Rapid Assessment Model ZonesVegetation Type

The xeric Douglas-fir type primarily exists on lower foothills immediately above grasslands / shrublands in elevation. Slopes range from gentle to steep, but aspect is primarily south-facing. Vegetation Description Generally dominated by Douglas-fir with an understory of bunchgrasses and sparse shrubs. Stands are typically open and dominated by moderate to large diameter Douglas-fir. Disturbance Description Fire regime is predominantly (70%) frequent, low severity fires with a MFI of approximately 30 years. Mixed-severity fires occur with a typical frequency of 30-50 years primarily in dense stands (classes B and E). Native American burning was likely significant in many of these low-elevation forests. Scale Description Since this type is dominated by surface fires and because this type represents an ecotone, patches tended to be smaller in size. Consequently, fire sizes were also relatively small. Analysis areas of several thousand acres would probably be adequate. Literature Local Data Expert Estimate Adjacency or Identification Concerns This PNVG corresponds with cool, dry Douglas-fir habitat types (Pfister et al. 1977). Ecotone with mountain grasslands / sagebrush. Class A in this model is equivalent with a Class A in neighboring grassland/shrubland types. This PNVG may be similar to the PNVG R2PSMEdy from the Great Basin model zone