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CEGL008616 Abies magnifica - Pinus monticola - Pinus contorta var. murrayana Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: California Red Fir - Western White Pine - Sierra Lodgepole Pine Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: These forests are found in the upper-elevation eastside and westside of the central and southern Sierra Nevada, California, typically above 2590 m in elevation. This is the highest elevation association of the mixed Abies magnifica and Pinus monticola associations. Aspects are varied, but are predominantly northeast and northwest. Sites are mostly on ridges and upper and middle slope positions. Soils are predominantly derived from granite, and may form on bedrock or alluvium or glacial till. They are typically shallow sands or sandy loams, and well-drained or excessively drained. There is much exposed gravel at the surface. Stands are moderately dense forests with sparse understories. Total vegetation cover is generally lower than other forests in the Abies magnifica alliance. Overstory composition is characterized by a mix of Pinus monticola, Pinus contorta var. murrayana, and Abies magnifica. Tree cover averages about 63% (range 37-91%). Shrub cover is virtually nonexistent, averaging 1% (no characteristic species), although conifer regeneration is moderate to high. The herb layer averages about 12% cover and includes Arabis platysperma, Carex rossii, Pedicularis semibarbata, and Achnatherum occidentale as the principal species.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Stands are moderately dense forests with sparse understories. Total vegetation cover is generally lower than other forests in the Abies magnifica alliance. Overstory composition is characterized by a mix of Pinus monticola (mean 16% cover) and Pinus contorta var. murrayana (mean 21% cover); Abies magnifica averages 33% cover. Tree cover averages about 63% (range 37-91%). Shrub cover is virtually non-existent, averaging 1% (no characteristic species), although conifer regeneration is moderate to high. The herb layer averages about 12% cover and includes Arabis platysperma, Carex rossii, Pedicularis semibarbata, and Achnatherum occidentale as the principal species.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association typically occurs above 1590 m (8500 feet) in elevation. This is the highest elevation association of the mixed Abies magnifica and Pinus monticola associations. Aspects are varied, but are predominantly northeast and northwest. Sites are mostly on ridges and upper and middle slope positions. Slopes are varied ranging from <20% to >40%. Microrelief is variable. Soils are predominantly derived from granite, and may form on bedrock or alluvium or glacial till. Soils are typically shallow and are sands or sandy loams. They are well-drained or excessively drained. There is much exposed gravel at the surface. Stands often intermix with mountain hemlock or lodgepole pine plant associations, where all three mark the transition into the subalpine forests of ecological zone IV, above.
Geographic Range: These forests are found in the upper-elevation eastside and westside of the central and southern Sierra Nevada, California. Most samples are located on the Inyo and the Toiyabe national forests, but also occur at high elevations on the Westside. Stand size can be extensive; most are under 100 acres (Potter 1994).
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA, NV
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688753
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nd Vancouverian Forest & Woodland Division | D192 | 1.B.2.Nd |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nd.4 California Red Fir - Mountain Hemlock - Sierra Lodgepole Pine Forest Macrogroup | M025 | 1.B.2.Nd.4 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.4.a California Red Fir - Shasta Red Fir - Mountain Hemlock Forest Group | G749 | 1.B.2.Nd.4.a |
| Alliance | A3619 California Red Fir - Shasta Red Fir Forest Alliance | A3619 | 1.B.2.Nd.4.a |
| Association | CEGL008616 California Red Fir - Western White Pine - Sierra Lodgepole Pine Forest | CEGL008616 | 1.B.2.Nd.4.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Abies magnifica - Pinus monticola - Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana (Sawyer et al. 2009) [88.200.29]
= Abies magnifica - Pinus monticola - Pinus contorta var. murrayana Forest (Keeler-Wolf et al. 2012)
= Red Fir - Western White Pine - Lodgepole Pine (Potter 1994)
= Abies magnifica - Pinus monticola - Pinus contorta var. murrayana Forest (Keeler-Wolf et al. 2012)
= Red Fir - Western White Pine - Lodgepole Pine (Potter 1994)
- Keeler-Wolf, T., M. Schindel, S. San, P. Moore, and D. Hickson. 2003a. Classification of the vegetation of Yosemite National Park and surrounding environs in Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera and Mono counties, California. Unpublished report by NatureServe in cooperation with the California Native Plant Society and California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch, Sacramento, CA.
- Keeler-Wolf, T., P. E. Moore, E. T. Reyes, J. M. Menke, D. N. Johnson, and D. L. Karavidas. 2012. Yosemite National Park vegetation classification and mapping project report. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/YOSE/NRTR--2012/598. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Potter, D. A. 1994. Guide to forested communities of the upper montane in the central and southern Sierra Nevada. Technical Publication R5-ECOL-TP-003. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, San Francisco, CA.
- Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento CA. 1300 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.