disturbance and the important site factors, particularly geological and pedological. The communities covered by these works comprise over 80% of the area. The remaining area, mostly riparian, deciduous forest and alpine communities, have not been comprehensively covered but have been studied locally throughout the northern Rocky Moun- tains. Mapping vegetation not only provides a spatial representation of the vegetation pattern but provides a documentation 'frozen' in time that can be used in the future to provide information on disturbance, succession, management, etc. Along with the sampling data he collected, Richard Hodder 's 1953 map of the game range provides the comparison needed for the second objective . Mapping also aids in classifying vegetation by providing a framework for research. The pretyped communities and obvious patterns on air photo- graphs can be outlined in the laboratory and by means of repeated field reconnaissance the classification can be tested and then corrected where necessary. New categories can be established as needed until the whole of the area is covered. Vegetation mapping also aids in the causal research of plant and animal communities. Soil, climate, history, geology, etc., can be overlaid on the vegetation map in order to help understand the environmental influences. Animal populations can be plotted on the map to better understand the inter- relationship between the animal and its environment, and the management that may be required as a result. This objective of mapping is only lightly dealt with in this report. While mapping of vegetation types (current vegetation) is useful for past evaluations and current planning, it is limited in its usefulness for long-range future planning. Emphasis on potentialities, regardless of current status of the vegetation, permits the closest possible correlation among vegetation, microclimate and soil (Davbemmire, 1968). The most desir- able potential vegetation to map for a game range are those plant associations -1- which, in the absence of disturbance, are relatively stable. These are called climax vegetation. The aggregate of all areas that support, or can support, the same primary climax is a habitat type, the unit that: is mapped in the primary map of this study (Daubenmire, 1.970). II. METHODS The initial phase of this study was spent collecting specimens and getting familiarized with the plant associations and topography of the game range and vicinity. Plant collecting (the third objective) continued throughout the field portion of the study. Voucher specimens are on file at the Montana State University herbarium. Laboratory mapping of pretyped vegetation and roads, rock, water and other readily appartent units was then undertaken. The appartent differences in vegetation and other features were outlined on stereo pair aerial photographs (1:20,000). Most stands of different tree species, different shrub types and different grass types was dicernable from the photographs. The drier grass types and the Potentilla fvuticosa areas were not readily apparent. Field reconnaissance was then undertaken to confirm the validity of the geographical limits of the outlined unit and to determine the vegetation and habitat type of each unit. Additional units were added or units lumped as necessary. Cover of the dominant perennials were recorded and a species list made for each unit. After reconnaissance was completed, the outlines of the units were transferred to a 7.5 minute (1:24,000) topographic map. From this map, final revisions were made for both the climax vegetation map and the vegetation type map. Many stands were revisited to make final boundary adjustments and/or to make final evaluation as to successional statue of the stand. Final map production was made on Mylar enlargements of USGS topo- graphic maps at a scale of 1:15,750 (4 inches = 1 mile). These maps can be used to make blueprint reproductions for field use. -3- III. PHYSICAL SETTING TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY The Sun River Game Range is situated along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at the western edge of the Northern Great Plains (High Plains physiographic, province) . The game range is composed of three areas of different geological influence on the vegetation. The lower game range (east of the line from Black Butte to Long Lake to Dicken's Lake) is influenced mostly by glacial geology. The area west and south of a line from Black Butte to Long Lake to the Burdoff - Home Gulch Divide (upper game range) is mostly influenced by the bedrock geology. The remaining area (Burdoff drainage and Coyote Basin) is influenced by both bedrock and glacial geology. (Geology compiled from Mudge (1965, 1967)). THE LOWER GAME RANGE - It slopes upward to the southwest from an elevation of 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) up to approximately 1,500 meters (4,925 feet). During pleistocene glaciation, ice spread over the Burdoff - Home Gulch Divide and the Coyote Basin and spread south just over present day Barr Creek. Barr Creek itself is the remnant of a lateral melt-water channel. The area north of Barr Creek is covered by Pinedale age till forming ground moraine and recessional moraines. The terrain is very hummocky as a result. There are abundant kettles, as evidenced by the numerous lakes in this area. Not all kettles are water filled, as erosion has drained many and filled others. Glacial scours abound and many drumlins are evident. The soils formed on the ground moraine are moderately shallow to moderately deep with abundant carbonate rock fragments. The drainage areas have gravelly soils (derived from glacial outwash) with a sandy matrix and a thin covering of fine textured particles washed in from the surrounding morainal soils. The underlying bedrock projects to the surface along ridges and some deep-cut drainages. It consists of Cretaceous mudstones, silt- stones and sandstones of the Two Medicine, Virgelle, Telegraph Creek, Marias River and Blackleaf Formations, of which half are calcareous in nature. THE UPPER GAME RANGE - The Sawtooth Ridge, the first major thrust of the Rocky Mountains of the area, dominates the landscape. From the glaciated margin of the lower game range (at about 1,500 meters) the ridge rises to 2,483 meters (8,147 feet). The bedrock is composed of limestone and dolomite of the Madison Group (Allan Mountain and Castle Reef Formations) of Mississippian age and some Devonian limestone and dolomite of the Jefferson Formation. Where bedrock is not directly near the surface, rockfall avalanche deposit, rockslide deposit, rock glacier deposit or talus derived from the above bedrock is found. Most of the slope east of the Sawtooth Ridge crest is Pinedale age rockfall avalanche deposit while west of the crest bedrock predomi- nates . The soils are calcareous because of their derivation directly from calcareous parent material. The sites are also drier than the precipitation might indicate, because of the porous bedrock on which they are located. -4- THE BURDOFF - COYOTE BASIN AREA - The topography here is highly influenced by the bedrock geology but has been tempered by glaciation. The Coyote Basin is two parallel ridges of lower cretaceous sand- stone and siltstone. The eastern-most is Kootenai Formation, the western is Blackleaf Formation. The Burdoff - Home Culch Divide was created by the Diversion Thrust and is composed of Castle Reef dolomite (Mississippian) and Jurassic mudstones and sandstones (Morrison, Swift and Rierdon Formations). The Burdoff drainage between these two areas is in an imbricated fault zone. Glaciers completely covered the area below 1,615 meters (5,300 feet), leaving glacial grooves with preserved striations as evidence on the higher ridge points. A few kettles also remain. Most of the ground moraine (Pinedale age) on the ridges has since been removed by erosion, but down in the Burdoff drainage much of it still remains and is now covered by Douglas fir forest. The soils over bedrock areas are generally shallow to moderately shallow, while the morainal soils are moderately deep. The southern- most fork of Burdoff Creek, and the lowest part of Burdoff Creek near the range boundary (1,370 meters; 4,500 feet) have substantial deposits of Neoglaclal age alluvium that are now largely occupied by willow and aspen. CLIMATE No long-term weather records have been kept on the game range, therefore only estimates of temperature and precipitation can be made. Weather data from Augusta (elevation 1,250 meters; 4,100 feet) and Gibson Dam (elevation 1,399 meters; 4,590 feet) were used for these estimations. Augusta is 17 air kilometers (11 air miles) from the game range headquarters; Gibson Dam 13 air kilometers (8 air miles). The mean annual temperature at both Augusta and Gibson Dam is 5.4°C (41.8°F). This is surely the same on the game range. The January mean is -5.2°C (22.7°F) and the July mean is 16.9°C (62.4°F) at Gibson Dam. These temperatures are within 1°C of the Augusta means (cooler during winter, warmer during summer), and should correspond well to the game range. Precipitation on the lower grasslands is estimated to be 38 centimeters (15 inches) annually. Augusta receives a mean annual precipitation of 34.5 centimeters (13.6 inches), Gibson Dam receives 43.8 centimeters (17.2 inches). Precipitation at the base of the Douglas fir forest is probably close to 47 centimeters (18.5 inches), as the elevation is higher than Gibson Dam, and Pfister, et al. (1977) report 47 to 49 centimeters precipitation for PSME/SYAL habitat type. The upper reaches of the Sawtooth Ridge probably receive 70 centimeters (28 inches) of precipitation (Ross and Hunter, 1976). One third of the annual precipitation of the area is received in the months of May and June. An additional third is received from July to mid October. ■5- The weather in this area is also characterized by frequent westerly- winds that often exceed 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour) . These "chinook" winds are warm due to their decent off the high Rocky Mountains. During the winter, both the strength and warmth of the winds contributes to quick removal of snowfall from the open grasslands of the game range. Snow accumulates in the wind protected areas, forming large drifts. Chinook winds are most prominent in winter and early spring but also occur at other seasons. -6- IV. CLIMAX VEGETATION DEFINITIONS HABITAT TYPES All parts of the landscape that support, or are capable of supporting, the same kind of relatively stable plant association (i.e., climax community), in the absence of distrubance, comprise one habitat type (Daubenmire, 1968). This habitat type, in reality, represents the sum total of the environment; the climate, the soil, the geology, the vegetation, etc. The plants, since they are essentially immobile, are the indicators of the environment as a whole. No single plant is representative, but the combination of plants that comprise the stable association are. The grassland/shrubland habitat types for western Montana have been worked out by Mueggler and Handl (1974) . The coniferous forest habitat types have been established by Pfister, et al. (1977). COMMUNITY TYPES For those areas where established hatitat types have not been worked out, I have used the term "Community Type" to indicate what I feel is climax vegetation. A stand of vegetation was considered climax if: 1) Young perennials that appeared successful in the community were represented by old individuals in the same stand; 2) Alien species were absent, or if present were represented by few individuals of low vigor; 3) Fire sensitive species native to the area were not conspicuously absent. The alpine, deciduous forest, riparian and one shrubland community fall into this category. Only extensive research over a large area , such as western Montana, can establish whether these community types will stand up to the test of a habitat type. These community types should only be considered to represent the Sun River Game Range vicinity. OTHER AREAS Rock, talus, scree, water and roads comprise the remaining land- scape. Talus and scree were combined in this study, so long as some fairly visible vegetation was present. Talus without much vegetation is lumped with rock under the rock heading. GRASSLANDS The most extensive grasslands of the Sun River Game Range occur within the area once covered with galcial ice; the area north and east of Barr Creek, including Coyote Basin and The Home Gulch - Burdoff Creek ridge. This Is probably due to the finer textured and deeper soils that developed on the ground moraine left by the glaciers. The area between Shed Creek and Rose Creek drainages also has substantial grassland, even though this area was not galciated. The grasslands here occur as much smaller stands than in the glaciated area. Six grassland habitat types, as described by Mueggler and Handl (1974), are found on the game range. Some modification of their types was necessary in order to increase the specificity of habitats as they occur on the game range. One grassland scree unit was created (G-7). The order of discussion generally follows increasing moisture and elevation (except G-7). G-l Agropyron spicatmi/Bouteloua gracilis habitat type (AGSP/BOGR) . This habitat type is found in the northeast corner of the game range in sections 2, 3, 11, 12 and 13. It occurs mostly on south or southwest facing slopes or windblown flats that have dry, shallow, rocky soils. A. spioatum and Stipa aomata share the greatest cover. B. gracilis is always present, though quite variable in canopy cover. Alkali Flats and the area northeast of the Chain-O-Lakes have more cover of B. gracilis because of pre-acquisition distrubance. Car ex filifolia follows the same pattern as B. gracilis. Agropyron smithii and Koeleria cristata are always present. Bromus tectorum is present in minor amounts. The most consistent forbs are Artemisia frigida and Gutievvezia sarothrae. Less stony soils commonly have Liatrus punctata and Achillea millefolium. Calamagrostis montanensis and Opuntia polycantha are notably absent from this habitat type on the game range. This is the most depauperate of the grassland habitat types on the game range, with only 30 species present. G-2 Agropyron spicatum/Agropyron smithii - A. dasy stachyum habitat type. (AGSP/AGSM) Two variants of this type are described for the game range. Both are of considerable deviation from the type described by Mueggler and Handl and may be more appropriately described as seperate associations. The first variant occurs only at the very southeast corner of the game range along the flood plain of Barr Creek. The soil is clayey and was plowed prior to 1948, though the only evidence now of that disturbance is the decrease in slope. 1938 aerial photographs show the plowing clearly. This site most closely resembles the habitat type described by Mueggler and Handl, The grass cover is dominated by A. smithii, with A. spicatum, Stipa comata and Phleum pratense secondary in cover. Elymus cinereus clumps are conspicuous but add little to the total cover. Symphorzcarpos albus and Rosa arkansana form large clones and Artemzsta frzgtda is common. Many weedy forbs are found at this site because of its close proximity to the county road and the clayey soil The second variant cocurs in low angle drainages adjacent to pot- holes from the Chain-O-Lakes to Schoolhouse Flats and the county road in Section 2. The soils are mostly clay and are alkaline because of the poor drainage and the high amount of wind evaporation. A. smithii dominates the cover at most sites, forming nearly pure stands m some areas. Bromus inermis and other rhizomatous graminoids occupy a secondary position. Few forbs are present. Distichlis striata is common in the marshy drainage by the county road In section 2. In two other locations it dominates, with A. smithii present only in small amounts. These two locations (the west facine slopes at the east ends of Meal Lake and the Chain-O-Lakes) receive wind- borne spray from their respective lakes during high winds. The spray is rapidly evaporated, leaving behind the dissolved salts that were in the spray This creates a highly alkaline soil even though the soil appears well drained and is gravelly. Precipitation from rain must be less than spray precipitation in order to perpetuate this alkaline condition. Even though the area occupied by this habitat type as a whole is small, 42 species were identified. This is the result of the moist nature or the habitat type. G-3 Aaropi/ron spioatwn/Poa sandbergii habitat type. (AGSP/POSA) This habitat type occurs throughout the grassland area of the game range. Two subdivisions have been created here to further delineate this habitat type on the game range. The first subdivision is the Stipa comata phase as described by Mueggler and Handl, found on rocky soils with a higher presence of fine material than the juniper phase. The second subdivision is here, designated the Juniperus horizontalis phase, characterized by the presence of horizontal juniper clones in a S. comata phase matrix. These soils have less fine textured material at the sur- face. Both of these phases are found throughout the lower game range in areas exposed to the frequent winds of the area. Some small areas also occur in the Shed and Rose Creek drainages. _ G-3, Stipa comata phase - A. spicatwn is the dominant grass. A. smthiz and Bouteloua gracilis are absent. Muhlenbergia cuspidata and Koeleruz crzstata are present in varying amounts. Either S. comata or S. spartea or both are consistently present. Poa sandbergii was not specifically identified but, as the study was started in mid-summer, this spring blooming species may have been overlooked because of the absence of inflorescences. Grasses of the Poa genus are present throughout the habitat. The most consistent forbs are Comandra umbellata, Linum verenne Gaura cocctnea, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia friqida and Gutierrezia sarothrae. G-3j, Juniperus horizontalis phase. - This designation is not recognized by Mueggler and Handl and is described here only for the use in delineating a more specific division of the habitat type on the Sun River Game Range. -9- This phase is characterized by large mats of J. horizontalis inter- spersed through the A. spicatum/P. sandbergii grassland. The grassland between the mats is like that of the previous phase. The Juniper mats, however, act as a catchment for soil, and under its canopy a more favorable environment for species requiring deeper soil and/or greater moisture is found. Festuaa scabrella, Agropyron dasystachyum, Bromus oarinatus var. linearis, Calamagrostis purpuras cens , Bupleurum ameriaanum and Lomatium triternatwn are examples of species present within the shrub canopy that are found only in more moist or deeper soiled habitats. 101 species were found present in these two phases combined, due in part to the extensive area covered by this habitat type. G-4 Festuaa saabrella/Agropyron spiaatum habitat type, Stipa oomata phase (FESC/AGSP) This is the most extensive type of grassland on the game range, occurring from the low elevations in the northeast and southeast corners up to the border of the Pseudotsuga forest as high as the Home Gulch-Burdof f Creek divide. The soils are moderately deep and lower in coarse fragments than the previous habitat type. F. scabrella and A. spiaatum dominate the cover with F. idahoensis and S. oomata (and/or S. spartea) always present but not conspicuous. This habi- tat type has the greatest diversity of grasses, although the species other than the four above contribute little to the overall cover. Danthonia parry i in some areas replaces or is codominant with F. scabrella. Moss and Campbell (1947) found D. parryi to be an increaser under grazing in Alberta. Morris (1978) feels that large quantities of this grass indicate past grazing abuse and that codominance may occur once grazing is halted. The description of the region from historical reports and Hodders study (1953) indicate a greater presence of D. parryi than is evident now. This tends to support the view that it is an increaser with the ability to compete with the perennial grasses that it replaced, once the disturbance is removed. Andropogon scoparius is present in one stand at the Barr Creek exclosure. This area was disturbed by grazing prior to the acquisition of the range and has been slower to recover than most of the other stands of this habitat type. The exclosure, constructed in 1948, indicates that pressure continues on this site. F. scabrella and A. spiaatum have both increased under this protection, with a corresponding decrease in F. idahoensis, D. parryi, S. oomata and A. scoparius. The area outside the exclosure still has a high presence of A. scoparius and S. oomata along with some D. parryi. High winds funneled across this area by the Barr Creek glacial overflow channel probably help keep this area retarded in recovery by slowing down the soil rebuilding process. The fence surrounding the exclosure surely provides some measure of wind protection along with the added canopy of ungrazed grasses. This is evident with a slightly deeper and more humus rich soil within. Comandra umbellata, Lupinus sericeus , Linum lewisii, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria parvifolia, Artemisia frigida, Gutierrezia sarothrae , Chrysopsis villosa and Liatrus punctata are the most consistent forbs present. Balsamorhisa satitatta is locally abundant, as is L. serioeus . G-4d. F. scabrella/A. spiaatum habitat type, drift complex. These areas fall within the habitat type description but have the added feature of being on protected slopes where snowdrifts accumulate and persist for longer periods. This creates exceptionally wet patches which contain a canopy dominated by shrubs and forbs. These patches are generally too small to map individually, -10- but are important wildlife habitats, as evidenced by droppings and browsing evidence found in those areas. The most conspicuous shrubs are Amelanchier ain't folia , Prunus virginiana , Spirea betulifolia and Symphoriaarpos albus . Usually only one shrub species dominates a drift patch. An abundance of forbs occur at these sites. The most consistent are Fragaria virginiana, Geum triflorum, Potentilla gracilis, Geranium visoosissimum , Lomatium triternatum , Galium boreale , Antennaria parvifolia and Antennaria miarophylla . Carex hoodii, Agropyron dasystaehium, and Elymus oinereus are the most consistent graminoids. This habitat type, when drift site species are included, has the second greatest diversity of the grasslands, with 99 species. Wildlife evidence is abundant throughout this habitat type. Elk droppings are common to abundant. Near the Pinus flexilis forest evidence of bear foraging is common. Rabbit burrows and droppings are also evident. Coyotes, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Pronghorn Antelope were also observed in this habitat type. G-5 Festuaa seabrella/Festuaa idahoensis habitat type (FESC/FEID) The stands of this type occur on generally deep soils south of Barr Creek from the game range entrance to the headquarters area and on the west slope of the Burdoff-Home Gulch divide. Elk droppings are common in this community. Sharp-tailed grouse and Whitetail Jackrabbit were often seen in this habitat type. F. scabrella is the dominant cover on game range sites. F. idahoensis and Agropyron spicatum on game range sites are present but contribute only about 10% of the cover, but on the grazed Home Gulch area outside the game range, both are high in cover, even codominating over F. saabrella. The area on the north slope of Lookout Point is dominated by Danthonia parryi, with only a minor presence of F. saabrella. Mueggler and Handl found that D. parryi can be codominant in this habitat type. As discussed in the FESC/AGSP habitat type, this may be a case of very slow recovery from over- ' grazing and D. parryi may, eventually, be totally replaced by F. saabrella. This area has high elk use, which may contribute to a long recovery period by keeping Festuaa suppressed. The most consistent forbs of this habitat type are Cerastium arvense, Anemone multifida, Clematis hirsutissima, Geum triflorum, Lupinus serioeus, Galium boreale and Campanula rotundifolia. Although the type has comparatively rich soils, grazing in the Home Gulch area and high litter production of F. saabrella on the game range has kept the number of species identified (78) from being higher. Two particular management considerations present themselves in this habitat type on the game range, especially in the Fescue Flats and Swazey Lake areas. F. saabrella production, especially on Fescue Flats, has been so high in the past that ground between grass bunches is totally covered by F. saabrella litter. This litter has shaded out much of the other grasses and forbs, and even has reduced the production of F. saabrella itself by preventing new plants from establishing. The second potential problem is the establishment of Pinus flexilis in the grassland, especially on the north slope of the ridge northeast of Swazey Lake. The growth of these trees in the grassland could eventually reduce grass production by shading. -11- Both of the above conditions are probably the result of fire suppression. Periodic natural fires consume excess litter and destroy new pine seedlings. While the tree encroachment concerns a very small area, the over-production of grass litter concerns a very large area, with a potential for very good production of elk forage. Prescribed burning should be given consideration to improve Festuoa pro- duction. A study to evaluate the effect of fire should be instituted, with attention given to species composition change as well as production. Several burns should be conducted at different times to evaluate the effects of fire intensity as well as season of treatment. G-6 Fes-tuca idaho ens is /Agropyron spioatum habitat type (FEID/AGSP) These small stands occur mostly in the Coyote Basin and Upper Barr Creek areas on protected, moderately steep slopes and in cold air pockets. A variety of soils were encountered. F. iddhoensis and A. spioatum share dominance. A. dasystaohyum and A. oaninum var. majus are both present but not conspicuous. Few forbs are present, the most common being Galium boreale and Sedum lanceolatum . The stands on the steep slopes on the east side of Coyote Basin have fewer forbs than stands above Barr Creek or Burdoff Creek because of the drier conditions (the. soils are rockier and better drained) . Only 38 species were identified in this type, due largely to the small area it covers. G-7 Agropyron spioatum scree (AGSP SCREE) This scree habitat is found only on the west side of Home Gulch, from Agropyron Flats to the Sun River Canyon. A. spioatum and F. iddhoensis are the most conspicuous grasses although a variety of dry site grasses are found scattered along the stretch of this grass type. Amelanchier alnifolia is the most abundant shrub. The shrubs and many of the forbs occur at the base of the slope where water accumulation is greatest. Small areas of this type too small to map can be found at the base of many of the vertical rock ridges from Coyote Basin west. All are rocky soils derived from the limestone or dolomite rock of the ridge. Only 39 species were recognized here, but many forbs may have been missed due to their drying and disintegration before this site was visited in late summer. SHRUBLANDS The shrublands described here do not include the tall shrub communities along streams and in some vernal drainages (described in the following Riparian Section) . The three shrub communities described here are occupied by medium shrubs with a grass-dominated understory that in some cases may even hide the presence of the shrubs. The dominant shrubs of these three types are unimportant as forage and the potential for increasing in cover is minimal. Management should be directed toward the grass understory. The Amelanohier alnifolia/ Agropyron spioatum community type is not recognized by Mueggler and Handl, but the two other shrublands are. -12- S-l Potentilla Fruticosa/Festuca g^o^JX?-..AgM.t^J^Z£^--!CPPJ'R/FESc:) "This community occurs on gently sloping sites with deep, rich soils from the lowest elevations of the game range to the Cutrock Creek-Home Gulch divide. The stands in the lower elevations are more commonly found in drainages and wet meadows . The similarity of the drainage and wet meadow communities to the upland, well drained communities was not determined by Mueggler and Handl. Their habitat type description concerns the upland communities and no description similar to the drainage and wet meadow sites on the game range is given. 1 have elected, however, to include both upland and lowland sites under this one habitat type because of two factors. A) Separation of the types would create many small units too small to map and therefore the effectiveness of delineating two types would be lost. B) The two variants often occur together and merge one into the other, making clear separation difficult. When working in this habitat type, it is suggested that note be made whether it is an upland area, or drainage-wet meadow site. Further work on this habitat type may delineate separate habitat types and management considerations may be different for each. Species composition of the two is certainly different in many cases. P. fruticosa individuals may not be readily visible. Grasses and forbs are sometimes taller than the shrubs and, without careful inspection, the extent of shrub cover may be severely underestimated. P. fruticosa shrubs in the drainages and wet meadows are generally taller and more robust than those on well drained upland sites. Grasses on upland sites are dominated by F. scabrella. F. iddhoensis and A. spicatum are present and conspicuous. Areas that were heavily grazed before acquisition of the. game range have less F. scabrella, cover. Clematis hirsutissima, Geum triflorum, Lupinus sericeus, Gallium boreale, Campanula rotundifolia, Achillea millefolium and Antennaria parvifolia are the most consistently present forbs. A great diversity of forbs are found in this type. Wet meadow and drainage stands are generally narrow strips with few forbs. Rhizomatous graminoids dominate the understory. Phleum pratense and Poa pvatensis have become well established. F. scabrella is restricted to the outer edges of the community or may even be lacking. Artemisia ludoviciana var. ludoviciana is the only consistent f orb . In the drier drainages not dominated by rhizomatous grasses, Iris missouriensis, Achillea millefolium, Solidago missouriensis and Pobentilla gracilis are often found. This widely distributed habitat type has 70 species. S7JL _ Alnf' ZqncT^gr alnifolia/ 'Agropuron spicatum community tjy_p^^Aj^_/AGSP_)_ This is restricted to one stand on a gravelly alluvial fan near the upper Rurdoff campsite. This community has large patches of A. alnifolia inter- spersed with rocky areas with A. spicatum. Phleum pratense and Poa spp. are also present. Several species of weedy forbs are also common. This alluvial fan probably originated from erosion following the burning of the forest at the head of the drainage (vegetation type areas 0 and P) . Until soil is built up to fill the gravel interspaces, this community will probably remain. Since this community has now persisted for at least 50 years, this process will probably take at least as long to significantly change the community composition. Because of the rocky nature and small size of this community, only 13 species were identified. -13- s-_3 Artemisia tridentata/Festuoa idahoensis habitat type (ARTR/FEID) One small stand just above the game range headquarters pasture Is the only representative of this habitat type. A, tvidentata does occur at the very northeast corner of Coyote Basin, but is mostly dispersed among the conifer trees. F. idahoensis and Agropyron spicatwn are the principle grasses. Sedum lanceolatwn, Comandra umbellata, Lupinus sericeus, Linurn perenne, and Taraxacum, officinale are the common forbs. RIPARIAN This section describes communities that occur only along permanent streams or snowmelt drainages that remain wet much of the summer. None of the four communities are established habitat types. The descrip- tions below describe communities in the immediate vicinity of the Sun River Game Range and are not meant to be applied to areas much removed from this vicinity. Populus tremuloides communities are described separately as Deciduous Forest because of their presence in upland sites not associated with free water, as well as along free water drainages. R-l Juncus balticus/Carex spp. community type (JUBA/CAREX) This community occurs along the flood plains of permanent streams, in low relief snowmelt drainages and as rings around many vernal ponds and potholes. It occurs as small units throughout the game range except the steep forested slopes. This type is most abundant in the lower elevations. The soils of this grassy appearing community are deep, with few coarse fragments and are often alkaline because of poor drainage. J. bdttieus dominates, with the rhizomatous Carex species secondary in cover. C. praegracilis , and C. scirpiformis are always present. The wetter areas contain C. o.ouatilis, C. lanuginosa and C. rostrata. Eleocharis and Scirpus are usually present but minor. Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense contribute much cover in many areas. Agropyron smithii, Agrostis alba, and Deschampsia caespitosa are common. Bromus inermis and Phalaris arundinaoeae are locally abundant. The most common forbs are Equisetum arvense, Urtioa dioica, Ranunculus acriformis, Geum maerophyllum, Mentha arvensis, Senecio serra and Iris missouriensis . Occasional shrubs are found along stream banks but are present only as widely scattered individuals. Potentilla fruiticosa is found bordering the snowmelt drainages, especially in the lower elevations of the northeast sec- tions . Because of the dominance of rhizomatous plants, only 46 species were present in this rather lush looking community. R-2 Sa.lix bebbiana/ Carex spp. community type. (SABE/CAREX) This community, found throughout the game range, is found in wetter sites than R-l and is rarely dry. Most stands are along permanent streams. This community has a great deal of wildlife activity including beavers (active and inactive dams) , deer (browsing and bedding) and elk (droppings) . Areas of inactive beaver dams show good Salix regeneration. This community has the highest passerine bird activity of any of the types I observed. -14- S. bebbiana is present in ail but a few isolated pure S. exigua stands. S. exigua is also present in many mixed stands and is usually found on the driest ground of the site. S. rigida is present in most stands of this com- munity type. C. aquatilis, C. lanuginosa and C. rostrata are common and form signifi- cant cover in marshy sites or slow, shallow water. Juncus balticus is present in moist sites, but absent entirely where high streambanks border tbe drainage. Agroetis alba, Glycevia grandis and Vh.ala.vis a.rundinaceae are usually present. Bromis inermis, Foa pratensis and Phleum pratense are common to abundant, especially in the drier areas of a stand. Common forbs include Urtica dioica, Ranunculus acriformis, Epilobium watsonii, Veronica amevicana and Senecio triangularis. Because of the narrow nature of the stands in this community and the great variability from aquatic to dry sites within a stand, a great diversity of forb species is found. The high diversity, the presence of this community type throughout the game range and the presence of readily available water make this community type the richest in species (117) of the entire game range. P-3 Eleagnus commutata/Carex spp. community type. (ELCO/CAREX) Rose and Barr Creek drainages are the only locations of this on the game range. Beaver activity is evident in several locations. The streambanks are generally abruptly elevated above the stream level, giving the community a generally drier aspect than JUBA/CAREX or SABE/CAREX. E. commutata dominates the overstory but Salix is always present and locally may codominate with E. commutata. S. bebbiana and S. exigua are the common willows present. Prunus virginiana and Amelanchier alnifolia are pre- sent in some areas. Bromus inermis, Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense are common introduced grasses that have flourished along these sites. Agrostis alba, Glyceria grandiss and Phalaris arundinaceae are found along the stream and Juncus balticus is present on moist, fine textured soil near stream, level. C. aquatilis, C. lanuginosa and C. rostrata are found around beaver ponds and streamside. The same forbs present in. R-2 are present here, but are less abundant. There is less diversity here than in SABE/CAREX and because the community is limited in area, only 51 species were present. R-4 Populus trichocarpa/ Salix bebbiana community type. (POTRI/SABE) This community occurs as small stands on gravelly alluvium in the Barr Creek and Burdoff Creek drainages. The largest stand occurs along the lower Burdoff Creek. P. trichocarpa forms an open overstory with an open Salix canopy below (S. bebbiana and S. exigua are the common species). An. abundance of species preferring disturbed sites is found in these narrow stands. disturbance is mostly from periodic spring flooding. Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense are tbe most common grasses. Rosa, Ribes and Symphoricarpos form dense patches along some sections of streambank. 23 species were recorded for this community type. -15- DECIDUOUS FOREST Only Populus tremuloides communities are included here, because P. tvichocarpa (the only other tall tree species on the game range) is restricted to narrow stands along permanent streams and is discussed as a riparian com- munity . P. tremuloides communities occur throughout the zone between the .lower limits of the Pinus flexilis savanna and the dense Pseudotsuga forests of the higher slopes. Only those stands that showed evidence of long standing exist- ence were considered. Small cold air pockets of a few tens of meters or less across in the conifer forest have P. tremuloides but usually have Picea or Pseudotsuga present in equal amounts and were therefore not mapped. Although some conifer individuals are present in many P. tremuloides stands, the stand was not considered successional to P. menziesii unless conifer reproduction was common. Successional aspen stands were mapped as conifer forest. D- 1 PoputuB tremuloides /Rosa acioularis community type. (POTR/ROAC) ~This community occurs on well drained east and northeast facing slopes on the east side of the Sawtooth Ridge. The soils are deep with a moderate amount of coarse fragments. This community occupies the driest sites of this series. P. tremuloides forms a moderately open canopy. The trees are well spaced and most stands are even aged. There is little deadfall. The shrub understory is P. acioularis that may be as high as one and a half meters in the wetter areas. Most plants are only a few decimeters high. Symphoricarpos albus is usually present but has much less cover. No other shrubs have significant cover. Introduced grasses (Poa pratensis, Phleum pratense and Bromus inermis) are common, as is Carex hoodii. Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, Geranium richardsonii, Galium boreale* Achillea millefolium and Taraxacum officinale are common forbs. Aster conspicuus and Cerastium arvense are abundant in some stands. 37 total species were recorded in this community. D" 2 Populus tremv^ides/Sijy^horicarvos albus community type (POTR/SYAL) The- sTan5~s~of~ this type are generally small and occur on well drained slopes with loamy soils with a moderate content of coarse fragments. The P. tremuloides canopy is more closed than the previous community. The trees are even aged and there is generally little deadfall. The shrub layer is more sparse than in the previous type and in some stands is nearly lacking. S. albus has a low profile compared to its appear- ance in full sun. P. acioularis, when it is present, has less cover than S. a. Thus . Introduced grasses are again prominent. Festuca idahoensis , Bromus carinatus and Carex hoodii are the common native graminoids. Oalamagrostis rubescens is present in some stands. More forbs are found in this community type than in POTR/ROAC, probably because of the more favorable moisture conditions. Cerastium arvense, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla arguta, Gallium boreale, Achillea millefolium. Aster conspicuus and Taraxacum officinale are the most consistent species. 48 species were identified in this community type. -16- D- 3 Pggj£Zus_ tremuloides / Salix bebbi ana Community type. (POTR_/_SA_BE)^ Two phases of this community are found on the game range and will be described separately. They are distinguished by the presence or absence of free water and are designated the wet and dry phases respectively. D-3d. Potr/Sabe, dry phase. (POTR/SABE, Dry) The P. tvemuloid.es canopy is more open than in the wet phase. The trees are even aged and there is generally substantial deadfall. Considerable variability in the shrub canopy is found between stands and even between different parts of the same stand. The Salix shrubs have multi- stemmed bases that radiate up and out from their center. In stands with closely spaced shrubs, this creates a tightly closed canopy with a maze of tunnel-like openings beneath. Stands with more widely spaced shrubs created a network of grassy parks connected by grass carpeted tunnels. Deer activity was most evident in the latter type stands, and deer beds were found only in the latter for this community type. S. hebbiana was always present; S. vigida and S. montiaola often present. The grass cover varies proportionally to the lack of moisture and lack of light. Open, moist sites have less grass and more forbs; closed and dry stands have fewer forbs and more grass cover. Introduce grasses again pre- dominate (Poa pvatensis and Phleum pratense) . Fvagaria Virginia and Viola canadensis are the most consistent forbs. Cerastium arvense and Galium boveale are common in dry stands while Osmarhiza chilensis and Aster conspicuus are common in the more moist stands. A total of 35 species is present in this phase. D-3w. Potr/Sabe, wet phase. (POTR/SABE, Wet) The composition of the understory is considerably different here than in the dry phase. This phase is distinguished by having standing water or slow moving water present through most or all of the year. These stands occur in a few potholes but most often along low angle stretches of streams that have been or are occupied repeatedly by beavers. Some of these wet phase stands, if beaver activity were removed perma- nently, would revert to a dry phase. However, these stands show repeated use by beavers as evidenced by some stands that are almost totally silted in but maintain a marshy aspect with beaver trails throughout. These stands will most likely be perpetuated as wet phase stands as long as a permanent source of water remains available. Considerable variability in stand age and canopy cover occur. Stands with current beaver activity have standing water either in the center or up- stream limits of the stand. P. tremuloides is often absent in these areas both because of beaver eliminating them and from disease rotting the base of the trees until they fall. The stands are not even aged and there is usually an abundance of young suckering stems wherever the canopy is open. Considerable deadfall is encountered in all stands. The shrub density is greatest around ponded water where the tree canopy is open. Salix montiaola and S. rigida are the common willow species; 5. bebbiana. is always present. In pothole stands the shrub canopy is nearly uni- form throughout and deadfall from Salix is abundant. The proliferation of forbs in this phase shades out most grasses. Along the standing water areas, Agrostis alba and Glyoeria grandis are common and patches of Ca.rex aquatilis , C. rostrata and C. lanuginosa are locally abundant. Thalictrum oacidentale, Fvagaria virginiana, Viola canadensis, Heraoleum lanatum, Osmarhiza ocoid.entalis, Galium boreale, Seneeio triangularis , and Taraxacum officinalis are consistently present. H. lanatum in some areas has -17- considerable cover. Equisetum arvense and E. laevigatum form almost pure stands in marshy areas where shrub and tree canopy are open. This phase is rich in species diversity, having a total of 74 species. CONIFER FOREST The conifer forests of the Sun River Game Range are dominated by only two species, Pinus flexilis and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Though Finns aontorta and Abies lasioaarpa are found abundantly only a few miles to the east, they exist only as scattered individuals along the Sawtooth Ridge. The dominance of porous limestone-dolomite rock and the drying effect of the chinook winds com- bine to make the area too dry for their presence in any quantity. Theories of ridges to the west provides wind protection from the chinooks and Pimus OOntOTta in those areas (west of Norwegian Gulch) forms large forests. Piaea engelmannii is limited to cold air pockets. Most of the game range P. menziesii forest was burned by forest fires early in the current century. The fires were intense, as few charred logs or trees remain as evidence and the forest stands are mostly even aged. Only a few stands of mature forest remain in the heavily forested areas above the grasslands. A few spur ridges off the Sawtooth Ridge have small stands at their crest that are repeatedly damaged by wind and the. trees present almost a tall krummholz farm. LIMBER PINE SERIES F~ 1- Iims flexilis I Fes tuca idahoensis habitat type, F. saabrella phase... (PIFL/FEID) This" habitat type is found from Diversion Lake to Shed Creek, on calcareous soils of rocky wind' exposed ridges. It forms a transition of patchy forest stands between the grasslands of the lower elevations and the dense Pseudotsuga forests of the upper slopes. Pinus flexilis density is greatly varied, from savanna-like stands to closed canopy stands. In some areas adjacent to Festuoa saabrella grasslands, Pinus flexilis is successfully reproducing in the grass- land. This is probably a result of fire suppression. Periodic grass fires would destroy those seedlings growing in grassland habitats. Deer and elk droppings are common in this habitat type. Black bears and coyotes were both observed in this habitat and evidence of foraging by bears was also found. Clark's Nutcrackers use this type extensively, feeding on the pine nuts for several weeks. P. flexilis is the only dominant tree in the lower elevation stands, but stands adjacent to Pseudotsuga forest often have P. menziesii sharing climax status with P. flexilis. The undergrowth is dominated by bunchgrasses , primarily F. zdahoensvs , F. saabrella and Aaropyron spiaatum. F. saabrella is present in the more open areas of all stands and therefore all have been designated F. saabrella phase. Closed canopy stands may not have F. saabrella but It is felt that as these stands mature and become more open, F. saabrella will increase. A. spvaatum has the greatest cover. Koeleria cristata, Muhlenbergia auspidata and SUpa -18- oomata are present in all but the most closed portions of the stands. Danthonia parryi, when present, never attains the dominance it does in FESC/ AGSP or FESC/FEID habitat types. Comandva imbellata, Geum triflorum, Lupinus sericeus, linum pevenne, Lithospevmum vudevale, Campanula rotundi folia, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia frigida and Balsamovhiza sagittata are the most common forbs. Open stands have more forb diversity as well as quantity. Because of the transitional position this habitat plays and because it occupies considerable area, this habitat type had the greatest number of species (89) of the forest types. F-2 Pinus flexilis / Juniperus communis habitat type (PIFL/JUCO) This habitat type is found on dry limestone ridges amongst the Pseudotsuga forest east of the Sawtooth ridge. P. menziesii shares climax status with P. flexilis. The ecotone separating this habitat type from the surrounding P. menziesii habitat types (most often F-4, PSME/CARU) is often large and sometimes totally indistinct because of the close spacing of ridges emanating from the Sawtooth Ridge. The map unit therefore truly represents a mosaic of forest types where PIFL/JUCO occupies at least 50% of that area. PSME/CARU is usually the remaining area but PSME/SYAL is found at the lower extremes of s ome uni ts . The soils of the PIFL/JUCO habitat type are calcareous and considerable rock is exposed at the surface. These stands are mostly uneven-aged, with many trees being older than the P. menziesii of the adjacent forest. Deadfall is often encountered some with fire scars still evident. It appears the fires that ravaged the forest around did not carry well through the open canopy and sparse undergrowth found in many of these stands. Wind damaged trees are found on some spur ridges of the Sawtooth Ridge. Juniperus communis and J. horizontalis both occur, either separately or together. Berbevis rep ens and Shepherdia canadensis shrubs are also present. Festuca idahoensis and Koeleria cristata are the most abundant grasses. Sedum lanceolatum, Lithospermum ruderale, Campanula rotundi folia and Achillea millefolium are the common forbs. Deer pellets and numerous game trails indicate this habitat type is com- monly used by wildlife. Because of the small area occupied by this type and the dry nature of the habitat, only 44 species were recorded. DOUGLAS FIR SERIES FJl2 Pseudotsuga menziesii I ' Symphoricarpos albus habitat type (PSME/SYAL) This habitat type is the lowest elevation of the P. menziesii types. Most stands have calcareous soils with little rock, evident at the surface. Most stands are even-aged and have a closed canopy. This prevents much under- growth from developing and in some stands, an understory of needle litter and an occasional forb is all that exists. P. menziesii is the only reproducing tree species. Picsa engelmannii is found in some cold depressions but amount to only a few individuals. In open stands, S. albus forms shrub patches 3 to 6 decimeters high. Shephevdia canadensis is often present. -19- Bunch grasses are poorly represented. VKlewn pratense, Bromus oarinatus variety oarinatus, and Bromus inermis subspecies pumpellianus var. p. are present in most stands. Festuoa idahoensis and Calamagrostis rubesoens are present in the more open stands. The open, moist stands and the small grassy parks encountered in some stands are abundant with forbs. Polygonum bistortoid.es, Anemone multifida, Thaliotrum oocid.entale, Fragaria virginiana, Penstemon oonfertus, Galium boreale and Antennaria miorophyla are abundant in these areas. Mainly because of the few moist meadows and stands, the total number of species encountered is high (80) . F-4 Pseudotsuga menziesii/ Calamagrostis rubesoens habitat type _C\_ rubesoens phase. (PSME/CARU)" This habitat type is found on the upper slopes of the east and north sides of Sawtooth Ridge. The soils are calcareous. The canopy in all but two stands is even aged and very closed. This condition is the result of the fires early in this century. Little deadfall is present because those fires consumed the timber so completely and the current forest is young enough that it has not contributed much yet. The closed canopy of these young stands effectively limits light and the forest floor is therefore nearly devoid of vegetation. Deer and elk droppings are found in these stands but only along well established game trails traversing the mountain slope. P. menziesii is the only tree dominating the overstory. Some cold air pockets have Pioea engelmannii and a few wet depressions have Populus tremuloides but never more than a few individuals. In most areas the stands are so closed that even P. menziesii is not reproducing. In the closed stands, no grasses are present. Clematis oolumbiana and Antennaria. raoemosa are the best indicators for this habitat type in these closed stands. Thaliotrum oocidentale, Berberis repens and Spiraea betuli folia are also present where the canopy is open more. In those few stands that were not destroyed by fire a lush green grassy layer dominates the understory. Calamagrostis rubesoens and Carex geyeri dominate, but are conspicuously without inflorescences. Spiraea betulifolia, Antennaria raoemosa, Arnioa cordifolia and Aster conspiouus are the most com- monly encountered forbs. The oldest and largest P. menziesii of the game range are to be found in these mature stands. 50 species were encountered in this habitat type. F-5 Pseudotsuga menziesii/ Carex geyeri habitat type (PSME/CAGE) This forest type is found on the west side of the Sawtooth Ridge, south of the main massif and below 7,400 feet elevation. Here again, fire has con- sumed this entire slope and erosion following the fire, has removed considerable soil, exposing a great deal of rock. Forest regeneration has been retarded because of this erosion. Deadfall remains from the time of the burn. The only remaining unburned area in this type is at the base of the ridge near Cutrock Creek and a few small stands at the southern edge of the ridge at the slope break into Cutrock Creek. In the mature, unburned stands that remain, P. menziesii is the dominant tree, with an occasional Pinus flexilis tree present. A carpet of C. geyeri covers the ground. Occasional Juniperus communis shrubs occur and Spiraea betulifolia is common. Galium boreale and Antennaria miorophyla are present in the moist, shady areas. -20- In the large burned areas., P. menziesii and P. flexilis are abundant with an occasional Picea engelmannii or Abies lasiocarpa. Juniperus communis, J. horizontalis and Amelanchiev alnifolia are abundant in the understory. Grasses are restricted to the areas with remaining soil of depth. Festuca idahoensis is the most abundant. This is a dry habitat type, whether in the burned or unburned areas and therefore only 29 species were found. F-6 Pseudotsuga menziesii /Arnica oordifolia habitat type. (PSME/ARCO) This habitat type is found on low angle slopes in Home Gulch in the vicinity of Agropyron Flats. All existing stands were burned early in this century and are now even-aged with a closed overstory. The soil is calcareous alluvium and the surface soil is gravelly. Considerable duff is present. The overstory is P. menziesii with an occasional Pinus flexilis. The undergrowth is dominated by A. oordifolia with Thalictrum occidentale , Antennaria racemosa and Aster conspicuus are sometimes present in significant cover. Grasses are essentially absent except when the stand is disturbed. Agropyron Flats, once covered by this habitat type, is now covered with Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis and F. scabrella. ' Not only does this habitat type cover little area, but it is a depauperate community, with only 15 species found. F-7 Pseudotsuga menziesii complex (PSME CMPLX) The majority of the forest on the west side of the Sawtooth Ridge was burned sometime shortly after the turn of the century. The forest on the generally uniform slope south of the main Sawtooth massif was totally consumed. The area directly west of the main massif, however, is a complex of sharp ridges, talus and moderate slopes and therefore the fires did not carry uni- formly. Isolated stands on good soil, scree stands and trees on rocky or talus slopes devoid of much undergrowth were not burned. The lower slopes with relatively good stands were burned. Following the fire(s), much of the soil was removed by erosion. The loss of soil has severely retarded the rate of succession, and the ability to recognized what habitat type a given stand belongs to. PSME/SYAL (F-3), PSME/CAGE (F-5) and PSME/ARCO (F-6) are all evidently present from small stands that were not burned or eroded severely. The extent of their occurrence, however, is not readily evident. Because of this inability to place stands in particular habitat types, the complex nature of the terrain and the small size of many of the stands, one large map unit was used rather than many small units. P. menziesii and Pinus flexilis are abundant but seldom exceed 5 to 6 meters high. Picea engelmannii is occasionally found in moist, cold spots. Juniperus communis, J. horizontalis, Amelanchier alnifolia, Shepherdia canadensis, Spiraea betulifolia, Berberis repens and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are the common shrubs. Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis and Carex geyeri are found in varying amounts dependent upon the amount of soil present. A great variety of forbs can be found because of the diversity of the terrain and soil amount. Galium boreale, Antennaria microphyla, Aster conspicuus and Sedum lanceolatum are the most common forbs. In the scree and high ridge areas, plants of the alpine community extend down into the forest area. This probably is accentuated by the loss of soil and the reduced shade over what would be present in a mature forest. -21- Bighorn sheep were observed using this area. It is not clear how much use other big game animals make of the area. Pica and marmot, as well as a variety of birds, are found in this area as well. A total of 51 plant species (more than would be expected for a single habitat type) are found here, due largely to the open nature of the forest. ALPINE A-l Dryas oatopetala/Carex rupestris community type. (DROC/CARUP) This community occurs only on the Sawtooth Ridge crest south of the main buttress. Because of the limestone-dolomite rock and the frequent winds of this site, this habitat is extremely dry. There are few species and therefore each contributes substantially to the total cover. The soil is a thin covering over bedrock. Bighorn sheep use of this community is evident. Dryas oatopetala has the greatest cover, with Carex rupestris second. Arenaria obtus sitoba3 A. rossii and Saxifraga bronchialis have about equal cover. Androsace lehmonniana and Cryptantha nubigena are present as scattered individuals throughout the area. Only one trip to this community was made and this was in late summer when almost all the plants had dried and curled up. The following list of species are likely to be found upon close inspection, especially in late spring or early summer: Carex nard-ina, C. atbonigra, C. phaeocephala, Poa rupiaola, P. scabrellaj Agrostis soabra, Oxyria digyna, Ivesia gordonii and Hulsea algida. Pensternon a^berti-nus is found on lower elevation ridges further west and may occur here also. -22- V. VEGETATION TYPES COMPARISON TO PREVIOUS VEGETATION BACKGROUND The recent trend in North American range management is the recognition that proper management requires an understanding of the autecologies of four to five hundred plant species. The development and use of the habitat type concept is one of the results of this trend. Prior to this recent trend, range management in North America has been dominated by the narrow view that only those plant species of direct use or detriment to the animal being managed for, usually domestic livestock, are worth consideration (Daubenmire, 1970). The Forest Service range survey procedure (Kelley, 1941) used by R. Hodder in 195 2 and 1953 was designed under the latter view and was directed princi- pally at cattle grazing. This procedure emphasizes classification of vegeta- tion by very general cover type (1 dry grassland, 2 wet meadow, 4 sagebrush, 5 browse/mt. shrub, 6 conifer, and 10 broadleaf tree). All forb species are considered weeds. The disturbed or unfavorable grazing areas were placed in the following groups: 3 perennial weeds (forbs), 7 waste (including forest with no grazing value), 8 barren, 18 bottomland, annual and cultivated land. HODDER' S RANGE SURVEY By cover type, Hodder's units are 22.5% dry grass, 22.0% conifer, 19.5% browse/mt. shrub, 17.9% perennial weed, 11.4% wet meadow, 3.3% bottomlands, 2.5% broadleaf trees and 0.9% other. Following each general category number, one to three plant species names were used tc, name the unit (for example, unit W-120: 3 Lupinus-Festuca- Tragopogon) . Percent plant density was also given for each unit. The data sheets also provide species composition estimates (given as percent of total basal cover). The unit names generally did not reflect the dominance of the plants at that site (eg. W-141: 5 Juniperus horizontalis - Stipa oomata - Book; more Bouteloua gracilis and Muhleribergia ouspidata were present than S. oomata). Considerable emphasis Was placed on plants harmful to cattle or at least highly unpalatable. Four forb species alone are found in 22.5% of the unit names (Lupinus sericeus 19.4%, Balsamorhiza sagittata 10.0%, Oxytropus spp. 9.4% and Astragalus spp. 2.7%). Forbs were rarely present in greater basal cover than even the third greatest present perennial grass. W-51: 5 Juniperus - Festuoa - Oxytropus had, for example, 20% Agropyron spioatum, 15% Festuoa soabrella, 13% Festuoa idahoensis , 5% Carex, 10% Phlox and only 3% Oxytropus. The season that field work takes place can have considerable influence on one's estimation of plant cover, especially when trying to estimate basal cover. Plants with large foliage or showy flowers are often overestimated. This is particularly true when working in early summer when many forbs are blooming and have lots of fresh green foliage out. A wet winter and spring can increase this problem even more, because more plants usually bloom following that con- dition. Plants that are often grouped together on a slope can often appear more abundant than they really are. This is particularly true of L. sericeus and B. sagittata. -23- VEGETATION COMPARISON The most evident change since 1953 is that plant density is greater in all grassland and open forest areas of the. game range. This is particularly pronounced in the Festuca scabrella habitat types, where grass cover has nearly doubled in some areas. In the Agropyron spioatum habitat types, A. spicatwv has increased considerably, with a corresponding reduction in Bouteloua gracilis. Stipa comata and forb increasers (esp. Artemisia frigida) . The grasslands along the eastern boundary have had the least increase in grass cover since Hodder's survey and are discussed further under vegetation areas A, B, C and CI below. The second most notable change is the decrease in invader and increaser species. Bromus tectorum, Melilotus officinale, Eordeum jubatum and Tvagopogon dubius (invaders) have been markedly reduced In all areas. The increasers that are most evidently reduced are Artemisia frigida, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Chrysopsis villosa, Grind&lia squarrosa, Antennaria spp., Bouteloua gracilis, Banthonia parry i and Car ex f Hi folia. Mueggler and Handl (1974) found Lupinus sericeus to be an increaser in the A. spioatum series, and found Balsamorhiza sagittata to be an increaser in the Festuoa scabrella series. However, their cover on the game range does not appear to have changed since 1952-53. Even though these two species were given great emphasis by Hodder, the basal cover was low in almost all areas. Some sites that had high cover of these two species in 195 3 also have a large amount now, and these are usually in snow drift areas. Oxytropus spp.. Astragalus spp. and Thermopsis rhombifolia were also emphasized by Hodder and these do appear to have decreased substantially. The Virus flexilis forest has changed little. Pinus flexilis young trees are found invading the adjacent grasslands in some areas, probably because of the absence of periodic range fires. The Pseudotsuga menziesii forest appears to have increased slightly in canopy cover, especially in the stands higher up on the slopes. No tree cover data was taken by Hodder, but the understory cover appears to have decreased since 1953. If Hodder's sampling was done only in the lower stands, little change has occurred, but if his data truly represents the majority of the forest, both forbs and grasses have decreased, most likely caused by shading due to increased tree canopy cover. The forest burns west of the Sawtooth Ridge crest and in the Home Gulch drainage have more conifer growth. Tree density has not increased much, but the height has. Shrub density is less and grass cover is greater than in 1952-53. The unburned areas in Home Gulch have fewer forbs than 1952-53. The continued grazing, however, has kept down the cover of the palatable grasses. Special mention should be made of three species; Phleum pratense , Poa pratensis and Taraxacum officinale. These three species are found throughout the communities on the game range from the lowest elevations to nearly the alpine. All three are introduced species that have become naturalized. Phleum was seeded in mountain grazing ranges by the Forest Service in the 1930' s and has since spread widely; in the low elevation grasslands it is restricted to wet depressions and drainages. Poa and Taraxacum are more com- mon in the open forests and grasslands and least common in the dense and higher forest stands. Because these three species are so common, they have been included in community descriptions rather than excluded as weeds. Their -24- presence will probably remain indefinitely, increasing with disturbance and decreasing as disturbance is reduced. Where Br onus inermis was planted for hay, and to some extent in the drainages adjacent to those areas, it has persisted. Native perennial grasses are gradually invading the stands but the process is slow and will take several decades before the native grasses become very prominent. Overall, the grassland, shrubland, riparian, deciduous forest and Pinus flexilis habitat types and community types have recovered remarkably from the overgrazed condition they were in when the game range was purchased. With the exception of the areas discussed below, the vegetation has the characteristics of the climax condition. The Pseudotsuga forest will take longer to reach the climax condition because of the slow rate of maturation of the forest canopy. GAME RANGE VEGETATION TYPES The following list of areas are those areas on the game range that differ significantly from what is considered fairly representative of, at least, a young climax community. The burn areas, most of the Pseudotsuga forest, and the lowest elevation grasslands are in this list of secondary seres. The pasture area around the headquarters is also included because of the ongoing grazing. A. Border Grasslands; Agropyron spioatum Much of the grasslands along the eastern boundary in sections 13, 24, 25 and 36 still show the effects of overgrazing and/or fires prior to acquisition of the game range. Loss of fine textured soil particles by wind and water erosion has left the surface soil with an abundance of coarse fragments. The habitat types in this area are AGSP/POSA, STCO phase and FESC/AGSP, STCO phase. The current vegetation has a reduced grass cover dominated by Stipa oomata and Agropyron spioatum. Koeleria aristata, Muhlenbergia cuspidata and Festuoa soahrella are present in varying amounts. Carex fili folia, Artemisia fvigida and other increaser species {Gutierrezia sarothrae, Bouteloua gracilis, Chrysopsis villosa, Gaura ooooinea and Bromus tectorum) have more cover than would be expected if this area was in a mature or climax condition. AndTopogon scopaj'ius is not found in this area of the game range, but it was present in some quantity in 195 2 when R. Hodder mapped the game range. Along with a decrease in the density of increasers and invaders since 1952, this is an indication that succession is progressing toward a climax condition. Al and A2 are small units that have burned in recent years and are dominated by A. smithii. Management considerations - This area, as well as areas B, C and CI have been overgrazed and/or burned and are still showing the effects of that treat- ment. The most profound effect has been loss of the fine textured particles in the surface soil horizon. Any management program which will prevent further wind and water erosion or which will increase the capture of fine particles should speed the return to a mature or climax condition. A fertilization study should be initiated to determine if forage production and/or plant density can be increased, since this area is heavily used by elk during the winter. Heady (1952) applied manure in native range near Havre, Montana, and increased the stand and yield of grasses after the first two years of application. Lodge (1959) found similar results in southwest Saskatchewan. Rogler and Lorenz (1957 and 1965) -25- Smoliak (1965) Whitman (1962) and Goetz (1969 and 1970) have studied the effects of nitrogen fertilization in native range in North Dakota grasslands. Plant heights were increased but change in density was dependent on species, site and rate of application. Yield of grass species was increased with nitrogen application. An initial trial by B. Goodman done in 1964 in area B indicates fertilizer effects may be long lasting, as his trial plots still show differences from the surrounding grassland. Any fertilizer trial study should also encompass what effect fertilization has on elk use of these study plots. Application over large areas may reduce elk concentrations if that is found to be a problem. Bj; Poj:Jioles_ goMteZoua graoilis, Stipa comata grasslands. These areas have been affected as section A areas have. The habitat type is AGSP/BOGR, but the current vegetation is lacking in appreciable cover of A. spioatum. S. cornata and B. graoilis dominate the cover in most areas, with Carex f Hi folia having substantially greater cover than is expected in an undisturbed community. Artemisia frigida, Gutierrezia sarothrae and Chrysopsis villosa are also more abundant than expected. Management considerations - The same management programs applied to area A should be applied here, C. Alkali Flats The presence of Mediaago sativa and the abrupt change in angle in some areas along the foot of the slope to the south suggests this flat expanse was once plowed and planted for hay. The habitat type is AGSP/BOGR. However, Agropyron spication is common only west of Keller Lake along with Stipa comata and Muhleribergia auspidata. East of Keller Lake, the vegetation is predominantly increaser species; Bromus tqctorum Poa sandbergii, Carex f Hi folia, Artemisia frigida, Gutierrezia sa.rothrae, and Gvindelia squarrosa. Oxytropis and Astragalus species are also common. This area appears to have remained essentially unchanged since 1952 when R. Hodder mapped this area. Management Considerations - The same programs apply to this area that apply to areas A and B. CI. _ Schoolhouse Flats This flat valley in section 11 shows evidence of substantial loss of soil (silt and clay) prior to the building of the Willow Creek Canal. Silt and clay deposition in the valleys downstream drainage (since blocked by the canal) is substantial. Wind erosion could also have removed silt from the soil surface. The soil surface now is high in gravel. Similar terrain nearby is high in fine textured material. Livestock overgrazing is the likely cause of vegetation removal which allowed the wind and water to remove the fines. Horses were known to be present (because of the school) and cattle herds were prominent in the area. Similar topography nearby is occupied by FESC/AGSP h.t. The current vegetation of Schoolhouse Flats contains all the elements of that habitat type, but is dominated by Agropyron spioatum and Stipa comata, with Festuaa saabrella relegated to a minor presence. Artemisia frigida is abundant, often indicative of disturbance. Koeleria oristata and Muhleribergia auspidata. are also present. -26- - Management Considerations - Any program which will prevent further erosion of the soil or increase the amount of fine textured particles should speed the return to a FESC/AGSP h.t. or at least increase the productivity of the site. A study of the effect of fertilization of this site as described under vegetation unit A would be beneficial. D. Willow Creek Canal Erosion Gully When the Willow Creek Canal was built, construction was terminated at a pothole in the southeast quarter of section 12. A channel was created through the ridge to the east in order to facilitate drainage of this lake into a natural drainage that would carry this canal water eastward into the dry plains below the game range. This natural drainage is a silt filled valley between two parallel ridges. It trends south for h mile, then widens and turns east. Prior to the canal construction, grasslands extended to the center of valley where a narrow strip of JUBA/CAREX c.t. occupied the valley bottom. With the addition of the water from the canal, the silt valley was eroded into a steep walled gully up to 20 feet deep. The ridge separating the lake from the valley drainage is resistant to erosion, and a series of waterfall cascades was created at the head of the valley as a result. This has increased the erosional force of the water, and erosion is still taking place. Because erosion is ongoing, the native perennial grasslands have, not become reestablished and will not until erosion is controlled and the vertical relief decreased. The current vegetation is sparse. Rhizomatous grasses and grass-like plants and annual grasses are dominant over any presence of grasses from sur- rounding grasslands. Juncus baltious, Cavex pvaegvacilis , C. scivpiformis, Poa compressa, Poa pvatensis, Agropyron smithii, Bvomus inermis and Spartina gracilis are all present. Distiohlis striata is found along the wider, flat, alkaline areas. Bvomus tectorvm and Hordeum jubatum are common on the newly eroded areas and the flats that get repeatedly silted over. Melilotus officinalis, Melilotus albus and Salix exigua form loose stands on low angle or flat slopes. Management - Creating check dams of rock or other erosion resistant material at intervals along the length of the gully will retard the loss of silt. Knocking down the vertical sides of the gully will help fill the erosion gully and will decrease the slope angle of the sides to facilitate revegetation. -?.•_ ll^dqjujirters_ P3^^1"6 ~ Ji?™. angle grasslands This area is AGSP/POSA, STCO phase habitat type on the dryer sites and POFR/FESC habitat type in the cold air pockets. The area has been maintained as a horse pasture since acquisition of the game range. Prior to that time the wetter areas were plowed and used for hay neadow. In 1952, Medicago sativa, was present but it is no longer found In this area. Bvomus inevmis , Phleum pvatense and Poa pratensis were the dominant grasses at that time. Though the presence of the above grasses is still con- siderable, Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis, F. scabrella. and Koelevia cristata are invading the stands of introduced grasses. Melilotus officinalis, Tvi folium pvatense and Thermopsis rhombifolia have also decreased since 1952. -27- Management Considerations - The current program of rotated grazing is desirable as long as this area is to be maintained as pasture. Reestablish- ment of native grasses will probably continue to take place at a slow rate, but the introduced grasses will persist as long as grazing is maintained (desirable for forage) . F. Headquarters Pasture - Hillside Grasslands AGSP/POSA, JUHO phase and FESC/AGSP, STCO phase habitat types occur here. The species composition of the current vegetation is not markedly different than a climax community except in those sites where Bromus inermis ssp. inermis forms nearly pure stands. Phleum pratense does, however, have substantial cover throughout. Danthonia parryi , Helilotus officinalis and Medicago sativa were all com- mon in 1952. M. sativa is no longer present and D. pavryi and M. officinalis are present only in the most disturbed areas. Management Considerations - The same program for area E is applicable here. G. Bromus inermis Hay Meadow This site, a combination of FESC/AGSP, STCO phase and POFR/FESC habitat types, was plowed and planted as a hay meadow before the game range was acquired in 1948. When R. Hodder mapped the area in 1952, Bromus inermis ssp. inermis and Helilotus officinalis dominated with both Medicago sativa and Agropyron cristatum present. Some areas that had not been plowed for some time or were never plowed had Danthonia parry i , Agropyron spicatum or Festuca idahoensis in combination with B. inermis. V. parryi, M. officinalis and M. sativa are no longer present and A. cristatum has all but been eliminated. Bromus inermis dominates most of the area but F. idahoensis and A. spicatum are invading the drier areas. Potentilla fvuticosa is present in small amounts. Management Considerations - B. inermis would be difficult to eliminate without doing considerable damage to the native species which are now getting reestablished, and possibly causing erosion problems. The presence of this introduced grass certainly does not cause any difficulties and could even be used as a hay source in an emergency. Most of this grass will eventually be eliminated by the native species in all but the very wet sites. H. Meadow _Pond_ J?astujre This POFR/FESC habitat type was also plowed at one time. The result has been an elimination of P. fvuticosa. Poa pratensis , Juncus balticus and the wet site Carex species are the dominant grass-like species. It is not clear if this site was ever planted for hay. No B. inermis of consequence is present now or was in 1952. Helilotus officinalis was abundant in 1952 but inconse- quential now. Plowing may have been used to eliminate the shrub cover so that hay harvesting by mechanical equipment could be facilitated. Management Considerations - Because of the wet nature of this site, soil compaction by horses is common. This increases the amount of bare ground and could cause soil loss by water erosion. Grazing in this area should be reduced in the wet season if erosion becomes a problem. Management of this area and areas E, F and G since the game range has been established has been excellent in reducing undesirable forbs and increasing the overall cover of grasses. -28- I j Rose Creek Hay Meadow The area in the bend of Rose Creek behind the headquarters area was another location which was plowed and planted for hay prior to the purchase of the game range. The area is mostly POFR/FESC h.t. with a small section of JUBA/Carex c.t. The presence of Onobrychis viciafolia and Melilotus officinalis is the only obvious plowing evidence. Agropyron spicatwn, Festuca idahoensis, F. scabrella and Potentilla fruticosa dominate except in the wet area which is dominated by Juncus balticus, Poa pratensis and the wet Carex species. Increasers such as Galium boreale, Solidago missouriensis and Antennaria spp. have decreased since R. Hodder's study in 1952. Management Considerations - The current management program as established by B. Goodman should be maintained. J_- 3S^SIS^£USS^, Logging Area Prior to the game range establishment, two small areas were clearcut. These areas, PIFL/FEID, FESC phase habitat type, have been invaded by Potentilla fruticosa. Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis and F. scabrella are the dominant grasses. Danthonia parry i was common in 1952 but is nearly absent now. Some Bromus inermis ssp. inermis is present also. Tree reestablishment is very slow on these two sites. Management Considerations - The current program of leaving the area to natural succession is desirable. K. East Sawtooth Forest Burn This large unit has been delineated to indicate the east side forests that were burned early in this century and are not mature or near a climax condition. PTFL/JUCO, PSME/SYAL and PSME/CARU habitat types are included. Small stands of each of these habitat types that were not burned are in a mature condition. They cover less than 2% of the forest, however, and were not separately mapped. The description for both the immature and mature stands is found under the appropriate habitat type description (F-2 , F-3 and F-4) . Management Considerations - It is unlikely an economical program could be designed to improve wildlife forage production in this area. The dense, closed canopies of the even-aged stands of this forest intercept a considerable amount of light and therefore shade out grasses, forbs and shrubs that are present in mature, all-aged stands. Thinning these forests by selective cutting would open the forest to more light and therefore more understory growth. However, the slash created would be undesirable fuel for forest fire propagation and any program to remove that slash would necessitate road building and damage to the forest understory caused by dragging the harvested trees to collection points. Natural succession will gradually thin the forests with a resulting increase in undergrowth production. Deadfall could eventually pose a fire hazard if natural thinning occurs rapidly because of the even-aged structure of the forest.- Construction of permanent fire pits at hunter-camper overnight camp sites can help reduce the man-caused fire potential. L. _Ci°i°_Le__5^yi/Jly£d ? fJL 21e adow Agropyron caninvm ssp. modus var. lati glume , Poa pratensis, Phleum pretense and Agropyron smithii are abundant" here in this FESC/AGSP habitat type. Festuca scabrella is common but F. idahoensis is quite sparse. The presence of several increaser species of forbs and the grasses above indicate -29- that this area has been disturbed in the past, most probably by overgrazing. The vegetation in 1952, as recorded by R. Hodder, was dominated by Symphorioavpos albus , Lupinus sevioeus , Agosevis glauoa, A. eaninvm spp. m. var. I. , and Artemisia fvigida. Although all these same species are still present, the domination has nox^ shifted to grasses and the increaser species are decreased. Management Consideration - Bert Goodman's program of letting natural succession take its course is surely the best approach. The area is small and the effect on wildlife minimal. Native wildlife forage should continue to increase as the bunchgrasses (notably Festuca scabrella and F. idahoensis) become reestablished. M through R. See VEGETATION TYPES OUTSIDE THE GAME RANGE S. West Sawtooth Ridge Burn This area is "discussed under both the PSME/CAGE and PSME CMPLX habitat types. The portion of the ridge below about 7,400 feet has lost the least soil and therefore has a greater presence of graminoids. The upper part of the slope may well belong to the PSME/CAGE habitat type but the presence of indi- cator species for several habitat types and the lack of unburned areas for comparison prevents certain identification. Natural succession will probably take many more decades before enough soil is formed to substantially change the species composition. Management Considerations - Soil formation is the main factor in the rate of development of this area. Leaving nature to its own course, as the current management does, is the only feasible program since creating soil is not a viable possibility. Fire suppression is desirable in order to reduce any further erosion. -30- VEGETATION TYPES OUTSIDE THE GAME RANGE Although areas M through R are mostly outside the Sun River Game Range boundary, I have included them here because they are in areas of known wildlife migration and/or the vegetation type unit overlaps into the game range. No attempt has been made to discuss any management considerations of these areas because the jurisdiction of these areas are not controlled by the Department of Fish and Game. Those portions of areas M, N, 0 and P which overlap onto the. game range are small, have, little effect on the wildlife and are best left to natural succession as they have been by Bert Goodman. M. Stecker Ranch This PIFL/FEID, FESC/AGSP complex is currently grazed by livestock and is a good area to compare these two habitat types in grazed and ungrazed con- dition. The species composition is essentially the same as ungrazed sites on the game range, but more bare ground is present and increased cover of increaser species is found on the Stecker Ranch. Festuaa s sabre Ha has less cover and F. idahoensis has more cover than ungrazed sites. Juniperus horizontal-is also has more cover on the Stecker site. A small portion of area M extends into the. game range and grass cover is higher and forbs lower than on the Stecker side of the fence. N • J p. me Gul ch _ Fes cue ^G r a s s Ian ds The area is currently under livestock grazing. A marked reduction in Festuaa soabrella and an increase in Agropyron spicatum characterize these FESC/FEID habitat type sites. Artemisia frigida, Lupinus sericeus, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Chrysopsis villosa, Galium bor'eale, Juniperus horizontalis, Antennaria spp. and Aster spp. have all increased cover. F. idahoensis is more prominent here than on ungrazed sites of this type, but probably due to greater visibility because of the loss of taller grasses like F, soabrella. Q.v North Sawtooth Fores t j$urn This area was burned more recently than the area east of the Sawtooth Ridge. The higher part of the slope is PSME/CARU habitat type, the lower is PSME/SYAL. The entire area is in an early state of succession, with conifer regeneration just beginning. Most of the conifer reproduction is Pseudotsuga menziesii but some Finns flexilis is also found. Acer glabrum, Symphorioarpos albus, Prunus virginiana, Shepherdia cana- densis, Rosa spp.^ Potentilla fruticosa, Juniperus horizontalis and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are common throughout the burn. The lower areas have Populus tremuloides as a serai dominant. A wide variety of forbs are found. Agropyron. spicatum, and Carex geyeri are the most common grasses. Introduced species (Brornus inermis, Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense) are locally common. Festuaa idahoensis and Calamagrostis rubesaens are present in small amounts. Considerable water erosion has taken place since the burn occurred. This may have slowed the recovery of this area. Grazing is allowed on this site currently. A small portion of this area and area P overlap the boundary into the game range. Erosion of these two adjacent areas caused some alluvium to be transported into the upper Burdoff campsite area. No erosion of consequence is now occuring. -31- P_. Home Gulch/ Bur doff Ridge Burn The area northeast of area 0 was also burned, but prior to that burn but later than the east Sawtooth Ridge area. A mosaic of FESC/FEID, POTR/SYAL and PSME/Syal habitat types occupies this site. Much of the former P. menziesii forest has been eliminated and grassland dominated by Agropyron spiaatum, Festuaa idahoensis and Calamagrostis rubesoens has replaced it. Scattered P. menziesii and Pinus flexilis dot the grass expanse, but conifer reproduction is limited. F. scdbrella is conspicuously depressed because of the grazing currently occurring. Ci . ___ Lower Home Gulch Burn This burn occurred at the same time as the north Sawtooth burn (area 0) . This area is a mosaic of FESC/FEID, POTR/SYAL and PSME/SYAL habitat types. Erosion has removed a considerable amount of soil from these west- facing slopes. Agropyron spiaatum and Festuaa idahoensis are the dominant grasses. F. scdbrella is mostly absent. Poa pratensis, Phleum pratense and Bromus inermis are common. Symphori carpus albus is common throughout the site. Spirea betulifolia is locally abundant. The wetter sites have Populus tremuloides , Potentilla fruticosa and Aster spp. This area is also used for livestock grazing. ^- -ASIPJEZiSI Flats This grassland site was once occupied by a Pseudotsuga menziesii forest. Fire and erosion has since removed most evidence of the former forest. Several stumps with burn scars and the adjacent PSME/ARCO habitat type stand, along with the presence of Agropyron spicatum, Festuaa idahoensis, and F. scdbrella (serai species; Pfister, et. al. 1977), indicate this site is a PSME/ARCO habitat type. Juniperus horizontalis 3 Symphoricarpos albus, Lupinus sericeus and Galium boreale are also common. No indication of regeneration of the forest is evident. Occasional P. menziesii and Pinus flexilis trees are found, but no significant amount of seedlings are apparent and this burn is at least 50 years old. It is therefore highly likely that this grassy condition will persist for many years to come. -32- VI. USING GAME RANGE MAPS When using the. maps of either climax vegetation or vegetation types, it should be remembered that real vegetation seldom has a linear contact between communities, but has a zone of intergradation called an ecotone. Ecotones between contiguous communities may be wide or narrow, and the line that is placed on a map is the best separation of the two communities in the judgment of the mapper. Each user of the map may want to shift that boundary line toward one community or the other, depending on which he is emphasizing. Single stands or even all stands of an ecosystem-type in one local area may lack one or more of the characters that usually distinguish that ecosystem- type. This stand can still be placed in its proper category by noting the remainder of the defining characteristic species. The absence of one or two of these species is usually due to accidents of dispersal in naturally pris- tine stands and in previously disturbed stands it is often due to lack of a nearby seed source (Daubenmire, 1968). Some areas that have stands of such a small size that they are impractical to map have been mapped as a single large unit composed of a mosaic or complex of two or more types. In these areas it is necessary for the user to recognize the difference between the ecosystem types of the mozaic and to determine the emphasis to be placed on each. -33- VII. MAPS ^34- Mprfcnaj . ^l^^Mt^ fl AUGUSTA ^riS&Sri^llLJ and vicinity P^ft^ s | - -,— -S! ,4, liliilMM'rtiiiiilil """"■'fWmUir i i . r- g^f-1 ,=>',-:.. -35- SU; k, " IR GAME RANGE lontana Department of Fish § Sams Gams Rorsg® Boundary Improved Road Unimproved Road Seefson Number -* — * — »—*—•■ 52 Stream Canal Lake Cliff * *. -• ■■« ■ - -4&$fr$0£ w> -36- CLIMAX PLANT COMMUNITIES -37- ii-J///2 p" :4 ■ _J ^ ^2i^R.^^^MPM[C: 4 ^ -4i- stcl p Montana I® ',...4, Tn)f.i ^fesftr i s CofctyE; r L'Jhfle' , , *• c- '.-"J & *-*> c -ffl-j y G-4 ^ CM* 3c7 6-4 /V^--~ ^-\ / (f-i w F-j ■-J H [Ik .*C? — . en F-f ? F-! .-I 1Z3 >£- ^ G-4 \ G-4 f-s/s> _ i M, y G-4 7 >' G-4 <~ _te H Ki s> sp ;;"■' : G-6 3?< ®'$AX' ~7v F-i ^cc Fr"^ fc- 111 „ tfOSW*- 6 "G-f'd. 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APPENDICES -63- APPENDIX A Species, Species Abbreviations and Common Names of Sun River Game Range Plants. Arranged alphabetically by life form. Nomenclature follows Hitchcock and Cronquist (1974) (Carex follows Hermann, 1970). i -e- I SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL TREES Juniperus scopulorum Picea engelmanii Pinus contorta var. latifolia Pinus flexilis Populus tremuloides Populus trichocarpa Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca TALL SHRUBS Acer glabrum var. glabrum Betula occidentalis var. occidentalis Cornus stolonifera var. stolonifera Eleagnus commutata Salix bebbiana var. perrostrata Salix exigua ssp. exigua var. stenophylla Salix monticola Salix myrtillifolia Salix rigida var. mackensieana Salix scouleriana MEDIUM SHRUBS Amelanchier alnifolia var. alnifolia Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. petrophilus Juniperus communis var. montana Philadelphus lewisii Potentilla fruticosa Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa Rhus trilobata Ribes cereum var. inebrians Ribes inerme JUN SCO PIC ENG PIN CON PIN FLE POP TRE POP TRI PSE MEN ACE GLA BET OCC COR STO ELE COM SAL BEB SAL EXI SAL MON SAL MYR SAL RIG SAL SCO AME ALN ART TRI CHR NAU JUN COM PHI LEW POT FRU PRU VIR RHU TRI RIB CER RIB INE COMMON NAME Rocky Mountain Juniper Engelmann Spruce Lodgepole Pine Limber Pine Quaking Aspen Black Cottonwood Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir Rocky Mountain Maple Water Birch Red-osier Dogwood Silverberry Bebb Willow Narrow- leaf Willow Mountain Willow Blueberry Willow Mackenzie Willow Scouler Willow Western Serviceberry Mountain Big Sagebrush Rubber Rabbi tbrush Common Juniper Mo cko range Shrubby Cinquefoil Common Chokecherry Skunkbush Sumac Squaw Currant Whites tern Gooseberry APPENDIX A (Continued) SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL ABBREV . COMMON NAME 1 Ul 1 ultramontana paramoenus lucida albus columbiana MEDIUM SHRUBS (Cont.) Ribes lacustre Rosa acicularis Rosa arkansana Rosa woods ii var. Rub us idaeus var. Rubus parviflorus Shepherdia canadensis Spiraea betulifolia var. Symphoricarpos albus var Tetradymia canescens LOW SHRUBS AND VINES Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Artemisia frigida Berberis repens Clematis columbiana var. Clematis ligusticifolia Dryas octopetala var. hookeriana Gutierrezia sarothrae Juniperus horizontalis Oppuntia polycantha FERNS AND FERN ALLIES Equisetum arvense Equisetum laevigatum Cystopteris fragilis Selaginella densa var. GRAMINOIDES Agropyron caninum ssp. Agropyron caninum ssp. Agropyron cristatum Agropyron dasystachyum Agropyron repens Agropyron smithii densa ma j us var . ma jus var. majus andinum RIB LAC Prickly Currant ROS ACI Prickly Rose ROS ARK Arkansas ROse ROS WOO Pearhip Rose RUB IDA Red Raspberry RUB PAR Thimbleberry SHE CAN Canada Buffalo-berry SPI BET Shiny-leaf Spirea SYM ALB Common Snowberry TET CAN Gray Horse-brush ARC UVA Kinnikinnick ART FRI Fringed Sagewort BER REP Creeping Oregongrape CLE COL Columbia Clematis CLE LIG Western Clematis DRY OCT White Dryas GUT SAR Broom Snakeweed JUN HOR Creeping Juniper OPP POL Prickly-pear Cactus EQU ARV Common Horsetail EQU LAE Smooth Scouring- rush CYS FRA Brittle Bladder-fern SEL DEN Compact Club-moss AGR CANma Slender Wheatgrass AGR CANan Bearded Wheatgrass AGR CRI Crested Wheatgrass AGR DAS Thick-spiked Wheatgrass AGR REP Quack Grass AGR SMI Western Wheatgrass APPENDIX A (Continued) i I SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL GRAMINOIDES (Cont. ) Agropyron spicatum var. spicatum Agrostis alba var. alba Alopecurus alpinus Andropogon scoparius Aristida fendleriana Arlstida longiseta var. robusta Avena fatua Beckmannla syzigachne Bouteloua gracilis Bromus carinatus var. carinatus Bromus carinatus var. linearis Bromus inermis ssp. inermis Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus var. pumpellianus Bromus japonicus Bromus tectorum Calamagrostis inexpansa var. inexpansa Calamagrostis neglecta var. neglecta Calamagrostis purpurascens Calamagrostis rubescens Calamovilfa longifolia Carex aquatilis Carex filifolia Carex geyeri Carex boodii Carex lanuginosa Carex praegracilis Carex rostrata Carex rupestris var. drummondiana Carex scirpiformis Dactylis glomerata Danthonia parryi Deschampsia cespitosa var. cespitosa ADD! AGR SPI AGR ALB ALO ALP AND SCO ARI FEN ARI LON AVE FAT BEC SYZ BOU GRA BRO CARca BRO CARli BRO INEin BRO INEpu BRO JAP BRO TEC CAL INE CAL NEG CAL PUR CAL RUB CAL LON CAR AQU CAR FIL CAR GEY CAR H00 CAR LAN CAR PRA CAR ROS CAR RUP CAR SCI DAC GLO DAN PAR DEC CES COMMON NAME Bluebuncb Wheatgrass Redtop Alpine Foxtail Lxttj_e Jjj-Ues teni Fendler's Threeawn Red Threeawn Wild Oats American Slougbgrass Blue Grama Mountain Brome California Brome Smooth Brome Pumpelly Brome Japanese Brome Cheat Grass (Downy Brome) Narrow-spiked Reedgrass Slimstem Reedgrass Purple Pinegrass Pinegrass Prairie Sand Reedgrass Water Sedge Thread-leaved Sedge Elk Sedge Wire Sedge Wooly Sedge Clustered Field Sedge Beaked Sedge Curly Sedge Single-spike Sedge Orchard Grass Parry's Oatgrass Tufted Hairgrass APPENDIX A (Continued) SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL ABBREV . COMMON NAME 1 GRAMINOIDES (Cont.) Distichlis stricta var, stricta Eleocharis acicularis Eleocharis palustris Elymus cinereus var. cinereus Fe'ituca idahoensis var. idahoensis Festuca pratensis Festuca scabrella Glyceria grandis Helictotrichon hookeri Hordeum jubatum Juncus alpinus Juncus balticus var. montanus Juncus nodosus Juncus tracyi Koeleria cristata Muhlenbergia cuspidata Oryzopsis hymenoides Phalaris arundinacea Phleum pratense Poa compressa Poa nervosa var. wbeeleri Poa nevadensis Poa pratensis Poa sandbergii Scirpus acutus Scirpus microcarpus Spartina gracilis Stipa comata var. comata Stipa occidentalis var. minor Stipa spartea var. curtiseta Stipa viridula DIS STR Alkali Saltgrass ELE ACI Needle Spike-rush ELE PAL Common Spike-rush ELY CIN Basin Wildrye FES IDA Idaho Fescue FES PRA Meadow Fescue FES SCA Rough Fescue GLY GRA American Mannagrass HEL H00 Spike-oat HOR JUB Foxtail Barley JUN ALP Northern Rush JUN BAL Wire Rush JUN NOD Tuberous Rush JUN TRA Tracy's Rush KOE CRI Prairie Junegrass MUH CUS Plains Muhly ORY HYM Indian Ricegrass PHA ARU Reed Canarygrass PHL PRA Common Timothy POA COM Canada Bluegrass POA NER wheeler's Bluegrass POA NEV Nevada Bluegrass POA PRA Kentucky Bluegrass POA SAN Sandberg's Bluegrass SCI ACU Hardstem Bulrush SCI MIC Small-fruited Bulrush SPA GRA Alkali Cordgrass STI COM Needle and Thread STI OCC Western Needlegrass STI SPA Porcupine Needlegrass STI VIR Green Needlegrass APPENDIX A (Continued) i CO I SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL FORBS Achillea millefolium ssp. lanulosa var. lanulosa Actaea rubra f. rubra Actaea rubra f, neglecta Agoseris glauca var. dasycephala Allium cernuum Allium textile Alyssum alyssoides Amaranthus californicus Androsace lehmanniana Androsace septendrionalis Anemone multifida var. multifida Angelica arguta Antennaria anaphaloides Antennaria microphylla Antennaria parvifolia Antennaria racemosa Apocynum medium Aquilegia flavescens Arenaria capillaris var. americana Arenaria obtusiloba Arenaria rossii var. apetala Arnica cordifolia var. cordifolia Arnica fulgens Artemisia biennis Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. scouleriana Artemisia dracunculus Artemisia ludoviciana var. ludoviciana Artemisia ludoviciana var. latiloba Artemisia michauxiana Aster chilensis ssp. adscendens Aster conspicuus Aster foliaceus var. parryi ABBREV. COMMON NAME ACH MIL Common Yarrow ACT RUB Western Red Baneberry ACT RUB Western White Baneberry AGO GLA Pale Agoseris ALL CER Nodding Onion ALL TEX Textile Onion ALY ALY Pale Alyssum AMA CAL California Amaranthus AND LEH Sweet-flowered Androsace AND SEP Northern Androsace ANE MUL Pacific Anemone ANG ARG Sharptooth Angelica ANT ANA Tall Pussytoes ANT MIC Rosy Pussytoes ANT PAR Nuttall's Pussytoes ANT RAC Raceme Pussytoes APO MED Western Dogbane AQU FLA Yellow Columbine ARE CAP Thread- leaved Sandwort ARE OBT Arctic Sandwort ARE ROS Ross Sandwort ARN COR Heart-leaf Arnica ARN FUL Orange Arnica ART BIE Biennial Wormwood ART CAM Northern Wormwood ART DRA Dragon Sagewort ART LUDlu Cudweed Sagewort ART LUDla Western Mugwort ART MIC Michaux Mugwort AST CHI Long- leaved Aster AST CON Showy Aster AST FOL Leafy Aster APPENDIX A (Continued) SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL ABBREV . COMMON NAME 1 vo I FORES (Cont.) Aster hesperius Aster laevis var. geyeri Aster modestus Aster pansus Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus Astragalus bisulcatus Astragalus cibarius Astragalus drummondii Astragalus gilviflorus Astragalus purshli var. purshii Bahia oppositif olia Balsamorhiza sagittata Barbarea orthoceras Bupleurum americanum Campanula rotundifolia Capsella bursa-pastoris Carum carvl Castilleja lutescens Castilleja miniata var. miniata Castilleja sessiliflora Centaurea maculosa Cerastium arvense Chenopodium album Chenopodium fremontii var. atrovirens Cbenopodium rubrum Chrysopsis villosa var. foliosa Clcuta douglasii Cirslum arvense var. horridum Cirsium undulatum Cirsium vulgare Clematis hirsutissima Collomia linearis Comandra umbellata AST HES Western Willow Aster AST LAE Smooth Aster AST MOD Few- flowered Aster AST PAN White Prairie Aster AST ARG Silver- leaved Mi Ik- vetch AST BIS Two-groove Milk-vetch AST CIB Browse Milk-vetch AST DRU Drummond's Milk-vetch AST GIL Plains Orophaca AST PUR Pursh's Milk- vetch BAH OPP Bahia BAL SAG Arrowleaf Balsamroot BAR ORT American Winter cress BUP AME American Thorough-wax CAM ROT Scotch Bluebell CAP BUR Shepherd' s-purse CAR CAR Caraway CAS LUT Yellowish Paintbrush CAS MIN Common Paintbrush CAS SES Downy Painted-cup CEN MAC Spotted Knapweed CER ARV Field Chickweed CHE ALB Lambsquarter CHE FRE Fremont's Goosefoot CHE RUB Red Goosefoot CHR VIL Hairy Golden- aster CIC DOU Douglas1 Water-hemlock CIR ARV Canadian Thistle CIR UND Wavy-leaved Thistle CIR VUL Bull Thistle CLE HIR Douglas' Clematis COL LIN Narrow-leaf Collomia COM UMB Bastard Toad- flax APPENDIX A (Continued) SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL ABBREV. COMMON NAME I o i FORBS (Cont.) Conimitella williamsii Conringia orientalis Convolvulus arvensis Coryphantha vivipara Crepis acuminata ssp. acuminata Cryptantha interrupta Cryptantha nubigena Cynoglossum officinale Descurainia sophia Diplotaxis muralis Disporum trachycarpum Douglas ia montana Draba oligosperma var. oligosperma Epilobium angustifolium Epilobium watsonii var. watsonii Erigeron caespitosus Erigeron compositus var. glabratus Erigeron ochroleucus var. ochroleucus Erigeron speciosus var. speciosus Eriogonum flavum var. flavum Eriogonum ovalifolium var. macropodium Eriogonum umbellatum var. subalpinum Erodium cicutarium Fragaria virginiana var. glauca Fritillaria pudica Gaillardia aristata Gallium boreale Gallium triflorum Gaura coccinea Gentiana affinis Geranium richardsonii Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum Geum aleppicum CON WIL William's Conimitella CON ORI Hare's- ear Mustard CON ARV Small Bindweed COR VIV Cushion Cactus CRE ACU Long-leaved Hawksbeard CRY INT Bristly Cryptantha CRY NUB Sierra Cryptantha CYN OFF Common Hound's- tongue DES SOP Flixweed DIP MUR Wallrocket DIS TRA Rough-fruited Fairy-bell DOU MON Rocky Mountain Douglasia DRA OLI Few-seeded Draba EPI ANG Fireweed EPI WAT Watson's Willow-herb ERI CAE Tufted Fleabone ERI COM Cut-leaved Daisy ERI OCH Buff Fleabane ERI SPE Showy Fleabane ERI FLA Yellow Buckwheat ERI OVA Cushion Buckwheat ERI UMB Sulphur Buckwheat ERO CIC Stork' s-bill FRA VIR Blueleaf Strawberry FRI PUD Yellowbell GAI ARI Blanket- flower Gaillardia GAL BOR Northern Bedstraw GAL TRI Fragrant Bedstraw GAU COC Scarlet Gaura GEN AFF ' Pleated Gentian GER RIC White Geranium GER VIS Sticky Geranium GEU ALE Yellow Avens APPENDIX A (Continued) H I SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL FORBS (Cont.) Geum macrophyllum var. macrophyllum Geum triflorum var. triflorum Glycyrrhiza lepidota var. lepidota Grindelia squarrosa var. quasiperennis Habenaria dilata Habenaria hyperborea Hedysarum boreale var. cinerascens Hedysarum sulphurescens Helianthus anuus Helianthus nuttallii var. nuttallii Helianthus rigidus var. subrhombiodeus Heracleum lanatum Heuchera cylindrica var. glabella Heuchera parvifolia var. dissecta Hymenopappus filifolius var. polycephalus Hymenoxys acaulis var. acaulis Hymenoxys richardsonii var. richardsonii Iliamna rivularis var. rivularis Iris missouriensis Lactuca pulchella Lactuca serriola Lappula redowskii var. redowskii Lathyrus ochroleucus Lepidium campestre Lesquerella alpina Liatrus punctata Linum perenne var. lewis ii Linum rigidum Lithospermum ruderale Lomatium dissectum var. multifidum Lomatium macrocarpum Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum Lupinus sericeus var. sericeus ABBREV. COMMON NAME GEU MAC Largeleaved Avens GEU TRI Prairie Smoke GLY LEP American Licorice GRI SQU Curly-cup Gumweed HAB DIL White Bog-orchid HAB HYP Northern Green Bog-orchid HED BOR Northern Hedysarum HED SUL Yellow Hedysarum HEL ANU Common Sunflower HEL NUT Nuttall's Sunflower HEL RIG Showy Sunflower HER LAN Cow Parsnip HEU CYL Roundleaf Alumroot HEU PAR Common Alumroot HYM FIL Cut-leaved Hymenopappus HYM AC A Stemless Hymenoxys HYM RIC Richardson's Hymenoxys ILI RIV Streambank Globemallow IRI MIS Rocky Mountain Iris LAC PUL Blue Lettuce LAC SER Prickly Lettuce LAP RED Western Stickseed LAT OCH Cream- flowered Peavine LEP CAM Field Pepperweed LES ALP Alpine Bladderpod LIA PUN Blazing-star LIN PER Wild Blue Flax LIN RIG Yellow Flax LIT RUD Western Gromwell LOM DIS Fern-leaved Lomatium LOM MAC Large-leaved Lomatium LOM TRI Nine-leaf Lomatium LUP SER Silky Lupine APPENDIX A (Continued) 1 l-o I SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL FORBS (Cont. ) Medicago lupulina Medicago sativa Melilotus alba Meiilotus officinalis Mentha arvensis var. glabrata Mentzelia laevicaulis var. laevicaulis Mentzelia ciliata var. ciliata Mimulus guttatus var. guttatus Monarda fistulosa var. menthaefolia Monolepsis nuttalliana Musineon divaricatum Myriophyllum spicatum var. exalbescens Oenothera caespitosa var. caespitosa Oenothera flava Oenothera strigosa Onobrychis viciaefolia Osmorhiza chilensis Osmorhiza occidentalis Oxytropis campestris var. gracilis Oxytropis sericea var. spicata Oxytropis splendens Oxytropis viscida Parnassia fimbriata var. fimbriata Paronychia sessiliflora Pedicularis contorta var. contorta Penstemon albertinus Penstemon confer tus Penstemon eriantherus var. eriantherus Penstemon nitidus var. nitidus Penstemon procerus var. procerus Perideridia gairdneri ssp. borealis Petalostemon candidum Petalostemon purpureum ABBREV. MED LUP MED SAT MEL ALB MEL OFF MEN ARV MEN LAE MER CIL MIM GUT MON FIS MON NUT MUS DIV MYR SPI OEN CAE OEN FLA OEN STR 0N0 VIS OSM CHI OSM OCC OXY CAM OXY SER OXY SPL OXY VIS PAR FIM PAR SES PED CON PEN ALB PEN CON PEN ERI PEN NIT PEN PRO PER GAI PET CAN PET PUR COMMON NAME Black Medic Alfalfa White Sweet-clover Yellow Sweet- clover Field Mint Blazing-star Mentzelia Broad-leaf Bluebells Yellow Monkey- flower Wild Bergamot Patata Leafy Musineon Spiked Water-milfoil Desert Evening-primrose Long-tubed Evening-primrose Common Evening-primrose Saintfoin Mountain Sweet- cicely Western Sweet-cicely Field Crazyweed Silky Crazyweed Showy Crazyweed Sticky Crazyweed Fringed Grass-of-Parnassis Whitlow Wort White Coiled-beak Lousewort Alberta Penstemon Yellow Penstemon Fuzzy- tongue Penstemon Shining Penstemon Small-flowered Penstemon Gairdner's Yampah White Prairie-clover Purple Prairie-clover APPENDIX A (Continued) i 1 SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL FORBS (Cont.) Phacelia hastata var. alpina Phlox alyssifolia Physaria didymocarpa Plant ago major var. major Polygonum achoreum Polygonum amphiblum Polygonum bistortoides Potentilla anserina Potentllla arguta var. convallaria Potentilla diversifolia var. diversifolia Potentilla gracilis var. glabrata Potentilla hippiana Potentilla pensylvanica Potentilla rivalis Ranunculus acriformis var. montanensis Ranunculus aquatilis var. capillaceus Ran an cuius cymbal aria Ranunculus macounii var. macounii Ranunculus orthorhynchus Ranunculus sceleratus var. multifidus Ratibida columnifera Rudbeckia laciniata var. amp la Rumex crispus Ruppia maritima Salsola kali Sanicula marilandica Saxifraga bronchialis var. austromontana Sedum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum Senecio canus Senecio pseudaureus var. pseudaureus Senecio serra var. serra Senecio triangularis var. triangularis Sisrinchium angustifolium ABBREV. COMMON NAME PHA HAS Silver-leaf Phacelia PHL ALY Alyssum- leaved Phlox PHY DID Common Twinpod PLA MAJ Common Plantain POL ACH Striated Knotweed POL AMP Water Smartweed POL BIS American Bistort POT ANS Common Silverweed POT ARG Glandular Cinquefoil POT DIV Diverse-leaved Cinquefoil POT GRA Slender Cinquefoil POT HIP Wooly Cinquefoil POT PEN Prairie Cinquefoil POT RIV River Cinquefoil RAN ACR Sharp Buttercup RAN AQU White Water-buttercup RAN CYM Shore Buttercup RAN MAC Macoun's Buttercup RAN ORT Straightbeak Buttercup RAN SCE Celeryleaved Buttercup RAT COL Prairie Coneflower RUD LAC Tall Coneflower RUM CRI Curly Dock RUP MAR Seaside Arrow-grass SAL KAL Russian Thistle SAN MAR Black Snake-root SAX BRO Spotted Saxifrage SED LAN Lanceleaved Stonecrop SEN CAN Wooly Groundsel SEN PSE Streambank Butterweed SEN SER Butterweed Groundsel SEN TRI Arrow-leaf Groundsel SIS ANG Common Blue-eyed Grass APPENDIX A (Continued) I i chalazatus SCIENTIFIC BINOMIAL FORBS (Cont. ) Sisymbrium altissimum Smilacina racemosa Smilacina stellata ooixdago canadensis var. ssiGuross Solidago gigantea var. serotina Solidago missouriensis var. missouriensis Solidago rigida var. humilis Sonchus asper Sphaeralcea coccinea Stachys palustris var. pilosa Streptopus amplexifolius var. Taraxacum officinale Thalictrum occidentale Thelesperma subnudum var. Thermopsis rhombifolia Thlaspi arvense Towns endia parryi Tragopogon dubius Trifolium pratense Trifolium repens Triglochin maritumum Typha latifolia Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis var. Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis var. Verbena bracteata Veronica americana Vicia americana var. truncata Viola canadensis var. rugulosa Zigadenus elegans Zigadenus venosus var. gramineus Zizia aptera var. occidentalis marginatum gracilis procera ABBREV. SIS ALT SMI RAC SMI STE SOL CAN SOL GIG SOL MIS SOL RIG SON ASP SPH COC STA PAL STR AMP TAR OFF THA OCC THE SUB THE RHO THL ARV TOW PAR TRA DUB TRI PRA TRI REP TRI MAR TYP LAT URT DIO URT DIO VER BRA VER AME VIC AME VIO CAN ZIG ELE ZIG VEN ZIZ APT COMMON NAME Tumblemustard Feather Solomon's Seal Starry False Solomon's Seal Canada Goldenrod Smooth Goldenrod Missouri Goldenrod Stiff Goldenrod Prickly Sowthistle Red Globemallow Swamp Hedge-nettle Large Twisted-Stalk Common Dandelion Western Meadowrue Thelesperma Round- leaved Thermopsis Field Pennycress Parry's Towns endia Yellow Salsify Red Clover White Clover Seaside Arrow-grass Common Cat-tail Slim Nettle Stinging Nettle Bracted Verbena American Brookline American Vetch Western Canada Violet Mountain Death Camas Meadow Death Camas Zizia AFPENDIX B Presence of native and natura .ized plants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Sun River Game Range GRASSLAND SHRUBLAND RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE OTHER A.SPICATUM F.SCABRELLA FEID AGSP POFR AMAL ARTR JUBA SABE ELCO POTRI POPULUS TREMULOIDES P. FLEXILIS PSEUDOTSUCA MENZIESII DROC SNOW DRIFT SCREE BOGR h.t. AGSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. AGSP h.t. SCREE FESC h.t. AGSP c.t. FEID h.t. CAREX c.t. CAREX c.t. CAREX c.t. SABE c.t. ROAC c. t. SYAL c. t. SABE c.t. SABE c. t. FEID h.t. JUCO h.t. SYiL h.t. CARU h.t. CAGE h.t. ARCO h.t. CMPLX CARUP c.t. G-l G-2 G-3 G31 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-4 D-l D-2 D-3d dry D-3w vet F-l F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr JUN SCO PIC ENG PIN CON PIN FLE POP TRE POP TRI PSE MEN TALL SHRUBS ACE GLA BET OCC 1 COR STO -~J Ln ELE COM 1 SAL BEB SAL EXI SAL MON SAL MYR SAL RIG SAL SCO MEDIUM SHRUBS AME ALN ART TRI JUN COM PHI LEW POT FRU PRU VIR RHU TRI RIB CER RIB INE RIB LAC ROS AC I ROS ARK ROS WOO RUB IDA RUB PAR SHE CAN SPI BET SYM ALB TET CAN - - X - X - - X X - - - - - X X - X X X - - - - X - - - - " X _ _ _ _ X X X X - - X X - X X X X X X X X X X X X - X X X APPENDIX S (Continued) Presence of native and naturalized plants Ln Habitat Types and Corcir.unity Types of the Sun River Game Range. GRASSLAND SHRUBLAND RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE OTHER A.SPICATUM F.SCABRELLA FEID AGSP POFR i ANAL | ARTR JUBA SASE EIXO POTRI POPIT.CS TREMULOIDES P. FLEXILIS PSEUDOTSUCA MENZIESII DROC SNOW DRTFT SCREE BOGR h.t. AGSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. AGSP h.t. SCREE FESC h.t. AGSP | FEID c. t. ; h. t. CAREX c . t . CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. SABE c. t. SOAC SYAL C. t. C. t. saiie c. t. SAW- c. t. FF.ID h.t. .IUCO h.t. SYAL h.t. CAH1J h.t. CAGE h.t. ARCO h.t. CMPLX CARUP c. t. G-l G-2 G-3 G31 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-4 D-l D-2 D-3d Dry D-3w Wet F-l F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr LOW SHRUBS and VINES ARC UVA _ _ _ _ „ ART FRI X X X X X - BER REP - - - - - - CLE COL - _ - - _ _ CLE LIG - - - - - - DRY OCT - - - - - - GUT SAR X X X X _ - JUN HOR - - X X - - OPP POL - - X - - - FERNS and FERN ALLIES EQU ARV - - - - - - BOB LAE - - - - - - CYS FRA - - - - - - SEL DEN - - X X - - GRAMINOIDS AGR •,'j AGR CANma - - X X X X CANan - - - X X - Ch AGR CRI - - - - - - ACR DAS _ X X X X X AGR SMI X X X X - - AGR SPI X X X X X X ACR ALB - - _ _ _ _ ALE ALP - - - - - - AND SCO - - X X - - ARI FEN _ . X „ - „ ARI LON - - X - - - BEC SYZ - - - - - - BOU GRA X _ X - - - BRO CARca - - - - X - BRO CARli - - X X - - BRO INEin _ X X X X - BRO INEpu - - - - X - BRO JAP - X - - - - BRO TEC X X X X X X CAL INE - - - - - - CAL NEG - -' - - - - CAL PUR - - X X _ - CAL RUB - - - - - - CAL LON - - X - - - XXX K X X \ X X X - X X X X — X X X X X X X - XXX XXX X X X - - X X X GRAMINOIDS CAR AQU CAR FIL CAR GEY CAR HOO CAR LAN CAR PRA APPENDIX B (Continued) Presence of native and naturalized plants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Sun River Came Range. GRASS LAND SHRUBLAND RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE OTHER A.SPICATUM F.SCABRELLA FEID AGSP POFR AMAL ARTR JUBA SABE ELCO POTRI POPULUS TREMULOIDES P. FLEXILIS PSEUDOTSUGA ."-fENZIESII DKOC SNOW ' DRIFT SCREE BOCR h.t. AGSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. AGSP h.t. SCREE FESC h.t. AGSP c. t. FEID h.t. CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. SABE c. t. ROAC c. t. SYAL c. t. SABE c. t. SABE c. t. FP.ID h.t. JUCO h.t. SYAL h.t. CARU h.t. CAGE h.t. ARCO h.t. CMPLX CARUP c. t. G-l G-2 C-3 G31 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-4 D-l D-2 D-3d Dry D-3w Wet F-l F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr CAR ROS CAR RUP CAR SCI DAN PAR DES CES DIS STR vj ELE PAL I ELY CIN FES IDA FES SCA GLY GRA HEL HOO JUN ALP JUN BAL JUN NOD JUN TRA KOE CRI MUH CUS ORY HYM PHA ARU PHL PRA POA COM POA NER POA NEV POA PRA POA SAN SCI MIC SPA GRA STI COM STI OCC STI SPA STI VIR X X X X XXX XXX X X X X X X X - X X X X X X - X - - X - X - - - X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X _ _ _ X _ _ X X X X - X _ - XXX X X X X X X - X X X X X X APPENDIX B (Cent inued) Presence of native and naturalized plants in Habitat Types and Comounity Types of the Sun River Caste Range. GRASSLAND SliRUBLAND RIPARIAN DE CIDL'OUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE OTHER A.SPICATUM F.SCABRELLA FEID AGSP POFR AMAL ARTR JUBA SABE ELCO POTRI POPUL'JS TREMULOIDES P. FLEXILIS * PSEUDOTS1IGA MF.KZTESTT SNOU DRIFT SCREE BOCR h.t. ACSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. AGSP h.t. SCREE FESC h.t. AGSP c. t. FEID h.t. CAREX c. t . CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. SABE C.t, | ROAC c.t. SYAL c. t. SABE c. t. SABE c. t. FEID h.t. JUCO h.t. SYAL h.t. CARU h.t. CAGE h. t. ARCO h.t. — _ — __ CMFLX CARUP C-l C-2 C-3 G3.1 G-A G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-i j D-l D-2 D-3d Dry D-3w Wet F-l F-2 P-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr ACH MIL ACT RVB AGO GLA ALL CER AND LEH AND SEP ANE MUL ANG ARG ANT ANA ANT MIC ANT PAR ANT RAC APO MED AQU FLA ARE CAP ARE OBT ARE ROS < ARN COR 00 ARN FUL 1 ART CAM ART DRA ART LUDlu ART LIIDla ART MIC AST CHI AST CON AST FOL AST HES AST LAE AST MOD AST PAN AST ARG AST BIS AST C1B AST DRU AST GIL AST PUR BAL SAC. BUP AME X X X X - - - - X X X X X X X - - X - - _ _ X _ - - X - - X - - X X X X X X X - X X X X X X X X X X X APPENDIX B (Cont inued) Presence of native and naturalized plants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Sun River Came Ranne. FORKS GRASSLAND SIIRUBLAND RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ... ALPINE OTHER A .SPICA TUN F.SCAB yOLA FEID h. t. _FEIJJ_ ACSP h.t. A_G SP_ __ SCREE POFR FESC h.c. _AHAL ACSP c. c. AHTR j JUBA SABE ELCO POTR! rom.CS TSF?""7.0IDES P. FLEX! LIS P SEUDOT CARU h. C. SUGA MF*J7TF<:t7 DROC SNOW DRIFT 1 — 1 i SCREE BOGR h. t. ACSM h.c. POSA h.c. ACSP h.c. FEID h.t. CAREX c.c. CAREX c. c. CAREX c. t . SABE c. t. ROAC c. c. SYAI. j SABE ] SABE c.c. \ c.C. 1 c. L. FEID h. t. JUCO h.c. SYAL h.C. CAGE h. c. ARCO h.c. CMPLX CARUP C. t. G-l G-2 G-l C3j G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-Z R-3 R-4 D-l i 1 D-2 j D-3d 1 D-3v ' Dry Wet F-l F- 2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr CAM ROT - _ X X X X X - - . CAS LUT - _ X X X ~ X X - - X X X X X - X - - - CAS MIN _ _ "" - — _ X — — — - _ _ _ _ _ - X - - - - X - - - - - - X - CAS SES - - X X _ _ CER ARV - X X X X X X X - - X X — — - — - - - - - - - - ~ CHR VIL X X X X X X - - - XXX- X X - X X X - - : : ** CIC DOU CIR UND - - X - - - - - X - X - _ _ _ _ _ CLE HIR - - X - X X - X - - - X X _ _ -_ — — -. - X - COL LIN - - X X _ X _ COM UMB X - X X _ X _ X - X - ~ - - - - X - CON WIL _ — _ — — — _ X — — — X _ _ _ 1 " ~ X - - - - _ _ _ VO COR VIV - - - X _ - .. - _ _ _ 1 CRE ACU - _ _ _ _ _ - - _ _ - — - - - - - - - - CRY INT _ - _ _ _ - X X X - X _ - _ - - - _ X - - - - _ „ _ CRY NUB - _ _ _ _ _ CYN OFF - - . _ „ _ _ - - - - - - X _ X DIS TRA - - - - - - - - X - X X - _ "" - - _ - X - DOU MON - - - - - _ X - DRA OLI - - - - - _ X - — — _ _ ~ X - - - - - X EPI ANG ~ ~ X - - - - X - X - - X _ X - X X EI' I WAT - - - - - _ _ - - _ _ X ER1 CAE - - X X - - X - — — — — — — _ - - - - - - - - ERI COM - _ X _ _ X _ X X X - X - X _ _ .. - - _ _ X X - - - _ _ „ ERI OCH - - X X _ _ _ X ERI SPE - - - - X X _ ~ *■ X - - - - - - - ERI FLA - - X X X - X X - - - - X - X X X — " - - X - ERI OVA X - _ _ _ _ ERI UMB - - X X X X _ X — - — - - - - _ - - X FRA VIR - - _ _ _ X X - - - X - - X X - - X _ _ _ X ~ X X X X X - X X X - X _ X FRI PUD - - X _ X _ _ - GAI ARI - X X X X _ _. X - - — — _ - - X X - - X _ GAL BOR - - X X X X _ X X — — — X X X - X - X X X X X X X X X X X - X _ X CAL TRI - - _ _ _ _ GAU COC X - X X _ _ X - - - - - _ X _ GEN AFF - - - - X _ _ y — " X - - - - - - = _ Presence of native and naturalized p. APPENDIX B (Continued) ants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Sun River ace Range. GRASSLAND SHRUBLAND RIPARIAN 9ECIDCOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE OTHER A.SPICAT'JM F.SCABRELLA FEID AGSP POFR AMAL AKTR JUBA SABE ELCO POTS I , POPULL'S TRFMU-OIDES P. F1EXILIS PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII DROC SNOW DRTFT SCREE BOGR h.C. AGSM h.C. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. AGSP h.t. SCREE FESC h.t. AGSP c. t. FEID h.t. CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. CAREX c. t. SABE c. t. ROAC C. t. SYAI. c. t. SABE c. t. SAP.F. C. t. FF.ID h.t. JL'CO h.t. SVAI. h.t. CARU h. t. CAGF. h.t. ARCO h. t. CMPLX CARi;? c. t. G-l G-2 G-3 G31 G-4 G-5 G-6 C-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 K-4 D-l D-2 D-3d Dry D-3w Wet F-l F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr GER RIC - - - - - - GER VIS - - - X - - GEU ALE - - - - - - GEU MAC _ _ _ - _ _ GEU TRI - - X X X - GLY LEP - - X X - - HAB DIL _ - _ « „ _ HAB HYP - - - - - - HED BOR - - - X X - HED SUL _ _ _ _ X _ HEL NUT - - - - - - HEL RIG - - X - - - HER LAN _ - - _ _ _ HEU CYL - - - - - - HEU PAR - - - X X X HYM ACA _ _ X X _ _ , IRI MIS - X - - X - CC LAT OCH - - - - - - O 1 LES ALP - - - - - - LIA PUN X X X X - - LIN PER X X X X X X LIT Rl!D - _ X X X _ LOM DIS - - X - - ■ - LOM MAC - X X - - --- LOM TRI _ _ X X X X LUP SER X X X X X X MEL OFF - X - - - - MEN ARV _ - _ _ _ _ MER GIL - - - - - - MIM GUT - - - - - - HON FIS _ _ _ X _ — MUS DIV X X X - - - OEN FLA - - - - - - OEN STR _ _ _ _ _ _ OSM CHI - - - - - _ OSM OCC - - - - - - OXY CAM _ _ _ X X _ OXY SER - - X - X - OXY SPL - - - X - _ X X X APPENDIX B (Continued) Presence of native and naturalized plants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Pun River Game Range. GRASSLAND SHRUBLAN D RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST ALPINE . ^" '^™'" A.SPICATUM F.SCABRELLA FETO AGSP h.t. AGSP SCREE POFR AMAL AGSP c. t. ARTR , JUBA SABE ELCO POTRI POPULUS TREHULOIDES P. FLEXILIS " PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII DROC SNOW DRIFT SCREE BOGR h.t. AGSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. FESC h.t. FEID h.t. CAKEX c. t. CAKEX c. t . CAREX c. t . SABE c.t. ROAC c. t. SVAL c. t. SABE c. t. SABE c. t. FEID h.t. JUCO h.t. SYAL h.t. CARU h.t. CAGE h.t. ARCO h.t. CMPLX CARUP c. t. G-l C-2 G-3 G3i C-4 G-5 C-6 C-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-4 D-l D-2 D-3d Dry D-3w Wet F-l F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr OXY VIS PAR FTK PAR SES FED CON PEN ALB PEN CON PEN ERI PEN NIT PEN PRO PER GAI PET CAN 1 PET PUR CO h-1 PHA HAS 1 PHL ALY PHY DID POL ACH POL BIS POT ANS POT ARC POT DIV POT GRA POT HIP POT PEN POT RIV RAN ACR RAN Aqu RAN CYM RAN MAC RAN ORT RAN SCE RAT COL rud LAC SAN MAR SAX BRO si;d LAN SEN CAN SF.N PSE SEN SF.R SEN TRI X X X X X X - X - - X - - - - X X X X X APPENDIX 8 (Continued) Presence of native and naturalized plants in Habitat Types and Community Types of the Sun River Game Range. GRASSLAND SHRl'BLAND RIPARIAN DECIDUOUS FOREST CONIFEROUS FOREST ALPINE 1 OTHER A.SPICATUM T.SCABRELLA FEID_ AGSP h.t. AGSP SCREE POFR_ FESC h.t. ANAL AGSP c. t. ARTR FEID h.t. JU8A CAREX c. t. _SABJL_ CAREX c. t. ELCO CAREX c. t. POTRI SABE c. t. POPCLIS TBETLOIBES "J""' " P. FLEXILIS! PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII DROC SNOW " DRIFT SCKcl BOGR h.t. AGSM h.t. POSA h.t. AGSP h.t. FEID h.t. ROAC j SVAI. | SABE c. t. jet, i c.C. SABE C.t. FEID h.t. JL'CO i SYAL h.t. h.t. CARU h. t. CAGE h.t. ARCO h.t. CCTLX CARU? c. t. C-l G-2 G-3 03.1 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 S-l S-2 S-3 R-l R-2 R-3 R-l, U D-l IK 2 j 0-3d _.- ! \?JJ. D-3w Wet F-I F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 A-l d scr SIS AUG SMI RAC SMI STE SOL CAN SOL GIG SOL MIS SOL RIG SPII COC STA PAL STR AMP TAR OFF THA OCC THE SUB THE RHO TOW PAR Ci TRA DUB N) TYP LAT URT DIO VER AME VIC AME VIO CAN ZIG ELE ZIG VEN ZIZ APT - - - - - - - X - - X _ . _ X X X X X X X X X X X X - X " ~ " - - X - X - - X X - X - - - - - - - - • _ .. _ _ _ - - - - - - - - X - - - _ - ~ ~ - - - - - - X X - - - - - X X X X X _ - X _ X _ _ - X X - - - - X - _ - „ _ _ X X X X X X X X - - X - - - X X X X - - - X _ - „ _ _ _ - - - - X - - - - - _ . _ ^ — X - - - X X X X - - - - - - X - - - - - - X _ X _ _ _ X X APPENDIX C Species occuring in or around lakes and vernal ponds. Agropyron smithii Amaranthus aaZiforniaus Beakmannia syzigaahne Calamagrostis inexpansa var. inexpansa CaZamagrostis negZeota var. negleeta Carex aquatiZis Cavex Zanuginosa Cavex vo strata Desahampsia oespitosa var. aespitosa DistiahZis striata var. striata EZeooharis aaiauZaris EZeooharis polustris co Iris missouriensis f Junaus aZpinus Junous nodosus Junaus traoyi Mentha arvensis var. qZahrata MyriophyZZum spiaatum var. exaZbesoens Oenothera fZava PhZeum pratense Poa aompressa Polygonum achorewn PoZygonum amphibium PotentiZZa anserina PotentiZZa rivaZis RanunauZus aquatiZis var. aapiZZaaeus RanunauZus aymbaZaria RanunauZus saeZeratus var. muZtifidus Ruppia maritima Sairpus aoutus Sairpus miaroaarpus SoZidago rigida var. humiZis TvigZochin maritimum Typha ZatifoZia APPENDIX D ! 00 I Weedy plants of the Sun River Game Range. Found almost exclusively along roads or in the headquarters area. Agropyron repens Allium textile Alyssum alyssoid.es Artemisia biennis Avena fotua Bahia oppositifolia Barbarea orthooeras Capsella bursa-pastoris Carum oarvi Centavrea maculosa Chenopodium album Chenopodium fremontii var. atrovirens Chenopodium rubrum Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. petrophilus Civsium arvense var. horridum Cirsium vulgar >e Conringia orientalis Convolvulus arvensis Daatylis glomerata Descurania sophia Diplotaxis muralis Erodium aicutarium Festuaa pratensis Grindelia aquarrosa Helianthus anuus Hordeum jubatum Hymenopappus filifolius var. polycephalus Hymenoxys riahardsonii Laotuoa pulehella Lactuca serriola Lappula redowskii Lepidium campestre Linum rigidum Melilotus alba, Mentzelia laeviaaulis var. laeviaaulis Monolepis nuttalliana Oenothera caespitosa var. eaespitosa Plantago major Rumex crispis Salsola kali Sisymbrium altissimum Sonohus asper Thlaspi arvense Trifolium pratense Tri folium repens Verbena bracteata IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY Daubenmire, R. 1968. Plant Communities: A textbook of plant synecology. Harper and Row, New York. 300 pp. Daubenmire, R. 1970. Steppe Vegetation of Washington. Wash. Agric. Exp. Sta. Tech. Bull. 62. 131 pp. Ooetz, H. 1969. Composition and yields of native grassland sites fertilized at different rates of nitrogen. J. Range Manage. 22:384-390. Goetz, H. 1970. Growth and development of Northern Great Plains species in relation to nitrogen fertilization. J. Range Manage. 23:112-117. Heady, H. F. 1952. Reseeding, fertilizing, and renovating in an ungrazed mixed prairie. J. Range Manage. 5:144-149. Hermann, F. J. 1970. Manual of the Carices of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Basin. USDA For. Ser. Agric. Handbook 374. 397 pp. Hitchcock, C. L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest: An Illustrated Manual. Univ. Wash. Press, Seattle. 730 pp. Hodder, R. L. 1954. The Sun River Game Range Survey. Mont. Fish and Game Comm. , Fed. Aid in Wildlf. Restor. Report, Proj . 37-R. 46 pp. Kelley, E. W. 1941. Range Management Handbook: Range Survey Procedure. USDA For. Ser. Region One, Div. Range Manage. 900 pp. Knight, R. R. 1970. The Sun River elk herd. Wildlf. Mono. 23. 66 pp. Lodge, R. W. 1959. Fertilization of native range in the Northern Great Plains. J. Range Manage. 12:277-279. Morris, M. 1978. Personal communication. Moss, E. H. and J. A. Campbell. 1947. The fescue grassland of Alberta. Can. J. Res. 25:209-227. Mudge, M. R. 1965. USGS Bedrock Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-381, Sawtooth Ridge Quadrangle, Montana. Mudge, M. R. 1967. USGS Surficial Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-610, Sawtooth Ridge Quadrangle, Montana. Mueggler, W. F. and W. P. Handl. 1974. Mountain Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of Western Montana. USDA For. Ser. INT and Region One Interim Report. 89 pp. Mueller-Dombois, D. and H. Ellenberg. 1974. Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley and Sons, New York. 547 pp. Pfister, R. D., B. L. Kovalchik, S. F. Arno, and R. C. Presby. 1977. Forest Habitat Types of Montana. USDA For. Ser. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-34. 174 pp. Rogler, G. A. and R. J. Lorenz. 1957. Nitrogen fertilization of Northern Great Plains rangelands. J. Range Manage. 10:156-160. Rogler, G. A. and R. J. Lorenz. 1965. Nitrogen fertilization of natural grasslands in the northern plains of the United States. Proc. IX Int. Grassland. Congr. , Sao Paulo, Brazil: 1327-1330. Ross, R. L. and H. E. Hunter. 1976. Climax Vegetation of Montana, based on soils and climate. USDA Soil Conserv. Ser. , Bozeman, Montana. 64 pp. Smoliak, S. 1965. Effects of manure, straw and inorganic fertilizers on Northern Great Plains ranges. J. Range Manage. 18:11-19. Whitman, W. C. 1962. Nitrogen fertilization of native range grassland sites in western North Dakota. Dickinson Exp. Sta. Annual Rep.:25-29. -85-